The Ultimate Black Ops 3 Custom Zombies Maps Guide (2025)

Even years after its initial release, Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 remains the gold standard for fan-created content, thanks to its robust Steam Workshop. The modding community has consistently delivered a staggering number of high-quality custom zombie maps, turning the game into a virtually endless source of new gameplay. As we move through 2025, the community continues to thrive, with new maps and ambitious remasters constantly being released. This guide highlights some of the best custom maps you need to play right now, covering everything from classic remasters to innovative new experiences. These are the maps that define the current state of BO3 Custom Zombies and offer a fresh challenge for both new and veteran players.

The Definitive Remasters and Reimagined Classics

One of the most popular genres in the BO3 custom zombies scene is the remastering of iconic maps from previous Treyarch titles. These creators don’t just copy the old maps; they enhance them with new mechanics, high-fidelity graphics, and sometimes even new easter eggs.

• Die Rise Remastered (by Xela & Dobby): The original “Die Rise” from Black Ops 2 was a divisive map, but this full-scale remaster has completely revitalized it. The creators have meticulously rebuilt the map with stunning visuals, polished gameplay mechanics, and a full-fledged Easter Egg that was missing from the original. It’s an incredible example of how a passionate community can improve on a classic.
• Call of the Dead Remake (by copforthat): Considered by many to be a true successor to the original, this remake captures the chilling atmosphere of the original Black Ops map while bringing it into the BO3 engine. It features the iconic celebrity cast, the terrifying George Romero boss, and a perfectly replicated layout that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
• TranZit Remake (by Verk0): This is one of the most ambitious ongoing projects in the community. While the full map is still in development, the individual survival sections like “Diner Survival” and “Town Reimagined” are already playable and phenomenal. They fix the core issues of the original map, such as the fog and the Denizens, while adding new features like Pack-a-Punch mastery upgrades. This project showcases the incredible dedication of the Black Ops 3 modding community.
• Origins Remake: The legendary Origins map from Black Ops 2 has seen multiple remakes on the BO3 workshop. The best of these not only faithfully recreate the elemental staffs and boss fights but also introduce new systems and challenges, making an already complex map even more engaging. It’s a testament to the enduring popularity of this fan-favorite.

Innovative and Original Maps for a New Challenge

Beyond the remakes, the community continues to push the boundaries with completely original map concepts. These creations often introduce unique gameplay loops, custom weapons, and intricate storylines that rival official DLC.

• Leviathan: Widely praised as a masterpiece of custom mapping, Leviathan offers a sprawling, multi-layered experience with a deep Easter Egg quest, custom characters, and a cinematic boss fight. The level design is a work of art, blending survival with puzzle-solving in a way that feels incredibly rewarding. It is a must-play for anyone looking for a full, high-quality zombies experience.
• Complex: This map takes a different approach, focusing on a more claustrophobic and intense survival experience. “Complex” is known for its custom weapon pack, challenging enemy types, and a unique environment that forces players to constantly adapt their strategies. It’s a great choice for players who enjoy a pure, high-stakes survival challenge.
• Murder Mystery: Stepping away from the traditional zombies formula, this map transforms the mode into a puzzle-based escape room. Players must solve a series of clues to progress and escape the mansion, all while fending off the undead. It’s a creative and refreshing take that showcases the versatility of the BO3 mod tools.
• Vae Victis: A fan-favorite from the Outbreak-style maps, Vae Victis is a sprawling, open-world experience that brings a new level of scale to custom zombies. It features a full cast of characters, a unique storyline, and large, explorable areas. This map feels like a genuine, officially released piece of content and is a fantastic showcase of what the community can achieve.
• The Iron Dragon: Blending the best elements of Der Eisendrache and Origins, “The Iron Dragon” is a map for the hardcore Easter Egg hunter. With its own unique elemental bow quests, a complex main quest, and a challenging boss, this map provides an epic and rewarding journey for players who love a deep, lore-rich experience.

Why Black Ops 3 Custom Zombies Is Still Thriving

The longevity of the BO3 Custom Zombies scene in 2025 is a testament to several key factors. First and foremost, the game’s robust modding tools, provided by Treyarch, have empowered a creative and dedicated community to build maps with a level of detail and complexity that is rarely seen in other titles. Furthermore, the PC platform’s ease of access via the Steam Workshop means that downloading and playing these maps is a seamless process for anyone who owns the game. This has cultivated a strong, consistent player base that continues to support creators and their ambitious projects. As new Call of Duty games come and go, many players return to BO3 for its unparalleled custom content, proving that a strong foundation and a thriving community can sustain a game for years beyond its official support cycle.

In a world of live service games, the community-driven content of Black Ops 3 offers a compelling alternative. It’s a space where creators can freely innovate, experiment, and deliver experiences that are often more creative and ambitious than what’s available in official releases. Whether you’re a long-time player or someone just discovering the custom maps scene, there has never been a better time to dive in. The community is alive and well, and the maps on this list are a perfect starting point for your next zombie-slaying adventure.