PCGamesN Friday, April 4, 2025 7:32 PM  Well, remind me never to anger a Far Cry fan again. Those playing 2014's Far Cry 4 on Steam have been getting rather irate on social media after Ubisoft seemingly censored some of the game's nudity. With many linking this unannounced change to the company's recently announced partnership with Tencent, things got quite heated. However, Ubisoft has now confirmed that the censorship wasn't intentional and was due to a "technical error," and has now swiftly reverted Far Cry 4 back to its original state. Continue reading Ubisoft swiftly brings nudity back to Far Cry 4 after Steam "error" MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Far Cry 4 system requirements, Best open-world games, Best FPS games |
PCGamesN Friday, April 4, 2025 6:15 PM  With engrossing narratives, tough and meaningful decisions, and your fate often in the hands of a dreaded dice roll, CRPGs are some of the most deep and addictive games around. The genre has produced some of the greatest games of all time, such as Disco Elysium, which I always encourage people to pick up, especially if it's on sale. Well, here I go again, because Disco Elysium's Final Cut edition is now just $13 - oh, and you'll get five other superb RPGs with it too thanks to this insanely cheap bundle. MORE FROM PCGAMESN: Disco Elysium review, Best RPGs on PC, The best PC games |
Siliconera Friday, April 4, 2025 9:00 PM
San-X will release new products in its San-X Character Series line of merchandise that includes Tarepanda, Afro Ken, Nyan Nyan Nyanko, and Kogepan some time in April 2025. Prices will start from 550 JPY ($3.75). [Thanks, Game Watch!]
You'll be able to get five different kinds of San X merchandise, all of which feature Kogepan, Tarepanda, Afro Ken, and Nyan Nyan Nyanko. Items include notebooks, miracle stickers, acrylic keychains, clear pouches, and huggable dolls. These huggable dolls cost 4,180 JPY ($28.45) each, and are five times larger than the dolls that San-X released in October 2024.
Here are some pictures of these products:
As a note, miracle stickers look different depending on what angle you're viewing it from. For the Kogepan sticker, for example, you can make it look like Kogepan is getting pulled off the tray along with another bread friend if you move your body or head.
San-X is a stationery company that selling character goods in 1995 with the release of Tarepanda. Since then, it's come up with a multitude of mascots for its stationery items. You can also get dolls and toys of these mascots from gachapon machines, play video games featuring them, or see them on other items like weight scales. Aside from the above four mascots, San-X also created the immensely popular Rilakkuma and Sumikko Gurashi mascots.
The new line of San-X character goods will appear in stores in Japan from late April 2025.
The post San-X to Release New Character Merchandise Like Big Dolls appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Friday, April 4, 2025 8:00 PM
A new Pokemon Center store will open up in the Hakata Marui, which is in the Fukuoka Prefecture. The new logo for the Pokemon Center Fukuoka branch depicts Pikachu riding on a Latias, while a Latios floats behind them.
Currently, the Pokemon Center in Fukuoka is in the Hakata AMU Plaza Building. However, it will close down on May 12, 2025 to focus on building the new store. When the new store reopens in Hakata Marui, it will have a larger space to accommodate for more customers at a time. The large amount of tourists that Japan sees every year, as well as the worldwide popularity and appeal of Pokemon, likely contribute to the need for more space. The Fukuoka store will re-open up in Summer 2025, with more details to appear later.
Incidentally, when the store re-opens, it will mark the second Pokemon Center in a Marui building. The other one is in Yokohama.
As for why Latios and Latias adorn the new logo, this is likely due to them being legendary Pokemon from the Hoenn region. GameFreak drew inspiration from the Kyushu region when designing Hoenn, and Fukuoka is the largest city in Kyushu. Hoenn's generation mascot legendaries are Kyogre and Groudon, but the Pokemon Center likely chose Latios and Latias instead due to their "cuter" designs.
The Pokemon Center in Fukuoka will temporarily close down on May 12, 2025 and the new store will open in Hakata Marui some time in Summer 2025. The next Pokemon game to come out is Pokemon Legends: Z-A, which will come out in Fall 2025 for the Nintendo Switch.
The post Pokemon Center Fukuoka Store Opens in Summer 2025 appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Friday, April 4, 2025 7:00 PM
Capcom announced the release of new Monster Hunter Wilds t-shirts and apparel items in Japan and shared details about the designs now on Amazon. There are four new designs in various different clothing options, and they are now available for purchase from Amazon Japan.
As a reminder, Amazon Japan offers international shipping. The four new designs included are the Arkveld monster icon, the Mizutsune icon, the Doshaguma icon, and the Quest Start text, all from the latest Monster Hunter Wilds entry in the hunting action series.
Each design is available in short sleeve t-shirt, long-sleeved t-shirt, sweatshirt, and hoodies options. There are also various sizes available for men, women, and children, and several different color variations.
Here are the prices for all four options of the new Monster Hunter Wilds apparel designs available on Amazon Japan:
And here's how some of them look:
Capcom previously released other designs for Monster Hunter Wilds t-shirts, sweaters, and hoodies back when the game released in February 28, 2025, and they included the main key visual for the game, a tribal logo, and the Quest Cleared graphic text.
