The Call of Duty franchise has captivated gamers worldwide with its intense action, immersive storytelling, and diverse gameplay modes.
Among its most popular features is the Zombies mode, a thrilling cooperative experience that challenges players to survive against relentless hordes of the undead. Since its unexpected debut in Call of Duty: World at War, Zombies mode has evolved into a staple of the series, offering increasingly complex maps, engaging storylines, and innovative mechanics that keep fans returning for more.
This comprehensive guide explores the Call of Duty zombie games and delve into the top 11 titles that offer the best Zombies modes.
1. Does Call of Duty Have Zombies?
2. Call of Duty: All Games With the Best Zombies Modes
3. How to Ensure the Best Call of Duty Gaming Experience?
Yes, the Call of Duty franchise features Zombies modes in several of its titles. Introduced unexpectedly in Call of Duty: World at War, Zombies has become a staple game mode offering endless rounds of undead hordes, thrilling challenges, and cooperative gameplay. If you're wondering which Call of Dutys have zombies, this guide covers the best ones to try.
Here are 11 COD games with zombies that have made significant impacts on fans, each offering unique experiences, maps, and gameplay mechanics.
Call of Duty: World at War introduced players to Zombies mode unexpectedly after completing the campaign. This bare-bones but intense mode had players defending against endless waves of Nazi zombies in a dilapidated bunker. With simple mechanics and a haunting atmosphere, it laid the foundation for all future Zombies modes. The game's emphasis on survival and cooperative play made it an instant classic among fans.
Building upon its predecessor, Call of Duty: Black Ops expanded the Zombies experience with new maps like "Kino der Toten" and "Five." Players could even step into the shoes of historical figures like JFK, Nixon, and Fidel Castro. The game introduced more intricate Easter eggs, unique weapons, and the hidden "Dead Ops Arcade" mode—a top-down shooter that added variety to the gameplay. Its blend of horror and campy fun set a new standard for the series.
Black Ops II took Zombies to new heights by using the multiplayer engine, allowing for larger lobbies and introducing modes like "Grief" and "Turned." In "Grief," two teams of four competed to outlast each other against zombie hordes, while "Turned" let players control zombies themselves. The game also featured a complex storyline and more elaborate maps, appealing to both casual players and hardcore fans seeking deeper lore.
Often hailed as the pinnacle of Zombies modes, Black Ops III offered refined gameplay, extensive customization, and a wealth of content. The introduction of the "GobbleGum" system allowed players to use special abilities, and the maps were diverse and intricate. "Shadows of Evil," for example, featured a 1940s noir setting with characters voiced by Jeff Goldblum and Ron Perlman. The "Zombies Chronicles" DLC remastered classic maps, making this title a comprehensive package for Zombies enthusiasts.
Black Ops 4 shifted focus entirely to multiplayer modes, including an ambitious Zombies offering. With two separate storylines—"Aether" and "Chaos"—the game delivered a variety of narratives and settings. Custom mutations allowed players to tweak gameplay settings, adding replayability. Despite some criticism over map designs and complexity, the game featured notable maps like "Dead of the Night," starring Kiefer Sutherland and Helena Bonham Carter.
Black Ops Cold War revitalized Zombies by integrating it with the game's overall progression system. Players could use any operator and their progression carried over between modes. New features like "Exfil" added strategic depth, allowing teams to escape and earn rewards. The game also introduced the "Onslaught" mode, exclusive to PlayStation at launch, where two players fought off zombies on multiplayer maps.
Returning to its roots, Call of Duty: WWII presented a darker, more horror-focused Zombies mode. With grotesque enemy designs and a chilling atmosphere, the game aimed to bring back the terror of the original Zombies experience. The cast included notable actors like David Tennant and Ving Rhames. While the storyline and settings were intriguing, some players felt the gameplay lacked the challenge and complexity of earlier titles.
Breaking away from the traditional tone, Infinite Warfare offered a campy and colorful Zombies mode set in an '80s theme park. With celebrity appearances by David Hasselhoff and later maps featuring Kevin Smith and Pam Grier, the game embraced a fun, over-the-top style. Each map explored different genres, from kung-fu action to horror, providing a fresh and entertaining take on Zombies.
Advanced Warfare introduced "Exo Zombies," incorporating the game's futuristic exo-suit mechanics. Players and zombies alike could boost jump and dodge, adding a new layer of strategy. The mode featured a star-studded cast, including John Malkovich and Bruce Campbell. While the gameplay was engaging, some fans missed the traditional Zombies feel, noting that it didn't fully capture the essence of earlier modes.
Vanguard attempted to innovate by introducing roguelike elements to Zombies. Initially lacking the classic round-based gameplay, it received updates adding remade maps like "Shi No Numa." Despite these additions, the mode was criticized for its lack of content and deviation from core mechanics. The storyline and progression were seen as underwhelming, making it less appealing compared to previous entries.
The latest installment, Modern Warfare 3 (2023), introduced an open-world Zombies mode, diverging from the traditional formula. Similar to the "DMZ" mode, players navigated large maps with various objectives. Weapons earned in Zombies could be used in multiplayer, integrating the modes. While innovative, some players felt the open-world approach diluted the intense, close-quarters combat that defined Zombies, leading to mixed reactions.
If you're encountering issues with any game getting stuck on the loading screen, using a game booster like LagoFast can help optimize your network and enhance overall game performance. Here’s how to use LagoFast to solve the problem:
1. Download LagoFast: Start by clicking the Free Trial button on the LagoFast website to download the software.
2. Search for Your Game: Before launching the game, open LagoFast and search for the specific game you’re playing within the application.
3. Select a Stable Server: Click on “Select Server” and choose the most stable server available. Then, click on the “Node” to select the best node for your connection.
4. Activate Smart Boost: Click the “Smart Boost” button to view your game’s specific ping, packet loss, and network type, ensuring optimal settings for smoother gameplay.
Using LagoFast can significantly reduce lag and connection issues, helping you enjoy your game without frustrating delays. If you're facing loading screen problems, give LagoFast a try for a smoother gaming experience.
The Call of Duty series has consistently provided engaging and diverse Zombies modes across multiple titles. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the franchise, there's a wealth of undead action to explore. From the game that started it all, World at War, to the innovative approaches in Modern Warfare 3 (2023), each game offers unique challenges and thrills. Now that you know what Call of Duty games have zombies, dive in and survive the hordes!