The Evolution of the Call of Duty Zombies Storyline

by Arthur Herring
in Action, News, PC, Release
on 15 June 2024

The Call of Duty Zombies storyline has undergone significant development over the years, capturing the hearts of fans with its intricate and immersive narrative. From its origins in World at War to the current Dark Aether Saga, the storyline has taken players on a journey across time and space, battling hordes of the undead and supernatural ancient orders.

In order to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of the Call of Duty Zombies story, it is recommended to play the maps in release order, excluding the Chaos storyline maps from Black Ops 4. This will provide players with a comprehensive understanding of the multiversal saga that unfolds throughout the series.

The core premise of the Zombies storyline revolves around a group of heroes who embark on a mission to end the suffering caused by zombies and the war between supernatural ancient orders. Sacrificing themselves, they create a new singular universe called the Dark Aether, where all the worst elements of the multiverse are contained. Only two characters, Eddie Richtofen and Samantha Maxis, cross over into this new universe, representing the duality of a mad Nazi scientist and a young girl battling for control over the zombies and mythical places.

The current canon for Call of Duty Zombies is the Dark Aether Storyline, which runs parallel to the other titles in the connected Call of Duty universe. In this saga, players assume the role of operators tasked with researching and containing outbreaks as the horrors from the Dark Aether seep into our world.

The Dark Aether storyline begins with Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, where players join Requiem’s strike team, a secret branch of the CIA. The action unfolds in maps like Die Maschine, Firebase Z, Outbreak, and Mauer Der Toten, each offering unique challenges and furthering the narrative of the Dark Aether. The finale of Cold War Zombies takes players to Forsaken, an Omega base in Ukraine, where they confront the monstrous king of the Dark Aether.

The upcoming release of Call of Duty: Vanguard introduces players to the final days of World War II and the aftermath, as they battle against an evil Nazi who has made a pact with a demonic god. This prequel will feature maps like Der Anfag, Terra Maledicta, Shi No Numa, and The Archon, all contributing to the grander story of the Dark Aether.

Finally, in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, the Modern Warfare Zombies mode brings together characters from both Black Ops: Cold War Zombies and the Modern Warfare series. Players will fight to contain a Dark Aether Outbreak in Urzikstan, offering a thrilling conclusion to the current Zombies storyline before the highly anticipated release of Black Ops 6.

As the Call of Duty Zombies storyline continues to evolve, fans can anticipate more gripping narratives, intense gameplay, and a deeper exploration of the Dark Aether universe. So gear up, gather your team, and prepare for the next chapter in this thrilling saga.

Additional facts about the Call of Duty Zombies storyline:

– The Chaos storyline, introduced in Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, is a separate narrative from the Aether storyline and follows a different group of characters. It is set in ancient, mythical locations and delves into the origins of the zombies.
– The Aether storyline, which includes the Dark Aether Saga, has been ongoing since the original Black Ops game and has spanned multiple sequels and DLC packs.
– Throughout the Zombies storyline, players encounter various Easter eggs and hidden secrets that provide additional lore and backstory to the narrative.
– The storyline incorporates elements of sci-fi, horror, and fantasy, blending historical events and characters with supernatural elements.
– The Zombies maps often feature complex Easter egg quests that require teamwork and puzzle-solving to unlock additional story elements and perks.
– The mode has become so popular that it has spawned its own community with dedicated forums, YouTube channels, and livestreams focused on dissecting and theorizing about the storyline.

Important questions and answers related to the topic:

Q: What is the significance of the Dark Aether in the Call of Duty Zombies storyline?
A: The Dark Aether is a new universe created by Eddie Richtofen and Samantha Maxis to contain all the worst elements of the multiverse, including the zombies and ancient orders. It serves as the central focus of the current Zombies storyline.

Q: Are the Chaos storyline and Aether storyline connected?
A: No, the Chaos storyline is a separate narrative with its own set of characters and focuses on exploring ancient mythology and the origins of the zombies. The Aether storyline, on the other hand, follows the characters introduced in the original Black Ops game.

Key challenges or controversies associated with the topic:

1. Retconning and continuity: The Zombies storyline has gone through numerous retcons and changes over the years, which can sometimes lead to confusion and inconsistencies in the narrative.
2. Complexity: The storyline can be difficult to follow for newcomers, given its intricate lore and interconnectedness with previous games. This complexity may deter some players who prefer a more straightforward storyline.
3. Community disagreements: The constantly evolving nature of the storyline often leads to debates and disagreements within the Call of Duty Zombies community regarding the interpretation of certain events and their implications for the overall narrative.

Advantages of the Call of Duty Zombies storyline:

1. Immersive storytelling: The Zombies storyline offers players a rich and immersive narrative, blending historical events and supernatural elements. Its complex nature and hidden secrets provide an engaging experience for those who enjoy unraveling mysteries.
2. Longevity and replayability: The ongoing development of the storyline ensures that there is always new content to explore and discover, keeping players engaged and invested in the mode for years.
3. Community engagement: The intricate nature of the storyline has spawned a passionate community of fans who actively discuss and theorize about the narrative, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared excitement among players.

Disadvantages of the Call of Duty Zombies storyline:

1. Steep learning curve: The complex lore and interconnectedness of the storyline can be overwhelming for newcomers, potentially alienating them from fully enjoying the mode.
2. Retcons and inconsistencies: The frequent retconning and changes in the narrative can lead to confusion and frustration among players who have been following the storyline for a long time.
3. Accessibility issues: Some players who are primarily interested in the multiplayer aspect of the game may find the Zombies storyline too intricate or time-consuming, which could limit its appeal to a wider audience.