The new Monster Huner Wilds t-shirts and apparel items are now available via Amazon Japan.
The post Capcom Selling New Monster Hunter Wilds T-Shirts on Amazon appeared first on Siliconera. |
Siliconera Friday, April 4, 2025 7:00 PM
While testing out some early Switch 2 and upgrade pack games, I had a chance to revisit a stage in Kirby and the Forgotten Land Star-Crossed World expansion. That's the part of the upgrade pack for the original game that adds a whole new story and area. There's quite a bit new there! However, it's incorporated in a way that makes it feel as though it was part of the adventure all along and doesn't seem tacked on. The stage I played felt like it cohesively fit.
The demo session for Kirby and the Forgotten Land Star-Crossed World began with Kirby and Elfilin flying on a Warp Star. A quick blurb mentioned a meteor crashed into the forgotten lands. Kirby lands on a beach, just like at the start of the original game, and heads toward an urban city center. However, this time there are crystal outcroppings as a result of the meteor. Visibly, it's pretty impressive to see the environment on the Switch 2, especially since the areas seem "contaminated" and attacking additional designated clusters causes the effect to spread and grant access to new areas. I did feel like I noticed the 60fps change here and improved visuals.
However, that 60fps alteration seemed even more evident when facing enemies. I went with the Wild Mode, a new harder option that is designed to make things "more challenging." While the standard enemies didn't seem too different, I will say that the ones "tainted" by the meteor did! Immediately heading into the stage, I encountered a Crystal Awoofy. It wasn't too much more challenging an opponent, but it did take more hits to knock it out. Orabiroo were hopping about, and they seemed a bit more focused on me when I was nearby. The Big Kabu I encountered seemed to take more hits to defeat.
The most notable changes were the Crystal Tortorner and Crystal Wild Frosty. It was more than just a new color scheme and design for them. In the case of the former, I needed to use the new Spring Mouth Kirby Mouthful Mode to get past the turtle in Kirby and the Forgotten Land Star-Crossed World on the Switch 2. This ability involved inhaling a spring, then using it to jump higher or ground pound to get past obstacles and scale the vertical buildings in this stage. The jumping ability made it easier to dodge the Crystal Tortorner, while the only way to smash it was to be in Spring Mouth mode and pound down on it.
As for Crystal Wild Frosty, I sort of felt like he was a bit more aggressive and took a few more hits to beat in Wild Mode. He would do his AOE attack, which involved leaping in the air and slamming down! He'd send off snowballs to attack. There was even a homing attack of sorts sending off ice. I'd picked up a Hammer power-up early on, which helped with really slamming down on him. The increased framerate also seemed to really help here, to further accentuate the attacks.
As in the base game, it also featured extra stage challenges. In this case, that meant getting items from atop crystal formations to complete one objective. Another ended up being tied to finding Wild Starries, new creatures that appeared alongside the meteor. When in Spring Mouth mode, it turned out going out of my way to practice those big jumps by scaling the side of a building and jumping over a billboard on top of it completed one of those optional tasks. It still encouraged exploration.
From what I saw, it seemed like the Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World expansion could be a way to refresh the original game. What's there seemed to build on the base game and offer a new approach to locations and enemies we've seen. The Spring Mouth ability seemed handy, especially for the new situations in that level. I also thought it looked pretty good on the Switch 2 with the upgrade pack's additions. I'd like to see what else that story and additional adventure might offer.
Kirby and the Forgotten Land + Star-Crossed World expansion upgrade pack will be available for the Nintendo Switch 2 on August 28, 2025, and the base game is available now on the Switch.
The post Preview: Kirby and Forgotten Land Star-Crossed World Switch 2 Upgrade Feels Familiar appeared first on Siliconera. |
Destructoid Friday, April 4, 2025 7:00 PM
Call of Duty Black Ops 6 season three is in full swing, and several new weapons, along with some returning ones, have made their way with the update.
Here are some of the best weapons you can use in the new BO6 season.
Table of contents
Meta loadouts for BO6 Season 3
Kilo 141
Considering the fact that the Kilo 141 has a high rate of fire while offering a lower recoil, it's easily one of the top picks for Black Ops 6 multiplayer.
CR-56 AMAX
The CR-56 AMAX is a mid-range beast thanks to its insane firepower. If you want to deal the maximum damage to enemies, use this AR.
AS VAL
The AS-VAL is silent, deadly, and super accurate, making it one of the top choices for those sweaty Black Ops 6 multiplayer lobbies.
KSV
The KSV SMG deals great damage in close-range combat and is a great alternative to the C9 loadout mentioned below.
C9
The C9 is dangerously effective when it comes to close-range combat, and you will get that a lot in multiplayer.
Now that you know the best weapons for BO6 multiplayer, check out the best loadouts for Verdansk in Warzone season 3.
The post Best weapons to use in Black Ops 6 season 3 appeared first on Destructoid. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Destructoid Friday, April 4, 2025 6:46 PM
The Thermite is a lethal equipment in Call of Duty Warzone that starts off as locked for players, but you can unlock it after a few days through the Tribute event in mid April. Here's everything you need to know about the item and how to get it.
