Introduction
Black Ops Three’s Zombies mode has cemented itself as a cornerstone of the first-person shooter experience. Years after its release, players continue to flock to its dark and twisted worlds, drawn in by challenging gameplay, intricate storylines, and the sheer satisfaction of obliterating hordes of the undead. However, the key to truly enjoying this mode lies in selecting the right map for your skill level and preferences. From the shadowy streets of Morg City to the war-torn landscapes of Stalingrad, each map offers a unique set of challenges and opportunities. This article will serve as your ultimate guide, providing comprehensive overviews, tactical analysis, and, ultimately, a definitive ranking of all the Zombie Maps for Black Ops Three. Prepare to descend into the depths of the Undead!
Base Game Maps: A Deep Dive
Let’s kick things off with the maps that shipped with the base game, each a distinct and unforgettable experience.
Shadows of Evil
Imagine being thrust into a 1940s film noir setting, complete with smoky jazz clubs, grotesque creatures, and a narrative steeped in Lovecraftian horror. That’s the essence of Shadows of Evil. This map introduces players to a quartet of troubled individuals, each with their own dark secrets, who are inexplicably drawn together by a mysterious figure known as the Shadow Man.
The map’s key features are truly game-changing. The Apothicon Servant, a devastating Wonder Weapon, is crucial for high-round attempts. The Beast Mode mechanic allows players to transform into a tentacled creature, granting temporary invincibility and the ability to access otherwise inaccessible areas. This transformation is vital for completing the map’s Easter Egg and unlocking its full potential.
Shadows of Evil has a steep learning curve. Mastering Beast Mode, understanding the map’s layout, and coordinating with your team are essential for survival. This makes it an advanced map in terms of difficulty.
On the pros side, Shadows of Evil offers unparalleled replayability. The complex Easter Egg, the unique mechanics, and the sheer scale of the map provide hours of engaging gameplay. However, on the cons side, the steep learning curve can be frustrating for new players, and the reliance on teamwork can be challenging if you’re playing solo.
For tips and tricks, prioritize learning the map layout early on. Understand the locations of the rituals, the Pack-a-Punch machine, and the various crafting components. Experiment with different perk setups to find what works best for your playstyle. The Apothicon Servant is your best friend, so learn how to acquire and upgrade it quickly.
Der Eisendrache
Set in a majestic Austrian castle overrun by zombies, Der Eisendrache is a fan favorite for a reason. This map brings back the classic characters from World at War and Black Ops, tasking them with stopping a rocket launch that threatens to unleash even greater horrors upon the world.
The map’s defining feature is undoubtedly the elemental bows. These four Wonder Weapons are obtained through a series of quests, each offering unique abilities and devastating power. From the lightning-charged Wrath of the Ancients to the fiery Phoenix, these bows are essential for surviving high rounds and completing the Easter Egg.
Der Eisendrache presents a balanced level of difficulty. While challenging, it’s more accessible than Shadows of Evil, making it suitable for intermediate players.
Among its pros, the elemental bows provide a rewarding sense of progression, and the engaging Easter Egg keeps players coming back for more. The map’s layout is also well-designed, offering a variety of strategic options. The primary con is that the bow quest can be time-consuming, especially when playing with less experienced players.
For tips and tricks, familiarize yourself with the bow quests early on. Practice the timing and locations of the steps to streamline the process. Don’t neglect the other weapons in the map; they can be surprisingly effective, especially when Pack-a-Punched.
Zetsubou No Shima
Venturing into the Pacific Theater, Zetsubou No Shima plunges players into a lush, yet treacherous, island overrun by mutated spiders and horrifying experiments. This map follows our core characters after the events of Der Eisendrache, finding them in a new, hostile environment.
The key features of Zetsubou No Shima revolve around its challenging environment and unique enemies. The spiders are a constant threat, requiring quick reflexes and strategic positioning. The KT-4, a customizable Wonder Weapon, provides versatility in combat. The need to water plants to progress and obtain necessary items adds a strategic layer not present in other maps.
Zetsubou No Shima is undeniably challenging. The constant spider attacks, the reliance on complex crafting systems, and the intricate Easter Egg make it an advanced map.
The map’s strengths lie in its unique environment and the sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming its challenges. However, the tedious nature of some tasks, particularly the watering of plants, and the polarizing nature of the spider enemies can be frustrating for some players.
Some tips and tricks involve mastering the art of spider management. Learn their attack patterns and prioritize weapons that are effective against them. Don’t neglect the plants; they provide essential resources and can be life-savers in a pinch. Coordinate with your team to divide responsibilities and maximize efficiency.
Gorod Krovi
Trading tropical jungles for a war-torn Stalingrad, Gorod Krovi throws players into a chaotic cityscape under siege by dragons and mechanized zombies. This map sees the characters dealing with the aftermath of Nikolai’s past, creating a thrilling experience.
