How Many Zombie Maps Are in Black Ops 3 and How Do You Get Them All?

Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 is widely regarded as a high-water mark for the Zombies franchise. Developed by Treyarch, it serves as the central hub for the "Aether" storyline, combining new, complex experiences with faithful remasters of classic maps from the World at War and Black Ops 1 eras. However, because the game was released with a staggered DLC schedule and later received a massive expansion, many new players find the various editions and "missing" maps confusing.

According to the official Call of Duty Wiki , the map count is definitive, but the method of acquisition varies depending on your platform and the specific bundle you purchase. This guide breaks down every map included in the game, the story order you should follow, and how PC players can access even more content through community-made mods.

Which Maps Are Included in the Black Ops 3 Base Game?

When Black Ops 3 first launched, it was notably different from its predecessors. While previous games often included a relatively simple "starter" map, BO3 leaned heavily into complexity and atmosphere from day one. The base game technically includes two distinct Zombies experiences, though only one follows the traditional survival format.

Exploring the 1940s Noir World of Shadows of Evil

Shadows of Evil is the primary map included with every version of Black Ops 3. Set in the fictional Morg City during the 1940s, it features a star-studded cast including Jeff Goldblum, Heather Graham, Neal McDonough, and Ron Perlman. The map is famous for its Lovecraftian themes, featuring tentacled monsters known as Margwas and a transformation mechanic called "Beast Mode."

For beginners, Shadows of Evil can be quite daunting. Unlike older maps where you simply buy perks and survive, this map requires players to perform four distinct "rituals" to unlock the Pack-a-Punch machine. It is also unique in that its main Easter Egg quest requires a full team of four players to complete the final step, making it one of the few maps that cannot be fully finished solo.

How to Unlock the Dead Ops Arcade 2 Bonus Game

In addition to the main survival mode, Black Ops 3 includes Dead Ops Arcade 2: Cyber's Revenge . This is a top-down, twin-stick shooter that serves as a sequel to the original hidden mode in Black Ops 1. It features its own set of power-ups, first-person segments, and a lengthy quest to defeat the Cyber Silverback.

To access Dead Ops Arcade 2, players must navigate to the "Data Vault" inside the Campaign safehouse. Once inside, clicking the hidden icon in the top-left corner of the screen launches the game. After playing it once, it typically becomes available directly from the Zombies menu for easier access.

Breaking Down the Season Pass and DLC Map Packs

The core of the Black Ops 3 experience for many veterans lies in the Season Pass content. These five maps were released throughout the game's initial lifecycle and follow the "Primis" versions of the original four characters (Dempsey, Nikolai, Takeo, and Richtofen) as they attempt to secure their souls and fix the fractured universe.

Returning to Der Riese in The Giant Remake

The Giant is a reimagining of the classic World at War map, Der Riese. While the layout remains identical to the original, it is considered a remake rather than a simple remaster because it features new dialogue, updated weapon mechanics, and a different "Flytrap" Easter Egg that fits into the BO3 narrative. It was originally a pre-order bonus but is now included in the Season Pass or available for individual purchase.

Fighting Dragons in the Fan-Favorite Der Eisendrache

Set in a snowy Austrian castle, Der Eisendrache ranks among the most acclaimed maps in the series. Its primary draw is the "Wrath of the Ancients," a Wonder Weapon bow that can be upgraded into four elemental variants: Storm, Void, Fire, and Wolf. Many players find this map to be the perfect balance of the "quest-heavy" style of BO3 and the "survival-first" style of older games.

Surviving the Island of Despair in Zetsubou No Shima

Zetsubou No Shima takes players to a remote Pacific island research facility. It is widely regarded as one of the most atmospheric maps, though it is also one of the most polarizing due to its tedious setup process. Players must manage a plant-growing mechanic to earn rewards and navigate flooded tunnels to keep the power running. It features the KT-4 Wonder Weapon and a massive spider boss fight.

Navigating the War-Torn Streets of Gorod Krovi

Gorod Krovi brings the fight to a ruined Stalingrad, complete with fire-breathing dragons and giant Soviet robots. This map is known for its high difficulty and unique weaponry, such as the Ray Gun Mark 3 and the Gauntlet of Siegfried. It offers a frantic, high-action experience that contrasts sharply with the slower pace of the previous DLC.

Ending the Cycle in the Revelations Finale

Revelations serves as the grand finale of the Black Ops 3 Season Pass. The map is a "mashup" of locations from previous games, including sections of Nacht Der Untoten, Kino Der Toten, Mob of the Dead, and Origins. While some fans were disappointed by the lack of entirely new areas, it provides a powerful sense of nostalgia and features some of the most effective Wonder Weapons in the game, such as the Apothicon Servant and the Thundergun.

What Maps Are in the Zombies Chronicles Expansion?

In 2017, Treyarch released the Zombies Chronicles expansion, a massive content drop that brought eight classic maps into the Black Ops 3 engine. These are faithful remasters, meaning the layouts are identical to the originals, but they benefit from improved graphics, the addition of Gobblegums, and the ability to "Double Pack-a-Punch" weapons for alternate ammo types.

The World at War Classics (Nacht, Verruckt, Shi No Numa)

• Nacht Der Untoten: The map that started it all. A simple, two-story bunker with no perks (originally) and no Pack-a-Punch.
• Verruckt: Set in a terrifying asylum, this map introduced perks and the power switch. It remains one of the most claustrophobic experiences in the game.
• Shi No Numa: A swamp-based map that introduced the Flogger trap and the random perk bottle drops.