How to unlock the Thermite lethal in Warzone and Black Ops 6 Season 3
You can unlock the Thermite lethal equipment once the Tribute event goes live in Warzone and Black Ops 6 season 3 on April 17. Similar to the previous in-game events, you'll need to earn XP, and the rewards will be unlocked sequentially.
The event was leaked on an X post revealing all the rewards from the entire Tribute event. According to the video from the leak, you'll need to earn 180,000 XP to unlock the Thermite lethal equipment, and it's the fifth reward from the event reward track.
The Thermite Lethal is one of the most interesting pieces of equipment because, like a Semtex, it sticks to a surface and provides a burning effect for a brief period.
You can play any mode to earn XP, and BO6 owners will have an advantage as they can earn additional rewards. The Tribute Event will run from April 17 to May 1, which means you'll have a total of 14 days to play and unlock every single reward from it and ultimately get the Nail Gun as the mastery reward from this event.
Apart from the Nail Gun, you can also earn the Death Machine Scorestreak, Close Shave Perk, John Black Ops Operator Skin, double XP tokens, Calling cards, Melee blueprints, C9 10mm Auto 30-Round Mags, one emote, GobbleGums for Black Ops 6 Zombies, and a lot more. There will be a total of 17 rewards to earn from this event.
According to Activision, the upcoming event in Black Ops 6 is going to be a "legendary tribute" to the series, and the rewards "honor" the history of Black Ops.
While we wait for the event to kick off, be sure to check the best Kilo 141 loadout for Warzone and Black Ops 6 season three.
The post How to unlock Thermite in Warzone and BO6 appeared first on Destructoid. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Destructoid Friday, April 4, 2025 6:30 PM
When you initially think of Call of Duty, fighting a nonstop horde of the undead probably isn't the first thing you think of. Well, at least until the Zombies mode became a staple of the Call of Duty series, becoming as much a part of the franchise as its multiplayer and campaign modes.
Since its original inception in Call of Duty: World at War, many players have grown attached to Zombies, as it provides a fun co-op excursion from the series' standard modes. However, with so many titles now including the mode, the number of available maps has skyrocketed. Here are the 18 best Zombies maps across all Call of Duty games.
18. Nacht Der Untoten - World at War
If you were someone who had just completed the campaign for Call of Duty: World at War, you may have been greeted by this map right as the credits ended. Initially, "Nazi Zombies" was hidden away from players until they completed the main storyline. Once the credits ended, players would be immediately thrust into the first Zombies map, Nacht Der Untoten. Translating to "Night of the Undead," this small locale was an edited version of a building from the campaign mission "Hard Landing."
Players are trapped inside the building with no means of escape as the undead march to the many windows. You would then have to fend off the zombies for as long as possible. Nacht is a simple map focusing on the main gameplay loop of round-based survival. Players gain points from shooting zombies and can upgrade their arsenal by purchasing weapons with the points. Whether that's by purchasing them from the chalk drawings on the walls, grabbing the sniper from the upstairs cabinet, or taking their chances by opening the "Mystery Box" in the room on the ground floor.
Players only had their skills to rely on, as the onslaught of zombies was relentless, and help wasn't coming anytime soon.
17. The Tomb - Black Ops 6
I really wanted to place The Tomb higher on this Call of Duty: Zombies map ranking, especially since it's one of the latest releases. But, unfortunately, it just didn't manage to leave a lasting impression like the others. There aren't many exciting points of interest to explore; it's mostly set in a sparse, lifeless dig site and tomb. The story was pretty underwhelming, and without many cutscenes to enrich the narrative, it struggled to hold my attention. The Dark Aether Nexus does stand out, though—it's a visually stunning new take on the Crazy Place, with vibrant colors and an otherworldly vibe that feels like it came straight from the depths of space.
Another highlight was the return of the Ice Staff, one of my all-time favorite Wonder Weapons in Zombies. However, the only downside was that the other staffs didn't make the cut, which only made me long for them even more. I get that it might have been a challenge to bring all four into the modern era of CoD, but it still felt strange to single out the Ice Staff while leaving the others behind.
As for the boss fight, it was a bit of a letdown. You're stuck battling an enemy that barely moves, relying on zombies to do the heavy lifting for it. To make matters worse, certain weapons, like the Mustang and Sally, couldn't even be used once its protective barrier was down. It would've been nice to know beforehand that only a few guns could be used here.
16. TranZit - Black Ops II
Black Ops II was one of the first games to introduce me to Zombies mode, showcasing its now classic round-based matches. In its heyday, TranZit was probably the most talked about map, where players take a deadly scenic route in a one to four-player co-op ride. You'll jump on and off a bus, with the driver T.E.D.D. commanding its loading and drop-off times.
As much as I want this to be a nostalgic gem, it sadly doesn't compare to Zombies mode now. Given the small size of the bus and numerous zombie hordes, it can be way too overwhelming to handle. And it's not the good kind of overwhelming that I've gotten used to, since it feels like there is no chance of survival. Not only does the lava on the ground burn you alive, but the fog makes it almost impossible to see.
