Zombies is very much the highlight of most Call of Duty games, both old and new. Like it or not, they’re pretty much adored by Activision, and it’s unlikely that the warlords of first-person shooters will look to ease up on the production line when it comes to breathing new winds into the mode, either. Because the fact is, it’s not going anywhere, and so long as it continues to rake in millions of online players—it will refrain from taking a backseat.
With all of that said, some zombies modes have definitely performed a little better than others. Although we’re not exactly spoilt for choice, we are able to line up enough to start judging them accordingly. And in this particular case, we have to give certain medals to certain modes. So, with all of that shoved aside, here’s how we would rank the best Call of Duty: Zombies chapters.
5. Black Ops 2
Zombies Reveal Trailer - Official Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 Video
Let’s face it. If Black Ops 2 had stuck to using god-awful buses in its zombies mode and not done anything else to improve the overall gameplay experience—then this entry would have most definitely been plastered at the bottom of the pile. But as luck would have it, Treyarch was able to pull something out of the bag and somehow revamp what was shaping up to be a dire chapter.
Black Ops 2 certainly wasn’t the game-changing follow-up we all had in mind after slaying its predecessor. If anything, it was somewhat lacking in new material, and served only as a slight rehash of older content. Not a bad thing by any means, but also not that exciting, either. But then, whatever it chose to be, there’s no denying the fact that it turned out a whole lot better than the atrocity that was Call of Duty: Advance Warfare. Now that’s where we drew the line.
4. Black Ops 3
Official Call of Duty®: Black Ops III - “Shadows of Evil” Zombies Reveal Trailer
To most undead-loving fans, Black Ops 3 was Treyarch’s final nail in the board, which is what secured their place in the multiplayer world for years to come. Although you could argue that its place was grounded long before Black Ops 3, many would happily claim otherwise. A matter of opinion, sure, but it’s easy to see where the vast majority pull their opinion from.
Black Ops 3 booted up with Shadows of Evil, and The Giant. Before long, these two maps bypassed the expectations of most players and found sanctuary atop the highest peak of zombie experiences. From there, it was only an upward spiral, and along came a slew of instant classic DLC, all of which paid tribute to the founding father of Call of Duty‘s zombies. Therefore, we’re happy to slap this one in the top five, though not high enough to be able to cash in the platinum.
3. World at War
Call of Duty: World at War Zombies Bonus Mode Trailer (Official HD)
Of course, we have to bow our heads and pay respects to the earliest torchbearer of the zombie underworld. Without World at War paving the way for a whole generation of undead shenanigans, we never would’ve had any of the Black Ops and Warfare spin-offs. And so, for that, we’re happy to give credit where it’s due.
As the founding father or the zombies mode, it was of course a revolutionary design, and something no other first-person shooter had narrowed in on before. Although a far cry from perfection, it was still a living, breathing counterpart to an already bustling multiplayer world. It was different—and we liked different, given the fact that Call of Duty was running on fumes, what with its regurgitated storylines and predictable conclusions.
2. Black Ops Cold War
Zombies Reveal Trailer | Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
Black Ops Cold War may not have been the be-all and end-all Call of Duty entry, but it certainly was a well-rounded package of first-class content. But part of that came tied to its beloved zombies mode, which basically had a following long before the campaign even spilt its opening credits. Not a surprise, of course, considering how well the undead division had done for itself leading up to the Cold War launch.
That said, nostalgia perseveres in this case, which is precisely why Cold War falls just below the apex. It’s not a sour mix by any means, but it’s a far cry from the mode that hammered in the final nail way back when. And for that reason alone, we’re happy to give it the silver. Though, to be fair, Die Maschine, which stands as a reimagined version of World at War’s beloved Nacht Der Untoten, is partly the reason why we’re content with saddling it with such high praise.
1. Black Ops
"115" Music Video - Call of Duty Zombies
We can credit World at War for its innovations and artistic curveballs all we want, but when all’s said and done, nothing truly hits home as well as Black Ops. Picturing the sheet quantity of Easter eggs, picture-perfect maps, and, not to mention Treyarch’s inclusion of “115” in Kino Der Toten—Black Ops really does have the whole shebang.
Given its age, Black Ops’ iteration of the cult-classic mode is still a prominent member on the monopoly. Although a great deal of entries have since passed and looked to concrete over its design, the fact it still holds its ground is an achievement in itself. Regardless of how old it is, it still holds a place in our hearts, and for that, we have to give Treyarch full marks for giftwrapping such a game-changing and timeless experience.
So, what’s your take? Do you agree with our top five? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.