The Black Ops 1 Remasters (Kino, Ascension, Shangri-La, Moon)

• Kino Der Toten: A fan-favorite theater map that many consider the gold standard for "casual" high-round play.
• Ascension: A sprawling Soviet cosmodrome that introduced the iconic Thundergun and the annoying Space Monkeys.
• Shangri-La: A beautiful but deadly jungle temple known for its narrow corridors and unique "Shrink Ray" weapon.
• Moon: Set on a lunar base, this map features low-gravity mechanics and a massive Easter Egg that concludes the original story.

The Origins Remaster from Black Ops 2

Origins is the only map from Black Ops 2 to be officially remastered for BO3. It is a massive, complex map set in WWI-era France, featuring giant robots, elemental staves, and the introduction of the "Primis" characters. It is often cited as one of the top three maps in the entire franchise due to its depth and replayability.

Which Edition of Black Ops 3 Should You Buy to Get Every Map?

One of the most common points of confusion for new players is the difference between the various editions available on digital storefronts like Steam, the PlayStation Store, and the Xbox Marketplace. Buying the wrong version can lead to missing out on the Season Pass maps or paying twice for the same content.

Edition Name	Base Game	Chronicles (8 Maps)	Season Pass (5 Maps)	Best For...
Zombies Chronicles Edition	Yes	Yes	No	Casual players on a budget.
Zombies Deluxe Edition	Yes	Yes	Yes	Completionists who want everything.
Standard Edition (Legacy)	Yes	No	No	No longer recommended.

Why the Zombies Deluxe Edition Is a Top Value Choice

If you want the full experience, the Zombies Deluxe Edition is widely considered the most efficient purchase. It bundles the base game, the Zombies Chronicles expansion, and the full Season Pass. Purchasing these components separately often costs significantly more than the bundle price, especially during seasonal sales where the Deluxe Edition is frequently discounted by 60% or more.

Common Mistakes When Buying DLC Separately

A frequent error occurs when players buy the "Zombies Chronicles Edition" (which is now the standard version on most stores) and assume it includes all the DLC. It does not. If you own the Chronicles Edition, you will still be missing Der Eisendrache, Zetsubou No Shima, Gorod Krovi, Revelations, and The Giant. To get these, you must purchase the Season Pass separately, which can sometimes be more expensive than just buying the Deluxe Edition from the start.

How to Play Black Ops 3 Zombies Maps in Chronological Story Order

The Zombies storyline is notoriously complex, involving multiple dimensions, time travel, and two different versions of the same characters. To make sense of the narrative, players often choose to play the maps in one of two chronological paths.

The Original Ultimis Timeline Path

This path follows the original, more stereotypical versions of the characters as they accidentally cause the destruction of Earth. This is the "classic" experience found mostly in the Chronicles remasters.

The Primis Timeline Path for the Full BO3 Experience

This is the main narrative arc of Black Ops 3. It follows a younger, more serious version of the crew as they attempt to "set things right" across the multiverse. This path is the intended way to experience the BO3 Season Pass content.

Why the PC Version Has Infinite Maps via the Steam Workshop

While console players are limited to the 14 official maps, PC players have access to a virtually limitless supply of content. Black Ops 3 was the first (and only) Call of Duty game to include official modding tools and Steam Workshop integration. This feature effectively makes the PC version a top-tier choice for long-term fans.

How to Access Free Community Remakes of Missing Maps

Many fans were disappointed that maps like Mob of the Dead, Buried, and Die Rise were not included in Zombies Chronicles. However, the community has stepped in to fill the gap. By visiting the Steam Workshop page for Black Ops 3, you can find high-quality, fan-made remakes of these maps that are often indistinguishable from official Treyarch releases. These are free to download and integrate directly into your game menu.

Top-Rated Custom Maps You Should Download Today

Beyond remakes, the modding community has created entirely original experiences. Maps like Leviathan (an underwater base inspired by Moon) and Nightmare (a horror-themed experience with custom mechanics) offer hundreds of hours of additional gameplay. According to community rankings on Reddit's Zombies community , some of these custom maps are considered even better than the official DLC in terms of creativity and challenge.

Pro Tips for High Rounds and Point Optimization

To succeed in Black Ops 3, you need to master the "math" of the game. Unlike newer titles, BO3 relies heavily on point management in the early rounds to open doors and buy perks as quickly as possible.

Mastering the Early Game Point Strategy

The most effective way to maximize points in the first few rounds is the "8 shots + knife" rule. On Round 2, a zombie can take exactly 8 shots from the starting pistol to the leg before being killed by a single melee attack. Since a melee kill grants 130 points and each bullet hit grants 10 points, this strategy allows you to leave the starting room with significantly more money than if you simply went for headshots.

• Melee Kill: 130 points
• Headshot Kill: 100 points
• Body Kill: 60 points
• Bullet Hit: 10 points

Understanding Pack-a-Punch and Alternate Ammo Types

In Black Ops 3, the Pack-a-Punch machine does more than just increase damage. After the initial 5,000-point upgrade, you can "re-pack" your weapon for 2,500 points to gain an Alternate Ammo Type (AAT) . These are highly impactful and can make even a weak wall-buy weapon effective into Round 100.

• Dead Wire: Sends a chain of electricity through a group of zombies. It has a very short cooldown and is widely considered a top choice for high rounds.
• Blast Furnace: Creates a localized explosion that burns nearby zombies.
• Fireworks: Summons a temporary turret that shoots at enemies.
• Thunder Wall: Knocks back zombies in front of you, similar to a Thundergun blast.

How XP Scaling Works for Faster Leveling

If you are trying to reach Master Prestige, understanding XP scaling is vital. You earn XP for every kill, but you also receive a "Survival Bonus" at the end of every round. According to IGN's Zombies guide , the formula for this bonus is Round Number x 50 . This means that staying in a game for high rounds is significantly more efficient for leveling up than repeatedly playing the early rounds.

Frequently Asked Questions