No, Zombie Chronicles is not a separate game

As a passionate Call of Duty Zombies gamer and content creator, I get a lot of questions around whether Zombie Chronicles is its own separate game or if it requires Call of Duty: Black Ops 3. So let‘s settle it right up front – no, Zombie Chronicles is not a standalone game.

What is Zombie Chronicles?

Zombie Chronicles is downloadable content (DLC) released in 2017 for Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 that provides remastered versions of 8 classic Zombies maps from previous COD titles. This includes:

These maps have been visually enhanced and optimized to take advantage of the advanced capabilities of the Black Ops 3 engine. New gameplay elements like GobbleGum machines, Der Wunderfizz, and contemporary mechanics have also been seamlessly integrated into the DLC.

However, it does require ownership of Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 to actually play the content.

Hands-On Impressions as a Passionate Zombies Player

As someone who has sunk countless hours into nearly every Treyarch Zombies experience since World at War, I was incredibly hype for Zombies Chronicles. Being able to re-experience these classic maps within Black Ops 3‘s engine was a dream come true.

The remaster treatment given is stellar – the visual upgrades are noticeable while retaining the core essence and flow of the original maps. Small additions like GobbleGums add new strategic opportunities without being overwhelming or compromising map integrity.

Shi No Numa has never looked creepier. Kino der Toten still retains the clean Cold War broadcasting feel while adding depth and shadow. Origins somehow feels even more apocalyptic as an alternate timeline nightmare.

The care and attention given to preserve what made these maps special really shows. Chronicles stands on par with any Black Ops 3 map offering in terms of quality and fun factor which is a massive achievement considering their pedigree.

Zombie Chronicles vs Standalone Experiences

As stellar as Zombie Chronicles is however, there are still some key differences from it and past/future standalone COD Zombies experiences:

No campaign – crystalline does not offer zombies narrative story/cutscenes that games like World at War included. The DLC is focused strictly on map gameplay.

Locked to Black Ops 3 – Unlike releases such as Advanced Warfare‘s Exo Zombies or WWII Nazi Zombies, you cannot buy or play Chronicles without owning the core Black Ops 3 game.

Development limitations – while Treyarch worked miracles updating the maps, Chronicles is still confined to BO3‘s framework. A made-from-scratch solo zombies game could push boundaries even farther.

This is what fuels rumors and hope that someday we may get a full-budget standalone COD Zombies title. As a hardcore zombies fan, the idea is incredibly enticing – yet information is scarce on if Activision has greenlit such an endeavor.

Official Standalone Zombies Game Rumors

Public intel on an honest standalone zombies Call of Duty game releasing is hazy. Here is a summary:

• No official confirmation – Activision and studios have not confirmed a standalone zombies title publicly as of 2023
• Report Points to 2023 Development – [Report] from January 2021 indicated a standalone COD Zombies game had entered early production under Treyarch sister studio Beenox with a 2023 target. But plans could shift.
• Leaks Suggest PvEvP Experience – [Leak] from September 2022 claims project is titled "ZOMBIES" and will feature PvP and co-op with mechanics like Raids. But accuracy is questionable.

So in summary – rumors persist and it aligns with moves towards Warzone and free experiences. But procedurally it‘s a waiting game until Activision formally announces a project.

What Could a Standalone COD Zombies Game Look Like?

As someone who borderline prefers Treyarch‘s Zombies mode over standard Call of Duty multiplayer and checks every rumor thread religiously – what I would want from a standalone zombies title is:

Big, Interconnected World – Having one giant, Warzone-scale map that spans locations from Aether to Chaos storylines would enable boundless gameplay and exploration potential. Daily/weekly world events could also unfold the lore over time.

Hybrid Solo/Co-Op Focus – Maintaining the tension and challenge of solo survival while allowing 2-4 player co-op scaling would respect all playstyles. Join up seamlessly with friends to take on epic boss encounters.

RPG Progression System – Leveling up your own customizable character over time, earning weapons/abilities/perks would incentivize mastery over years not weeks. Give hard-core fans something to chase similar to Destiny.

Expanded Lore – Using the scale of an open world and live elements, showcase famous storybeats and entities through campaigns unlockable over seasons. Satisfy longtime narrative devotees through new twists.

Again this is just my zombie lover fan wishlist rather than confirmed info. But Treyarch‘s track record gives hope that someday our dreams may manifest into virtual flesh-eating reality!

The Bottom Line

While the rumors, hopes and possibilities may be thrilling, the bottom line is that Zombie Chronicles is not presently a standalone game. At the moment it remains DLC that exclusively functions within Call of Duty: Black Ops 3.

Owning the core Black Ops 3 game is mandatory, it will not launch independently. So if you just want access to those 8 remastered maps, be prepared to buy the base title.

Will we someday get the true solo COD Zombies experience fans crave? I remain hopefully. Yet either way, Zombies Chronicles delivers a gory co-op experience that retains its magic 8 years later. That ADDON provides quality and depth still unmatched in 2024 shooter space.

So in closing, no Zombie Chronicles itself is NOT standalone. It stays packages to and dependent on Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 installation and access. But the content holds up big time – offering a gauntlet of the best COD Zombies experiences ever created. Well worth it for any zombies or COD fan.