Which Call of Duty Makes Zombies? A Deep Dive into the Undead Phenomenon

The question of which Call of Duty makes Zombies is a popular one, and the answer, while seemingly straightforward, has layers of nuance. In short, Treyarch is the primary developer responsible for creating and popularizing the beloved Zombies mode within the Call of Duty franchise. However, the story is more than just one studio. While Treyarch initially conceived and developed the core concept of Nazi Zombies in Call of Duty: World at War, the mode has evolved significantly over the years, appearing in numerous Call of Duty titles, often with different twists and variations, across multiple developers. So, while Treyarch is the “father” of COD Zombies, other studios have contributed to its rich history and evolution. Let’s break down the details.

The Birth of Zombies: World at War and Treyarch’s Innovation

From Hidden Mode to Cultural Phenomenon

The genesis of Zombies can be traced back to Call of Duty: World at War, released in 2008. Initially conceived as a hidden bonus mode, Nazi Zombies was a simple survival experience. Players fought endless waves of undead soldiers on a single map called Nacht der Untoten, using whatever weapons they could scavenge. This simple, yet engaging, gameplay loop quickly caught fire with players, birthing a phenomenon. Treyarch’s ingenuity in introducing this unexpected mode within a World War II shooter set the foundation for what would become a crucial part of the Call of Duty experience. This early version, while rudimentary, was packed with atmosphere and challenging gameplay, which resonated deeply with players.

Treyarch’s Continued Leadership

Following the success of World at War, Treyarch took ownership of the Zombies mode, continuously expanding and innovating with each of their subsequent Call of Duty titles. Black Ops was the first to introduce the mode to a broader audience, thanks to its iconic maps like Kino Der Toten, Ascension, and more. This game refined the formula, adding perks, the mystery box, and more intricate maps, helping to solidify the mode’s core mechanics. Black Ops 2 continued this trajectory with ambitious maps like Tranzit and the introduction of new game modes like Grief, further demonstrating their commitment to pushing boundaries. Black Ops 3 is largely considered by many to be the pinnacle of COD Zombies, offering the largest and most complex collection of maps, and also introduced the “Gobblegums” mechanic. The narrative surrounding the mode was deepened, and the maps became incredibly intricate and elaborate. The release of Zombies Chronicles for Black Ops 3, which included remastered classic maps from previous titles, was seen as a love letter to the fans. Black Ops 4 offered a different, less narrative-driven take and included three maps at launch and a focus on customization. Black Ops Cold War saw the return of the Dark Aether storyline and also included a free-to-play Zombies mode called Outbreak, introducing open-world elements and exploration to the gameplay. Through all these titles, Treyarch has consistently strived to innovate and keep the mode fresh and exciting.

Beyond Treyarch: Other Studios and Their Contributions

While Treyarch has primarily been the driving force behind COD Zombies, other studios have offered their own interpretations and variations:

• Sledgehammer Games: With the release of Call of Duty: WWII, Sledgehammer brought a new spin on zombies, featuring a grittier and more horror-focused take, inspired by World War II settings. They also included zombies in Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, introducing Exo Zombies with unique movement mechanics. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III sees Sledgehammer take on Zombies again, with the mode now offering a large-scale extraction gameplay experience, moving beyond the round-based format.
• Infinity Ward: While Infinity Ward doesn’t typically develop Zombies mode, their title Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare featured a unique take called Zombies in Spaceland, a lighthearted, 1980s themed twist that was well-received by the community. They also produced a non-zombies mode in Call of Duty: Ghosts called Extinction, a co-op mode where players fight alien creatures.
• Other Variations: In some Call of Duty titles, the “zombie” theme was re-interpreted in various forms. Examples include Call of Duty 3‘s Nightmares campaign, which integrated supernatural enemies into the main story, and other modes in various games that include similar themes.

The Evolution of Zombies

The evolution of COD Zombies has been a remarkable journey, with each installment building upon the previous one. From a simple bonus mode in World at War to a fully fledged and complex game mode, Zombies has become one of the most iconic elements of the entire Call of Duty franchise. The narrative, gameplay mechanics, map design, and character development of Zombies has helped the mode achieve a level of depth and complexity that rivals entire games on its own. The mode has gone from a single, simple map to expansive worlds with intricate lore and an engaging co-op experience.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About COD Zombies

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Call of Duty Zombies mode, covering various aspects and offering further insight into its history and development:

1. What was the first Call of Duty game to feature zombies?

The first Call of Duty game to feature zombies was Call of Duty: World at War, in 2008.

2. Which developer created the original Zombies mode?

Treyarch created the original Nazi Zombies mode in Call of Duty: World at War.

3. Did all Call of Duty games made by Treyarch include Zombies?

Yes, all Call of Duty games developed by Treyarch have featured a Zombies mode. This includes games such as Black Ops, Black Ops 2, Black Ops 3, Black Ops 4, and Black Ops Cold War.

4. Is the Zombies mode round-based in every game?

No, while the core Zombies experience is traditionally round-based, some games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023) introduce open-world extraction-based experiences.

5. Does Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 have Zombies?

No, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022) does not have a traditional zombies mode.

6. Which Black Ops game is considered the best for Zombies?

Many fans consider Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 to have the best Zombies mode, due to its extensive map collection and deep mechanics, especially with the Zombies Chronicles expansion.

7. What is the “Nightmares” mode in Call of Duty 3?

Call of Duty 3’s “Nightmares” mode was a campaign variation that introduced zombies and supernatural creatures into the main story. It is not a standalone game mode like traditional Zombies.

8. What is Extinction mode in Call of Duty: Ghosts?

Extinction mode in Call of Duty: Ghosts is a survival co-op mode where players fight alien creatures, not zombies, offering a different take on the survival concept.

9. Is Zombies a feature on all the Call of Duty titles available?

No, Zombies is not in every Call of Duty game. It is traditionally included in games developed by Treyarch, while other developers have introduced it on an individual basis or presented different kinds of co-op experiences.

10. What is Zombies Chronicles?

Zombies Chronicles is a DLC for Call of Duty: Black Ops 3, featuring remastered classic Zombies maps from World at War, Black Ops, and Black Ops 2.

11. Does Call of Duty: World War II have a Zombies mode?

Yes, Call of Duty: WWII has a zombies mode created by Sledgehammer Games, offering a darker take on the experience.

12. What is the “Outbreak” mode in Black Ops Cold War?

Outbreak mode in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War introduced large-scale, open-world elements to Zombies, offering a different gameplay experience compared to the classic round-based maps.

13. Does the Modern Warfare subseries have Zombies?

Modern Warfare III is the first main title in the Modern Warfare sub-series to feature a dedicated, open-world Zombies mode. Previous Modern Warfare games did not have a traditional Zombies experience.

14. Can you play Call of Duty Zombies on Xbox?

Yes, Call of Duty Zombies is available on Xbox, however, depending on the title, online multiplayer often requires Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Xbox Game Pass Core.

15. Will Zombies always be a part of future Call of Duty titles?

While there’s no guarantee, the popularity of Zombies makes it likely to appear in future Call of Duty titles, either as a traditional mode or with new variations and interpretations. The community has come to expect it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Treyarch is the primary force behind the creation and popularity of COD Zombies, other studios have added their own creative spins and additions to the beloved mode. The mode has grown from a simple hidden game mode to one of the most iconic and engaging components of the Call of Duty franchise. The mode’s continued evolution and the passion from the Call of Duty community guarantee that Zombies will remain a significant part of the franchise for years to come.