Black Ops 3 Zombies: Every Map, Ranked

As a long-time enthusiast of Call of Duty Zombies, I must say that these three maps – Revelations, Shadows of Evil, and Der Eisendrache – are nothing short of extraordinary masterpieces within the franchise.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 3” is frequently mentioned as a fan favorite for the “Call of Duty Zombies” mode, often discussed as Treyarch’s pinnacle achievement in this area. It’s not hard to see why, given its impressive Season Pass and Zombies Chronicles expansion. In terms of “COD Zombies” maps, some of the best have been found in “Black Ops 3“.

In all, Black Ops 3 features 14 distinct maps, each with its own captivating allure. Iconic levels from the past are reimagined with the stunning visual aesthetic of Black Ops 3, while fresh, innovative maps arrive courtesy of the Season Pass. Now, it’s time to rate every Zombies map in Black Ops 3 to find out which one reigns supreme.

14 Nacht Der Untoten

The Original Zombies Map With Condensed Rooms and No Pack-a-Punch

You drove them deep into the heart of the Reich. You thought they were dead. You were wrong.
Available in Zombies Chronicles (DLC)

As a die-hard fan, it’s heartwarming to witness the resurgence of Nacht Der Untoten in Black Ops 3. This map, where the undead hunger originated, holds a special place in my gaming history. The return of Nacht is like a poetic reunion, a nod to its humble beginnings as an end credits sequence in Call of Duty: World at War.

In the game Nacht Der Untoten, the objective was for players to test their survival skills by seeing how long they could last. However, with the addition of crutches and GobbleGums, it becomes slightly simpler. Since there are only three rooms to explore, there isn’t much variety in terms of larger maps beyond this initial starting point.

13 Verruckt

An Extremely Creepy Undead Asylum Not For the Claustrophobic

Electroshock therapy. Chemically engineered beverages. Hordes of undead Nazis. Find the power to unite and send them back to their graves!
Available in Zombies Chronicles (DLC)

As a gamer, I can tell you that nothing quite compares to the bone-chilling terror of Verruckt. This game drops you right into an abandoned asylum swarming with zombies – talk about a nerve-wracking start! What makes it even more intense is that in cooperative play, players are initially split up, so communication and teamwork become crucial. The narrow corridors only add to the tension, as you dodge hordes of relentless undead. If you manage to keep your wits about you and work together, there’s a chance to power up the system for some enticing rewards that might just extend your survival a bit longer.

Verruckt stands out for its eerie ambiance and is commendable for introducing elements such as the power switch and Perk-a-Cola vending machines, but when compared to other Black Ops 3 maps, it may still be considered somewhat simple with limited activities beyond achieving higher rounds.

12 Shi No Numa

A Division 9 Swamp With Slowing Waters and Randomized Perks

Maggot ridden corpses. Bug infested swamp. Hundreds of undead Imperial Army. Choose your tactic and defend for your lives!
Available in Zombies Chronicles (DLC)

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but be thrilled by Shi No Numa, a game that not only builds upon Verruckt’s groundbreaking innovations but also dramatically increases its map size. This expansive landscape offers numerous spots where players can strategize and hone their skills without feeling cramped. The chilling atmosphere of Shi No Numa is truly unsettling, as you find yourself lost in a swamp with no clear path to safety. And let me tell you, the sight of the 115 meteor that triggered it all is a haunting spectacle that sticks with you long after the game ends.

As a gamer, I’ve found myself immersed within the map of Shi No Numa, where there’s an interactive Mystery Box, the chilling spectacle of Peter McCaine’s hanging corpse (a lethal surprise from Call of Duty: World at War), and let’s not forget the terrifying Hellhound Rounds. The swampy terrain offers a smoother gameplay experience with faster movement, yet it doesn’t quite capture the original atmosphere.

11 Shangri-La

Tight and Deadly Spaces with Special Zombie Variants and Thieving Monkeys

A legendary shrine lost in an exotic jungle, where the undead lurk within a treacherous labyrinth of underground caverns, deadly traps and dark secrets.
Available in Zombies Chronicles (DLC)

In both Mars and Earth, this fictional jungle oasis disguises a hidden danger – the relentless throngs of zombies will turn your tropical getaway into a nightmare instead. Shangri-La’s beautiful layout is appealing, and the traps strategically placed within the map enhance its believability, but at the same time, they reduce its level of challenge.

Incorporating banshee zombies and napalm zombies into Shangri-La can make the experience somewhat challenging, particularly during cooperative play where players must consistently activate Pack-a-Punch by stepping on specific plates. The remake of Shangri-La has made certain easter egg tasks more difficult, but its lush and expansive landscapes are enjoyable to traverse, albeit a bit cramped for training purposes. However, the pursuit of the baby gun always makes it worthwhile.

