Introduction
Few cooperative experiences are as fiercely beloved and relentlessly played as the Zombies mode in Call of Duty: Black Ops three. From its deep, lore-rich storylines to its challenging gameplay and intricate Easter Eggs, Black Ops three Zombies etched itself into gaming history. For newcomers overwhelmed by the sheer amount of content, and for seasoned veterans looking for a refresher, this guide explores and dissects each map, providing insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and strategies for survival. We’ll journey through the foggy streets of Shadows of Evil to the war-torn skies of Gorod Krovi, uncovering the secrets and challenges that make Black Ops three Zombies a true masterpiece.
This article serves as a comprehensive exploration of the available maps. Forget convoluted wikis; we’re diving deep into what makes each one tick, offering both strategic advice and personal reflections on their design and impact. We’ll examine elements like map layout, difficulty curve, Easter egg complexity, replayability, and overall atmosphere.
Shadows of Evil: A Noir Nightmare
Shadows of Evil throws players into the 1940s, a gritty world ruled by mobsters, magicians, and an ominous otherworldly presence. This map sets the stage for the core storyline, introducing the characters and the Apothicon narrative.
One of the map’s biggest strengths lies in its atmosphere. The film noir setting, complete with rain-slicked streets and jazz music, creates a genuinely immersive experience. The beast mode mechanic adds a layer of dynamism, allowing players to access hidden areas and overcome obstacles.
However, Shadows of Evil isn’t without its flaws. The complexity of the map and its many steps to unlock Pack-a-Punch can be overwhelming, especially for new players. It is known for its difficulty, particularly on solo runs. Mastering Shadows of Evil requires patience, dedication, and a coordinated team.
For tips, it’s vital to master using the beast mode to open pathways and get to key locations early. Focus on getting the Apothicon Servant wonder weapon, it will be your best friend on high rounds.
The main characters that play a role in this map are: Nero Blackstone, Jessica Rose, Jack Vincent, and Floyd Campbell.
The Giant: A Familiar Face
The Giant serves as a direct continuation of the World at War and Black Ops narrative, bringing players back to the familiar setting of Der Riese. This map offers a more streamlined experience compared to Shadows of Evil, focusing on fast-paced action and accessible mechanics.
The Giant’s strengths lie in its simplicity and replayability. The map’s layout is easy to learn, making it ideal for both solo players and groups. The teleporters provide quick traversal, and the Pack-a-Punch machine is relatively easy to access.
While the map is straightforward, the wonder weapon can be difficult to obtain. However, this classic map is still considered a great choice for leveling up and perfecting core gameplay skills.
This map continues the story of the main four characters: Tank Dempsey, Nikolai Belinski, Takeo Masaki, and Edward Richtofen.
Der Eisendrache: A Castle Under Siege
Der Eisendrache transports players to a medieval castle overrun by zombies. This map strikes a perfect balance between complexity and accessibility, offering a compelling Easter Egg quest and satisfying gameplay.
Der Eisendrache’s strengths are its dynamic gameplay, featuring multiple wonder weapons that players can build, each offering unique abilities. The map layout is well-designed, providing plenty of training spots and strategic vantage points. It has a balanced difficulty curve, offering a challenge without being overly punishing.
One major drawback of this map can be the lengthy questline to obtain the storm bow. However, completing all four bows will make the map a breeze.
This map furthers the main story of the four characters as they attempt to secure a better future.
Zetsubou No Shima: Island of Despair
Zetsubou No Shima plunges players into a Pacific island research facility overrun by mutated spiders and grotesque experiments. This map delivers a unique and unsettling atmosphere.
Zetsubou No Shima’s unique environment is one of its key strengths, as well as its plant growing mechanic, allowing players to grow plants that offer perks and abilities.
A major weakness of the map is its dependence on completing daily tasks, which can become repetitive.
If you are struggling, focus on crafting the KT-4, a powerful wonder weapon that is key to survival, then upgrade it to the Masamune.
This map continues the journey of the main characters.
Gorod Krovi: City of Blood
Gorod Krovi throws players into a war-torn Stalingrad overrun by zombies and mechanical dragons. This map is widely regarded as one of the most challenging and rewarding in Black Ops three Zombies.