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Call of Duty is a juggernaut of the FPS genre. With the 20th installment coming out at the end of the year, the amount of gameplay options the series has is astounding. However, back in the days of the Xbox 360 and PS3, a new game mode emerged. Zombies mode. This mode puts players facing waves of AI undead. Now, it’s considered a series staple. However, not all games in the franchise include their own undead-themed spinoff. So, which COD games include a Zombies Mode? Keep reading to find out.
Which Call of Duty Games Have Zombies?
World at War – Treyarch
The first Call of Duty to include Zombies. While it was originally a secret found after completing the campaign, it was so well received that it became its own mode. The so-called “Nazi Zombies” would go on to get four new maps in the DLC map packs. The new maps introduced perks, upgrading weapons, and a new storyline.
Black Ops – Treyarch
Moving into a new game, Treyarch expanded on the Zombies gameplay, introducing new perks, more elaborate Easter eggs, and a final DLC which ported all the World at War maps and introduced a finale to the storyline.
Black Ops 2 – Treyarch
This was the first time that Zombies was negatively received. While Black Ops 2‘s zombies mode Tranzit was ambitious, it was too much for consoles. However, Black Ops 2 won the favor of players with Mob of the Dead, and Origins continuing on into Black Ops 3.
Advanced Warfare – Sledgehammer Games
This would be the first time that a proper Zombies mode was made by another developer. Sledgehammer took Advanced Warfare‘s new movement mechanics, and attempted to spice up the undead-slaying mode. However, this game didn’t sit well with fans, as they thought that it deviated too far from the original design laid out by Treyarch. Alongside the fact that the first map was part of the First DLC Map pack, many players didn’t enjoy Zombies due to its later maps including forced missions that ended the game if failed.
Black Ops 3 – Treyarch
After Sledgehammer’s take, the creators of the now third pillar of Call of Duty stepped up. Continuing the story starting from World At War, and onto Black Ops 1 and 2, Treyarch concluded their story in Black Ops 3. This is considered to be the best iteration of the Zombies mode. This was also followed by a surprise DLC called Zombies Chronicles which included eight fan favorite maps from previous titles, eventually becoming the highest-grossing DLC in the Call of Duty franchise to date.
Infinite Warfare – Infinity Ward
This release marks the third year in a row that Call of Duty shipped with a Zombies mode. Infinity Ward, which is known for skipping out on the undead, decided to shake things up. This new mode was more lighthearted compared to Treyarch’s and Sledgehammer’s take. Infinite Warfare was a perfect blend of the Treyarch formula and Infinity Ward’s new ideas for the game. While it was originally ill-received, and was overshadowed by the release of Zombies Chronicles, fans have come around to this game’s fresh new spin on the mode.
Call of Duty: WWII – Sledgehammer Games
Now the fourth year for Zombies to be included, many players started to feel burnt out on the game mode. However, Sledgehammer wanted to bring the whole experience back to its horror roots. Unfortunately, Sledgehammer’s attempts to make the game mode more campaign-like only deterred Zombies fans who wanted a more traditional experience.
Black Ops 4 – Treyarch
Heading into the fifth straight year of a Zombies mode, Treyarch was up to bat. However, Black Ops 4‘s fundamental changes to the core gameplay loop of Zombies set its demise. Favor of Black Ops 4‘s take was mostly negative, due to fan favorite perks being removed from the game as well as the introduction of overly similar Easter eggs for every map.
Black Ops Cold War – Treyarch
After a year without Zombies, players were happy to learn that Treyarch was bringing it back again. Gameplay now included the original perks, and weapons that come in tiers of damage, much like a battle royale. While it’s not what players were expecting, they were happy with a return to form.
Cold War would go on to reuse campaign assets for their mainline maps and introduce a new mode called Outbreak, which favored mission-based objectives, completely forgoing rounds.
Call of Duty: Vanguard – Sledgehammer Games
With Sledgehammer picking up the next game for Call of Duty, they brought in Treyarch to help develop the Zombies mode as well as tie it into the story started in Cold War. However, their main map, Der Anfang, did the unthinkable. Zombies fans were disappointed to hear that the main gameplay loop from outbreak would be the only option for maps in this installment. It wasn’t until a few months later, that proper rounds would be added to the game. However, it was too late, as the undead horde had become all but abandoned by fans.
With Modern Warfare 2 releasing this year, and the next Call of Duty coming out in 2024, Zombies will be taking a backseat for the time being. Only time will tell what’s going to happen to the fan-favorite mode in the future.