Unveiling the Ultimate Call of Duty Zombies Mode Tier List: Unleash Unbeatable Strategies and Reign Supreme!

Highlights

Black Ops 1 is arguably the peak of Call of Duty Zombies, with larger, original maps that offer Easter eggs and powerful upgrades.

Black Ops 2 brought forth an array of fresh concepts and maps to Zombies mode, notably the highly acclaimed Mob of the Dead and Die Rise.

Black Ops 3 consistently receives acclaim as the ultimate Zombies experience due to its extensive range of maps and groundbreaking features such as Gobblegum and custom loadouts.

Call of Duty Zombies, despite being a side game, has become an integral part of the franchise since its debut in 2008. Originally exclusive to Treyarch-led titles, it has now been incorporated into several other shooter games within the series.

Every iteration of Call of Duty Zombies strives to introduce fresh elements, but the appreciation from dedicated fans can greatly differ. Factors that influence the success of these various Zombies modes include the mechanics, map designs, and overall atmosphere or concept.

S Tier

Black Ops 1: Taking the foundation set by World at War, the first Black Ops title elevates the game mode to new heights, widely regarded as its peak. It introduces the concept of expansive maps filled with hidden Easter eggs that contribute to the story or provide players with powerful upgrades and weapons. Additionally, it includes all the maps from World at War, enhanced with various improvements, making it the ultimate way to explore those locations. While there is ongoing debate among fans about the best map in Black Ops, Ascension stands out for its ability to strike a balance between satisfying the preferences of every Zombies player and offering a completely unique experience.

Black Ops 2: Black Ops 2 takes an "anything goes" approach to its Zombies mode, and surprisingly, it succeeds. The game introduces numerous new ideas, including the PvP Turned mode, the innovative multimap Tranzit, the towering robots of Origins, and many other elements, initially overwhelming players. However, with the passage of time, it has become evident that Black Ops 2 Zombies has aged well, delivering some of the mode's finest maps and fresh concepts. It is unfortunate that this is the only game in the original Black Ops trilogy that does not include any older maps as DLC. Similar to Black Ops 1, fans passionately debate the best map from this game, with Mob of the Dead and Die Rise often ranking among the top choices.

A Tier

Black Ops 3: Despite being ranked below the S Tier, it is important to acknowledge that many fans regard it as the ultimate Zombies experience in the franchise. For this reason, numerous players purchase this game exclusively to indulge in this mode. The game successfully enhances the overall experience by incorporating various elements from World at War to Black Ops 2, while also introducing captivating innovations such as the Gobblegum, new perks, and custom loadouts.

However, the game does have a small drawback when it comes to its own maps. Some players find the size, scale, and intricate Easter eggs to be excessive beyond their tolerance. This has led to a division among fans, with a passionate group staunchly defending these Easter eggs. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that Der Eisendrache is universally regarded as one of the greatest Zombies maps of all time.

World at War: The game that brought Nazi Zombies to the world can suffer from the typical issues that plague any debut, as it lacks the refinement seen in future additions. However, this is more understandable in this case, as the mode was originally an Easter egg and Treyarch didn't anticipate its immense popularity. Nonetheless, the studio embraced it and developed three additional maps that showcased innovation, including the introduction of the iconic Wonder Weapons exclusive to the Call of Duty Zombies mode. One exemplary early map design is Der Riese, which still stands as a strong testament to the game's quality.

B Tier

The Zombies mode in the latest installment of Black Ops, Cold War, has generated mixed reactions among players. It offers a range of advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, its mechanics are remarkably impressive, providing a significant increase in gameplay longevity. This is especially beneficial for players who may have grown tired of the familiar format. The mode introduces numerous upgradable systems that enhance the depth of Cold War weapons, perks, and more.

Cold War brings back an old map, Nacht der Untoten, and reinvents it through its Zombies debut Die Maschine. Some players find the new systems added to the game mode make it feel easier than ever, leading to a repetitive grind that lacks real challenge. Fan rankings for the Cold War Zombies maps vary, but Mauer der Toten consistently ranks in the top half.

Black Ops 4 is often considered the weakest game in the Black Ops franchise, and its Zombies mode follows suit. However, it does receive praise for introducing an impressive eight different maps, double the usual number. Many of these maps have enjoyable layouts and include Easter eggs that cater to fans of the older games. Despite this, the mechanics of Black Ops 4 Zombies feel weaker compared to previous entries, with numerous systems that make the mode feel more tedious. Among the maps, Dead of the Night is frequently cited as the best, with its exciting haunted mansion exploration.

C Tier

WW2: Sledgehammer's second attempt at a Zombies mode surpasses its initial release by a significant margin. Despite a negative perception among players due to a weak launch, those who venture into WW2 Zombies in 2023 will discover a greatly improved experience with captivating and gritty maps. While it may not reach the level of mechanics seen in Treyarch's work, WW2 stands out as the top non-Treyarch Call of Duty Zombies mode for its remarkable achievements. Particularly, Darkest Shore offers a spine-chilling experience for players who crave more horror in Call of Duty Zombies.

Infinite Warfare: Infinity Ward's futuristic Call of Duty, although controversial, offers a refreshingly unique Zombies mode that sets itself apart from other non-Treyarch experiences. It is evident that this was the first time a developer other than Treyarch truly understood what fans love about Zombies, resulting in Infinity Ward incorporating appealing map layouts and Easter eggs. As a result, these additions became beloved by the Zombies community in the absence of new content from Treyarch.

D Tier

Presenting an odd contrast to the rest of Advanced Warfare, the Zombies mode clearly stands out. This game, in general, feels like the unconventional member of the Call of Duty series. Sledgehammer's initial foray into crafting its own Zombies experience is not their weakest attempt, but their endeavor to bring this mode into the future with "Exo-Zombies" falls short of expectations. It often feels awkward and unfair, indicating that more development time was needed. Among the handful of fans of this Zombies mode, the map Carrier is frequently discussed.

Vanguard's iteration of Zombies unfortunately falls painfully short. Sledgehammer should be commended for attempting something unique and creating an experience that breaks away from the previous formula. However, they have sacrificed the elements that made Call of Duty Zombies beloved by fans.

The end result is a tedious Zombies mode that continues the trend of underwhelming versions outside of Treyarch's realm. Killing zombies and exploring lack the satisfying impact they once had. While Terra Maledicta is regarded as the best map, it doesn't have much competition.