Don't even get me started on the Wonder Weapon, the Thrustodyne Aeronautics Model 23 (Jet Gun). Players will go through all that trouble of building this tool, only for it to barely kill any zombies. It also makes you move slower than usual, which doesn't really make sense for Zombies mode's fast-paced environment. Rewards like this just aren't satisfying enough to make it worthwhile (But don't worry it gets a buff in the later iterations).
TranZit, despite its flaws, was a game-changer for the Call of Duty series. It was the first Zombies mode to introduce buildables, a feature that has since become a staple in the series. TranZit's innovative gameplay and features paved the way for the evolution of the series, and we owe it a debt of gratitude for that.
15. Der Reise - World at War
Der Reise, or "The Giant," was the final map to be given to players in World at War's life cycle, joining DLC as an addition to standard multiplayer maps. Since the zombies first appeared in Nacht Der Untoten, the mode had undergone some changes, transitioning from defending a single location to a more expansive map where letting in the undead didn't spell the end of your crew.
The map puts players at ground zero of the zombie outbreak, a facility run by the elusive "Group 935." While the lore wasn't at the forefront of the gameplay, dedicated players could tune into the many radios around the map to uncover the story of Dr. Edward Richtofen. You'll learn about the betrayal of his partner, Ludvig Maxis, and the horrific creation of the undead army, including the hellhounds that attack the player every five rounds.
Der Reise also solidified the "Perk-a-Cola" system into the game. Brand new to Der Reise was the Pack-a-Punch machine. You could now invest in your favorite weapons by upgrading them to become more powerful variants. Players who were clever enough to stick with weak weapons like the Colt M1911 would be rewarded with a pistol that shot explosive rounds, telling players that all guns are worth at least upgrading once.
Der Reise's high replayability and the formal introduction of the series' lore gave players something to think about as they waited for the next Treyarch game to release, hoping that the questions they were left with would finally be answered.
14. Liberty Falls - Black Ops 6
Despite the initial skepticism from the CoD community about Liberty Falls' brighter setting, this map has proven to be a hidden gem. I know how stressful Zombies mode can get, but this location made jumping into Black Op 6's much more inviting. However, now that I've played the other BO6 Zombies maps, I'm less interested in playing this one, considering how much more the others have to offer. Regardless, it's still an excellent starting point for beginners, with its manageable size and readily available tools, all set in the heart of a West Virginian town. The map even allows for the acquisition of a Ray Gun in the first round through a simple Easter Egg trick at a vending machine.
Don't be fooled by Liberty Falls' compact size—it's packed with a wealth of content. Every corner of this map holds an Easter Egg, from constructing a free Jet Gun to engaging in disco zombie bowling. The map's many points of interest, including the Church, Olly's Comics, and the Liberty Falls bank, are ripe for exploration and discovery.
The Side Quests, in particular, lead you to the most intriguing journeys, often tying into a complex series of steps. Take, for example, the Aetherella Easter Egg, which requires you to find various figurines to unlock the power of heat vision. I never thought a Zombies mode could include superhuman powers such as this, but I suppose it isn't too out of left field with the mystical abilities of Origins.
Those who assemble the Jet Gun dive further into Liberty Fall's lore, untangling the webs of the Dark Aether outbreak mystery. The fan-favorite Richtofen also makes his mark here, where we see him wielding the powerful Wunderwaffe in the LF cinematic.
13. Buried - Black Ops II
Call of Duty Black Ops II's Buried map incorporates a Wild West scene into Zombies mode. The area is wholly buried underneath rubble, hence the name, with no means of escape in sight. As the new sheriff in town, there are plenty of resources to take advantage of, from chalk-drawing weapons to various Perk Colas.
Buried is one of the few maps that offer an NPC helper with the formidable Arthur. Give him some Candy or Booze to get him on your side, and he'll eliminate zombies in no time. It's also excellent for solo players who need a teammate to watch their back. In addition to Arthur, my personal favorite from this map is the Ray Gun Mark II. It amplifies everything from its original design, making it an even more devastating weapon.
You can use it to take on the unique challenge at the haunted mansion. Here, players will stand against a ghostly woman who tends to steal money out of your pockets. Given that cash is a big part of Zombies mode (giving you new weapons and upgrades), it's a thrilling challenge that will test your movements and skills.
The Wonder Weapons, including the Paralyzer and Time Bomb, are also fun to wield. While the Paralyzer helps slow down zombies, the Time Bomb sends you back in time to collect previous gear. Buried's many helpful features make it stand out amongst the maps, and it's plain fun to explore around its old western-themed environment.
12. Ascension - Black Ops
Ascension refines what's already been learned in previous maps but keeps it fresh by adding to the mechanics in fun and intuitive ways. The map starts out with the player entering it through a lunar lander. The color fades to monochrome, and the only way to turn the color back on is by activating the power station.
Pack-a-Punch is opened by riding lunar landers between the three main locations on the map, allowing players to launch a rocket stationed in the background, opening the room housing the Pack-a-Punch.
The map functions similarly to Der Reise, though the lunar lander has to be called to each location before riding it. This waiting period and the short ride back to the start provide small breaks for the player to reload and recoup before continuing the fight. Special rounds return, though the hellhounds are nowhere to be seen, replaced by terrifying space monkeys, who attack the Perk Machines players have used. If they're stopped before dealing any damage to the perks, players can net themselves a free perk, bypassing the four-perk limit set by all maps.
