Hey guys, if you're anything like me, you're a huge fan of the Call of Duty Zombies franchise. Over the years, we've had some truly epic zombie experiences, and some, well, not so epic ones. So, let's dive into the thrilling world of undead mayhem as we rank the Call of Duty Zombies games, from the absolute best to the ones that might make you groan more than cheer. Whether you're a seasoned zombie slayer or a newbie looking for the best place to start, this comprehensive ranking will guide you through the hordes. Prepare for nostalgia, debates, and maybe a few surprises along the way!

Why We Love Call of Duty Zombies

Before we get into the nitty-gritty rankings, let's talk about why we love Call of Duty Zombies in the first place. There's just something so addicting about the thrill of survival against endless waves of the undead. The combination of strategic gameplay, the mystery of the Easter eggs, and the camaraderie of playing with friends makes it a unique and cherished experience. Each game brings its own flavor, introducing new maps, characters, weapons, and storylines that keep us coming back for more. It's more than just shooting zombies; it's about teamwork, problem-solving, and the sheer satisfaction of making it to high rounds. Plus, who can resist the allure of a good mystery box?

The Core Elements of a Great Zombies Map

What exactly makes a great Zombies map? For me, it's a combination of factors:

• Map Design: A well-designed map should be intricate yet intuitive, with plenty of room to maneuver and strategic holdout spots. Think of maps like Der Riese or Mob of the Dead – they're classics for a reason.
• Easter Eggs: The complex storylines and hidden secrets (Easter eggs) add depth and replayability. The thrill of uncovering a map's secrets with your friends is a core part of the Zombies experience.
• Characters and Story: The characters we play as and the overarching narrative matter. Characters like Richtofen, Dempsey, Nikolai, and Takeo have become iconic, and their stories keep us invested.
• Weapons and Perks: A diverse arsenal and unique perks are crucial. Who doesn't love experimenting with different weapon combinations and strategies?
• Difficulty Balance: The challenge should be tough but fair. A good map will push you to your limits without feeling impossible.

With these elements in mind, let’s get into the rankings!

Top Tier: The Best of the Best

1. Call of Duty: Black Ops (Kino Der Toten & More)

Starting off our top tier, we have Call of Duty: Black Ops. This game is a true masterpiece in the Zombies world, and for many, it's the gold standard. Kino Der Toten is the map that started it all for many players, and its simple yet addictive layout is a testament to its enduring appeal. But Black Ops offers so much more than just Kino. Ascension, with its unpredictable monkeys and challenging layout, is another fan favorite. Then there's the eerie and suspenseful Call of the Dead, featuring a star-studded cast and a unique setting. And let's not forget Moon, the map that takes us to space for an out-of-this-world experience. Each map in Black Ops offers a distinct and memorable experience, making it a top contender for the best Zombies game ever. The introduction of the classic characters – Richtofen, Dempsey, Nikolai, and Takeo – also played a huge role in the game's success. Their banter, their personal stories, and the overall narrative arc spanning multiple maps created a level of immersion that was unprecedented at the time. The Easter eggs in Black Ops are legendary, requiring players to solve complex puzzles and complete challenging tasks, adding significant replay value. The perfect blend of iconic maps, compelling characters, and intricate Easter eggs make Black Ops a top-tier Zombies experience that still holds up today.

2. Call of Duty: Black Ops III (Shadows of Evil & More)

Next up, we have Call of Duty: Black Ops III. This game is an absolute juggernaut in the Zombies universe, boasting an impressive lineup of maps and a deep, intricate storyline. Shadows of Evil, set in a 1940s film noir setting, is a visual and gameplay masterpiece. The map's atmosphere, the unique characters, and the challenging Easter egg make it an instant classic. But Black Ops III doesn't stop there. Der Eisendrache, a medieval castle overrun with zombies, is another fan favorite, offering thrilling gameplay and a memorable setting. Zetsubou No Shima, with its creepy island setting and plant-based zombies, provides a unique and challenging experience. And let's not forget Gorod Krovi, a war-torn Stalingrad setting with dragons! Each map in Black Ops III offers something different, and the game's deep storyline keeps players engaged for hours on end. The introduction of Gobblegums, while controversial, added a new layer of strategy to the gameplay, allowing players to customize their loadouts and playstyles. The sheer volume of content, combined with the quality of the maps and the depth of the storyline, cements Black Ops III as one of the best Zombies experiences ever.

3. Call of Duty: Black Ops II (Mob of the Dead & More)

Coming in hot at number three, we have Call of Duty: Black Ops II. This game is a fan favorite for a reason, thanks to its innovative maps and engaging story. Mob of the Dead, set in Alcatraz prison, is a standout. The map's atmosphere, the unique characters (voiced by a stellar cast including Michael Madsen and Ray Liotta), and the challenging gameplay make it a true classic. But Black Ops II has more to offer than just Mob of the Dead. Origins, with its World War I setting and the introduction of the elemental staffs, is another masterpiece. Buried, with its Wild West theme and unique mechanics, is a fun and quirky map. And let's not forget Die Rise, a challenging map set on a collapsing skyscraper. The variety and quality of maps in Black Ops II make it a top-tier Zombies experience. The storyline in Black Ops II is also one of the most compelling in the series, exploring the origins of the Zombies universe and the characters we've come to love. The combination of innovative maps, a gripping story, and memorable characters solidifies Black Ops II as a top-tier contender.

