What is the Hardest Zombies Map in Black Ops 3? A Deep Dive
The question of which Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 Zombies map reigns supreme in difficulty is a hotly debated topic among fans. While personal experiences and playstyles often influence opinions, a consensus generally leans towards Shadows of Evil as the most challenging map in BO3. This map’s complexity, coupled with demanding mechanics and a punishing Easter Egg quest, positions it as a formidable adversary for even the most seasoned Zombies players. Unlike other maps that can be mastered through rote memorization and practiced strategies, Shadows of Evil demands constant adaptation, precise coordination, and a deep understanding of its intricate systems.
The Challenges of Shadows of Evil
Complexity and Map Layout
Shadows of Evil presents a densely packed, multi-layered map that immediately sets it apart from its counterparts. Set in the fictional 1940s Morg City, the map features a labyrinthine layout with multiple districts, each interconnected through trams and complex pathways. This intricate design demands that players develop strong spatial awareness and navigate quickly while simultaneously fending off hordes of zombies. Simply finding essential resources, like the pack-a-punch machine or ritual locations, can be a challenge for newcomers.
The Rituals and the Beast Mode
The map’s core gameplay mechanic revolves around performing rituals in specific areas, each requiring players to locate various items and fend off increasingly challenging waves. The Beast Mode adds an additional layer of complexity. This temporary power-up, while advantageous, has limited uses and requires strategic timing. Failing to activate it correctly at critical moments can be disastrous, especially when faced with increasingly stronger zombies. Learning the optimal routes and the specific times to trigger Beast Mode is crucial for survival.
The Easter Egg Quest
The Shadows of Evil Easter Egg is one of the most demanding in the entire Call of Duty Zombies saga. It requires meticulous coordination, detailed knowledge of the map’s obscure locations, and the ability to execute precise steps under intense pressure. The steps frequently involve finding hidden symbols, completing complex tasks in a limited time window, and surviving prolonged and brutal battles. Even seasoned Easter Egg hunters can struggle with the combination of mental acuity and intense combat required to complete this quest. One wrong move, and the entire run can quickly fall apart, leading to extreme frustration.
The Apothicon
The introduction of the Apothicon enemies further increases the difficulty. These grotesque beings pose unique threats with their different attack patterns and high damage output. Unlike regular zombies that can be managed with consistent strategies, Apothicons require players to prioritize targets and make quick, informed decisions under pressure. Failing to adapt to these unique enemies will quickly overwhelm even the most prepared teams.
High Coordination Requirements
Shadows of Evil is arguably the most demanding map in terms of teamwork. Success in the map, particularly when tackling the Easter Egg, depends entirely on a group’s ability to communicate effectively, share resources, and execute coordinated strategies seamlessly. A lack of effective communication or coordination can quickly lead to player deaths, rendering the map incredibly challenging for solo players and disorganized teams alike.
Overall Difficulty Level
Compared to maps like Der Eisendrache or The Giant, which offer more linear progression and forgiving layouts, Shadows of Evil is decidedly a different beast. Its interconnected design, complex mechanics, and punishing enemies combine to create an intensely difficult experience. While every map can pose a unique challenge for different players, Shadows of Evil consistently ranks as the most difficult map in Black Ops 3, demanding a very high skill ceiling to conquer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What makes Ascension considered an easy map in BO3 Zombies?
Ascension is generally considered an easier map due to its large open spaces that allow for easy kiting of zombies, especially around the lander pads and Phd Flopper area. This makes it much more forgiving than maps with tighter corridors and more complex layouts.
2. What are the best maps in Black Ops 3 in general?
Some of the best maps in Black Ops 3, according to fans, are:
- Der Eisendrache: Praised for its great flow and diverse gameplay.
- Revelations: A culmination of the Zombies storyline, offering a unique experience.
- The Giant: A remake of Der Riese, familiar yet refreshed.
- Shadows of Evil: (Despite its difficulty) loved for its atmosphere and intricate design.
3. Which BO3 DLC is considered the best for Zombies?
Many fans point to Zombies Chronicles as the best DLC because it includes a collection of eight remastered classic Zombies maps. It provides a large range of diverse experiences, appealing to fans of all preferences.
4. What are some of the hardest Zombies maps across all Call of Duty titles?
Hardest maps in other games generally include:
- Nacht Der Untoten: The original zombie map, notoriously small and unforgiving.
- Shangri-La: Known for its traps, difficult layout, and unique mechanics.
- Verruckt: Renowned for its claustrophobic hallways and aggressive enemies.
5. What’s the easiest way to kill zombies in CoD?
The most effective way to kill zombies is to aim for headshots. This will both eliminate zombies faster and maximize points. Utilizing Wonder Weapons and other specialized equipment can also significantly boost your zombie-killing efficiency.
6. What is the “best” weapon in Black Ops 3 Zombies?
While there’s no single “best” weapon, weapons like the Kuda, Man-O-War, and KN-44 are frequently cited as top contenders due to their versatility, reliability, and high damage output. Upgrading weapons through the Pack-a-Punch machine is crucial to keeping them effective in later rounds.
7. Why is TranZit considered a bad Zombies map?
TranZit is often criticized for its slow pace, large map size, and frustrating mechanics, such as the bus system and fog. The layout makes navigation difficult, and the constant need to manage the bus and its repair requirements detracts from the core gameplay.
8. What is the Easter Egg in Kino Der Toten?
The Kino Der Toten Easter Egg primarily focuses on activating a hidden song that plays in the background while playing. While not as complex as other maps’ Easter Eggs, it’s still an iconic and fan-favorite easter egg.
9. Does Black Ops 3 support split-screen play?
Yes, Call of Duty: Black Ops III supports two-player split-screen online play in Multiplayer or Zombies game modes on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. These consoles also support up to four players in local multiplayer. However, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 do not support split-screen.
10. What is Element 115 in the Zombies storyline?
Element 115 is the fictional element that is responsible for the creation of the zombies in the story. It has the ability to reanimate dead cells, leading to the rise of the undead.
11. What is the largest Zombies map in Call of Duty?
As of now, Modern Warfare 3 has the largest Call of Duty Zombies map. It features an open-world PVE experience where players must survive against hordes of the undead.
12. Is “Five” a difficult Zombies map?
“Five” is considered a difficult map, mainly due to its small, tight corridors and high zombie spawn rates. It’s also known for its lack of a proper “training” area, making it challenging for newer players.
13. What are some essential tips for playing Shadows of Evil?
Key tips include:
- Memorizing the map layout: Understanding the locations of key items and ritual areas is vital.
- Effective teamwork and communication: Coordinating with your team is crucial, especially for the Easter Egg.
- Strategic use of Beast Mode: Knowing the correct timing and routes will help maximize its effectiveness.
- Adapting to Apothicon attacks: Learning to recognize and prioritize these enemies is essential.
14. Why do some people prefer Black Ops 3 for Zombies?
Black Ops 3 is widely praised for its exciting maps, varied weapons, action-packed gameplay, and the compelling continuation of the Zombies storyline. Many fans view it as the pinnacle of the Call of Duty Zombies experience due to its mix of innovation and classic elements.
15. Does Black Ops 3 feature remakes of classic Zombies maps?
Yes, Zombies Chronicles includes 8 remastered classic Zombies maps from Call of Duty: World at War, Call of Duty: Black Ops, and Call of Duty: Black Ops II, bringing fan-favorite experiences to a new generation.