Key Highlights:
- Round-Based Zombies returns with two launch maps: Terminus and Liberty Falls.
- Expanded gameplay features like Omnimovement and third-person perspective.
- New gameplay trailer details the Terminus map and more.
Quick Links:
Get ready to barricade the doors and load up on ammo! Activision and Treyarch have announced a full-on, round-based Zombies experience for Call of Duty Black Ops 6.
The full details on Zombies in COD BO6 were shared in a new blog post on the official site, and a brand new Terminus trailer was dropped which you can view below:
The Setting: Terminus Island and Liberty Falls
Terminus Island
Nestled in the Philippine Sea, Terminus Island harbours a dark history. Once a coal mining operation, it later served as a US Naval base and a CIA detention centre.
In 1986, Project Janus took control, transforming the island’s subterranean mining caves into a sinister laboratory.
Players will find themselves trapped in this maximum-security prison complex, fighting for survival against hordes of the undead.
Liberty Falls
Set in the heart of West Virginia, Liberty Falls presents a once-quaint town now overrun by chaos. As the epicentre of a Dark Aether outbreak, this map promises to challenge players with a unique twist on the Zombies mode.
More details about Liberty Falls will be revealed at Call of Duty: NEXT on August 28th 2024.
Gameplay Overview: The Evolution of Round-Based Zombies
Black Ops 6 Zombies focuses on delivering the finest Round-Based experience Treyarch has ever created. While veteran players will find familiar elements, newcomers will discover systems designed to make the Main Quest more accessible.
Core Gameplay Loop
Players (up to four) must explore the map, dispatch waves of undead foes, and complete objectives. Success hinges on adept crowd control and managing two primary currencies: Essence and Salvage.
Essence
Essence is earned by eliminating zombies and occasionally drops from tougher enemies. It’s used for:
- Accessing objective-related devices
- Unlocking doors (with a new option to split costs with teammates)
- Summoning Tactical Rafts for aquatic travel
- Purchasing Perk-a-Colas, weapon upgrades, ammo, and more
- Starting special Trial challenges
Salvage
Salvage appears as small piles of junk with a green outline, dropped by fallen enemies. It’s used for:
- Applying Ammo Mods to weapons
- Upgrading weapon rarity
- Crafting Tactical, Lethal, and Support Equipment
Movement and Perspective
Black Ops 6 introduces Omnimovement, allowing players to sprint, slide, and dive in any direction with a full 360-degree range of motion.
This enhanced mobility is crucial for surviving in tight spaces and dodging zombie hordes.
For the first time in Round-Based Zombies, players can switch between first- and third-person perspectives at any time during a match.
Heads-Up Display (HUD)
The HUD is highly customisable, with options including:
- Various layout choices, including a “Legacy” setting
- Toggling health bars and damage numbers
- Custom colour palettes
- Minimap settings
- Option to disable Pack-a-Punch weapon camos
Main Quest and Easter Eggs
Each map features a Main Quest for players to solve, typically becoming accessible after reaching the Pack-a-Punch machine.
Treyarch aims to make these quests more challenging than in Black Ops Cold War.
A new guided mode will be introduced post-launch, offering focused guidance through the Main Quest with rounds capped to certain stages of progression. This mode aims to make the narrative more accessible to new players.
Exfil System
Players can choose to extract from the map by calling upon Raptor One to secure a landing site. Alternatively, they can continue fighting until overwhelmed, with personal bests tracked and logged.
Pre-Game Preparation: Loadouts and Customisation
Augments
Augments allow players to invest in research between matches, unlocking powerful modifications for Perks, Ammo Mods, and Field Upgrades.
Each item has six Augments (three Minor, three Major), with players able to equip one of each type.
Weapons and Loadouts
Players can customise their loadouts with:
- Primary Weapon
- Melee Weapon
- Field Upgrade
- Tactical Equipment
- Lethal Equipment
- GobbleGum Pack
Field Upgrades
Field Upgrades offer powerful, chargeable abilities with elemental effects. Options include:
- Aether Shroud
- Frenzied Guard
- Healing Aura
- Energy Mine
- Dark Flare (new)
GobbleGums
Players can create custom GobbleGum Packs, each containing five single-use power-ups. GobbleGums come in various rarities: Rare, Epic, Legendary, Ultra, and Whimsical.
In-Game Systems and Features
Perk-a-Colas
Perks grant special abilities and can be upgraded with Augments. Available Perks include:
- Jugger-Nog
- Quick Revive
- Speed Cola
- Stamin-Up
- PhD Flopper
- Deadshot Daiquiri
- Elemental Pop
- Melee Macchiato (new)
Ammo Mods
Ammo Mods grant elemental effects to weapons. Options include:
- Brain Rot
- Cryo Freeze
- Dead Wire
- Napalm Burst
- Shadow Rift (new)
Rampage Inducer
This optional feature increases zombie speed and spawn rate for the first 20 rounds, allowing experienced players to quickly progress through early rounds.
Power-Ups
Various power-ups appear during gameplay, including:
- Insta-Kill
- Double Points
- Max Ammo
- Nuke
- Fire Sale
- Bonus Points
- Full Power
- Max Armour
Pack-a-Punch Machine
The Pack-a-Punch Machine (PAP for short) is a game-changer in Round-Based Zombies. It lets you infuse your weapons with extra power using Essence collected from slaying zombies.
Initially, the machine is disabled, but once the outpost is back online and you’ve earned enough Essence, you can easily reach the machine and upgrade your weapons with a single button press. No more pausing the action to navigate menus!
The PAP Machine can enhance your Primary, Melee weapons, and even Wonder Weapons. The specific upgrades you get depend on the weapon, but they typically increase damage, magazine capacity, and ammo reserves. Some upgrades might even surprise you with unique effects!
Don’t like the glowing effects that come with PAP upgrades? You can disable PAP camos in Settings to keep your weapon’s original look. Each upgrade tier unlocks a new, typically glowing, camouflage along with distinct firing sounds to personalise your weapon’s look and sound.
Wonder Weapons
Rare and powerful prototype weapons, such as the Beamsmasher, offer devastating capabilities against zombie hordes.
Enemy Types and Environmental Hazards
Zombie Variants
Players will face various zombie types, including:
- Standard Zombies
- Armoured Zombies
- Heavy Zombies
- Grotesques and Tormented Horrors
- Vermin
- Parasites
- Manglers
- Amalgams
Environmental Hazards
Maps feature unique environmental elements and traps, such as:
- Tentacle Traps
- Void Cannon Trap
- “The Tentacle” (aquatic threat)
Next Steps and Pre-Order Information
Call of Duty: NEXT, scheduled for the 28th of August 2024, will reveal more information about Black Ops 6 Multiplayer and Zombies, as well as COD: Warzone.
Pre-order bonuses for Black Ops 6 include:
- Reflect 115 Camo Pack
- Woods Operator Pack
- Early Access to the Open Beta
- Additional content for Vault Edition pre-orders
As we approach the 25th of October release date, the hype is at an all-time high for the long-running shooter series.
We’ll keep you updated on any new developments especially from the NEXT event at the end of this current month.