Call of Duty: Vanguard Zombies only offering three maps throughout its whole life cycle would be a bit surprising, but with Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War only bringing four proper maps, it is not out of the realm of possibility. In fact, the name Der Anfang might hint at this being the case. While it is purely speculation, fans may want to expect a bit less content than normal from Call of Duty: Vanguard Zombies so that they are not disappointed.
RELATED: Call of Duty: Vanguard Trailer Shows Off PlayStation Exclusive Benefits
What The Translation Of Der Anfang Implies
Call of Duty Zombies fans will surely be familiar with the mode’s tactic of naming maps based on where they are set. This trick adds a lot to the themes of maps like the Berlin-based Mauer Der Toten, making the German focus very clear. While Der Anfang may be set in Stalingrad, the story is focused on the Nazi obsession with occultism and the antagonist Von List. As such, Der Anfang being the German version of “The Beginning” makes sense.
From a storytelling standpoint, The Beginning is a solid title due to Der Anfang’s place in the Dark Aether story. As a prequel to the narrative from Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Zombies, the Call of Duty: Vanguard storyline is the chronological beginning of the ongoing plot. However, the title could imply more than what it lets on, as its name might be more than a nod to its place in the story. If Der Anfang is The Beginning, then it would make sense for Treyarch to let players see The Middle and The End some time soon.
While these would be terrible map names in their English form, so too would The Beginning. As such, Treyarch could continue the trend that has been seen in the past, releasing the next two maps under the German names Die Mitte and Das Ende. Players could very well be in for a three-map story arc, and given the current schedule for releasing Zombies updates, this theory seems more plausible than not.
While many have been quick to point out how lackluster Season 1’s Zombies content has been, it could be indicative of what is to come. The last two Call of Duty games have had six Seasons of content, and though Call of Duty: Vanguard might change this, a pattern presents itself either way. If Season 2 brings more updates to Der Anfang and the promised main quest, Season 3 could then bring the next Zombies experience.
Season 4 could be another mapless season for Call of Duty: Vanguard Zombies players, with Treyarch introducing the main quest for Die Mitte and expanding on the map with new additions. Season 5 could then bring the final map, the hypothetical Das Ende, with Season 6 giving players access to new Das Ende features and the final main quest of the Call of Duty: Vanguard Zombies storyline. Obviously, this is all speculation, and Treyarch could end up giving players access to more or less than two new maps. However, based on what Season 1 and 2 will be bringing, and the name Der Anfang, two more maps being released seems like a reasonable expectation.
RELATED: Call of Duty: Vanguard Players Are Disappointed With New Call of Duty League Skins
What The Next Two Zombies Experiences Could Look Like
Obviously, Call of Duty Zombies fans would not be pleased that the latest iteration of the mode only received 2 post-launch maps. After all, many were frustrated that Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War only added Firebase Z, Mauer Der Toten, and Forsaken. However, the reaction could be even more negative if the next experiences do not take on a round-based format.
As of now, it remains to be seen what the future of Call of Duty Zombies will look like. While fans have made their complaints about the objective focus very clear, Treyarch has only promised that round-based-like content will come at some point in the future. Based on the studio’s wording, though, this will likely take the form of an objective type, meaning that future releases are poised to follow the format of Der Anfang instead of being the traditional Survival maps fans know and love.
Treyarch seems determined to double down on the objective-focused style of Call of Duty: Vanguard Zombies, likely due to the popularity of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War’s Outbreak mode. Assuming that it does do this, fans can at least be hopeful that future experiences will rectify some of the mistakes seen in the game’s launch experience. Side quests and small easter eggs could be included in future maps, with everything from hidden songs to free perks and Covenants able to be found around the map. Wonder Weapons could be added as well, as they have been one of the most missed features thus far. Regardless of whether the Wonder Weapons get a special quest or are just added to the mystery box, these special guns need to come to the game sooner rather than later. Lastly, Pack-A-Punch camos could make a comeback, adding personality back to Zombies.
While calls for Zombies Chronicles 2 will likely continue, as well as demands for original round-based maps, the future does not seem to be bright for Call of Duty: Vanguard’s co-op mode. While fans should always try to be optimistic, a more realistic outlook based on what has been planned for the game’s first two Seasons indicates a lackluster post-launch plan. Hopefully, Treyarch surprises its fans, because Der Anfang’s name seems to imply that just a few more Zombies experiences are in the works.
Call of Duty: Vanguard is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
MORE: Call of Duty: Vanguard’s Campaign Feels Like Setup For A Sequel
