Unlocking the Secrets of Der Riese: Where is This Iconic Zombie Map Located?
The iconic Call of Duty Zombies map, Der Riese, is shrouded in mystery and intrigue, partly because its location is steeped in both fictional lore and real-world historical context. While the map itself is a product of gaming imagination, it draws inspiration from actual events and a German construction project known as Riese, meaning “Giant”. In the game, Der Riese is presented as a clandestine Nazi research facility, where experiments on Element 115 are said to have taken place. But where is it, really?
The primary fictional location of Der Riese within the Call of Duty universe is a factory/science lab near Breslau, Germany (now Wrocław, Poland). This setting is designed with narrow corridors and a combination of brick and steel structures, creating a tense, claustrophobic environment perfect for the zombie hordes. However, the inspiration for the map comes from the real-world Project Riese, a Nazi construction project in Lower Silesia, located within the Owl Mountains and Książ Castle. The real Riese was comprised of seven underground structures, making it a vast, hidden complex. This is why the game map often feels deeply underground despite not actually depicting such.
Therefore, while the game places Der Riese near Breslau as a research facility for Element 115, the real-world inspiration lies in the mountainous regions of Lower Silesia, Poland. This blend of fictional setting and real historical context enhances the map’s immersive and eerie atmosphere.
Der Riese: A Closer Look
The fictional Der Riese facility in the Call of Duty games is not an exact replica of the real Project Riese. Instead, it uses the concept of secret German facilities to create its layout and feel. The map features iconic elements like the Pack-a-Punch machine, a weapon upgrading station introduced in this map which has become a series staple, and the infamous teleporters. The location near Breslau is a narrative anchor, explaining why the facility was likely selected in the first place, away from heavily populated areas.
The real Project Riese was a vast complex of underground tunnels and chambers which was supposedly linked to the development of advanced German “wunderwaffe” (wonder weapons), including the rumored Die Glocke (The Bell). The true purpose of the project remains largely unknown. It was only partially completed, and remains a fascinating piece of historical mystery, much like the fictional Der Riese.
Der Riese: In Various Call of Duty Games
Der Riese first appeared in Call of Duty: World at War. Its popularity made it a staple map, prompting its return in Call of Duty: Black Ops (via a special edition) and as a remastered version named The Giant in Call of Duty: Black Ops III. This demonstrates how popular and important the map remains within the series. The constant return speaks to its legacy and the impact it had on the Zombies mode.
The map’s design, with its multi-tiered areas, tight corners, and strategic choke points, is just as important to the location as the historical inspiration. It provides players with an engaging, challenging, and rewarding experience.
Der Riese and The Giant
It’s important to note that The Giant is not a new map; instead, it is the reimagining of Der Riese in Black Ops III. The Giant offers improved graphics and gameplay mechanics while retaining the original map’s layout and core elements. The purpose was to introduce the original map to newer audiences while preserving the experience that many fans know and love.
The location, whether in its original form or its modern update, plays a key part in the game’s atmosphere and narrative. The combination of a clandestine facility and the constant threat of the undead make Der Riese and The Giant both iconic and terrifying locations within the Call of Duty Zombies universe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Der Riese based on a real place?
Yes, the fictional map of Der Riese is inspired by the real-world Project Riese, a Nazi construction project located in the Owl Mountains and Książ Castle in Lower Silesia, Poland. While the game is set near Breslau, the actual inspiration comes from this underground construction project.
What game is Der Riese originally from?
Der Riese was originally released in Call of Duty: World at War as the fourth and final Zombies map.
Is Der Riese available in Black Ops 1?
Yes, Der Riese is available in Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 if you have acquired a special edition of the game or have the appropriate map pack.
How do I access Der Riese in World at War?
You can play Der Riese in Call of Duty: World at War by signing into your profile that downloaded the map pack, starting the game, selecting the “NAZI ZOMBIES” option, selecting “SOLO”, and then choosing the “DER RIESE” option.
What is The Giant and how does it relate to Der Riese?
The Giant is a remastered version of Der Riese that appears in Call of Duty: Black Ops III. It retains the original layout and features with improved graphics and gameplay.
Is Der Riese the best Zombies map?
Der Riese is considered by many to be one of the best Zombies maps because of its strategic gameplay, tight corridors, introduction of the Pack-a-Punch Machine, and its iconic status within the game series.
Which Black Ops game has all the remastered zombie maps?
Call of Duty: Black Ops III features fully remastered versions of zombie maps from previous installments in high definition, including The Giant (Der Riese).
What is the historical setting of Black Ops 1?
Black Ops 1 takes place between 1961 and 1968 during both the Cold War and the Vietnam War, portraying a secret history of black operations carried out by the CIA.
Is Der Riese a difficult map to play?
Both versions of Der Riese, the original and The Giant, are among the easiest Zombies maps, despite the challenges of the map itself, it still provides a player friendly experience.
Why is it called Der Riese?
“Der Riese” is German for “The Giant”.
Does Der Riese have any Easter eggs?
Yes, Der Riese has multiple small Easter Eggs, including a musical one activated by finding and interacting with three green jars with floating brains and spines in them.
Is there a Type 100 in Der Riese?
Yes, the Type 100 is a wall-buy weapon in Der Riese, located just outside of the entrance to Mule Kick.
What Call of Duty game has The Giant zombie map?
The Giant zombie map is available in Call of Duty: Black Ops III.
What Call of Duty game has Mob of the Dead, set in Alcatraz?
Mob of the Dead, a Zombies map set in Alcatraz Prison, is featured in the Uprising DLC pack for Call of Duty: Black Ops II.
What Black Ops DLC has Call of the Dead?
Call of the Dead, a special Zombies map, is featured in the Escalation DLC pack for Call of Duty: Black Ops.