Which Call of Duty Black Ops Games Have Zombies?
The Call of Duty: Black Ops series is renowned for its intense single-player campaigns and thrilling multiplayer modes, but perhaps its most iconic feature is the zombies mode. A staple of the Treyarch-developed Call of Duty games, zombies has captivated players for years with its cooperative gameplay, challenging survival, and intricate storylines. So, which Black Ops games actually feature this fan-favorite mode? The answer is: all of them. Yes, every mainline entry in the Call of Duty: Black Ops sub-series includes a zombies mode, each with its own unique maps, characters, and gameplay mechanics. This includes Call of Duty: Black Ops, Call of Duty: Black Ops II, Call of Duty: Black Ops III, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Let’s dive a little deeper into each title to see what they offer.
Black Ops Zombies: A Deep Dive into Each Title
Call of Duty: Black Ops
The very first Black Ops game, released in 2010, introduced Kino Der Toten, a map that has become an all-time classic within the zombies community. This map featured the original cast of Richtofen, Dempsey, Nikolai, and Takeo, and set the standard for what many would come to expect from the zombie mode. Players were thrown into the derelict movie theater in Germany, fighting off endless waves of the undead. Black Ops enhanced the zombies experience from its predecessor, Call of Duty: World at War, offering a smoother gameplay experience with fewer glitches and less lag. It also swapped out World War II era weapons for a variety of Cold War era firearms, giving players a wider arsenal to combat the horde. This game proved the potential of the game mode and solidified its importance in the franchise.
Call of Duty: Black Ops II
Building on the success of the original, Call of Duty: Black Ops II took zombies to a whole new level. It introduced not one, but three distinct ways to play: Tranzit, which saw players traveling across a large interconnected map via a bus; Survival Mode, which was a classic round-based experience; and the all-new Grief Mode, a 4v4 last-human-standing competition. Black Ops 2 is also lauded for its varied and interesting maps, along with intricate Easter eggs that have come to define the Black Ops zombies experience. Maps such as Mob of the Dead, with its unique Alcatraz setting, and Die Rise with its precarious skyscraper location, are considered some of the best in the franchise. This entry is known for having a significant amount of content.
Call of Duty: Black Ops III
Often hailed as the pinnacle of the Black Ops zombies experience, Call of Duty: Black Ops III is beloved for its action-packed gameplay, exciting maps, and varied weapon selection. This entry also introduced the Gobblegums and further expanded upon the intricate storytelling, connecting the various zombies maps in a way not previously seen. The Zombies Chronicles Edition, which was available later, bundled all remastered maps from previous Treyarch titles into one collection, making this entry a must-have for zombies enthusiasts. Maps like Shadows of Evil, set in a 1940s themed town, and the classic remasters provide a huge amount of replayability.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 opted for a different approach by removing the single-player campaign entirely to focus on Multiplayer, Zombies, and a new Battle Royale mode called Blackout. At launch, Black Ops 4 featured three new on-disc zombies maps: Voyage of Despair, set on the RMS Titanic; IX, set in an arena in ancient Rome; and Blood of the Dead, a soft-remake of the Black Ops 2 map Mob of the Dead. This entry continued the trend of deep storyline integration and presented a vast amount of content to explore.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War continued the Zombies narrative, including the cooperative Onslaught mode. This mode is a 2-player experience that takes place on multiplayer maps. This allowed players to fight hordes of zombies in familiar locations, which introduced an interesting new spin on the mode. The weapons and mechanics also tied in well with the Cold War setting, making the zombies experience unique for this title.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions regarding the Call of Duty Black Ops Zombies mode, to provide further insight and clarification:
1. Which Black Ops game has the best zombies?
While subjective, Call of Duty: Black Ops III is often cited as the best zombies experience, thanks to its engaging maps, varied weapons, and fast-paced action. Many also prefer Black Ops 2 because of the sheer variety and scope of content. It all comes down to personal preference!
2. Does Call of Duty: World at War have zombies?
Yes, Call of Duty: World at War was the first Call of Duty game to introduce the Nazi Zombies mode, which later became simply Zombies. This is the precursor to the mode we see in Black Ops.
3. Is Call of Duty Zombies its own game?
There was a Call of Duty: World at War – Zombies spin-off game for iOS. However, the zombies mode is usually a part of the larger Call of Duty game releases.
4. What is Zombies Chronicles?
Zombies Chronicles is a content expansion for Call of Duty: Black Ops III that includes remastered maps from previous Treyarch-developed Call of Duty games.
5. Can I buy Zombies Chronicles without Black Ops III?
No, Zombies Chronicles is an expansion for Call of Duty: Black Ops III and requires the base game to play.
6. Which Black Ops has Nuketown Zombies?
Although the Nuketown map first appeared in Call of Duty: Black Ops for multiplayer, it was later added to Call of Duty: Black Ops II in the form of the zombies map called Nuketown Zombies.
7. Is there zombies in Call of Duty Vanguard?
Yes, Call of Duty: Vanguard does include a zombies mode, though its reception has been mixed compared to Black Ops entries. It was set in the context of World War II.
8. Does Modern Warfare 3 have zombies?
For the first time in Call of Duty history, Zombies mode is now present in the Modern Warfare universe in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III.
9. Does MW2 have Zombies?
Modern Warfare II (2022) does not have a traditional zombies mode. It does have a survival mode which can be compared.
10. Is Black Ops 2 still worth playing for Zombies?
Absolutely. Black Ops 2 has a lot of content to offer, many fans consider it to be a peak experience, and can easily be enjoyed even today. The game features some of the most memorable maps in the entire series.
11. Is Black Ops 3 worth buying for Zombies in 2024?
Yes, it is still a popular choice among fans. The Zombies Chronicles Edition provides a huge amount of content, and has a very active modding community if playing on PC.
12. Which Black Ops has the most zombie maps?
Call of Duty: Black Ops III with the Zombies Chronicles DLC has the most maps available, thanks to the inclusion of all the remastered classics.
13. How does Black Ops Cold War Zombies compare to Black Ops 3?
Black Ops 3 is often favored for its deep narrative and challenging gameplay mechanics. Black Ops Cold War offers a simpler, more approachable zombies experience, with its own appeal.
14. What are some must-play Zombies maps in the Black Ops series?
Popular maps include Kino Der Toten (Black Ops), Mob of the Dead (Black Ops II), Shadows of Evil (Black Ops III), and Origins (Black Ops II/III Remastered).
15. Do all Zombies games end the same?
Yes, Zombies is designed to be an endless mode. While players can strive to survive as long as possible, the game will eventually overwhelm the player with waves of zombies. The objective of the mode is to see how long players can survive, not win.
In conclusion, every Black Ops game features the fan-favorite Zombies mode, each offering a unique experience for dedicated players. From the classic gameplay of the original Black Ops to the complex narratives of Black Ops III and beyond, the Black Ops series continues to be a go-to for the most enjoyable zombie gameplay. Whether you’re a veteran of the series or a new player wanting to join the fight, there’s a Black Ops zombies experience for everyone.