Top 10 Best Call of Duty Zombies Games Ranked

Searching for the best Call of Duty zombies game can turn into an epic quest given the series' rich history and evolution. This beloved mode has become a cornerstone of the franchise, attracting players with its blend of high stakes, co-op play, and undead chaos. Every title seems to bring something new to the table, making it hard to choose the best. Yet, here we are, about to dive into the top 10 Call of Duty Zombies games ranked for their thrilling gameplay and chilling features. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to the zombie-slaying squad, you're bound to find your next challenge and perhaps a new favorite among these ranks.

Exploring the Best Call of Duty Zombies Game

From its inception as a hidden bonus mode to becoming a major selling point for the franchise, Call of Duty's Zombies mode has undergone tremendous growth. It's not just about surviving endless waves of zombies anymore. Today, it involves intricate stories, complex Easter eggs, and engaging gameplay mechanics that have fans pouring hours into uncovering every secret. In this list, we'll explore the aspects that make each game stand out, their unique settings, and how they've contributed to the evolution of Zombies mode.

List of Top Choices

• Call of Duty: Black Ops 3
• Call of Duty: Black Ops 2
• Call of Duty: Black Ops
• Call of Duty: World at War
• Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
• Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
• Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
• Call of Duty: Vanguard
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
• Call of Duty: Ghosts

Call of Duty: Black Ops 3

• Deep lore that enriches the game's universe.
• Intricate Easter eggs that encourage exploration and teamwork.
• Diverse gameplay mechanics, including wall-running and specialized weapons.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 takes the top spot on our list for a multitude of reasons. Its rich lore pulls players into a thoroughly developed world, blending historical events with the eerie, undead outbreaks that fans adore. The game’s Easter eggs are notoriously complex, requiring players to unravel puzzles that span across multiple maps and game modes. This installment also introduced more fluid movement mechanics, such as wall-running, which, when combined with the unique weapons available, creates a dynamic and engaging zombie-slaying experience. It's these features that not only make Black Ops 3 the best Call of Duty zombies game but also a seminal co-op experience.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2

• The Tranzit map: a sprawling, open-world adventure.
• A rich variety of playable characters, each with unique dialogues.
• Innovative mechanics like the buildable equipment.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 revolutionized the Zombies mode with the introduction of Tranzit, an open-world experience that allowed players to travel between different locations on a bus. This added a new strategic layer to the game, as players had to decide when to stay and fortify their position and when to move on. The diverse cast of characters enriched the storyline, providing humorous and sometimes poignant interactions that enhanced the narrative depth. The game also brought innovative gameplay mechanics, such as buildable equipment, allowing players to craft unique items to aid in their survival. These elements combined to create an unforgettable and immersive experience.

Call of Duty: Black Ops

• Introduced the iconic Zombies mode.
• Featured Nacht der Untoten, an unforgettable map.
• Introduced unique perks system that became a series staple.

The game where it all began, Call of Duty: Black Ops laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most beloved modes in gaming. By introducing the world to Nacht der Untoten, Black Ops offered a new kind of co-op survival experience, one that was rife with tension, strategy, and the thrill of the fight against the undead. The introduction of a perks system added an intriguing layer of depth, allowing players to tailor their survival strategy with various abilities that could mean the difference between life and death. With its memorable setting, innovative features, and the sheer joy of zombie slaying, Black Ops has rightfully earned its place as a cornerstone of the franchise.

Call of Duty: World at War

• The original Zombies mode that started it all.
• Featured more grounded, horror-focused experience.
• Set the standard for future Zombies modes with its simplicity and intensity.

As the progenitor of the Zombies mode, Call of Duty: World at War offers a raw and gritty survival experience that resonated deeply with players. It stripped down the gameplay to its most basic elements – survive against waves of undead with limited resources, in a setting that felt both historically grounded yet fantastically horrific. This simplicity was the key to its success, focusing on the adrenaline-pumping action and teamwork that would define the mode. The horror was palpable, setting a high bar for atmosphere and tension in future installments. World at War is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Zombies mode, showcasing how a simple concept can evolve into a gaming phenomenon.

Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare

• Introduced a futuristic setting with space-based maps.
• New zombie types, adding variety and challenge.
• Incorporated a fun, campy narrative style.

Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare took the Zombies mode to new heights—literally, into space. This innovative setting provided a fresh backdrop for the zombie apocalypse, complete with zero-gravity environments and futuristic weaponry. The addition of new zombie types forced players to adapt their strategies, making each encounter a thrilling challenge. Infinite Warfare also embraced a more light-hearted, campy approach to its narrative, a stark contrast to the mode's typically grim demeanor. This change of tone, combined with its innovative gameplay features, offered players a unique and enjoyable twist on the classic formula. Infinite Warfare's zombies mode stands out as a bold and enjoyable iteration in the series.

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare

• Fast-paced gameplay with advanced movement mechanics.
• Zombies mode follows the game’s futuristic theme.
• Incorporated exosuits to enhance combat abilities.

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare brought a significant shift with its fast-paced gameplay and futuristic setting, extending these elements to its Zombies mode. The introduction of exosuits, allowing for enhanced movement and combat abilities, added a new dimension to the classic formula. These exosuits not only significantly altered how players navigated the map and engaged with enemies but also introduced a breath of fresh air to the strategy behind surviving the undead hordes. Advanced Warfare’s approach to integrating these futuristic elements while maintaining the core essence of what makes Zombies mode so engaging is why it finds a deserving place in our rankings.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

• Classic zombies formula with a focus on storytelling.
• Introduced new features like weapon rarities and support items.
• Rich Easter eggs and a deeper dive into the Zombies lore.

Returning to the roots of what fans adore, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War revitalized the classic Zombies formula with a modern touch. The game introduced a host of new features, including weapon rarities and support items, that injected additional layers of strategy to the gameplay. This installment's commitment to deepening the narrative aspect of Zombies mode, with richly crafted Easter eggs and a storyline that dives deeper into the lore, offers an immersive experience. Black Ops Cold War’s dedication to evolving the series while paying homage to its origins solidifies its position among the top Call of Duty Zombies games.

Call of Duty: Vanguard

• World War II setting with a supernatural twist.
• Zombies maps inspired by historical events and locations.
• Introduced new Dark Aether storyline.

With Call of Duty: Vanguard, the Zombies mode ventured into a World War II setting, spliced with a supernatural and dark twist through the new Dark Aether storyline. This installment took players back in time, combining real historical events and locations with the terror of the undead. The unique setting and the addition of a fresh narrative arc brought an intriguing new dimension to the Zombies mode, blending history with horror in a way that was both innovative and entertaining. Vanguard’s creative approach to Zombies, along with its engrossing atmosphere, makes it a noteworthy entry in the franchise.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

• Introduced Survival Mode, a wave-based zombie experience.
• More tactical focus, with emphasis on defense strategy.
• Variety of maps that augmented the action and strategy.

While not a traditional Zombies mode, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’s Survival Mode captured the essence of what makes the cooperative fight against waves of enemies so enticing. Focusing on a more tactical approach to wave-based gameplay, players needed to carefully plan their defense strategies, utilizing the environment and available resources. The variety of maps offered different tactical challenges, keeping the gameplay fresh and engaging. This installment's innovative twist on the formula showcases the versatility and enduring appeal of Call of Duty’s cooperative gameplay, irrespective of the mode's name.

Call of Duty: Ghosts

• Post-apocalyptic setting with unique zombie types.
• Introduced Extinction mode, adding an alien twist.
• Offered novel challenges and a distinctive take on survival.

Call of Duty: Ghosts marked a departure from the series' traditional Zombies mode by introducing Extinction, a cooperative game mode that pitted players against alien hordes in a post-apocalyptic scenario. While it wasn’t zombies in the traditional sense, the mode captured the same spirit of cooperative survival against waves of enemies. Unique enemy types and objectives offered a refreshing challenge that required teamwork and strategy to overcome. Ghosts' willingness to take risks and explore new directions with its survival-based gameplay rounds off our list as an exemplar of the series’ versatility and innovation.

In conclusion, the best Call of Duty Zombies games offer a thrilling blend of storytelling, cooperative gameplay, innovation, and nostalgia. From the horrifying corridors of Nacht der Untoten in World at War to the interstellar battles in Infinite Warfare, each title brings its own unique flavor to the beloved mode. Whether you're looking for the classic undead slaughter or something with a bit more tactical depth, there's something in the Call of Duty franchise for every type of player. As the series continues to evolve, we can only wait with bated breath for the next terrifying and exhilarating adventure against the undead.