What are the CoD 3 zombie maps in order?
To directly answer the question – Call of Duty 3, released in 2006, does not actually contain any zombie maps or zombie modes. At that time, a zombie element had not yet been introduced to the popular FPS franchise.
A History of Call of Duty Zombie Maps
The concept of a zombie mode made its debut in Call of Duty: World at War in 2008 with the map ‘Nacht der Untoten‘. This unexpectedly popular map kickstarted the zombie craze among fans that still continues strongly today.
Over the years, Treyarch and other CoD developers have capitalized on the success by releasing new zombie maps as DLC or parts of core games across various titles like Black Ops, Advanced Warfare, WWII and Black Ops 4.
There are now over 30 unique zombie maps that have kept fans entertained for nearly 15 years!
Most Popular Call of Duty Zombie Maps
While subjective, surveys of the Call of Duty community tend to show a consensus that these zombie maps consistently rate as the best and most iconic of all time:
| Map | Game |
|---|---|
| Nacht der Untoten | World at War |
| Kino der Toten | Black Ops |
| Origins | Black Ops 2 |
| Shadows of Evil | Black Ops 3 |
| Der Eisendrache | Black Ops 3 |
Nacht Der Untoten – The One That Started It All
This World at War map may seem simplistic by today‘s standards, but offers an authentic core zombie experience that still holds up remarkably well. Players are confined in a small bunker with minimal weapons as endless swarms of zombies attempt to breach their defenses.
It established key concepts like barricades, mystery boxes and power switches that later maps would build upon. Treyarch struck gold with this unassuming map that no one expected to usher in a new era of zombie modes within multiplayer shooters. It still counts as many player‘s favorite for its pure survival adrenaline rush.
Kino Der Toten – Building On Greatness
Probably the most universally praised map, Kino Der Toten took Nacht‘s formula and expanded it into an elaborate Soviet theater environment. The layout offers new verticality with stage catwalks and a dressing room area.
It introduces iconic elements like the teleporter and the devastating Thundergun weapon. Kino also allows 4-player co-op for the first time, creating a new social experience that fits zombie slaying perfectly. Few maps master tone, design and gameplay so flawlessly. It remains many player‘s favorite zombie experience even a decade later.
Origins – Boldly Changing The Formula
Origins bravely changed the typical zombies mold by introducing a large open world region with diverse subareas like trenches and workshops. It also features generators, robots and Panzer Soldats to offer new gameplay variety and challenges.
The map is seen as revitalizing player interest in zombies after some weaker entries, while pioneering features for future games like customizable perk machines and buildable elemental staffs. Though complex with a steep learning curve, mastering Origins is one of the most satisfying accomplishments possible!
Shadows of Evil – Cinematic Horror Made Real
This map drips with style as a fully realized 1940s film noir city with distinct locales like seedy nightclubs and magicians theaters. The ambience and distortions create an unnerving atmosphere unmatched in intensity.
Shadows introduces 4 troubled characters with voice-overs and a dark backstory revealed through discoverable journals and quests. The map rewards exploration with unique weapons like the alien blundergat obtained from a ritualistic quest. Fighting zombie mobs amidst deep shadows while police sirens wail never fails to create nail-biting tension!
Der Eisendrache – Mythic Grandeur Redefined
Perhaps the most visually awe-inspiring zombie landscape, this gothic Austrian castle contains opulent interiors like a feast hall and elaborately carved bedrooms alongside frigid alpine exterior courtyards and parapets beset by lashing winds and snow.
Ziplines across precarious cliffs amp danger while the bows offer immense destructive joy. Encountering the hulking Panzer Soldatmech amidst the twisting catacombs always induces panic. Few maps immerse players so deeply in atmospherics while retaining challenging, strategic co-op goals across the sprawling grounds. This masterpiece cements developer Treyarch as the undisputed kings of Call of Duty zombie creation!
It‘s incredible to consider Nacht der Untoten emerged as an experimental bonus mode with only survival intention that exploded into a signature franchise element full of elaborate lore and design. The evolution of zombies reflects innovation across the Call of Duty series itself.
While Call of Duty 3 pre-dates the mode‘s existence, there‘s now a staggering range of wildly creative maps offering uniquely terrifying scenarios. It feels safe to say zombie fans will keep returning in droves with each new game release for many years to come! Personally I can‘t wait to see what nightmares the designers conjure up next!
