Black Ops 6 Season 1 Reloaded is almost here, and despite meaning to be a mid-season top-up of content, it is absolutely crammed. There are new multiplayer maps and weapons, events, a Christmas makeover for Nuketown, and much more, but the headline feature is absolutely Citadelle des Morts – Black Ops 6’s third round-based Zombies map. From teasers, it already sounded like an epic new Zombies experience, but after seeing everything that’s been revealed about it in today’s big Season 1 Reloaded info dump, I think it may end up being even better than Terminus and Liberty Falls.
Black Ops 6’s two launch Zombies maps are hardly duds – Terminus is a super atmospheric, secret-rich experience, while Liberty Falls is a more light-hearted but still challenging arena that’s great for grinding. Set in a run-down castle (which looks absolutely stunning, by the way) in Black Ops 6’s fictional European microstate of Avalon, Citadelle des Morts looks like it may trump the pair of them. The FPS game’s new map features taverns, dungeons, a giant cannon shaped like a lion, and most importantly of all, four new Wonder Weapons that’ll make you feel like you’re playing a fantasy RPG rather than a co-op shooter.
Within Citadelle des Morts, you’ll find The Bastard Sword, a powerful claymore that can dice up zombies and deflect incoming projectiles. While it is incredibly strong, you’ll also be able to transform it into one of four epic, elemental Wonder Weapons. There’s the fire-infused Caliburn, the electrifying Durendal, the Aether-powered Balmung, or the radiant Solais. Not only do they all look incredible, they are the most powerful weapons you can wield (that we know of so far, anyway) in Citadelle des Morts.
On top of this quartet of swords, the map is littered with boiling oil traps that you can tip out onto pursuing zombies and set alight with fiery weapons and equipment, such as Molotovs. The aforementioned Lion Cannon is also at your disposal, and Treyarch teases that its purpose may go beyond blasting zombies. “What would happen if you climbed inside it?” it teases. Points of Power can also be found scattered around Citadelle des Morts, which are “otherwordly” manhole covers that sound like they’ll teleport you to some kind of secret room or realm – given the name, it could well be the route to the Pack-A-Punch machine.
There’s also a brand new field upgrade called Tesla Storm that you can add to your loadout, which sends out electrical energy for ten seconds that connects to any nearby teammates, stunning and damaging zombies. A new Light elemental ammo mod is also coming that can be a great extra healing option for your team. Citadelle des Morts also has a new Perk-A-Cola called Vulture Aid, which we haven’t seen since Black Ops 2 many moons ago. Vulture Aid essentially expands the pool of loot that enemies can drop.
A totally freaky new enemy type called the Doppleghast can also be found in Citadelle des Morts, which is described as “violent” and “erratic” with lurching movements and high speed if it’s chasing you down.
Of course, the we’ll have to wait to see how compelling the main quest line is and how many new Black Ops 6 Zombies easter eggs are hidden within the castle’s walls, but from these details, trailers, and screenshots alone, I am already won over by Citadelle des Morts. Black Ops 6 has already been a treat for Zombies fans after years of mediocrity in the series, but it sounds like things are only going to get better.
Black Ops 6 Season 1 Reloaded and the new Citadelle des Morts Zombies map go live on Thursday, December 5 at 9am PT/ 12pm ET/ 5pm GMT/ 6pm CET. For the full breakdown of what’s new in Season 1 Reloaded, and to ogle more beautiful Citadelle des Morts screenshots, head over to the Call of Duty blog here.
Also be sure to head over to our Black Ops 6 events guide to see what’s live right now and what’s on the horizon, as new cosmetics and weapons are usually up for grabs. For multiplayer grinders, make sure you take a look at our best Black Ops 6 loadouts guide to ensure you’ve got the optimum class setup.
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