Call of Duty WWII: A Forgotten Horror Gem on Steam
Last Updated: November 4, 2025
In the sprawling, multi-decade saga of the Call of Duty franchise, it’s easy for entire games to be overshadowed by the next blockbuster release. With the modern era dominated by Warzone and the recent open-world evolution of Zombies in Modern Warfare III, many players look back fondly on the golden age of round-based survival.
While Treyarch’s Black Ops series is rightfully lauded for its epic Aether storyline, one of the most genuinely terrifying and atmospheric entries in the co-op mode is frequently, and unfairly, overlooked. Developed by Sledgehammer Games, the Nazi Zombies mode in 2017's *Call of Duty: WWII* offers a chilling, visceral horror experience that stands on its own, and it's waiting to be rediscovered by a new generation of players on PC.
A Gritty Return to Horror's Roots
After years of increasingly fantastical and sci-fi-themed Zombies from other studios, Sledgehammer Games—co-founded by the creators of the iconic Dead Space series—made a deliberate choice to pivot back to pure, unadulterated horror. *Call of Duty: WWII* strips away the campy one-liners and cosmic lore, grounding its terror in the grim realities of the Second World War, twisted through a lens of occult science and undead monstrosities. The Dead Space influence is palpable. The atmosphere is thick with dread, swapping vibrant, arcade-like colors for muted, blood-soaked palettes. Environments are claustrophobic, the sound design is a masterclass in oppression, and the zombies themselves are grotesque amalgamations of flesh and metal, crudely stitched together in horrifying experiments.
This isn't just about fighting waves of the undead; it's about surviving a nightmare. The art direction leans heavily into body horror, creating enemies that are genuinely disturbing. From the lumbering, iron-clubbed Wüstlings to the shrieking, multi-limbed Pests that scuttle through vents, every creature is designed to unnerve. This unwavering commitment to a pure horror aesthetic makes every encounter tense and every victory feel hard-won—a stark contrast to the more power-fantasy, action-oriented feel of its contemporaries and successors.
Gameplay That Emphasizes Survival and Story
Beyond its chilling presentation, *WWII* Zombies innovated on the core gameplay loop in meaningful ways. It introduced a class-based system, allowing players to choose roles like Offense, Control, Support, or Medic. Each role features a unique active ability—from temporary infinite ammo to taunting enemies—that charges over time, encouraging tactical teamwork that goes far beyond simply deciding who covers which window. This system adds a layer of RPG-lite depth and replayability, allowing teams to build strategic compositions to tackle the escalating threat.
Furthermore, the main questline within the launch map, "The Final Reich," is one of the most compelling and cinematic in Zombies history. It guides players through a series of dark, narrative-driven objectives that feel more like a dedicated co-op horror campaign than a simple wave-survival mode. You aren't just surviving; you are actively uncovering a horrifying story, solving clever environmental puzzles, and pushing deeper into a cursed Bavarian village. This strong narrative focus provides a constant sense of purpose and discovery, making it one of the most accessible entry points for players intimidated by the notoriously cryptic Easter Eggs of other Zombies titles.
A Perfect Experience for Today's PC Gamer
Years after its release, *Call of Duty: WWII* and its Zombies mode have found a new life on modern PC hardware and the wave of powerful handhelds. The game is Steam Deck Verified, running exceptionally well and offering an immersive horror experience on the go. On devices like the ROG Ally and Legion Go, its older engine allows for high frame rates and stunning visuals without demanding excessive power, making for perfect pick-up-and-play sessions.
The objective-based structure is ideal for this format. You can hop in for a quick 30-minute run to complete a few objectives or settle in for a multi-hour deep dive to uncover every secret. Consistently available on Steam, often at a steep discount during sales, it represents incredible value. For those who may have skipped this entry during its initial launch or are searching for a more grounded and terrifying flavor of zombie slaying, *WWII* offers a complete, self-contained package that respects your time while delivering genuine scares and profoundly satisfying, team-based gameplay. It’s a terrifying trip back in time that has never been more relevant.