Does Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Have Zombies? A Deep Dive
Yes, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023) does feature a Zombies mode, but it’s not the traditional round-based experience fans may be accustomed to. This year’s iteration offers a brand-new, open-world Zombies experience interwoven with the Modern Warfare universe.
A New Era of Undead Carnage: Modern Warfare Zombies (MWZ)
Call of Duty’s Zombies mode has evolved drastically over the years, from its humble beginnings as a World at War bonus to the sprawling, lore-rich experiences of Black Ops. Modern Warfare III takes a different approach, opting for a large-scale, objective-based mode within a vast open world. This marks a significant departure from the familiar round-based formula, integrating elements of extraction shooters like DMZ into the undead fray.
Setting the Stage: The Dark Aether Storyline Continues
While technically under the Modern Warfare banner, MWZ directly continues the Dark Aether storyline established in Black Ops Cold War and Vanguard. Players will encounter familiar characters and face new horrors emanating from the Dark Aether dimension. This crossover provides a narrative bridge between different Call of Duty timelines, offering a unique blend of espionage and supernatural threats.
Gameplay: A Fusion of Open World and Zombie Action
MWZ revolves around deploying into a large, zombie-infested map – a re-imagined Urzikstan, familiar to Warzone players. Players form squads, complete contracts (side missions) scattered throughout the map, loot resources, and upgrade their weapons and equipment before extracting safely.
Key gameplay elements include:
Contract System: Earn rewards and progress by completing various contracts, such as eliminating high-value targets, escorting vehicles, or defending objectives against hordes of zombies.
Looting and Crafting: Scavenge for weapons, armor, perks, and blueprints to improve your chances of survival. Craft essential items and upgrade your weapons to withstand the escalating zombie threat.
Weapon Progression: Level up weapons by using them in MWZ, unlocking attachments and camos that can also be used in multiplayer and Warzone.
Dark Aether Rifts: Discover and enter Dark Aether Rifts, challenging endgame activities with unique objectives and rewards. These rifts require careful preparation and teamwork to conquer.
Exfil System: Extract from the map before time runs out or risk losing all your gear and progress. The exfil process attracts a massive zombie horde, making it a perilous final stand.
The Perks and Aetherium: Familiar Allies in the Fight
Returning perks like Juggernog, Speed Cola, and Quick Revive are back to bolster your abilities. Aetherium Crystals, a resource tied to the Dark Aether, are used to upgrade your weapon skills and unlock powerful new abilities. This adds a layer of progression beyond simply leveling up weapons, encouraging players to explore the world and complete challenging objectives.
A Shared Experience: Integration with Modern Warfare III
MWZ is fully integrated with the rest of Modern Warfare III. Weapon progression, player levels, and cosmetics are shared across all game modes. This means you can level up your favorite weapons in Zombies and use them in multiplayer, and vice versa. This seamless integration makes MWZ an integral part of the Modern Warfare III ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will the Zombies mode in Modern Warfare 3 be round-based?
No, the Zombies mode in Modern Warfare III is not round-based. It’s an open-world extraction shooter experience where players complete objectives, loot resources, and extract from a zombie-infested map. This represents a significant departure from the traditional round-based Zombies gameplay.
What is the map for Modern Warfare Zombies?
The MWZ map is a re-imagined version of Urzikstan, the same map familiar to players of Warzone. This large, open-world environment provides ample space for exploration, scavenging, and engaging with various objectives.
Is there a story tied to the Zombies mode?
Yes, MWZ continues the Dark Aether storyline from Black Ops Cold War and Vanguard. Players will encounter familiar characters and face new challenges related to the Dark Aether dimension, providing a narrative connection across different Call of Duty universes.
Can I play Modern Warfare Zombies solo?
While MWZ is designed for squad-based play, it is possible to play solo. However, it’s significantly more challenging, and requires a cautious and strategic approach. Squads provide a safety net and increased firepower, making them the preferred way to experience the mode.
Do I need to own Modern Warfare III to play Zombies?
Yes, you need to own Modern Warfare III to access the Zombies mode. It’s an integral part of the game and not available as a standalone purchase.
Are there any returning Zombies perks in Modern Warfare 3?
Yes, many familiar Zombies perks make a return, including Juggernog, Speed Cola, Quick Revive, and more. These perks provide powerful buffs that enhance your survivability and combat effectiveness against the zombie hordes.
What are Aetherium Crystals used for?
Aetherium Crystals are a resource used to upgrade your weapon skills and unlock new abilities in MWZ. These crystals are obtained by completing contracts, exploring the map, and conquering Dark Aether Rifts. They contribute to the overall progression system of the mode.
How does weapon progression work in Modern Warfare Zombies?
Weapon progression in MWZ is shared across all game modes in Modern Warfare III. By using weapons in Zombies, you level them up and unlock attachments and camos that can also be used in multiplayer and Warzone. This seamless integration encourages players to diversify their gameplay.
What are Dark Aether Rifts?
Dark Aether Rifts are challenging endgame activities within MWZ. These rifts contain unique objectives and rewards, requiring careful preparation, teamwork, and strategy to overcome. They offer a significant challenge for experienced players seeking high-value loot.
How does the extraction system work in Modern Warfare Zombies?
The extraction system, or exfil, allows players to leave the map with their loot and progress. However, initiating an exfil attracts a massive zombie horde, making it a perilous final stand. Successful extraction requires careful planning and a coordinated effort to defend against the incoming waves.
Are there any boss zombies in Modern Warfare Zombies?
Yes, MWZ features a variety of special and boss zombies, offering unique challenges and rewards. These formidable enemies require specialized tactics and teamwork to defeat, adding a layer of complexity to the gameplay.
Is Modern Warfare Zombies canon within the Call of Duty universe?
While it’s under the Modern Warfare title, MWZ explicitly connects to the Dark Aether story that began in Black Ops Cold War. Therefore, it is considered canon within that specific storyline, creating an interesting crossover between different Call of Duty timelines.