Ascension also introduced players to "Easter Eggs," a story quest that can be completed throughout a session to gain rewards and directly impact the series' plotline. It's not front and center, and compared to other maps, Ascension's is quite simple, but access to a 90-second Death Machine (a devastating piece of weaponry) is a fine reward for the most skilled zombie slayers. This location is a perfect map for all player types. It keeps them on their toes with special rounds but is close in complexity to World at War's maps.
11. Terminus - Black Ops 6
Terminus is one of the biggest Zombies maps, filled with a ton of Easter Eggs. You'll begin your adventures in a zombie-filled prison on a remote island in the Philippine Sea. Players will assume the roles of the elite Terminus team, an ensemble comprising new and old faces. Easily recognizable Black Ops figures like Dr. William Peck and Grigori Weaver have returned, along with the latest recruit, Maya Aguinaldo. They'll need to do whatever it takes to escape the prison, all to plot their revenge on Richtofen.
Compared to Liberty Falls, Terminus' storyline definitely has the upper hand here. It's a lot more fleshed out and entertaining, especially when you're on the expedition for the Main Quest. This time, instead of the Jet Gun, you'll need to find the parts for the new Beamsmasher, a new Wonder Weapon introduced in BO6. The weapon proves essential for several Terminus Easter Eggs, ending with the final boss through the Hacking Device.
Even though I've spent weeks on Terminus, it still feels like I've only scratched the surface. There are so many adventures it has to offer, including one of my favorites, the Cursed Talisman, which almost feels like an undead treasure hunt journey. Besides the main island, many plots of land are scattered around the map to up the ante of exploration. And if you look closely enough, you may find an Easter Egg on all of them, either tying into the Main or Side Quests.
Terminus is just a classic Zombies map that's inspired by many of its predecessors. It has that same ominous look of TranZit and an abundance of Easter Eggs like Shadows of Evil. Yet, it also brings something new to the table with its modernized spin on graphics and map size.
10. Kino Der Toten - Black Ops
Kino is the first map players got to play in Call of Duty: Black Ops. Originally meant to be an extra map in World at War, it instead became an "on-disc" location for Treyarch's next title. This worked to its benefit, as the new engine and similar design to previous maps in the Zombies mode made it into the iconic map it is today.
Kino Der Toten (Theater of the Dead) is excellent for new Black Ops players. Its simple design guides you around either side of the theater through the backstage or onto the stage from the alleyway. Once the power is turned on, the open area on the stage provides plenty of room for players to eliminate zombies. Pack-a-Punch is as simple as linking one teleporter to the pad the players started the game on as well. It provides a safe spot to upgrade your weapons and a short break from the horde of zombies.
With both paths being linked to one another, multiple strategies can be executed by neglecting to open doors on either side of the map, allowing for solid camping strategies utilizing the traps found around the map.
While it's not the most complex map, Kino Der Toten lives in the hearts of many players, as it's a map even the most hardcore Zombies fans will come back to.
9. Shadows of Evil - Black Ops III
Completely contrasting Kino Der Toten is Black Ops III's own on-disc map, Shadows of Evil. With the gameplay shift to more complex maps that started in Origins and Mob of the Dead, Shadows of Evil's H.P. Lovecraft-inspired aesthetic recontextualizes the many mechanics players loved about the Black Ops II maps.
The map consists of a lengthy "set-up phase" in which players must complete four rituals around the map to open the Pack-a-Punch Machine. Players must use Beast Mode to open rooms and activate perk machines, similar to how afterlife mode worked in Mob of the Dead. This is also how players will open the central hub underground, the main junction between all four locations on the map.
Shadows of Evil includes a plethora of extra content to do once the setup is complete. You can find symbols hidden in the decor while riding the train, which they can use to unlock a hidden wall underground to begin the quest to gain the Apothicon Sword, adding another weapon to their arsenal without taking up a weapon slot. Finding three fuses around the map will also net you the Civil Protector, a mechanical automaton that will help you fight the undead for a short amount of time.
While Shadows of Evil isn't a good map to introduce players to the Zombies mode, it is a perfect map for fans who want not only a challenge but a location with something to do around every corner.
8. Zombies in Spaceland - Infinite Warfare
One of the only maps on this list that was not designed by Treyarch, Infinity Ward decided to do their own take on Zombies for Infinite Warfare. Being completely separated in lore, this iteration was a more comical take on the game mode, introducing a new story, characters, and maps inspired by movie genres of the past.
Their debut map, Zombies in Spaceland, sent players to an '80s theme park filled with out-of-this-world attractions and the undead. The gameplay loop was extremely similar to Treyarch's previous entries, with players first unlocking the upgrade machine by using three teleporters around the park.
However, survival wasn't the only thing players could do in Spaceland. The theme park's multiple attractions could be used to help destroy the undead, such as the spinning Escape Velocity or out-of-control bumper cars. The map is filled to the brim with actual interactives as well; playing one of the many arcade games in the Astrocade or riding the rollercoaster will net you tickets, which you can then spend on a myriad of helpful gear.
