Alright, zombies fans! Let's dive headfirst into the decaying world of Call of Duty Zombies. We're ranking these undead adventures, from the classics that started it all to the newer iterations that have kept us up all night, blasting away hordes. Whether you're a seasoned zombie slayer or a newbie looking to get into the action, this list will guide you through the best Call of Duty Zombies experiences out there. We'll break down what makes each game unique, from their maps and weapons to their storylines and special features. So, grab your favorite perk-a-cola, pack your best weapon, and let's get started!

Why We Love Call of Duty Zombies

Before we get into the nitty-gritty rankings, let's talk about why Call of Duty Zombies has become such a phenomenon. What is it about mowing down endless waves of the undead that keeps us coming back for more? Well, there are several key factors that make Call of Duty Zombies a standout game mode.

First off, the cooperative gameplay is a huge draw. Teaming up with your friends to survive against increasingly difficult waves of zombies is an experience unlike any other. There's something incredibly satisfying about coordinating strategies, reviving fallen teammates, and working together to reach high rounds. The camaraderie and teamwork that Call of Duty Zombies fosters is a major part of its appeal. Moreover, each player has their own role and strengths, making it a true team effort.

Then, there's the strategy and depth involved. Call of Duty Zombies isn't just about mindlessly shooting zombies; it's about planning, resource management, and adapting to ever-changing circumstances. You need to know the map layout, understand the mechanics of the weapons and perks, and be able to make quick decisions under pressure. Learning how to "train" zombies, manage your ammo, and utilize the map to your advantage is crucial for survival. This strategic depth adds a layer of complexity that keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging.

And let's not forget about the storylines and lore. Over the years, Call of Duty Zombies has developed a rich and intricate narrative, filled with intriguing characters, mysterious artifacts, and mind-bending plot twists. Unraveling the secrets of the Aether storyline, the Dark Aether storyline, and other zombie universes has become a passion for many fans. The complex and interconnected narratives provide a sense of purpose and reward for dedicated players who invest the time to learn the lore. Discovering new Easter eggs and hidden secrets adds another layer of excitement to the gameplay.

Finally, the constant updates and new content have kept Call of Duty Zombies relevant and exciting. Each new game and map brings fresh challenges, weapons, perks, and storylines to explore. The developers have consistently listened to community feedback and made improvements to the gameplay, ensuring that the experience remains enjoyable and engaging. The anticipation of new content keeps players invested and eager to see what's next.

Ranking the Call of Duty Zombies Games

Okay, guys, let's get down to the list. Keep in mind that this is subjective, and your personal favorites might be different. But based on gameplay, maps, story, and overall fun, here's my ranking of the Call of Duty Zombies games:

1. Call of Duty: Black Ops

Call of Duty: Black Ops is often considered the pinnacle of the Call of Duty Zombies experience, and for good reason. It introduced us to the iconic characters of Tank Dempsey, Nikolai Belinski, Takeo Masaki, and Edward Richtofen, the original zombie slayers whose personalities and interactions are legendary. The maps in Black Ops are some of the most memorable and beloved in the series, offering a diverse range of environments and challenges. The storyline is compelling and full of twists, drawing players into the mysteries of Group 935 and the origins of the undead.

The maps are a major reason why Black Ops ranks so high. Kino der Toten, with its iconic stage and endless corridors, is a classic that everyone remembers fondly. Ascension, set in a Soviet cosmodrome, introduces the unpredictable and hilarious monkeys who steal your perks. Shangri-La, with its booby traps and challenging layout, demands teamwork and careful planning. And of course, there's Moon, which takes you to the lunar surface and adds a whole new level of complexity with its zero-gravity environment and powerful weapons.

But it's not just the maps that make Black Ops so great. The game also features a fantastic selection of weapons, including the Thundergun and the Ray Gun, which are essential for surviving high rounds. The perks are well-balanced and provide meaningful benefits, and the zombie AI is challenging and unpredictable. The overall atmosphere of Black Ops is dark, gritty, and intense, creating a truly immersive zombie-slaying experience.

In terms of storyline, Black Ops lays the foundation for the entire Aether narrative. Players delve into the origins of Element 115, the mysterious substance that causes reanimation, and uncover the secrets of Richtofen's twisted plans. The Easter eggs in Black Ops are intricate and rewarding, encouraging players to explore every corner of the maps and work together to solve complex puzzles. Discovering the hidden secrets of the characters and their motivations adds another layer of depth to the gameplay.

Call of Duty: Black Ops set the standard for what a Call of Duty Zombies game could be, and it remains a fan favorite to this day. Its combination of iconic characters, memorable maps, strategic gameplay, and compelling storyline make it the best Call of Duty Zombies experience ever created.

2. Call of Duty: Black Ops III

Call of Duty: Black Ops III takes the Call of Duty Zombies formula and cranks it up to eleven. With its deep customization options, intricate map designs, and complex storyline, Black Ops III offers a truly immersive and engaging zombie-slaying experience. The introduction of the Gobblegums adds a new layer of strategy to the gameplay, allowing players to customize their abilities and gain an edge against the undead.

The maps in Black Ops III are some of the most ambitious and visually stunning in the series. Shadows of Evil, set in a 1940s film noir city, introduces a new cast of characters and a Lovecraftian storyline. Der Eisendrache, a reimagining of the classic Der Riese map, takes players to a medieval castle overrun by zombies. Zetsubou No Shima, set on a tropical island, features terrifying spider zombies and a plant-based upgrade system. And of course, there's Gorod Krovi, which pits players against robotic dragons and zombie soldiers in a war-torn Russian city.

