What Zombies Maps Do You Get With BO3? A Comprehensive Guide
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The question of what Zombies maps are included with Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (BO3) can be a bit confusing, given the various editions, DLC packs, and bonus content. Let’s break it down clearly. At its core, the base game of Black Ops 3 comes with one playable Zombies map: Shadows of Evil. This is the only map you’ll have access to if you purchase the standard edition of the game without any add-ons. However, the story doesn’t end there. There are several ways to expand your Zombies map collection in BO3, which we will explore further.
BO3 Base Game: Shadows of Evil
Shadows of Evil is the starting point for the Black Ops 3 Zombies experience. This map is set in the fictional, noir-esque city of Morg, inspired by the 1930s era. You play as one of four characters, each with their own dark past, who are forced to work together to survive the zombie horde and uncover the mysteries of the Shadowman. It’s a complex map with a rich atmosphere and an engaging storyline, making it a solid foundation for the game’s Zombies mode. This map introduces unique mechanics, weapons, and characters and can keep players occupied for hours on end. Without any DLC, you still have a complete Zombies experience with Shadows of Evil.
Other Free Content
Aside from Shadows of Evil, the base game also features a mini-game called Dead Ops Arcade 2, which is a top-down, twin-stick shooter variant of Zombies gameplay. While not a traditional map, it provides a different flavor of Zombies action and is included with the standard purchase of BO3.
Expanding Your Map Collection: DLC and Special Editions
The vast majority of BO3’s Zombies content comes via Downloadable Content (DLC). If you want access to additional maps, you’ll need to invest in these expansions.
DLC Map Packs
There are four DLC map packs available for BO3, and each pack includes one new Zombies map in addition to four multiplayer maps:
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Awakening: Includes the Der Eisendrache map, set in an Austrian castle. This map is a direct continuation of the storyline established in the previous Black Ops Zombies games and features a bow-wielding mechanic.
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Eclipse: Includes the Zetsubou No Shima map set on a remote Pacific island infested with mutated spiders and other creatures. This is a much more difficult map with a higher learning curve.
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Descent: Includes the Gorod Krovi map, which takes place in a war-torn Stalingrad, featuring dragons and robots. This map is known for its detailed, challenging gameplay.
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Salvation: Includes the Revelations map, which serves as the conclusion to the “Origins” storyline that spanned the Black Ops series. It brings together elements from the entire Zombies universe.
Zombies Chronicles
A significant piece of DLC is Zombies Chronicles, which does not include a new map. Instead, it remasters eight classic Zombies maps from previous Treyarch Call of Duty titles in Black Ops 3. These are:
- From Call of Duty: World at War:
- Nacht der Untoten
- Verruckt
- Shi No Numa
- From Call of Duty: Black Ops:
- Kino der Toten
- Ascension
- Shangri-La
- Moon
- From Call of Duty: Black Ops II:
- Origins
While Zombies Chronicles doesn’t add a new map, it offers hours of gameplay and brings some of the most beloved maps in Zombies history to Black Ops 3 with enhanced visuals and mechanics.
Special Editions
Some special editions of BO3, such as the Digital Deluxe Edition and Zombies Chronicles Edition, came bundled with various maps and content. Typically, these editions included the Season Pass, which gave access to all four DLC map packs. The Zombies Chronicles Edition would, of course, contain the Zombies Chronicles DLC. Depending on where you bought your copy, it might also have included the bonus map The Giant, a remake of Der Riese from Call of Duty: World at War.
Summarized Map List
To recap, here’s a breakdown of all the Zombies maps potentially available in BO3:
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Base Game:
- Shadows of Evil
- Dead Ops Arcade 2 (Mini-Game)
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DLC Map Packs:
- Der Eisendrache (Awakening DLC)
- Zetsubou No Shima (Eclipse DLC)
- Gorod Krovi (Descent DLC)
- Revelations (Salvation DLC)
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Zombies Chronicles (DLC):
- Nacht der Untoten
- Verruckt
- Shi No Numa
- Kino der Toten
- Ascension
- Shangri-La
- Moon
- Origins
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Bonus Maps:
- The Giant (Available via Pre-Orders or Special Editions)
It’s essential to check the specific edition you have or plan to purchase to know which Zombies maps are included. The standard edition contains only Shadows of Evil, while the most comprehensive editions will include all the DLC maps and the remasters in Zombies Chronicles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you play Zombies in BO3 without buying any DLC?
Yes, you can play Zombies in BO3 without any DLC, but you’ll be limited to the Shadows of Evil map and the Dead Ops Arcade 2 mini-game.
2. What does the BO3 Zombies Deluxe Edition include?
The BO3 Zombies Deluxe Edition typically includes the base game, the Season Pass, Zombies Chronicles, and some bonus digital content. This provides access to all the Zombies maps in the game.
3. Are all BO3 Zombies maps free?
No, most BO3 Zombies maps are not free. You must purchase the DLC packs or special editions to gain access to maps beyond Shadows of Evil.
4. How many free zombie maps are there in Black Ops 3?
There is one free main Zombies map in Black Ops 3, which is Shadows of Evil.
5. What is the best Zombies map in Black Ops 3?
The definition of “best” is subjective, but many consider Der Eisendrache, Revelations, Origins (remastered), The Giant, and Shadows of Evil to be among the best BO3 Zombies maps.
6. Does Black Ops 3 Zombies Chronicles have all maps?
No, Zombies Chronicles does not include all Zombies maps from Black Ops 3. It includes 8 remastered maps from previous Treyarch games, namely from World at War, Black Ops 1, and Black Ops 2. It is not an exhaustive collection of all Zombies maps.
7. What is the name of the first map in Black Ops 3 Zombies?
The first map in Black Ops 3 Zombies is Shadows of Evil.
8. What is the hardest Zombie map in Call of Duty?
While difficulty is subjective, maps like Shangri-La, Verruckt, Zetsubou No Shima, and Nacht Der Untoten are often cited as some of the hardest due to their tight spaces, complex mechanics, and unforgiving nature.
9. Which Call of Duty has the best Zombies experience?
Many players consider Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 to have the best overall Zombies experience due to its diverse maps, engaging gameplay, and robust storyline.
10. Which COD has all the Zombies maps?
No single COD game contains all Zombies maps ever made, however, Black Ops 3, with all its DLC, has the largest collection available at one time.
11. How much does the Black Ops 3 Zombies DLC cost?
The individual DLC map packs for Black Ops 3 Zombies usually cost around $8 each.
12. Does the BO3 Season Pass come with all Zombies maps?
Yes, the BO3 Season Pass grants access to all four DLC map packs, each containing a new Zombies map and four multiplayer maps, along with other benefits.
13. Can you play Tranzit on Black Ops 3?
The original TranZit map from Black Ops 2 is not part of Black Ops 3, officially. However, some dedicated players have created custom map versions of Tranzit for the custom Zombies map community.
14. Is Nuketown free in BO3?
Yes, Nuketown was a pre-order bonus for BO3, but eventually became a free map for all players through a game update.
15. Do you have to buy Zombies maps?
If you want to play more than just Shadows of Evil and Dead Ops Arcade 2, then yes, you will need to buy the DLC map packs, the Season Pass, or a special edition that includes the extra maps. You’ll need the associated download to play the maps.
Understanding the various ways to access Zombies maps in Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 can be tricky. By understanding the base game offering, DLC expansions, special editions, and the different included maps, you’ll be better prepared to dive into this fan-favorite Zombies experience.