What Version of Black Ops 3 Has Zombies? Your Ultimate Guide
Want to dive into the undead hordes of Black Ops 3 (BO3)? The short answer is: every version of the base game, Call of Duty: Black Ops III, comes with the Zombies game mode. However, the number of maps and the overall Zombies experience vary significantly depending on the edition you choose. Let’s break down the different editions and what they offer for the discerning zombie slayer.
Decoding the Black Ops 3 Editions for Zombie Enthusiasts
Back when Black Ops 3 shambled onto the scene, Activision offered a smorgasbord of editions, each with its own unique appeal. Understanding these differences is key to selecting the right one for your undead desires.
Standard Edition
The Standard Edition is the base game. It includes the Campaign, Multiplayer, and Zombies game modes. For Zombies, you get access to the map “Shadows of Evil,” a complex and engaging map set in a 1940s noir-inspired city, and “The Giant,” a remake of the classic “Der Riese” map. It’s a solid starting point, but the zombie action doesn’t stop there!
Zombies Chronicles Edition
The Zombies Chronicles Edition includes the full base game plus the Zombies Chronicles content expansion. This expansion is a treasure trove of remastered maps from previous Call of Duty titles, including:
- Nacht Der Untoten
- Verruckt
- Shi No Numa
- Kino der Toten
- Ascension
- Shangri-La
- Moon
- Origins
If you’re looking for a wide variety of classic Zombies experiences, this is a great option.
Zombies Deluxe Edition
The Zombies Deluxe Edition is the ultimate package. It includes the full base game, the Season Pass, and the Zombies Chronicles content expansion. The Season Pass provides access to four additional DLC packs, each containing a new Zombies map:
- Der Eisendrache
- Zetsubou No Shima
- Gorod Krovi
- Revelations
This edition gives you the most comprehensive Zombies experience, with a vast array of maps and content to explore.
Hardened Edition & Juggernog Edition
These special editions, like the Hardened Edition and the Juggernog Edition, included physical collectibles, such as art cards and a mini-refrigerator (in the case of the Juggernog Edition!). They also included in-game content like the “The Giant” bonus map for Zombies and the Season Pass as well.
Multiplayer Starter Pack (Avoid if you want Zombies!)
It’s critical to note the Multiplayer Starter Pack does NOT include the Zombies game mode. This version only provides access to a limited portion of the multiplayer experience and should be avoided if you’re interested in fighting the undead.
Choosing the Right Edition for You
So, which version should you buy? Here’s a quick guide:
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Budget-conscious and new to Zombies: The Standard Edition is a good starting point.
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Want a nostalgia trip: The Zombies Chronicles Edition is perfect for reliving classic maps.
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Die-hard Zombies fan: The Zombies Deluxe Edition offers the most complete experience with all the maps and content.
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Collector: Track down a Hardened Edition or Juggernog Edition for the physical goodies.
Black Ops 3 Zombies: Still Relevant in 2024
Even years after its release, Black Ops 3 remains incredibly popular, particularly for its Zombies mode. The depth of its maps, the engaging storylines, and the sheer amount of content keep players coming back for more. The game mechanics, the weapon variety, and the intricate Easter eggs contribute to a replayable and rewarding experience. In fact, the principles of game design found in titles like Black Ops 3 can be studied in depth using resources from educational organizations like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Black Ops 3 Zombies
1. Does the base version of Black Ops 3 come with Zombies?
Yes, the Standard Edition of Black Ops 3 includes the Zombies game mode, featuring the “Shadows of Evil” and “The Giant” maps.
2. Can I buy Black Ops 3 Zombies maps separately?
Yes, Activision allows you to purchase individual Zombies maps for Black Ops 3 as DLC if you do not want to buy an entire DLC Pack.
3. What Zombie maps come with Zombies Chronicles?
The Zombies Chronicles DLC pack includes remastered versions of the following maps:
- Nacht Der Untoten
- Verruckt
- Shi No Numa
- Kino der Toten
- Ascension
- Shangri-La
- Moon
- Origins
4. Does the Black Ops 3 Season Pass include Zombies maps?
Yes, the Black Ops 3 Season Pass includes four DLC packs, each containing a brand-new Zombies map: “Der Eisendrache,” “Zetsubou No Shima,” “Gorod Krovi,” and “Revelations.”
5. Can I play Zombies in the Black Ops 3 Multiplayer Starter Pack?
No, the Multiplayer Starter Pack does NOT include the Zombies game mode.
6. What is the best Black Ops 3 DLC for Zombies?
The “best” DLC is subjective, but many players consider “Der Eisendrache” and “Gorod Krovi” among the best due to their intricate designs and challenging gameplay.
7. Why is Black Ops 3 still popular for Zombies?
Black Ops 3 is popular because of its deep and engaging maps, varied weapons, challenging gameplay, and the amount of available content, making it a highly replayable and rewarding experience.
8. Do I need to download Black Ops 3 to play Zombies Chronicles?
Yes, Zombies Chronicles is an expansion for Call of Duty: Black Ops III, so you need the base game installed to play it.
9. What does the Black Ops 3 Zombies Deluxe Edition include?
The Black Ops 3 Zombies Deluxe Edition includes the full base game, the Season Pass, and the Zombies Chronicles content expansion.
10. Is “The Giant” a remake of “Der Riese”?
Yes, “The Giant” is a remastered version of the fan-favorite “Der Riese” map from Call of Duty: World at War.
11. Which Call of Duty game is considered to have the best Zombies mode?
Many players consider Black Ops 3 to have the best Zombies mode due to its depth, map variety, and replayability.
12. Can you just install the Zombies mode of Black Ops 3?
Yes, on platforms like Steam, you can select to install only the Zombies mode and exclude other parts of the game.
13. How many Zombies maps are there in total for Black Ops 3 (including DLC)?
If you own the Zombies Deluxe Edition, you’ll have access to 14 Zombies maps: “Shadows of Evil,” “The Giant,” the eight Zombies Chronicles maps, and the four Season Pass maps.
14. Was Kino der Toten in Black Ops 3?
Yes, a remastered version of “Kino der Toten” is available in Black Ops 3 through the Zombies Chronicles DLC pack.
15. How many zombies can spawn at once on a Black Ops 3 map?
In Black Ops 3 Zombies, the maximum number of zombies that can spawn at one time is 24.