Call of Duty Zombies maps have offered a variety of intriguing settings. While the Aether storyline began in a simple WW2 bunker before venturing into an asylum, swamp, and factory, more daring locations soon became the norm. The Nazi-controlled theater from the original Black Ops was swiftly overshadowed by the Pentagon, the mythical Shangri-La, and the moon. The settings then became even more outlandish, with players battling the undead in an underground old west town, a medieval castle, and a version of Stalingrad overrun by dragons. If Treyarch seeks to return to more over-the-top maps, drawing inspiration from Steelrising could be a strong move.

Although Steelrising did not receive as much critical acclaim as soulslikes such as Lies of P and Nioh, it remains a solid game with an engaging story, world, and premise. In Steelrising, players embody the mechanical Aegis, controlling the puppet as she aids real-world revolutionary figures from France in defeating mechanical monstrosities. While the game offers enjoyable gameplay mechanics, such as Aegis’ cooling system and traversal options, it is the setting that Call of Duty Zombies should draw the most inspiration from.

Uniting History and Uniqueness in a French Revolution Map for CoD Zombies

How a CoD Zombies Map Inspired by Steelrising Could Thrive

It is not difficult to envision the advantages of delving into the French Revolution within Call of Duty Zombies. While iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and French Catacombs might be off-limits, Steelrising demonstrates that an older version of France could still be captivating. While the rumored city map for Call of Duty 2024's Zombies mode will likely be modern rather than featuring architecture from the late 1700s, gameplay-wise, they would not be vastly different. Players could navigate zombies through streets, seek refuge with fellow survivors within cramped buildings, and more.

In a French Revolution map, the undead could undergo intriguing transformations, adorned in phyrygian caps, wigs, and 18th-century attire. Special enemies could draw direct inspiration from Steelrising, with large mechs, dogs, and puppets appearing sporadically or during specific rounds. Given the presence of steampunk elements in maps like Origins and Shadows of Evil, incorporating more steampunk adversaries seems entirely feasible. Moreover, with the Mystery Box able to conjure weapons across time, and wall buys essentially defying logic, modern weaponry could seamlessly feature in the map. However, attachments like Bayonets would complement the ambience, while sabers and flintlock pistols could form the basis for Wonder Weapons.

A CoD Zombies Map Inspired by Steelrising Could Resurrect an Overlooked Narrative

While 18th-century France would offer a visually distinct setting from any previous Call of Duty Zombies map, there is a significant consideration: the storyline. While the Aether story could have accommodated such a map due to its utilization of time travel, the Dark Aether narrative lacks this capability. However, the Chaos story, with its emphasis on history and mythology, would be the ideal conduit for such a map. Perhaps Scarlett and her allies could encounter another vision akin to the one in IX, transporting them back in time to fulfill a mission during the revolution. Steampunk enemies could be fueled by prima materia, justifying the advanced technology featured within the map. Ultimately, a French Revolution map could serve a dual purpose. Not only would it offer the compelling map settings CoD Zombies has been missing since Black Ops 4, but it could also herald the return of the underappreciated Chaos Story.