Throughout the years since Zombies was first introduced in World at War, there have been a lot of different maps. It’s how Call of Duty keeps things interesting in a game mode that generally just revolves around rounds of zombie hordes trying to kill you. That can and does grow repetitive sometimes, so having new settings with new things to do within those different locales is the biggest reason the mode is still going strong entering Black Ops 7 this year. But not every map is created equal. A few are complete and utter duds, while others, like the following 10, stand out as rich, fun gaming experiences.
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10. Call of the Dead
Call of the Dead was a huge game-changer for zombies. Not only did it technically have its own devoted assets for the first time in franchise history, but it also had the first Easter egg of sorts. Also, having George A. Romero chase players around was a stroke of genius. It’s an experience you can only really get in this map, and it ensures that no playthrough of it is ever quite the same.
9. Tranzit
Tranzit gets a ton of hate from the gaming world, but it isn’t deserved hate. It does struggle with some aspects, but most of the complaints center on what is actually a feature and not a bug. The thick fog, for example, makes it really hard, but that’s what provides a challenge. It’s so satisfying to make it to the right secret location (which also makes this map amazing) after stumbling through the fog and fighting off Denizens. It’s also incredibly iconic, which helps when revisiting it all these years later.
8. Revelations
Revelations probably should’ve served as the end of the storyline in Black Ops Zombies. It might be cheating a little to drag in the best elements of some of the best maps in the series (like Origins, Mob of the Dead, and Nacht der Untoten), but there’s only one way to travel throughout the history of the franchise like that. The Easter egg is satisfying and brings about a really fun “conclusion.” Additionally, the Apothicon Servant is one of the best Wonder Weapons to ever be introduced, and it’s very useful here.
7. Shadows of Evil
As mentioned, the Apothican Servant absolutely rocks, but it didn’t get its start in Revelations. It was in Shadows of Evil, a really grand map. The setting is great in fictional Morg City, providing a unique style that other maps don’t have. The Easter egg is wildly convoluted, but it’s a lot of fun to complete. The weapons and characters are great, and it features a now very iconic cutscene to top it all off.
6. Kino der Toten
Kino der Toten is the classic Zombies map. It’s the quintessential nostalgic experience. What holds Kino back is the fact that it’s very simple and there’s nothing extra to do on the map besides survive hordes endlessly, but that alone is pretty fun, and this is the best setting for it. The theater is beyond iconic at this point, and so many of the best mechanics this game mode has ever had are on full display here.
5. Citadelle Des Morts
Black Ops 6 may have messed up on a few key aspects of zombies, but the map design was generally pretty strong, and Citadelle Des Morts is the absolute standout. The atmosphere is perfect, and the circular nature of the fairly large map makes survival easier and a lot more enjoyable. The story is solid, and the new take on elemental Wonder Weapons, this time having swords that are astoundingly fun to use, is brilliant. The only thing that really holds it back is some of the gameplay features that are the fault of the game, not this particular map.
4. Origins
Origins deserves a ton of credit for introducing the elemental Wonder Weapons, which are so good that the map had to return one game later through Zombies Chronicles, and the Ice Staff returned nine years later in Black Ops 6. The map is huge, and the Easter egg is revolutionary by letting Sam effectively guide players. It really changed Easter eggs forever, but it remains a highly engaging map all these years later. Playing this with friends is one of the best Call of Duty experiences you can possibly have.
3. Der Eisandrache
Der Eisandrache didn’t invent the elemental Wonder Weapons like Origins did, but it used them to great effect. The Black Ops III map utilizes a scenic snowscape and castle to really set a strong atmosphere. The mechanics are fun, as are the weapons. But it’s the narrative that really drives home how much fun this map is. It’s emotional, thrilling, and brings in so much of the (by this point) ever-growing and complex lore. Der Eisendrache takes on a lot, but it nails every single thing.
2. Mob of the Dead
Mob of the Dead is patently brilliant. It features a strong narrative that doesn’t really require any knowledge of Zombies lore. It fits into the overarching story, but it’s much more standalone. The map is pretty big, with every location feeling great to explore. The mystery behind the narrative is enthralling, and it leads players down exciting paths. You can do so many incredible things here, like building the acidgat, constructing the plane, battling the warden, and feeding the hounds.
1. Buried
Buried is the masterpiece of the Call of Duty franchise, and it is hard to envision there ever being a better Zombies map. It is the perfect sandbox, providing a slightly different style of play than most other maps. The Easter egg is fun, but the main mission of Buried, which is to get to and through the witch’s house, is unrivaled. Because it has so much to do outside the Easter egg, it’s fantastic for playing solo, but it’s incredibly fun trying to work through the house with friends. It is a perfect, timeless, extraordinary map.
What do you think? Which maps don’t belong? Which maps did we miss? Let us know in the comments down below!
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image courtesy of Universal Pictures, Columbia Pictures, and Millimeter
