Introduction
Exo Zombies is one of the most unique spin-offs in the Call of Duty franchise. First introduced in Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, the mode was developed by Raven Software in collaboration with Sledgehammer Games. While not tied to Treyarch’s traditional Zombies storyline or Infinite Warfare’s take on the undead, Exo Zombies stands on its own with a distinct narrative, gameplay mechanics, and futuristic twist.
As the COD BO7 hype grows, many fans look back at earlier Zombies experiments like Exo Zombies for inspiration. With Exo Suits, advanced weaponry, and cinematic storytelling, this mode remains a fan-favorite alternative to Treyarch’s more gothic survival horror style.
Origins of Exo Zombies
Exo Zombies first appeared as a hidden bonus in the Exo Survival map Riot. What began as a small Easter egg quickly evolved into a full-fledged survival mode, complete with new maps, cutscenes, and a compelling cast of characters.
The story centers on four survivors:
- Oz – Atlas janitor (voiced by John Malkovich)
- Lilith Swann – IT specialist (voiced by Rose McGowan)
- Jim Decker – Security guard (voiced by Jon Bernthal)
- Kahn – Atlas executive (voiced by Bill Paxton)
Later, Captain Lennox (voiced by Bruce Campbell) joins the narrative, bringing shocking revelations about Atlas’ dark experiments with the Manticore bioweapon.
Gameplay Mechanics
Round-Based Survival
Like traditional Zombies, Exo Zombies is round-based, with each wave introducing tougher enemies. However, the addition of Exo Suits changes how players navigate and survive. Double-jumps, boost-dodges, and aerial combat make encounters far more dynamic.
Credits and Purchases
Instead of earning points, players collect credits to unlock weapons, activate traps, and open doors. Weapons come from wall-mounted 3D Printers, and the equivalent of the Mystery Box exists as a randomized 3D Printer with shifting holograms.
Exo Upgrades
Replacing Perk-a-Colas, Exo Upgrades enhance movement, health, or utility. These synergize with the Exo Suit, providing powerful combat advantages.
Weapon Upgrades
Instead of the Pack-a-Punch machine, Exo Zombies features an Upgrade Station. Weapons can be enhanced up to level 20, with an optional upgrade to level 25 after completing Easter eggs. Each upgrade increases power, adds attachments, and changes camouflage.
Infected Mechanic
A signature twist is the infection system. If struck by Host zombies, players become infected and must reach a Decontamination Unit within 60 seconds. Failure means turning into a zombie in co-op or instant death in solo.
Special Enemies
- Zombie Dogs – Similar to Hellhounds, fast and aggressive.
- Host Zombies – Infect players with the virus.
- Exo Zombies – Equipped with Exo Suits, capable of boosting and jumping like players.
- EMP Zombies – Disrupt Exo Suit abilities temporarily.
Storyline Breakdown
The Atlas Disaster
Atlas’ use of the Manticore bioweapon leads to a global outbreak. Survivors Oz, Lilith, Decker, and Kahn must fight through waves of the undead after Atlas’ secret labs fall.
Betrayal and Revelation
Sentinel Task Force rescues the survivors, but Captain Lennox executes Oz, claiming he is the true source of the infection. Eventually, Oz reanimates, becoming a terrifying intelligent zombie, turning the battle into one against Atlas and the undead alike.
Final Showdown
The saga concludes on an Atlas aircraft carrier, where the survivors and Lennox attempt to end the infection by sinking the ship. The confrontation with a zombified Oz stands as one of the most emotional and unexpected twists in the franchise.
Full Weapons List in Exo Zombies
| Category | Weapons |
|---|---|
| Assault Rifles | AK-12 · Bal-27 · IMR · HBRa3 · ARX-160 · MK14 · AE4 |
| SMGs | ASM1 · MP11 · SN6 · SAC3 · AMR9 |
| Shotguns | Bulldog · S-12 · Tac-19 · CEL-3 Cauterizer · Blunderbuss |
| Sniper Rifles | Lynx |
| Heavy Weapons | EM1 · Ameli · Pytaek · Magnetron · Ohm |
| Pistols | Atlas 45 · RW1 · PDW |
| Launchers | MAHEM |
| Specials | Crossbow · Ripped MG Turret · Ripped Rocket Turret · Ripped Energy Turret · M1 Irons · Combat Knife · LZ-52 Limbo · KL03-Trident |
| Attachments | Target Enhancer · Thermal · Red Dot Sight · Auto Focus Sight · Hybrid Sight · Laser Sight · Extended Mags · Rapid Fire · Stock · Quickdraw Grip · Akimbo |
| Exo Launcher | Frag · Contact Grenade · Explosive Drone · Nano Swarm · Distraction Drone · Teleport Grenade · Repulsor |
| Miscellaneous | Boost Slam · C4 · Exoskeleton · Exo Melee · Fishing Pole · Flare · Gas Bomb · Hamburger Bomb · Knife · Shovel |
| Unobtainable | MP-443 Grach (menu only) · AK47 (menu only) · Flamethrower (cutscene) · Suppressor (cutscene) |
| Cut Content | Atlas Sword |
Why Exo Zombies Still Matters for COD BO7 Fans
As the community looks forward to Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 (COD BO7), Exo Zombies remains an important chapter in the franchise’s experimental history. Its fast-paced mechanics, unique infection twist, and narrative depth proved that Zombies could be reinvented in futuristic settings. Many fans speculate that COD BO7 may borrow inspiration from Exo Zombies’ mechanics, blending advanced movement with classic survival horror.
For longtime fans of the undead modes, Exo Zombies stands as both a nostalgic memory and a source of inspiration for future gameplay. With COD BO7 on the horizon, players eager to dive straight into the action often look for ways to enhance their multiplayer experience. Whether it’s reliving the high-octane chaos of Exo Zombies or preparing for the next era of survival combat, many choose to buy COD BO7 lobby access to get a head start, sharpen their skills, and ensure they’re ready for whatever challenges Treyarch brings next.