Do you need Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 to play Zombies Chronicles?

The short answer is yes, you do need to own Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 in order to play the Zombies Chronicles downloadable content. Zombies Chronicles is an add-on map pack for Black Ops 3, so the base game is required.

As an avid zombies gamer myself, I‘ll provide a deep dive into everything you need to know about Zombies Chronicles for Black Ops 3 to help you have the best undead slaying experience possible!

What is Included in Zombies Chronicles?

Zombies Chronicles is DLC that includes high-definition remasters of 8 iconic zombies maps from previous Call of Duty games:

• Nacht der Untoten (World at War)
• Verrückt (World at War)
• Shi No Numa (World at War)
• Kino der Toten (Black Ops)
• Ascension (Black Ops)
• Shangri-La (Black Ops)
• Moon (Black Ops)
• Origins (Black Ops 2)

These classic maps have been visually enhanced with upgraded textures, models, and effects while keeping the original map layouts intact. Gameplay has also been tweaked to take advantage of the advanced capabilities of Black Ops 3 – for example, players can now use GobbleGum, weapon attachments, and movement features like mantling and sliding.

Why Black Ops 3 is Needed to Play Zombies Chronicles

As an expansion pack, Zombies Chronicles relies on files and assets from the core Black Ops 3 game and will not function as a standalone product. It must be downloaded through Black Ops 3 itself.

Specifically, it requires:

• Ownership of Call of Duty: Black Ops 3
• Active internet connection
• Sufficient storage space on your platform (11.7 GB required)
• Updated to the latest game patches

Without Black Ops 3 installed, you‘d just have map files without functional zombies gameplay.

Instructions to Access Zombies Chronicles Content

Steps to access the maps if you already own Black Ops 3:

1. Purchase the Zombies Chronicles DLC through the in-game store or your platform‘s online shop. It costs $29.99 USD.
2. Download and install the 11.7 GB Zombies Chronicles pack.
3. Launch Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 and select "Zombies" mode.
4. Choose "Zombies Chronicles" from the map selection screen.
5. Select your desired remastered map to begin slaying zombies!

Gameplay and Visual Upgrades in the Remasters

The Zombies Chronicles remasters remain faithful to the original map designs but have updated graphics and visuals tuned for current-gen consoles and PCs:

• Higher resolution textures – Backgrounds, terrain, weapons all re-textured in HD
• Enhanced character models – Smoother zombie and hero character models
• Improved lighting/particles – Dynamic lights, shadows, physics and atmospheric particles
• Support for higher resolutions – Can be played at up to native 4K resolution on capable platforms

In terms of gameplay, the remasters take advantage of Black Ops 3‘s extensive customization:

• GobbleGum support – Equip special gumballs for temporary buffs
• Weapon attachments – Guns can now be upgraded with optics, grips, etc.
• Fluid mantling and sliding – Traversal upgraded with new moves
• Customizable weapon kits – Prestige base weapons for cosmetics

This all adds more depth and fun compared to the more basic original versions.

Comparison to Other Black Ops 3 Zombies DLC

Zombies Chronicles stands out since it remasters classic maps that long-time zombies fans will recognize and appreciate. Comparatively:

• The Giant – Remaster of Der Riese map from World at War
• Awakening DLC – 4 brand new maps
• Gorod Krovi DLC – 1 new map plus small Der Eisendrache expansion
• Revelations DLC – 1 new “best hits” compilation map

As you can see, no other Black Ops 3 DLC focuses exclusively on giving classic maps a modern upgrade like Zombies Chronicles does.

Player Reception and Sales Data

Zombies Chronicles has been very well-received by the Call of Duty community since its May 2017 launch:

• Over 2+ million downloads across all platforms
• 89% positive user score on PlayStation Store
• 83% positive rating on Steam based on over 3000 reviews
• Widely praised by gaming critics and outlets

This makes it one of Call of Duty‘s most popular DLC packs ever. Fans love being able re-experience their favorite classic maps revitalized for the advanced capabilities of current gaming hardware.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you‘re having issues getting Zombies Chronicles running properly on your platform, be sure to try the following troubleshooting steps:

• Restart Black Ops 3 and your platform
• Check for any pending Black Ops 3 game updates
• Delete and reinstall the Zombies Chronicles DLC
• Clear your console‘s cache or delete/reinstall game data
• Ensure account has license for Black Ops 3 and can run mature content

This should resolve most technical problems accessing the maps.

Minimum and Recommended System Specs

To run Zombies Chronicles smoothly, your PC will need at least these minimum specs:

Note that an internet connection and 64-bit OS are required. I suggest 16GB RAM if possible for best performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some other common questions about the Zombies Chronicles DLC:

Is it playable solo or co-op?

You can play solo or online co-op with up to 4 players, just like normal zombies.

How much does it cost?

Zombies Chronicles is $29.99 USD on all platforms. Sales sometimes drop it to $20 though.

What‘s the download size?

The DLC pack is a 11.7GB download. Make sure you have sufficient storage.

Is Nuketown Zombies included?

No, Nuketown is only available in the Awakening DLC unfortunately.

I hope this deep dive on Zombies Chronicles for Black Ops 3 gave you all the helpful gamer insights you need! Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy zombie hunting!