Perks were also included in this new rendition, taking the form of "Perk Candies" but retaining the same effects as in the Treyarch maps. Previously removed perks, such as the PhD Flopper, returned in Infinite Warfare. Some perks were even based on fan suggestions, like Trailblazers, which left a fire trail as a character slid along the ground. Dying in Spaceland doesn't set players too far back, either. Bleeding out would send you to the Afterlife Arcade, which allows players to complete fun arcade games to jump back into the match without having to wait until the round is over.
Infinity Ward managed to make Treyarch's mode their own and, in turn, delivered one of the freshest takes on the mode—all without straying away from the original formula.
7. Der Eisendrache - Black Ops III
The first DLC map for Black Ops III brings back the Primis crew, the alternate universe versions of Richtofen, Dempsey, Nikolai, and Takeo that players met in Origins. Der Eisendrache, or "The Iron Dragon," takes players to a medieval castle run by the elusive Group 935, where they must fight against the onslaught of the undead, including special enemies like the Hellhounds and Panzer Soldats.
Returning from Origins is a Wonder Weapon with four variants, one for each player. After feeding the dragons throughout the map, players can pick up the Wrath of the Ancients. This bow can be upgraded into one of four variants, each with its own devastating effects. The map also introduces low gravity and wall running, which is part of BO3's advanced movement system.
Der Eisendrache also begins BO3's main storyline. After completing the Shadows of Evil main quest, Richtofen will steal away the Summoning Key, a device used to harvest souls, in an attempt to "Secure a Better Tomorrow"
If players choose to, they can work through the main quest to gain access to Ultimis Dempsey's body and save his soul in the summoning key. This culminates in the first official boss fight in Zombies history. The map's replayability, buildable nature, and Wonder Weapons perfectly balance complexity and accessibility, sitting it comfortably on this Call of Duty list.
6. Urzikstan - Modern Warfare III
Even though MW3 Zombies removes the iconic round-based modes, I genuinely believe it is a step in the right direction for the series. Instead of the traditional four-player count, 24 Operators can work together across the infected Urzikstan, giving a new meaning to team camaraderie. You would think that having this many players on deck would make it easier, but it somehow still gets more challenging at every turn.
The map comprises three Threat Level Zones: Low, Medium, and High. Players will initially start off in the Low tier until they are eventually ready to take on the High Threat Zone. You can basically think of it as Round 40 in a standard Zombies run, but with even more challenges than you can imagine. The elite zombies, from the life-sucking Disciples to the colossal Mega Abomination, will undoubtedly keep your heart racing.
The Urzikstan map harnesses various Contracts to complete and provides players with Essence, MW3 Zombies currency. Most tasks, such as escort quests, guarding specific areas, and bounty takedowns, can be quickly completed. Then, you can take all your hard-earned cash over to the Buy Station, Pack-a-Punch, or Perk Cola machines to get some extra buffs.
If you love Zombies lore, the Urikstan map uncovers many secrets tied to past entries in the franchise. These Story Missions are narrative-driven quests that offer objectives to complete to earn valuable rewards. The missions are designed to immerse players in the game's lore and provide a deeper understanding of the Zombies universe. One thing I love about the Story Missions gifts is the Schematics you gain from them. Although they come with cooldowns, Operators can build items before entering the map, which, in return, saves a lot of time.
My only issue is the one-hour time limit, which tends to go by in a flash. The previous round-based mechanics allowed players to experience it for countless hours, making MW3 Zombies more restrictive than any other mode. Still, it's one of the most fun I've had in Zombies, and Urzikstan has only gotten better with its many updates.
5. Moon - Black Ops
With the release of the Zombies-only "Rezurrection Pack" DLC, Moon marks the end of Black Ops' story. The DLC included all of the World at War maps, as well as the new map, Moon. Starting the map doesn't begin on round one; instead, it begins on a timer in Groom Lake. While players start right next to the Pack-a-Punch machine, an infinite onslaught of zombies will continue to spawn. After a few seconds, they'll pick up speed, making it more dangerous to stick around with just a pistol. Once you step onto the teleporter, you'll be transported to the map proper, where you can get a significant head start if you're skilled enough to survive in Groom Lake.
From here, you'll need to put on the PES Suit, as there's no oxygen. Once you turn on the power and activate the life support systems, you can explore the labs without the PES. If you happen to find the Hacker in the labs, you can switch out the PES for one of the most powerful items in all of Zombies.
The hacker can do many things, such as opening any door for 200 points, gifting any player 500 points out of your own pocket, changing any powerup into max ammo, and even refunding perks you don't need anymore. If you're playing Moon, you may also notice a zombie in an astronaut suit sporting the name of one of your friends. If caught in the astronaut's grasp, he'll teleport you to a random part of the map and remove one of the perks from your loadout.
Players can teleport back to Groom Lake, as it's the only way to access Juggernog, Speed-Cola, and the Pack-a-Punch Machine. However, every player in the match needs to be on the teleporter pad to make their way back. This adds a co-op element but makes it difficult to head back if someone in the squad isn't playing along. With the right crew, planning trips to Groom Lake can net you and your pals more than enough points to upgrade.
