Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is set to introduce a new and exciting Zombies mode, marking a significant departure from the traditional wave-based system on a small map. This new mode, developed by Treyarch, is described as an “all-new open world” where players can team up to fight the Zombie hordes in the “largest Call of Duty zombies maps ever”[6]. The open-world gameplay style is similar to the Outbreak mode from Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, but with some key differences and improvements[3][4].
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a multiple squad aspect. Instead of players being in a match with just three other players, there will be multiple squads that work together to fight the zombie hordes. According to leaks, it will feature six squads of four, allowing for 24 players in the Zombies map, fighting to survive[4].
The Significance of Human NPCs in Enhancing the Game Mode
The new Zombies mode in Modern Warfare 3 is set to enhance immersion by adding side activities with Non-Player Characters (NPCs). These NPCs could need to be escorted out of certain areas, require healing items to be saved, or demand help with finding their lost friends. They could provide rewards like Pack-a-Punched weapons and Wonder Weapon parts, too[3].
The inclusion of NPCs in the game mode is a significant improvement over the Outbreak mode, which lacked this feature. NPCs could offer mini quests as well, like soldiers wanting players to clear out specific areas or survivors begging players to help find their missing friends. If NPCs were utilized to assign new objectives to players while they are out exploring, tying quality rewards to their tasks would be important[3].
How the New Mode Addresses Criticisms of Outbreak
The new Zombies mode in Modern Warfare 3 is designed to address some of the criticisms of the Outbreak mode. One of the main criticisms of Outbreak was that the maps were reused assets from multiplayer and did not feel like Call of Duty Zombies locations. To address this, the new mode is expected to feature a Warzone map, but with special touches like blood and environmental damage added to make the area feel more detailed and appropriate[3].
Another criticism of Outbreak was the lack of objective variety. To address this, the new mode includes side activities with NPCs to enhance immersion and add depth to the gameplay. These side activities could include escorting NPCs out of certain areas, healing NPCs, or helping them find their lost friends[3].
The Expected Map and Setting for the New Zombies Mode
The Zombies mode in Modern Warfare 3 is expected to feature the biggest map in Zombies history. While no official reveals have been given as of yet, a screenshot from the mode was released and many believe that the Outbreak 2.0 map will be none other than Al Mazrah[4]. This map is expected to be a district in Al Mazrah or a variation of it. Players who have ventured around the map in Warzone will be familiar with this location[4].
The Launch Date and Platforms for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is set to launch on November 10, 2023. The game will be available globally on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Battlenet[4][6]. This highly anticipated release is expected to bring a fresh and immersive experience to the Call of Duty franchise, with its new open-world Zombies mode and the inclusion of human NPCs.
Citations:
[1] https://youtube.com/watch?v=7qNC0s30ZSo
[2] https://youtube.com/watch?v=2g8rmc-T18E
[3] https://gamerant.com/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-zombies-npc-missions-good/
[4] https://www.thegamecrater.com/call-of-duty-mw3-everything-we-know-about-zombies/
[5] https://www.charlieintel.com/call-of-duty/modern-warfare-3-zombies-lets-fans-play-new-warzone-map-at-launch-266625/
[6] https://www.ign.com/articles/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-reveals-open-world-zombies-mode
[7] https://callofduty.fandom.com/wiki/Zombie
[8] https://www.reddit.com/r/CODZombies/comments/15tyrrj/mw3_zombies_is_not_outbreak/
[9] https://youtube.com/watch?v=bhzuhZCGXcQ
[10] https://youtube.com/watch?v=S2on_R32dRI
[11] https://youtube.com/watch?v=Z1_PV6zTbvM
[12] https://youtube.com/watch?v=PHaEmDP3juQ
[13] https://www.charlieintel.com/call-of-duty/modern-warfare-3-zombies-mode-260375/
[14] https://gamerant.com/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-zombies-open-world/
[15] https://www.callofduty.com/blog/2023/08/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-III-worldwide-full-reveal-announcement
[16] https://egw.news/callofduty/news/23649/evolution-of-call-of-duty-zombies-from-rounds-to-o-5E-pij8gM
[17] https://gamerant.com/call-duty-modern-warfare-3-zombies-open-map-squads-story-rumors-leaks/
[18] https://www.theloadout.com/call-of-duty-mw3/zombies
[19] https://youtube.com/watch?v=y4LZfbgEfrQ
[20] https://www.reddit.com/r/CODZombies/comments/15tve5b/more_details_about_modern_warfare_iii_zombies/
[21] https://www.reddit.com/r/CODZombies/comments/15nwak9/so_is_anyone_genuinely_excited_about_modern/
[22] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Call_of_Duty:_Modern_Warfare_3
[23] https://youtube.com/watch?v=4ZHs-XCaYfE
[24] https://www.engadget.com/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-iii-will-include-the-series-biggest-zombies-map-ever-180029216.html
[25] https://youtube.com/watch?v=XzFMPWwRUSE