We knew it was coming, and today, Activision delivered the goods with the reveal of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Zombies. The Zombies mode will feature a new story set alongside existing Zombies canon, while also featuring cross-generation, cross-platform play, Battle Pass integration, and more.
Highlighted in the reveal is the new Zombies map, Die Maschine (“The Machine”, in case you were wondering), and is described as “more than a nod to ‘Nacht der Untoten’ – the map that started it all”. Like the base game, the Zombies mode takes place in the early ’80s, and the four player co-op mode stars Grigori Weaver (returning from the original Black Ops) leading a CIA-backed team called Requiem as they explore an abandoned World War 2 bunker.
The mode will also feature a rival Soviet sqaud called Omega Group that is looking to study and harness the supernatural phenomena in the area. “Between Requiem and Omega Group, there are plenty of characters who may aid or hinder your journey, while others have separate, unknown agendas that will be up to players to discover. Among this cast, there is one particular contact – Sam – who seems eager to share intel discovered from deep within the KGB.”
And yes, much like the base game, Zombies will be available as a cross-platform mode, and will also work across generations, meaning all online players can play together, regardless of the machine they’re using. Zombies will also contribute to the Call of Duty Battle Pass, just as Multiplayer and Warzone currently both contribute to it. You can also bring your chosen loadout into the mode.
The mode includes new tactical features as you play, such as adding weapon rarities, field upgrades that are charged by killing zombies, lethal, tactical, and support equipment, and no-limit perks. Another addition is the new Exfil option, which allows a squad that has made the decision that it won’t survive to escape via helicopter in return for some rewards. As a downside, the game will send hordes your way as you wait for extraction.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is due out for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Battle.net on November 13.