Despite its long history,Call of DutyZombieshas only had two true leveling systems over the years. The firstappeared inCall of Duty: Black Ops 2, while the second was used fromCall of Duty: Black Ops 3onward. While most fans will remember the modern system, as the only other style the mode has featured was only used in one game, it would be great to see it appear in the future.
If rumors are true about there being a standaloneCall of DutyZombies game next year, there would be a perfect opportunity to bring back a more unique leveling system. After all, this hypothetical game would not be tied to a multiplayer mode orCall of Duty: Warzone, so there would be no need for shared progression and leveling. A fully unique system could be introduced once again, with Treyarch possibly adding something more intriguing than basic XP levels.
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Call of Duty: Black Ops 2’s Leveling System Explained
Not only didCall of Duty: Black Ops 2did not only release some of the best andworst Zombies maps of all time, but it had many systems that made it memorable. This includes the way that it handled levels, with players able to go up and down the ranks based on their performance. This instantly made the system unique, as players had a reason to perform well since they were at constant risk of being deranked by the game.
While the system was poorly explained, leaving it up to players to determine how exactly levels were gained and lost, the idea was fairly simple. Players wanted to get lots of kills, minimal downs, and reach high rounds to level up.CoDZombies fanscould achieve eight ranks, moving from a single bone to a skull with shotguns. Players would get a tally mark added by their icon each day they played, with a five-day streak granting them blue eyes. These eyes and tallies would be lost if players stopped engaging with Zombies, providing another reason to play regularly.
Why a Return To The Old CoD Zombies Progression System Makes Sense
Obviously,Treyarchshould be more transparent with gamers about how they can level up inCall of DutyZombies if it ever returns to the old approach. Not knowing how to level up inCall of Duty: Black Ops 2was frustrating, and players were not given concrete answers during the game’s life cycle. Apart from that, though, the old approach simply makes more sense for the mode.
With the currentCall of DutyZombies leveling system being shared with multiplayer andCall of Duty: Warzone, fans have no idea if they are playing with an experienced Zombies fan or not. A player could have done all theirPrestiging in multiplayer orWarzonebefore coming over to Zombies with no idea what they are doing. InCall of Duty: Black Ops 2, though, players instantly knew if the person that had joined their lobby was any good due to the knife and shotgun ranks.
One area that Zombies has received criticism for in recent years is a lack of unique assets, with survival maps based heavily on campaign locations and theOutbreak modepulling its locations straight from multiplayer. A unique leveling system is one way to give Zombies its own identity once again. While traditional, XP-focused leveling makes sense for multiplayer, it is a bit boring in Zombies, especially when there are no unique rewards alongside it. Bringing back a leveling system that rewards good, consistent play makes sense for a mode likeCall of DutyZombies, and it would be great to see it return in the near future.
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