But it's not just the maps that make Black Ops III so great. The game also features a wide variety of weapons, including the Apothicon Servant and the Mark III Ray Gun, which are essential for surviving high rounds. The perks are well-balanced and provide meaningful benefits, and the zombie AI is challenging and unpredictable. The addition of the Widow's Wine perk adds a new layer of strategy to the gameplay, allowing players to create webs of sticky goo to slow down zombies.

In terms of storyline, Black Ops III delves deeper into the mysteries of the Aether narrative, exploring the origins of the Apothicons and their influence on the zombie universe. Players uncover the secrets of the characters and their connections to the dark forces at play. The Easter eggs in Black Ops III are intricate and rewarding, encouraging players to explore every corner of the maps and work together to solve complex puzzles. Discovering the hidden secrets of the characters and their motivations adds another layer of depth to the gameplay.

Call of Duty: Black Ops III is a must-play for any Call of Duty Zombies fan. Its deep customization options, intricate map designs, and complex storyline make it one of the most engaging and rewarding zombie-slaying experiences ever created.

3. Call of Duty: World at War

This is where it all began, guys! Call of Duty: World at War introduced the world to Call of Duty Zombies with its hidden map, Nacht der Untoten. While it was simple, it was revolutionary. Four players, a boarded-up bunker, and endless waves of zombies – that's all it took to ignite a phenomenon. The success of Nacht der Untoten led to the development of more complex and feature-rich zombie maps in later games.

Although World at War's zombie mode is more barebones compared to later installments, it's still a classic that deserves recognition. The maps are smaller and more claustrophobic, creating a sense of intense pressure and urgency. The weapons are limited but effective, and the perks are simple but essential. The lack of a formal storyline allows players to focus on pure survival, testing their skills and teamwork against the relentless hordes.

The maps in World at War include Nacht der Untoten, the original zombie map that started it all. Verrückt, set in a mental asylum, introduces perks and the need to coordinate opening doors. Shi No Numa, set in a Japanese swamp, adds ziplines and the Flogger trap. And Der Riese, set in a Nazi research facility, introduces the Pack-a-Punch machine and teleporters.

In terms of gameplay, World at War's zombie mode is all about simplicity and challenge. The zombies are relentless and unforgiving, and the limited resources force players to make strategic decisions about weapon upgrades and perk purchases. The lack of a formal storyline allows players to create their own narratives, focusing on surviving as long as possible and reaching high rounds.

Call of Duty: World at War may not have all the bells and whistles of later Call of Duty Zombies games, but it's a foundational entry that deserves respect. Its simple yet addictive gameplay and intense atmosphere make it a classic that still holds up today.

4. Call of Duty: Black Ops II

Call of Duty: Black Ops II brought some cool innovations to the Call of Duty Zombies scene. We're talking about the buildable items, the TranZit map (love it or hate it), and the introduction of grief mode. While it might not be everyone's top pick, it definitely added some unique flavors to the mix. Call of Duty: Black Ops II has a strong collection of maps, each offering a unique and engaging experience.

The maps in Black Ops II include TranZit, a large and interconnected map that features a bus for transportation. Nuketown Zombies, a fan-favorite map set in the iconic Nuketown location. Die Rise, set in a collapsing skyscraper, introduces the concept of vertical gameplay. And Buried, set in an underground western town, features a helpful giant named Leroy.

In terms of gameplay, Black Ops II's zombie mode offers a mix of traditional and innovative features. The buildable items add a new layer of strategy to the gameplay, allowing players to create custom weapons and equipment. The TranZit map encourages exploration and teamwork, while the grief mode provides a competitive alternative to the traditional cooperative gameplay.

Call of Duty: Black Ops II is a solid entry in the Call of Duty Zombies series, offering a mix of classic gameplay and innovative features. Its unique maps, buildable items, and grief mode make it a memorable and enjoyable experience.

5. Call of Duty: Black Ops 4

Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 made some bold moves by ditching the single-player campaign and going all-in on multiplayer and zombies. The lack of a traditional campaign was controversial, but the zombies mode in Black Ops 4 is undeniably ambitious. With multiple storylines, customizable rulesets, and a focus on replayability, Black Ops 4 offers a unique and engaging zombie-slaying experience.

The maps in Black Ops 4 include Voyage of Despair, set on the RMS Titanic. IX, set in a gladiatorial arena. Blood of the Dead, a reimagining of the Mob of the Dead map. And Classified, a reimagining of the Kino der Toten map.

In terms of gameplay, Black Ops 4's zombie mode offers a high degree of customization and replayability. The customizable rulesets allow players to tailor the gameplay to their preferences, while the multiple storylines provide a wealth of content to explore. The introduction of the Elixirs and Talismans adds a new layer of strategy to the gameplay, allowing players to customize their abilities and gain an edge against the undead.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is a bold and ambitious entry in the Call of Duty Zombies series, offering a unique and customizable zombie-slaying experience. Its multiple storylines, customizable rulesets, and focus on replayability make it a worthwhile addition to the franchise.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it, our ranking of the Call of Duty Zombies games. Whether you agree with our list or not, there's no denying the impact that Call of Duty Zombies has had on the gaming world. From its humble beginnings in World at War to its complex and intricate storylines in later installments, Call of Duty Zombies has captured the hearts of millions of players around the world. So, grab your friends, load up your favorite weapons, and get ready to face the undead!