When Did Nacht der Untoten Take Place? Unraveling the Mystery of the First Zombies Map
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The question of when Nacht der Untoten takes place is multifaceted, as the map’s origins span both in-game lore and real-world inspiration. While the initial setting is canonically during World War II, specifically from the perspective of a US Marine, this is a broad statement. To pinpoint a more accurate time, we must understand the context provided by both the game and its real-world parallels. Nacht der Untoten first appears in Call of Duty: World at War, which is primarily set in the Pacific Theatre of World War II (1941-1945).
The original map places players in a German bunker or air base, which is confirmed to be on the Island of Peleliu, during the final days of the war. Therefore, the most accurate answer is that Nacht der Untoten takes place in 1944 or 1945, specifically on Peleliu Island at the very end of World War II. However, the map’s location was altered later in the Call of Duty franchise.
Location: Real and Imagined
The initial inspiration behind Nacht der Untoten was a real-world location. It was based on a Japanese Air HQ Building on Peleliu Island. Historical photographs from 1944 show the building, which was used as a command center by Japanese forces during the battle of Peleliu. This real location provides concrete evidence to the original setting of the map.
However, within the Call of Duty universe, Nacht der Untoten has been relocated. In the lore and in game, the base was moved to Morasko, Poland, during the Cold War for some reason. This relocation is a retcon in the story and doesn’t change the fact that the in-game events of Nacht der Untoten during the actual World War 2 occurred at the original location in Peleliu, Palau around 1944 or 1945.
The Significance of Nacht der Untoten
Nacht der Untoten is not just a map; it is the genesis of the entire Call of Duty Zombies storyline. It is the first zombie map introduced into the Call of Duty world, known for its simplistic design and high level of challenge. It consists of just three rooms and has no perks, making it a hardcore experience. This simplicity is a feature, forcing players to master basic tactics to survive. It was intended to be difficult as the goal was to see how long they could survive against the horde.
The map’s iconic status comes from its place at the start of an epic story. Its popularity has also allowed it to be released later in other Call of Duty games. This is testament to its significance and influence on the zombie genre. Nacht der Untoten was not just the beginning of a zombie mode, but the beginning of the Call of Duty zombie universe and storyline. This influence continues to be seen and felt in Call of Duty to this day.
The Evolution of the Map
While the core gameplay of Nacht der Untoten has remained largely unchanged over the different Call of Duty releases, its setting in the lore and in the game has gone through changes. It has appeared in different forms in subsequent games. Its appearances in Call of Duty: Black Ops and Black Ops 2 through the Hardened and Prestige Editions, Rezurrection DLC, and Tranzit Mode, respectively, cement its importance to the series and are significant parts of the story and lore. These appearances confirm its presence throughout the Call of Duty Zombies narrative.
Understanding where it fits within the lore requires understanding all of these inclusions and changes throughout time. While the original map took place in 1944-1945 in Peleliu, its subsequent appearances may occur in different settings and time periods. The original setting, therefore, can be specifically pinpointed to the end of World War II in the Pacific Theatre.
Key Takeaway
In summary, Nacht der Untoten originally took place during the end of World War II, in 1944-1945, on Peleliu Island, Palau. It was inspired by a real Japanese Air HQ building. While the location has been altered within the lore, the original setting remains a critical part of its history. The map is the beginning of the Call of Duty zombie storyline, and its difficult and minimalistic design has led to its enduring popularity among fans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Nacht der Untoten based on a real place?
Yes, Nacht der Untoten was originally inspired by a real Japanese Air HQ Building on Peleliu Island. Photographs from 1944 confirm the building’s existence. However, within the Call of Duty lore, it was later moved to a bunker in Morasko, Poland.
2. What year does Kino der Toten take place?
Kino Der Toten takes place in 1963 in an abandoned Group 935 facility within a theater in Berlin.
3. Did Black Ops 1 have Nacht der Untoten?
Yes, Nacht der Untoten was available on the Hardened and Prestige editions of Call of Duty: Black Ops, as well as in the Rezurrection downloadable content.
4. Is Nacht der Untoten the hardest map?
Many players consider Nacht der Untoten to be one of the most challenging maps due to its small size, simple design, and lack of perks, even in later games.
5. Does Black Ops 2 have Nacht der Untoten?
Yes, Nacht der Untoten is a secret map in Black Ops 2 featured in the Tranzit mode, where players can access a portion of it within the Green Run map.
6. What is the oldest COD Zombies map?
Nacht der Untoten is the first ever Zombies map and is therefore the oldest in the Call of Duty franchise.
7. What does Shi No Numa mean?
Shi No Numa is Japanese for “Swamp of Death.” It is the third Zombies map from Call of Duty: World at War.
8. What does Nacht der Untoten stand for?
Nacht Der Untoten is German for “Night of the Undead.”
9. Did the marines survive Nacht der Untoten?
The lore states that the plane carrying marines was shot down, and only four survived, setting the stage for the player characters.
10. What is Kino der Toten based on?
Kino der Toten is based on a real-world theater in Lawndale, which historically provided entertainment to both the Jewish and African-American communities in the area.
11. Is there a Nacht Easter egg?
Yes, there is an Easter egg in Nacht der Untoten. A radio located in the help room will play one of the many songs found throughout zombies when activated by shooting or knifing.
12. Is Dempsey in Nacht der Untoten?
Tank Dempsey is not present as a playable character in Nacht der Untoten. He appears in most other zombie maps, excluding Verruckt, “Five,” and Call of the Dead.
13. Is there a Bowie knife in Nacht der Untoten?
The Bowie Knife is not a standard weapon in Nacht der Untoten. However, it appears as a collectible in the Kino der Toten map.
14. What is the most loved COD Zombies map?
Some of the most beloved COD Zombies maps include: Mob of the Dead, Shadows of Evil, Der Eisendrache, Origins, Buried, Zombies in Spaceland, Moon, and Ascension.
15. What is the most hated COD Zombies map?
Some of the most disliked COD Zombies maps include: “Five,” Call of the Dead, Buried, TranZit, and Nuketown Zombies.