The Hacker also allows players to shield themselves from the horde while Pack-a-Punching. This gives everyone a small reprieve, though they'll need to be prepared once the doors open. With Moon being the finale, players see the culmination of all the maps quests, using items they acquired in previous maps, players can conclude the storyline in Moon.
During the Main quest, players will come face to face with Samantha Maxis, the mastermind behind the zombies. Richtofen, in his grand scheme, will control the zombies by switching minds with Samantha, changing the voice lines for the player who's controlling Richtofen. This all culminates in the group firing rockets at the earth, destroying the planet, and setting in motion the events of Black Ops II.
Moon serves as an exciting culmination of Black Ops' Zombies mode, and its inclusion in the Rezurrection DLC proves that Treyarch was taking notice of Zombies' overall popularity.
4. Shattered Veil - Black Ops 6
The latest map, Shattered Veil, instantly took me back to the glory days of classic Zombies, where the map is overflowing with Easter Eggs. When I first dropped in, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, and even after a few hours, I was still in the dark. But honestly, that was part of the charm—it was a perfect throwback to those early days when the thrill came from being completely lost and figuring things out the hard way. Once I finally got a grip on things, I was blown away by just how much was packed into this map, with layers upon layers of surprises, all waiting to be discovered.
Unlike its predecessor, The Tomb, Shattered Veil showcases a refreshing sense of freedom with much more open space to explore. However, that sense of freedom quickly fades once you step inside the sprawling mansion, where you can find yourself trapped in tight corners. Sure, it's a real challenge to hold your ground against zombie hordes in cramped spaces, but it's not all doom and gloom. The elevator offers a quick getaway, giving you a much-needed escape route when the pressure's on.
While tight, enclosed spaces may not be the best for survival, I can't help but enjoy exploring the mansion's nooks and crannies for hidden secrets. And believe me, there are plenty. The main quest dives deeper into the rich lore of Zombies mode as the crew attempts to save Agent Maxis. It even brings back a fan-favorite character that fans have been dying to see. Overall, the story this time around has so much more heart and soul, something that was sorely missing from The Tomb.
On top of the compelling story, the two Wonder Weapons, Ray Gun Mark 2 and the Wunderwaffe DG-2, finally returned for Black Ops 6. You can also switch up the playstyle of the Ray Gun Mark 2, featuring three variants that can take on the form of a Marksman rifle, shotgun, or SMG. In return, it feels like we have five unique weapons from just one map.
The best thing about the Shattered Veil is that there are fewer Special and Elite Zombies. Previous BO6 Zombies maps felt too overbearing with these types, with frequent spawns of Doppelghasts and Manglers. You still have to worry about the latest Toxic Zombies and Elder Disciples, but they don't seem to spawn all that often.
3. Citadelle des Morts - Black Ops 6
Citadelle des Morts was a stunning surprise that might just have put Call of Duty Zombies back on the map. The setting felt downright epic, with a massive castle straight out of medieval legend at the center. Plus, there's so much more to it, from the vast open courtyard, guarded by a towering Guardian statue, to hidden passageways that can only be accessed through the main quest.
The Elemental Swords were easily one of the best features that made Citadelle des Morts such a hit. Much like the iconic Origins Elemental Staffs, you'll need to embark on four epic sub-quests to forge the Raven, Dragon, Lion, and Stag swords. Each sword is tied to its own unique element, and you can take its power to new heights by completing additional objectives for powerful upgrades. I've always loved having a variety of options with Wonder Weapons, and Citadelle des Morts nails it with this feature. What's more, there's something undeniably satisfying about wielding a sword that feels like it was forged for a true medieval knight, perfect for the map's overall theme.
Unlike most of the other BO6 Zombies maps, Citadelle des Morts is loaded with story content that really sets it apart. Picking up right where Terminus left off, the Zombies squad must track down Gabriel Krafft and learn about the mysterious Sentinel Artifact. What makes this map even more intriguing is the exclusive Maya Easter Egg cutscene that's easy to miss. It's cool to see something like this that's separate from the main quest, and it's that extra attention to detail that really makes Citadelle des Morts truly exceptional.
2. Mob of the Dead - Black Ops II
Black Ops II's story picked up where Black Ops' left off, giving us a new plotline following a new crew of characters named Victus. However, Mob of the Dead is not a map in their story.
Mob of the Dead instead follows the story of four mobsters trapped in purgatory on Alcatraz Island. Sal Deluca, Finn O'Leary, Billy Handsome, and Al "The Weasel" Arlington find themselves in a twisted version of their prison where the undead run rampant, and the warden aims to lock up their souls forever.
This is the first taste of more complex maps that would become the norm in the second half of Black Ops II's life cycle and into Black Ops III. Players would spawn as souls in the new Afterlife mode, and a mechanic where going DBNO turns you into a ghost. Aside from being able to revive yourself, Afterlife allows players to see passageways and secrets only visible through their ethereal form, introducing specific ways to open up the prison's many secret rooms. There's not a single power switch that powers on everything; rather, electrical boxes players need to shock are spread around the map, and Afterlife's electric blast is the only way to power them on.