Mid-Tier: Solid and Enjoyable

4. Call of Duty: World at War

Call of Duty: World at War is where it all began, and it deserves a solid spot in our ranking. While it might not have the same level of polish and features as later games, World at War's raw, gritty take on Zombies is undeniably captivating. Nacht der Untoten, the original Zombies map, is a simple yet effective survival experience. Verruckt, with its claustrophobic setting and terrifying enemies, introduced a new level of challenge. Shi No Numa, set in a Japanese swamp, added a unique setting and new mechanics. And let's not forget Der Riese, the map that introduced the Pack-a-Punch machine and teleportation. World at War's maps are challenging, atmospheric, and incredibly influential, laying the groundwork for the Zombies franchise we know and love today. The game's simple mechanics and focus on pure survival are a refreshing contrast to the more complex games that followed. World at War holds a special place in the hearts of many Zombies fans, and its historical significance and challenging gameplay make it a worthy addition to the mid-tier.

5. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

Next up in our mid-tier is Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. This game brought some fresh ideas to the Zombies formula while also paying homage to the series' roots. Die Maschine, a reimagining of the classic Nacht der Untoten, is a strong start, offering a blend of nostalgia and new mechanics. Firebase Z, with its sprawling map and challenging Easter egg, is another standout. Mauer der Toten, set in a war-torn Berlin, is a fan favorite for its atmosphere and unique gameplay. And let's not forget Forsaken, the game's final map, which brings the Dark Aether storyline to a close. Black Ops Cold War introduced some innovative features, such as the ability to exfil from a match, which added a new layer of strategy to the gameplay. The game's focus on accessibility and player progression also made it a hit with both veteran and new players. While it might not reach the heights of some of the top-tier games, Black Ops Cold War offers a solid and enjoyable Zombies experience.

6. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare

Don't let the initial skepticism fool you; Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare actually delivers a surprisingly fun Zombies experience. The game's unique 1980s horror movie theme is a breath of fresh air, and the maps are creative and engaging. Zombies in Spaceland, set in a retro amusement park, is a standout, offering a fun and quirky experience. Rave in the Redwoods, with its summer camp setting and slasher movie vibe, is another fan favorite. Shaolin Shuffle, set in a 1970s New York City, offers a unique martial arts theme. And let's not forget Attack of the Radioactive Thing!, a B-movie-inspired map with a giant radioactive monster. Infinite Warfare's Zombies mode is packed with humor, unique characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics. The game's Easter eggs are challenging and rewarding, and the overall experience is surprisingly addictive. While it might not be everyone's cup of tea, Infinite Warfare offers a refreshing and enjoyable take on the Zombies formula.

Lower Tier: Room for Improvement

7. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare

Moving into the lower tier, we have Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. While it introduced some interesting ideas, the Zombies mode in Advanced Warfare didn't quite hit the mark for many fans. The Exo Zombies concept, with its exosuits and fast-paced gameplay, was a departure from the classic Zombies formula. However, the maps themselves were not as memorable, and the gameplay felt somewhat unbalanced. Carrier, set on a naval base, is a decent map, but it lacks the atmosphere and charm of some of the series' best. Infection, with its suburban setting, is another passable map, but it doesn't offer anything truly unique. Bio Lab, set in a research facility, is a more challenging map, but it's not without its flaws. And let's not forget Descent, the game's final map, which brings the Exo Zombies story to a close. Advanced Warfare's Zombies mode is not terrible, but it doesn't quite live up to the standards set by other games in the series. The Exo Zombies concept had potential, but the execution fell short, leaving Advanced Warfare in the lower tier.

8. Call of Duty: Ghosts (Extinction)

Lastly, we have Call of Duty: Ghosts and its Extinction mode. While not technically Zombies, Extinction is the game's attempt at a cooperative survival mode, and it, unfortunately, falls short. The mode pits players against aliens rather than zombies, and while the concept is interesting, the gameplay is repetitive and uninspired. Point of Contact, the first Extinction map, is a decent introduction to the mode, but it quickly becomes stale. Nightfall, with its research facility setting, is a more challenging map, but it doesn't offer much in the way of replay value. Mayday, set on a ship, is another passable map, but it lacks the charm and atmosphere of the best Zombies experiences. And let's not forget Awakening, the game's final Extinction map, which brings the story to a close. Extinction is not a terrible mode, but it doesn't capture the magic of Zombies. The gameplay is repetitive, the enemies are uninspired, and the overall experience is forgettable. For these reasons, Call of Duty: Ghosts and its Extinction mode land at the bottom of our ranking.

Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Call of Duty Zombies

So, there you have it – our ranking of the Call of Duty Zombies games from best to worst. Of course, this is just one person's opinion, and your mileage may vary. But one thing is for sure: the Call of Duty Zombies franchise has given us countless hours of thrilling, terrifying, and unforgettable experiences. From the humble beginnings of Nacht der Untoten to the epic storylines and intricate maps of the later games, Zombies has become a cultural phenomenon. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual player, there's no denying the impact that Zombies has had on the gaming world. So, grab your friends, load up your weapons, and get ready to face the horde – the undead await!