Call of Duty: Vanguard Zombies is a bit disappointing to say the least. Most Call of Duty: Vanguard reviews have cited the mode as the game’s weak link, and for good reason. While the campaign and multiplayer both meet expectations, Zombies is a step in the wrong direction, as the mode abandons several things that players have come to expect. With no major or minor easter eggs, no round-based content, and no Wonder Weapon, many have already returned to older Zombies modes.
Still, while there are many problems with Call of Duty: Vanguard Zombies, there is hope for the mode going forward if Treyarch is willing to listen to fans. Alongside a much-needed balancing pass that reworks the points required to buy the mode’s perks, content aimed at old school players should be added. This ranges from maps that play like a traditional Zombies experience to core mechanics fans love, and if these things are introduced sooner rather than later, the mode has a chance to bounce back.
Adding Proper Round-Based Content To Vanguard Zombies
The biggest issue with Call of Duty: Vanguard Zombies is that contrary to Treyarch’s comments, round-based Zombies fans have been left behind. Splitting the focus between something like Der Anfang and a round-based map would have made sense, especially with the popularity of Outbreak in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Instead, Treyarch took the risk of funneling everyone into an easy and repetitive objective-based mode, something that has been met with overwhelming negativity.
While Der Anfang will improve with time, as Treyarch can expand the map with new objectives and locations in Call of Duty: Vanguard’s post-launch Seasons, it cannot be the only focus. Zombies fans have spent over a decade with the round-based approach, and the Survival gameplay is what a vast majority of gamers know and love because of that. With many not wanting this kind of change, content is needed that keeps those players engaged. If a classic round-based map was introduced, the negativity around the game would start to fade away.
Obviously, Treyarch cannot just make a round-based map in a few weeks, as the detail-filled locations take months to design. However, to keep Survival fans busy until this style of map arrives, Shi No Numa could be separated off into its own Survival map. Treyarch already has the assets available, so reworking the map into a traditional Zombies experience seems like the simplest solution to the problem. While Shi No Numa has been remade before, and would not be as exciting as a brand-new round-based map, it would be better than nothing. A temporary solution is preferable to no solution, after all.
Bringing Back Features That CoD Zombies Fans Love
Aside from using a Shi No Numa remake as a band-aid for the round-based problem, Treyarch needs to introduce core Zombies features sooner rather than later. While it has promised that server pause is in the works, this is just one of many issues in the eyes of many players. For starters, Call of Duty: Vanguard Zombies desperately needs a Pack-A-Punch camo. With most players hoping to see a camo that is unique to each map, the fact that an entire Zombies mode lacks one is strange. This is just one example of the new mode lacking polish, and upgrading guns is less exciting because a camo is not present.
Another thing that Der Anfang and Call of Duty: Vanguard Zombies as a whole is in desperate need of is a Wonder Weapon. Even if Treyarch does not want to design a whole new weapon for the game’s first experience, simply throwing in the Ray Gun would please a lot of fans. With the Ray Gun having appeared in every Treyarch-made Zombies mode besides Call of Duty: Vanguard, it is truly strange that it is nowhere to be seen. With players having nothing exciting to pull from the box because of its absence, and no replacement for it, this is one of the most necessary additions.
Even more important than a Wonder Weapon is the addition of easter eggs. While it is a letdown that fans need to wait until after Season 1 for Call of Duty: Vanguard Zombies’ first main quest, it is inexcusable for the mode to have no side easter eggs for players to complete. In the past, these optional objectives have given players things to do every match while also bringing personality to every location gamers visited. With Call of Duty: Vanguard, there is no hidden song, no Wonder Weapon quest, and no random secrets like those tied to the Aether Bunny from Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. There is nothing to do beyond completing objectives, and with players able to see all there is in the mode after just one match, replaybility is limited.
Pulling The Trigger On Zombies Chronicles 2
Sadly, even if a Wonder Weapon and side quests are added, some people have likely already given up on the mode. As such, Treyarch will need to truly wow these lapsed fans in order to bring them back. While a standout round-based map could do that, and a good main quest may attract some players, Zombies Chronicles 2 is needed now more than ever.
Zombies Chronicles 2 has been rumored since Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 Zombies, with the latest leaks suggesting that the DLC is finished and has been ready for some time. Leakers have theorized that the maps could drop as part of Call of Duty: Vanguard Zombies, and given the negative reception to the mode, that would be a perfect move on the part of Treyarch. Players would instantly get access to several round-based maps that they already know and love, instantly solving the game’s lack of content.
Being able to experience Die Rise and Buried with modern graphics could be incredible, and it would be thrilling to see Treyarch delivering on the original promise of TranZit. Small survival maps like Town and Farm would only add more content to the mix, and Zombies Chronicles 2 could bring back side modes like Grief and Turned as well. If Zombies Chronicles 2 came as a free content update aimed entirely at fixing Call of Duty: Vanguard’s Zombies mode, Treyarch could get even the angriest fans to give the game a second chance. While the path to redemption would take a lot of effort, it would certainly be worth it, as Zombies is the only mode holding Call of Duty: Vanguard back from greatness.
Call of Duty: Vanguard is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.