One of the map’s greatest strengths is its intense atmosphere and thrilling gameplay. The flying dragons add a layer of dynamism, while the Easter Egg quest provides a compelling narrative. It offers a good balance between difficulty and replayability.
A major drawback for some is its high difficulty, especially if you’re not familiar with the map layout and enemy spawns.
Mastering the map involves learning to use the dragons to your advantage and utilizing the Gersch device for crowd control.
Revelations: The Final Showdown
Revelations brings together elements from all previous Black Ops three Zombies maps, creating a surreal and meta-narrative experience. This map serves as the culmination of the storyline, offering a grand finale for the core characters.
The strength of Revelations lies in its nostalgic appeal and its connections to previous maps. The diverse environments and gameplay mechanics add variety and replayability.
However, this map can be overwhelming due to its scattered layout and the constant teleporting. Some players find the ending disappointing compared to other Black Ops three Zombies maps.
Chronicles: Reliving the Classics
Zombies Chronicles is a DLC pack that revitalizes several classic maps from previous Call of Duty games, bringing them to Black Ops three with updated graphics and mechanics. This pack offers a fantastic opportunity for new players to experience these maps for the first time, and for veterans to relive their favorite moments.
Maps Included in Zombies Chronicles
Nacht Der Untoten: The map that started it all, stripped down and brutal.
Verrückt: The Asylum introduces tight corridors and frenetic action.
Shi No Numa: The swamp offers a unique blend of open spaces and claustrophobic interiors.
Kino Der Toten: The theater is a classic for its simple layout and accessible gameplay.
Ascension: Launching into space, this map features lunar landers and powerful perks.
Shangri-La: The lost paradise delivers a challenging and exotic adventure.
Moon: Fighting in a space station introduces zero gravity and unique mechanics.
Origins: Digging into the past unearths a complex narrative and powerful weapons.
Chronicles was special because it provided a comprehensive collection of iconic maps, allowing players to experience the evolution of Zombies mode. It was a tribute to the history of Zombies and a love letter to its dedicated fanbase.
General Tips and Tricks
Mastering Black Ops three Zombies requires more than just good aim. Here are some general tips and tricks to help you survive:
- Prioritize Perks: Juggernog, Quick Revive, Speed Cola, and Double Tap Root Beer are essential perks for survival. Strategically plan your perk loadout based on the map and your playstyle.
- Weapon Upgrades: Pack-a-Punch your weapons as early as possible. This significantly increases their damage output and effectiveness against higher-round zombies.
- Training Techniques: Learn to train zombies in open areas to maximize your survivability. Circling zombies while firing is a common and effective strategy.
- Communication: Communicate with your teammates, coordinating strategies, sharing resources, and reviving each other.
- Utilize Specialists: Make use of the specialist weapons, which provide powerful offensive capabilities. Time their use strategically to clear hordes of zombies or defeat boss enemies.
- Practice Makes Perfect: The more you play, the better you’ll become. Experiment with different strategies, learn the map layouts, and master the mechanics.
- Master Glitches: Knowing simple glitches to allow you to bypass certain objectives and high round strategies.
Community and Legacy
The Black Ops three Zombies community remains vibrant and active. Players continue to share strategies, create custom content, and host tournaments. The modding scene has further extended the game’s lifespan, with countless custom maps and modifications available for download.
Black Ops three Zombies endures due to its deep storyline, challenging gameplay, and strong community. It represents a high point in the Zombies franchise, setting the standard for future installments.
Compared to other iterations, Black Ops three Zombies stands out for its interconnected maps, complex narratives, and refined gameplay mechanics. It struck a perfect balance between accessibility and depth, appealing to both casual players and hardcore fans.
Conclusion
Black Ops three Zombies offers a captivating and rewarding experience for players of all skill levels. From the noir atmosphere of Shadows of Evil to the epic battles of Gorod Krovi, each map delivers unique challenges and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re a veteran seeking a nostalgic trip or a newcomer eager to dive into the world of Zombies, Black Ops three offers an abundance of content to explore.
So, gather your friends, load up your weapons, and prepare to face the undead hordes. Black Ops three Zombies awaits, ready to test your skills and challenge your courage. What are your favorite maps and strategies? Share your experiences in the comments below!