Around the map are also three hellhound heads. Feeding each head a group of zombies gives them the Hell's Retriever, a tomahawk that can be thrown like a boomerang to pick up power-ups or kill groups of zombies. Mob's Wonder Weapon, the Blundergat, is a four-barreled shotgun that shoots one blast at a time, a powerful weapon on its own, and when upgraded into the Acid-Gat, it can easily dispatch hordes. Pack-a-Punching the Acid Gat causes its bolts to attract zombies, turning a powerful weapon into an even more robust tool.
Every so often, "The Warden" will appear, a powerful special zombie with unique abilities. For one, he'll disable any Perk Machine, buildable table, or mystery box in his path, forcing the player to chalk up 2000 points to reopen it. Once you knock off his helmet, the warden will then cover himself in a smokescreen before charging at you once more. While this doesn't do anything to mask the warden, it does obfuscate any other enemies you may be fighting.
The real meat and potatoes of the map are how players will access Pack-a-Punch. Around the map are several pieces players need to find to build a plane to escape from Alcatraz. Finding all of them and boarding the plane will send the mobsters flying, only to have them crash on the Golden Gate Bridge, where the only escape is via electric chair. Once you come back, you'll have to refuel the plane to go again.
If you complete the main quest, you'll be greeted with an audio tour of the prison. While fighting the horde, you'll uncover the story of the mobsters as they plan their escape in the same way as they do on the map. However, the plane you fly to Pack-a-Punch on was never built, as Finn, Sal, and Billy kill Al on the roof of the prison. The three are sentenced to death for the murder of Al, placing the four in the events of Mob of the Dead. Once you fly to the Golden Gate Bridge for the final time, the mobsters will have to face off with Al once more, though this time, Al is aided by the zombies, which is the only PvP Zombies interaction in the series' history. Whether the mobsters won or Al survived, the game would end, giving the Zombies its first-ever win condition.
Mob of the Dead was a taste of what the new age of Zombies was going to be. Players were given a checklist of tasks to complete, with optional quests and buildables to make survival easier. This blend of set-up and casual survival, combined with the grungy, otherworldly aesthetic, makes Mob of the Dead a one-of-a-kind map.
1. Origins - Black Ops II
The final map to release in Black Ops II is a refinement of some of the mechanics found in Mob of the Dead. Although, what Origins did that Mob didn't, was refine what would become the standard for Zombies maps going forward in the Black Ops series.
Taking place "on the battlefields of the great war," players would once again take control of the classic characters, Richtofen, Dempsey, Nikolai, and Takeo. However, these characters were different from the inherently goofy and sarcastic versions they had been removed from since Black Ops. These characters were more mature, refined, and grounded. The world around them was not.
Origins took place in an alternate, steampunk timeline, where giant robots roamed the WWI trenches and zombies terrorized the battlefield. The map was split into multiple sections, as players had to hold out on six generators to activate the Pack-a-Punch, excavated from the mysterious dig site that caused the zombie outbreak.
Players would find pieces of magic staffs throughout the map by either entering the robot by shooting a hatch as it stepped on them or digging them up during the brief times it snowed. Finding the gramophone and record item would open magic portals around the battlefield, allowing players to find a gem to complete their staff. With four buildable staffs, each player was able to wield a powerful Wonder Weapon, allowing them to incinerate, freeze, electrocute, or blow away hordes of zombies with ease.
At round eight, a Panzer Soldat would spawn in, a powerful enemy with a flamethrower and a grappling hook, ensnaring anyone in its way. If you could survive that long, Origins kept you busy by having Templar zombies attack the generators, forcing you to move to and stop them before you had to hold out on more difficult rounds.
Challenges were also introduced as a main mechanic, permitting players to complete objectives to unlock special rewards. Getting 115 headshots rewarded you with a free Pack-a-Punched weapon, while spending 30,000 points awarded you a bottle of Double Tap, letting you bypass the perk limit.
Any perk that wasn't available as a machine could be found in the Wunder-Fizz, which functioned like the Mystery Box but for perks. Origins did retain its four-perk limit, but you could increase the number of perks you could hold by upgrading your shovel. Once you acquired the gold shovel by using it enough, using the new powerup Zombie Blood would allow you to see special dig spots invisible by normal means, and digging them would give you a free perk. Digging enough spots with the golden shovel would net players with the golden helmet, preventing them from taking any damage when being stepped on by the giant robots.
The main quest would see players freeing Samantha from Agartha, though much like the new crew, this Samantha was different, guiding players through the mission rather than acting as the antagonist. Completing the Easter Egg ends the game, much like Mob of the Dead. However, this conclusion was a fully animated cutscene, where players discovered that the events of the map were nothing but action figures being played in Samantha's imagination...
...At least, that's what players assumed... until the plot of Black Ops III changed everything.
Origins sits atop the list of 15 best Call of Duty Zombies maps not just because of how influential it is to the series but also because of its intuitive set-up phase, its many side objectives, its powerful Wonder Weapons, and its entertaining and challenging main quest. It remains a map that fans will always come back to, no matter what mood they are in, as it readily satisfies every player's zombie-slaying needs.
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