10 The Giant

A Primis Remake of a Beloved Original Which is Perhaps Faithful to a Fault

Re-awaken The Giant. Return to the secret facility where it all began, and strike at the heart of the zombie scourge.
Available for Season Pass holders

The trailer for The Giant’s reveal was truly extraordinary, stirring excitement not just within the Zombies community but also among fans of the original Ultimis timeline. Setting aside the narrative, the map seemed invigorating, set in the stunning engine of Black Ops 3. However, some players found it a bit deficient due to its rather dark color scheme and how, when compared to the maps in Black Ops 3, they felt they deserved something more expansive.

The Giant was a revamped version of Der Riese, and while it’s undeniably an iconic map, there weren’t many new elements to make it as engaging for multiple plays as some others. This might be due to its relatively smaller size in Call of Duty: World at War, though it could potentially fit better in Black Ops 3.

9 Ascension

Extremely Accessible for Easy Zombie Training

The risen dead have overtaken a Soviet cosmodrome and all Hell has broken loose. The countdown to the zombie apocalypse has begun.
Available in Zombies Chronicles (DLC)

In Zombies Chronicles, Ascension stands out as another timeless gem. It recaptures the original ambiance and offers user-friendly practice areas, all enhanced by modernized visuals and the polish it requires. Known for being one of the more accessible maps in the series, Ascension provides numerous ideal spots for newcomers to grasp the dominant gameplay strategies, and it’s where the main storyline of the series unfolds initially.

In the update for Ascension, new benefits are introduced, however, the map loses some points due to the absence of the popular PhD Flopper in remakes. Swapping Dog Rounds with Monkey Rounds can be annoying because players must frequently dash to Perk Machines to prevent monkeys from pilfering them. Apart from that hassle, it’s relatively simple to rack up high scores in this round.

8 Kino der Toten

A Nostalgic Theater of the Undead with Nova Six Crawlers

Battle the undead in this theatrical installment of “Zombies”. New twists and clues could uncover the final plan. It’s show time!
Available in Zombies Chronicles (DLC)

Players first experienced Call of Duty Zombies through Kino Der Toten as it was launched alongside Call of Duty: Black Ops. This iconic map offers numerous paths to discover and boasts the powerful wonder weapon, the Thunder Gun, which greatly simplifies handling large groups of zombies. In terms of design, Kino Der Toten is a timeless example that demonstrates how simplicity can sometimes be the best approach.

In the Nova Six Crawlers of Kino, there can be some irritation due to their low-to-the-ground strides and the sluggishness of their gas emission upon being eliminated. Similar to previous maps, Kino is somewhat diminutive in comparison to the original Black Ops 3 versions, but this doesn’t detract from its grandeur as a map.

7 Zetsubou No Shima

Overwhelming Mechanics and Tormenting Thrashers Complicate a Creepy Map

On a remote Island in the Pacific, a mysterious facility hides the secrets behind Division 9’s sinister experiments…
Available in Map Pack 2 – Eclipse or separate purchase

In this gaming adventure, I found myself back in the grimy, boggy settings reminiscent of Shi No Numa – a return I wasn’t disappointed about. Zetsubou No Shima, as intriguing as its name, doesn’t hold back on the somber vibes. However, it might have overdone it slightly with its seed system, the numerous radioactive waters, the obstacles, and those relentless Thrashers that seem to always complicate things when I’m trying to level up. It’s a challenging map, no doubt!

For beginners, playing Zetsubou may initially seem like a long list of tasks to complete before getting started, but once everything is set up, gameplay becomes smoother. The ambiance and horror elements of Division 9 are impressive, yet it can be somewhat overshadowed due to its placement between the launches of Der Eisendrache and Gorod Krovi.

6 Moon

Frustrating Challenges of Oxygen and Excavators Aid the Sci-Fi Charm

I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the Earth. (JFK, 1961)
Available in Zombies Chronicles (DLC)

Setting off next to Pack-a-Punch at Groom Lake initially appears promising, but as waves upon waves of the undead and infernal hounds keep materializing, it becomes essential to jump through the teleporter and wind up on Griffin Station on the Moon instead. The Moon base is no walk in the park; its complex structure and intricate design are nothing short of genius, while its primary mission for Richtofen’s Grand Design brings about a shift in zombie leadership, grants access to all Perks, and ultimately leads to Earth’s demise.

Beyond the primary storyline, exploring the moon is a blast, thanks to its dynamic, swift-moving low-gravity physics and the thrilling pursuit of the zombie astronaut. The expansive lunar landscapes are both daunting and enjoyable, but keeping an eye out for the Hacker Device to prevent excavators from damaging certain areas can significantly slow down gameplay and disrupt high-scoring playthroughs.

