The Undead Truth: What Really Happens at the End of Call of Duty Zombies?

The question of “what happens at the end” in Call of Duty Zombies is a complex one, primarily because, in its core design, there isn’t a traditional “end”. Unlike a campaign mode with a clear conclusion, the original intent of Zombies mode is survival against endless waves of undead. There is no single victory screen or final boss to defeat that signifies a definitive conclusion in that classic “horde mode” format. However, the Zombies narrative, spanning multiple Call of Duty titles, has evolved significantly over the years, introducing deep storylines, complex characters, and intricate Easter eggs that often culminate in elaborate finales.

In essence, “the end” in Call of Duty Zombies depends heavily on the context:

• Horde Mode: The traditional, round-based gameplay has no true end. Players survive increasing difficult waves until they are eventually overwhelmed. The goal is to survive as long as possible and achieve high rounds, not to “beat” the game.
• Story-Driven Maps: Certain Zombies maps feature detailed storylines and Easter eggs, often involving complex puzzles and quests. Completing these Easter eggs usually leads to a final cutscene or cinematic, offering a narrative conclusion. However, these conclusions don’t end the round-based gameplay. You are free to continue playing until the zombie hordes take over.

Therefore, to understand what “happens at the end” of COD Zombies, we need to consider both the gameplay and the overarching narrative. Let’s dive deeper:

The Core Gameplay: Endless Survival

The fundamental mode of Zombies revolves around surviving increasingly difficult rounds of zombies. Each round introduces a greater number of enemies, often including more powerful types.

The Cycle of Survival

• Initial Rounds: Players start with basic weapons, like the Colt 1911, and are quickly surrounded by slow-moving zombies. This phase emphasizes basic survival tactics.
• Increasing Difficulty: As rounds progress, the zombies become faster, more resilient, and new enemy types (like crawlers, Hellhounds, or mini-bosses) are introduced.
• Weapon Upgrades: Players must collect points to buy better weapons and open new areas of the map, strategically managing resources and map exploration.
• No Finish Line: In standard gameplay, the cycle of survival and escalating difficulty is infinite. Players are defeated when they are overwhelmed and die. The only “end” comes with the player’s inevitable demise.

The Narrative: Easter Eggs and Story Endings

Beyond the endless survival loop, many Zombies maps hide deep narratives. The following elements help reveal the “end” in the story-based context:

Unlocking Easter Eggs

• Complex Puzzles: Easter eggs often require players to solve intricate puzzles, perform specific tasks, and find hidden objects within the map. This can involve multiple steps spanning several rounds.
• Hidden Characters: Some Easter eggs involve interacting with specific characters, both alive and dead. These characters may provide clues or tasks for players to complete.
• Cinematic Finales: Upon completion of the main Easter egg, players are rewarded with a cinematic cutscene or ending. These cutscenes often conclude the story arc related to that specific map.

Examples of Narrative Endings

• “TAG DER TOTEN” (Black Ops 4): The final map in the Aether storyline culminated in a lengthy and dramatic cinematic, resolving many character arcs. This is one such example of a complete storyline ending.
• Primis and Ultimis: These separate groups of characters each have their own story arcs that come to a close, often involving sacrificing themselves for the greater good or becoming something else.
• Individual Character Arcs: The actions taken during these story quests directly affect and shape the lore of each unique character, resulting in different outcomes for their future.

Important Considerations

• Timeline Complexity: The Zombies storyline has become increasingly complex with multiple timelines, alternate universes, and recurring characters across different games. The “end” of one arc often leads to the beginning of another.
• No Single Canon: Many fans continue to debate the canonicity of certain plot points and events, making the overall “end” of the Zombies narrative open to interpretation.
• Ongoing Story: Despite certain storyline conclusions, the Zombies mode continues to evolve. Future games may introduce new plots and continue the saga.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 FAQs to provide further context about the end of COD Zombies:

1. Can you “beat” the standard round-based Zombies mode?

No. The traditional round-based Zombies mode has no ending. It’s an endless survival mode where you keep playing until you die. The goal is to get as far as you can.

2. How do you finish an Easter egg?

Completing an Easter egg involves a series of complex tasks and puzzles scattered across the map. These often require teamwork, strategy, and knowledge of the map’s secrets.

3. Do all Zombies maps have Easter eggs?

Not all maps have full-fledged narrative Easter eggs, but most maps since Call of Duty: World at War have included some kind of hidden objective. Many older maps feature smaller, less complex side Easter eggs, such as triggering a secret song.

4. Is the Zombies story still ongoing?

Yes, although certain story arcs have concluded, the Call of Duty Zombies mode is likely to continue in future titles, potentially featuring new characters and timelines.

5. Why is Richtofen sometimes a zombie?

Richtofen may become a zombie in certain scenarios when he is unable to be revived, particularly in story-driven maps. Some versions of the character are also turned into zombies due to other circumstances within the lore.

6. Who is the laughing voice in Zombies?

The laughing voice is often the Demonic Announcer. He usually speaks when a player grabs a Power-Up or when the Mystery Box changes location. This is usually associated with Dr. Monty.

7. How many zombies can be on the map at once?

The maximum zombie cap is typically 24 zombies on the map at any given time.

8. What are the most difficult Zombies maps?

Some of the hardest Zombies maps include Nacht Der Untoten, Shangri-La, Verruckt, and Zetsubou No Shima due to their challenging layouts and gameplay mechanics.

9. Do Zombies rounds ever end?

Yes, each round ends when the current wave of zombies is eliminated. After that, the following wave begins, introducing more zombies.

10. What is the goal of the Zombies mode?

The initial goal of the Zombies mode is to survive each round of zombies. However, as you progress, the focus can shift to completing the map’s narrative easter egg.

11. Are all Call of Duty Zombies games in the same universe?

No, not all Call of Duty Zombies games are within the same universe. The Black Ops series features the Aether story, but other games may have a completely different story.

12. What is Element 115?

Element 115 is a fictional element used to reanimate dead cells, causing the creation of the zombies within the narrative.

13. Who is the main villain in the Zombies storyline?

The main antagonist is primarily Doctor Monty, who is revealed to be responsible for the cycles and turmoil in the Aether storyline.

14. What are the best strategies for surviving higher rounds?

Strategies include training zombies (running them in circles), using powerful weapons, and wisely spending resources. Map knowledge and communication among players are also crucial.

15. Why was the Zombies mode removed from Call of Duty: Mobile?

The Zombies mode was removed from Call of Duty: Mobile due to it not meeting the quality standards expected by the game’s developers.

Conclusion

Ultimately, “the end” of Call of Duty Zombies depends on your perspective. If you’re looking for a traditional “victory” screen, you won’t find it in the classic, endless horde mode. However, if you’re willing to delve into the intricate narratives, the Easter eggs offer unique endings, albeit ones that may often be a stepping stone to the next chapter. Whether you seek endless survival or the satisfaction of solving the most complex mysteries, Call of Duty Zombies offers a dynamic and ever-evolving experience for players.