The key features of Gorod Krovi include the dragons, which can be ridden and used for transportation, and the Gauntlet of Siegfried, a powerful Wonder Weapon. The map’s verticality and the constant threat of dragon fire add a unique dimension to the gameplay.
Gorod Krovi is undoubtedly difficult. The fast-paced action, the challenging boss fights, and the intricate Easter Egg make it an advanced map.
The map’s strengths lie in its visually stunning environment, its epic boss fights, and its rewarding Easter Egg. The main drawback is that it can be overwhelming at times, and some steps in the Easter Egg are notoriously difficult.
Tips and tricks include learning the dragon routes and using them to your advantage. Prioritize upgrading the Gauntlet of Siegfried, as it is essential for survival. Don’t be afraid to use the map’s verticality to your advantage; it can provide valuable vantage points and escape routes.
Downloadable Content Maps: Expanding the Undead Universe
These maps are added as content in the form of a downloadable purchase. Let’s dive into what they have to offer.
Revelations
Bringing together elements from previous maps, Revelations throws players into a surreal and chaotic dimension, where they must confront the origins of the Zombies storyline. This map serves as the culmination of the Black Ops Three Zombies narrative.
The map’s key feature is its fragmented layout, which combines areas from previous maps, creating a nostalgic and disorienting experience. The Apothicon Servant returns, along with other powerful weapons and equipment.
Revelations is generally considered to be of intermediate difficulty. While the map itself is relatively simple, the Easter Egg can be challenging, requiring a deep understanding of the Zombies lore.
Pros of Revelations include the ability to revisit familiar locations and the satisfying conclusion to the storyline. One con is that it can feel somewhat disjointed, lacking the cohesive identity of the other maps.
Some tips and tricks include prioritizing the Apothicon Servant and learning the map’s layout thoroughly. Coordinate with your team to complete the Easter Egg steps efficiently.
Zombies Chronicles: A Blast from the Past
Let’s travel back in time to these memorable maps, which were remastered for the Black Ops Three engine.
Nacht Der Untoten
The map that started it all. This map is one of the Zombie Maps for Black Ops Three available in the Zombies Chronicles DLC. Nacht Der Untoten drops players into a desolate bunker with nothing but a pistol and the will to survive. It’s a raw, unforgiving experience that tests your skills to the limit.
Verrückt
Set in an abandoned asylum, Verrückt ratchets up the tension with its claustrophobic corridors and relentless waves of zombies. Teamwork is essential for survival in this map, as players must coordinate their movements and strategies.
Shi No Numa
Venture into a fog-shrouded swamp in Shi No Numa. This map introduces new enemies and traps, challenging players to adapt their strategies and survive in the face of overwhelming odds.
Kino Der Toten
This classic map takes place in a dilapidated theatre. Kino Der Toten is known for its simple layout, making it a great starting point for new players.
Ascension
Blast off to a Soviet Cosmodrome in Ascension. This map features new Wonder Weapons and a challenging Easter Egg.
Shangri-La
Set in a hidden temple, Shangri-La tests players’ navigation skills. The map’s complex layout and challenging traps make it a truly unique experience.
Moon
Travel to the lunar surface in Moon. This map introduces new mechanics, such as low gravity and oxygen depletion.
Ranking the Maps: My Personal Opinion
Now, for the moment you’ve been waiting for: my personal ranking of the Black Ops Three Zombie Maps. This is, of course, subjective, but based on countless hours of gameplay, I’ve arrived at the following conclusions.
At the top of my list is Der Eisendrache. Its balanced gameplay, engaging Easter Egg, and satisfying progression system make it a truly exceptional map. The elemental bows are a joy to use, and the map’s layout provides a variety of strategic options.
Next up is Gorod Krovi. While challenging, its visually stunning environment, epic boss fights, and rewarding Easter Egg make it a truly unforgettable experience. The dragons are a unique and exciting addition to the gameplay.
Coming in third is Shadows of Evil. Its complex mechanics, Lovecraftian atmosphere, and intricate Easter Egg make it a deeply engaging map. However, the steep learning curve can be a barrier for some players.
My most challenging map is Zetsubou No Shima. The constant spider attacks, the reliance on complex crafting systems, and the intricate Easter Egg make it a map that requires patience and skill.
As far as “Best for Beginners” goes, Kino Der Toten has to be the one. The simple layout and strategies are very basic, which allows newer players to start off right.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Undead Mayhem
Black Ops Three Zombies remains a captivating experience, thanks to its diverse and engaging maps. From the dark streets of Shadows of Evil to the war-torn landscapes of Gorod Krovi, each map offers a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned zombie slayer or a newcomer to the undead world, Black Ops Three has something to offer everyone. So, grab your weapons, gather your friends, and prepare to face the hordes. What are your favorite Black Ops Three Zombie Maps? Let us know in the comments!