5 Origins

An Expansive No Man’s Land and Powerful Elemental Staffs Show Great Innovation

Witness the origins of Group 935, as an ancient evil is unleashed upon the battlefields of World War 1.
Available in Zombies Chronicles (DLC)

Four fundamental characters make their comeback after traversing a fresh dimension, while Call of Duty Zombies ushers in a novel standard. The game Origins creatively alters the formula by offering thrilling round-based gameplay on an expansive map that outdoes No Man’s Land, introducing colossal robot enemies capable of instant kills and temporarily sealing off areas, and showcasing mystical Elemental Staffs.

In Black Ops 3, the Elemental Staffs make a triumphant comeback, shimmering as brilliantly as ever. However, the Panzersoldats in this installment seem almost invincible. Beyond the challenges posed by special zombies, Origins stands out among Black Ops 3 maps, offering ample activities, engaging main quest stages, and weaponry that players must earn, but using which feels incredibly satisfying.

4 Gorod Krovi

A Stalingrad That’s Warped by Dragon Fire and Elite Zombies

As their journey nears its end, our heroes must battle ancient beasts in the war torn ruins of Stalingrad…
Available in Map Pack 3 – Descent or separate purchase

City of the Blood takes a significant stride in the realm of possibilities for a Zombies map, introducing dragons that are alive and breathing, capable of setting parts of the map ablaze with their fiery breath. Visually, Gorod Krovi truly brings Stalingrad to life, infusing it with a unique twist only achievable through the lens of Zombies.

In Gorod Krovi, there are certain challenges such as intricate layouts and a multitude of unique enemy types that can be frustrating instead of thrilling. However, it boasts some truly spectacular zones, concepts, weaponry, and features an exceptional boss battle led by Nikolai.

3 Revelations

A True Endgame for Call of Duty Zombies Thrust Into One Celebratory Map

The time has come to join Doctor Monty in The House, where an ancient evil threatens the survival of our heroes’ immortal souls…
Available in Map Pack 4 – Salvation or separate purchase

The final chapter of Black Ops 3 Zombies is called Revelations, marking the conclusion of a cherished storyline that is set to recur. In this thrilling finale, the Primis team ventures into space, fighting off ancient alien threats and hordes of zombies across various iconic locations that beautifully encapsulate the entire essence and history of Zombies. The sci-fi elements are amplified to unprecedented heights here!

As a gamer, diving into the labyrinthine cells of Alcatraz in Mob of the Dead or commanding my undead minions through the grandeur of Kino Der Toten, it’s tough not to appreciate Revelations. Yet, its wealth of unlockables leaves me slightly swamped – hats with unique perks, an intricate easter egg puzzle, and a map that feels like a greatest hits compilation all sewn together.

2 Shadows of Evil

The Jazzy Morg City is Overrun with Apothicons, Zombies, and Firepower

Take to the streets of Morg City to combat the undead. Embrace the curse to uncover its mysteries.
Available in Base Game

In Black Ops 3, Shadows of Evil served as the launch map, and it lived up to expectations. The ensemble, which included Jeff Goldblum, Ron Perlman, Heather Graham, and Neal McDonough as playable characters, was already promising due to their acting talent. However, Shadows of Evil wasn’t just about these four; the map itself was impressively designed, offering a spacious yet intricately connected environment that felt like an authentic city straight out of the ’40s with its jazzy pulp aesthetic.

As a gamer, I can’t get enough of the throbbing beats from those Perk Machines and the adrenaline rush that comes with every zone shift. But let me tell you, nothing compares to the heart-stopping terror that hits when a Margwa decides to show up. Shadows of Evil is all about high-speed action, and there’s always something new to discover if you’re up for the challenge!

1 Der Eisendrache

Group 935’s Castles Excels in Training Areas, Elemental Bows, and Secrets

Bound together by a fragile alliance, our heroes pursue the scattered remnants of Group 935 to their mountain top fortress in the Austrian Alps…
Available in Map Pack 1 – Awakening, or separate purchase

Upon its debut, Der Eisendrache quickly became iconic due to its seamless functionality across all aspects – from its visual appeal and layout design, to the easter egg and wonder weapons. It stood out as a map worth revisiting, owing to its unique blend of Mob of the Dead mechanics, specifically feeding the dragon heads, and the bow-upgrading system reminiscent of Origins. Its enduring popularity stems from these distinctive elements.

In simpler terms, “Der Eisendrache” is a tribute to what makes “Call of Duty Zombies” exciting while taking things up a notch with more innovation. For players seeking a relaxing yet thrilling zombie-killing experience, Der Eisendrache delivers just that, but it also offers additional tasks for those aiming to gather the best weapons available.

2024-11-06 13:54