Element 115 experiments create the undead threats
History and Introduction
Call of Duty Zombies first appeared as a bonus game mode in Call of Duty: World at War in 2008, and has since become a staple of the franchise, appearing in many subsequent games. The mode pits players against endless waves of zombies, with the difficulty increasing with each wave. The zombies in Call of Duty are predominantly the result of Nazi experiments with Element 115, a fictional element that reanimates dead cells. The story and lore have expanded significantly over the years, creating a complex narrative that spans multiple games, dimensions, and timelines. What started as a simple survival mode has evolved into an intricate story with recurring characters, complex Easter eggs, and a dedicated fan base. The mode's popularity led to it becoming a major selling point for the Black Ops sub-series in particular, with dedicated zombie campaigns featuring celebrity voice actors and motion capture performances.
Call of Duty zombies are characterized by their glowing yellow or blue eyes, shambling movement patterns, and increasing speed as rounds progress. The early rounds feature slow, walking zombies that are relatively easy to avoid, but as players advance, zombies begin to sprint, making them much more dangerous. They typically spawn from designated locations around the map, often emerging from the ground or climbing through windows. Special zombie types have been introduced throughout the series, including Hellhounds (flaming zombie dogs), Nova Crawlers (crawling gas-emitting zombies), the Panzersoldat (a heavily armored zombie), and boss zombies like George A. Romero in the "Call of the Dead" map. The mode also includes wonder weapons - powerful fictional weapons that can eliminate large groups of zombies at once. The storyline often centers around Group 935, the Nazi research group responsible for creating the zombies, and follows characters like Richtofen, Dempsey, Nikolai, and Takeo as they navigate different dimensions trying to put an end to the zombie threat.
Gameplay and Characteristics
The gameplay of Call of Duty Zombies revolves around surviving waves of increasingly difficult zombie hordes while earning points to purchase weapons, perks, and access to new areas of the map. Players begin each game with a basic pistol and must quickly accumulate points by damaging and killing zombies, rebuilding barriers, and completing objectives. These points can then be spent on wall weapons, mystery box weapons (random weapons from a pool), perks that enhance player abilities, and opening doors to new areas. The iconic "Perk-a-Cola" machines provide abilities like faster revival (Quick Revive), more health (Juggernog), faster reload (Speed Cola), and increased movement speed (Stamin-Up). As rounds progress, zombies become faster, more numerous, and have more health, forcing players to adapt their strategies. The mode typically has no defined end - players continue until they are overwhelmed and die, with high-round survival being a major goal for many players. Maps often contain "Pack-a-Punch" machines that allow players to upgrade their weapons for increased damage, larger magazines, and special abilities.
Easter Eggs and Unique Features
What sets Call of Duty Zombies apart from other zombie games is its focus on Easter eggs - hidden puzzles and objectives that reveal more of the story and often lead to special rewards or endings. These can range from simple hidden songs or messages to complex multi-step puzzles requiring precise coordination among all players. The "Der Riese" map introduced teleporters, while "Kino der Toten" featured a film projector that revealed story elements. Later maps became increasingly complex, with elaborate Easter eggs like the "Moon" map's scheme to swap Richtofen's soul with Samantha's and control the zombies. The mode has evolved to include buildable items, craftable special weapons, and even a full battle royale mode in Black Ops 4's "Blackout." The zombies themselves have specific behaviors - they'll always follow the shortest path to players, can tear down barriers if not killed, and occasionally drop power-ups like Max Ammo, Insta-Kill, or Double Points. Some maps feature unique zombie types specific to their setting, such as the Nova 6 crawlers in "Kino der Toten" or the electrified zombies in "Die Rise."
Evolution of the Mode
Since its inception as a bonus mode in World at War, Call of Duty Zombies has grown into a massive part of the franchise with its own dedicated fanbase. What began as a simple wave-based survival mode has evolved into a complex narrative experience with intricate puzzles, character development, and mythology. The mode has seen numerous innovations over the years, from the introduction of wonder weapons and perk machines to increasingly complex map designs and gameplay mechanics. The storyline has expanded across multiple timelines and dimensions, creating a rich lore that players have spent years unraveling. With each new installment, the developers continue to push the boundaries of what's possible within the mode, ensuring that Call of Duty Zombies remains a beloved and integral part of the franchise.