The world of Call of Duty is known for its intense first-person shooter gameplay, epic campaigns, and gripping multiplayer modes. But among these, one particular mode has gained a cult following over the years—Zombies. Since its surprise inclusion in Call of Duty: World at War in 2008, the Zombies mode has transformed from a simple survival experience to sprawling narratives with secrets, Easter eggs, and new mechanics. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just curious about the undead side of COD, this ultimate guide walks you through the best Call of Duty Zombie games, featuring iconic maps, innovative gameplay, and the reasons they stand out.
What Makes Call of Duty Zombies So Popular?
Several elements have contributed to the growing popularity of Zombies in Call of Duty:
- Co-op gameplay: Most zombie modes allow up to 4-player co-op, fostering strategic teamwork.
- Progressive challenges: The round-based structure adds increasing difficulty with every wave of zombies.
- Complex Easter eggs: Intricate puzzles and hidden lore make each map a journey of discovery.
- Creative map design: From abandoned theaters to snowy outposts, each map tells a unique story.
But with so many entries, which games represent the ultimate zombie-slaying experience? Let’s break them down.
1. Call of Duty: World at War (2008)
The beginning of the zombie saga. After finishing the campaign of World at War, players found themselves in “Nacht der Untoten,” a small, eerie bunker overrun by Nazi zombies. Despite its simplicity, this mode ignited a passion among players that would only grow in future games.
- Notable Map: Nacht der Untoten
- Key Feature: Introduced the core survival mechanics without perks or complex upgrades
World at War also paved the way for the development of future zombie storylines, thanks to the inclusion of characters like Richtofen and Dempsey in later DLC maps such as “Der Riese.”
2. Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010)
This entry took the Zombies mode to the next level. Call of Duty: Black Ops introduced a rich narrative through its characters: Tank Dempsey, Nikolai Belinski, Takeo Masaki, and Edward Richtofen. The maps were more dynamic, with new gameplay elements like teleportation and Pack-a-Punch upgrades.
Must-Play Maps:
- Kino der Toten: A fan favorite, set in an abandoned theater teeming with nostalgia and zombie hordes
- Ascension: Added lunar landers and the first major Easter egg quests
- Moon: Took players to outer space, incorporating low gravity and a haunting space setting
This installment solidified that zombies were not just a side mode—they were integral to the Call of Duty experience.
3. Call of Duty: Black Ops II (2012)
Black Ops II experimented with new mechanics and even a separate narrative thread across different maps. It introduced the “Transit” map, which received mixed reviews but brought innovation by dividing locations connected by a moving bus.
Highlights:
- Transit: An ambitious map providing an open-world feel and fast travel system
- Mob of the Dead: Set in Alcatraz, featuring new characters and eerie settings
- Buried: A twist with a Western-themed underground town and AI companion Leroy
Though polarizing, Black Ops II pushed creative boundaries and diversified zombie experiences.
4. Call of Duty: Black Ops III (2015)
Arguably the most comprehensive Call of Duty Zombies experience to date. Black Ops III offered excellent visuals, tight mechanics, and a wealth of content. The zombies mode was standalone, complete with its own XP and leveling system.
Top Maps to Try:
- Shadows of Evil: A 1940s noir-inspired map that introduced new characters and an eldritch horror theme
- The Giant: Remake of Der Riese with graphical and mechanical updates
- Der Eisendrache: Set in a snowy Austrian castle with elemental bows and a deep Easter egg narrative
- Zetsubou No Shima: A twist featuring mutated plant zombies and environmental puzzles
Black Ops III also culminated the main zombies storyline, wrapping up years’ worth of lore and character arcs. With a Season Pass filled with some of the best-loved maps, it’s often considered peak zombie gaming.
5. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020)
Introducing a soft reboot of the Zombies universe, Cold War refreshed gameplay with modern mechanics. The maps offered more flexibility, including the popular “Outbreak” mode, which blended open-world exploration with Wave-based combat.
- Die Maschine: A reimagining of Nacht der Untoten with new areas and objectives
- Firebase Z: Took place in a cold war-era Vietnamese outpost with teleporting mechanics
- Outbreak: A massive, non-linear experience across large open maps
Cold War’s zombie mode balanced accessibility with depth, making it welcoming to both newcomers and veterans.
Honorable Mentions
While the Black Ops series dominated the zombies scene, other titles also experimented with the undead:
- Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare – Exo Zombies: Introduced futuristic elements like exo-suits
- Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare – Zombies in Spaceland: A neon-soaked map set in a 1980s theme park
- Call of Duty: WWII – Nazi Zombies: Focused more on horror elements and gritty realism
These versions weren’t directly tied to the main zombie storyline but provided refreshing takes on the concept.
The Evolution of Zombies Gameplay
Over the years, zombie gameplay in Call of Duty has evolved drastically:
- Perk-a-Cola Machines: Provides gameplay enhancements like quicker reloads or health regeneration
- Pack-a-Punch: Allows players to upgrade their weapons for devastating power
- Zombie Shields and Buildables: Items that add defensive strategies and interactive environments
- Easter Eggs: Complex missions embedded in maps, offering lore and even alternate endings
Each generation of zombies brought new gameplay depth, ensuring replayability and community engagement through shared discoveries.
Tips For Surviving the Undead Horde
Whether you’re a solo player or part of a squad, here are key tips to stay alive longer:
- Know Your Map: Study the layout to understand choke points, perk locations, and escape routes
- Watch Your Corners: Zombies often spawn behind or beside you—keep moving!
- Use Point Weapons Early: Weapons like SMGs generate more points per shot, key for early game progression
- Don’t Hoard Points: Spend wisely on upgrades, perks, and door openings
- Communicate: In multiplayer, constant communication increases survival chances
Conclusion: Which Call of Duty Has The Best Zombies?
It’s a tough call, as preferences can be subjective. However, many fans regard Call of Duty: Black Ops III as having the most robust zombies experience due to its rich map selection, engaging story arcs, and refined gameplay. That said, each installment brought its own flair and iteration to the table.
Whether you’re surviving