Call of Duty: World at War’s secret zombie mode was a revelation, and the franchise hasn’t looked back since. While subsequent Call of Duty titles have experimented with variations on the classic formula, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’s Zombies mode feels like a homecoming. At the recent Call of Duty Next event, Treyarch unveiled the intricacies of Black Ops 6’s zombie experience, and I had the chance to go hands-on with a solo game at an event in Washington, D.C.
Playing a few rounds, I found it to be a perfect balance of old and new. The visual enhancements and streamlined loadout system are hallmarks of a contemporary Call of Duty game, but the core mechanics, the very essence of what made World at War’s Zombies mode so captivating, remain intact. The satisfying feeling of growing stronger with each round, the constant tension of the ever-increasing zombie horde, it’s all there.
The essence of round-based zombie survival is front and center in Black Ops 6. You start with manageable zombies, but as you progress through the rounds, they become faster, tougher, and more numerous. This increased challenge is balanced by the player’s growing power. The currency earned by slaying zombies can be used to open new areas on the map, unlock weapons, and acquire new abilities. This creates a constant back-and-forth, leaving you feeling both incredibly empowered with upgrades and helplessly outmatched as the rounds escalate.
Despite the modern touches, Black Ops 6 embraces the core round-based structure that defined the original zombie experience. This unwavering commitment to the roots of the mode is a welcome sight for long-time fans, who may have been disappointed by Treyarch and Activision’s past deviations from the classic formula. Black Ops 6 incorporates elements introduced in previous iterations of Zombies, such as the ability to extract from a match to avoid a death screen, a feature from Black Ops 3, along with the Gobblegum system. However, there are also some fresh additions to the mix.
Black Ops 6’s Zombies mode benefits from being a part of a larger, visually stunning game. The new map, Liberty Falls, offers a unique outdoor daytime setting, a departure from the traditional round-based zombie maps, making it a memorable addition to the mode. Even the way you die is detailed, with unique death scenes depending on how you meet your demise. This attention to detail adds a layer of replayability, ensuring that every death feels distinct and rewarding. The ability to play Zombies in third-person is another welcome innovation that provides a fresh perspective on the familiar round-based formula.
Beyond these key features, there are numerous quality-of-life improvements that enhance the overall experience. Players can pool their currency to unlock doors, and Pack-A-Punch gun camos can be toggled, allowing players to show off the weapon’s unique design without sacrificing the camouflage. Treyarch has also hinted at a “Directed mode” arriving post-launch. This mode will provide players interested in the lore of Zombies with a more guided and structured way to experience the narrative, complementing the main quest of each map.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’s Zombies mode feels like a culmination of everything that has come before. It’s a return to the roots of the mode, with a strong emphasis on the classic round-based gameplay that captured the hearts of so many players. It expertly blends the familiar with the new, offering both a nostalgic experience for veterans and a compelling entry point for newcomers. With stunning visuals, quality-of-life improvements, and a focus on core mechanics, Black Ops 6 Zombies promises to deliver a thrilling and addictive experience for players of all skill levels. I can’t wait to dive deeper into the later stages of the game and unravel its secrets.
