The Undead Low: Determining the Absolute Worst Call of Duty Zombies Map
Determining the single “worst” Call of Duty Zombies map is a subjective exercise, as players often have varied preferences and experiences. However, a consensus has formed around a few maps that are widely considered to be frustrating, poorly designed, or simply not enjoyable. Based on community feedback, critical reviews, and gameplay mechanics, TranZit from Black Ops 2 stands out as the most consistently criticized and generally considered the “worst” zombies map in the Call of Duty franchise. Its sprawling size, reliance on a slow and cumbersome bus, and the presence of irritating enemies like the denizens, make it a consistently unpleasant experience for many players. While other maps have their flaws, TranZit’s multitude of issues coalesce into a recipe for a truly frustrating and underwhelming experience.
Why TranZit Earns the Title of Worst
TranZit’s notorious reputation stems from several key problems. The primary mode of transportation, the bus, is a slow, predictable, and often dangerous way to move around the map. Players are forced to rely on its pre-determined route, making escaping hordes of zombies difficult. Additionally, the bus’s frequent stops allow zombies to swarm it, creating perilous situations.
The map’s vast size is another significant issue. Instead of feeling like a large, open world, it feels mostly empty and tedious to navigate. The sheer distance between locations means spending excessive time running through fields and forests, which are devoid of action for much of the time.
The denizens, small, spider-like creatures that jump onto players and slow them down, are one of the most hated enemy types in the history of the franchise. Their persistent harassment while navigating already frustrating terrain makes the experience even more tiresome. Furthermore, the buildable items, while innovative in theory, are often clunky and difficult to assemble, adding another layer of complication to an already over-engineered map. All of this combined contributes to a gameplay experience that many players describe as tedious, frustrating, and simply not fun.
While some players might find an ironic enjoyment in the map’s challenges, the overwhelming consensus is that TranZit fails to deliver the fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled zombie experience that Call of Duty fans have come to expect.
Alternatives That Face Criticism
It’s worth noting that while TranZit often takes the brunt of the criticism, other maps also have their detractors. Nuketown Zombies is frequently called out for its cramped quarters and lack of space, making high-round survival challenging. The map’s small size, while interesting in theory, makes gameplay hectic and less enjoyable for some.
Five is another map that many find unappealing. Its labyrinthine layout and difficult perk locations often lead to frustration. The main Easter Egg can be extremely difficult to complete with a random squad, while its confined spaces and narrow corridors make navigating hordes of zombies a real challenge.
Buried often lands on the “least favorite” list as well. While it’s visually appealing, many players find it boring and tedious, with the only real challenge being getting used to the new elements such as Leroy, a friendly giant, who requires tedious micromanagement.
Ultimately, while these maps have their problems, they are not as universally loathed as TranZit. Their issues are often perceived as isolated or preferential, while TranZit’s are more core to its design and gameplay mechanics.
The Bottom Line
While personal preferences always factor into these discussions, TranZit’s combination of a slow bus system, vast empty spaces, frustrating enemy types, and complex buildable mechanics lead many to consider it the worst Zombies map in the franchise. The map’s design actively works against the fast-paced zombie action, creating an experience that is more frustrating than fun for most players.
While there are certainly other maps that some players may dislike, TranZit’s wide range of issues solidifies its place at the bottom of many player’s lists. Its design choices created a uniquely unpleasant experience that is still talked about with disdain by many within the Call of Duty Zombies community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What was the first zombies map?
The first Zombies map was Nacht der Untoten, featured in Call of Duty: World at War. It was a simple, claustrophobic map that laid the foundation for the entire Zombies mode.
2. What is the most loved zombies map?
The most loved Call of Duty Zombies maps often include Mob of the Dead, Shadows of Evil, Der Eisendrache, and Origins. These maps are praised for their atmosphere, challenging gameplay, and intricate Easter Eggs.
3. What is considered the easiest zombies map?
Ascension is often considered the easiest zombies map due to its open layout, numerous running paths, and easy access to powerful weapons and perks.
4. Is Nuketown Zombies considered a hard map?
Nuketown Zombies is often considered a challenging map due to its extremely small size, lack of room to maneuver, and difficult early rounds.
5. What makes Shangri-La a hard zombies map?
Shangri-La is notoriously difficult due to its complex layout, tight spaces, traps, and boss zombies. It often requires advanced gameplay strategies and excellent coordination.
6. What is element 115 in zombies?
Element 115 is the fictional element in Call of Duty zombies lore that is responsible for reanimating the dead and creating zombies.
7. Does Kino Der Toten have an Easter Egg?
Yes, Kino Der Toten has an Easter Egg that, when activated, plays a unique song and can give a small advantage to players.
8. Is Shadows of Evil a hard map?
Shadows of Evil is considered a very challenging map due to its complex layout, demanding Easter Egg steps, and the need for strong coordination between players.
9. Which Call of Duty has the best zombies experience?
Black Ops 3 is often regarded as having the best Zombies experience due to its diverse maps, innovative gameplay, and strong narrative.
10. What’s the best Black Ops 3 zombies map?
Popular Black Ops 3 maps include Der Eisendrache, Shadows of Evil, and Gorod Krovi, frequently cited for their engaging design and features.
11. What are wonder weapons in zombies?
Wonder Weapons are unique, extremely powerful weapons that are specific to the zombies mode. They often feature unique firing modes and special abilities.
12. What is the biggest zombie in Call of Duty?
The Bloater/Shambler is the largest type of zombie in Call of Duty, often appearing as a bloated and slow-moving threat.
13. What makes Tranzit such a disliked map?
Tranzit is disliked for its vast, empty spaces, slow and frustrating bus system, the irritating Denizen enemies, and overly complex buildable items.
14. Is Kino Der Toten based on a real place?
Yes, Kino Der Toten is inspired by a real-life theater, though it’s not a 1:1 recreation. The inspiration is a historic theater in Lawndale.
15. What is the most hated aspect of zombies mode?
The most hated aspects often include frustrating map layouts, overly complicated Easter Eggs, and enemies that detract from the core fun of the game.