Call of Duty: Mobile - Zombies Mode: Wave Difficulty - A Review

Call of Duty: Mobile Zombies Mode Image Credit: Activision

Introduction

Call of Duty: Mobile (CODM) has consistently delivered engaging multiplayer experiences since its launch, and the Zombies Mode is no exception. This PvE (Player vs. Environment) mode pits players against endless waves of undead enemies, testing their survival skills, teamwork, and strategic planning. However, one of the most debated aspects of this mode is its wave difficulty progression.

In this review, we will analyze the Zombies Mode’s wave difficulty, examining how it scales, its fairness, and whether it provides a satisfying challenge for both casual and hardcore players.

Understanding Zombies Mode in CODM

Before diving into difficulty, let’s briefly recap how Zombies Mode works:

Objective: Survive as long as possible against increasingly difficult waves of zombies.
Gameplay Loop:
- Players start with basic weapons.
- Earn points by killing zombies to buy better weapons, perks, and defenses.
- Repair barriers to slow down zombie advances.
- Fight bosses at certain wave intervals.
Teamplay: Coordination is crucial, especially in higher waves.

Now, let’s break down the wave difficulty mechanics.

Wave Difficulty Breakdown

Early Waves (1-10): Warm-Up Phase

Zombie Behavior: Slow, predictable movements.
Damage Output: Minimal threat; easy to survive with basic weapons.
Objective: Players gather points, upgrade weapons, and unlock perks.
Fairness: Perfect for beginners to learn mechanics.

Verdict: A smooth introduction, but could be slightly more challenging for experienced players.

Mid Waves (11-20): Rising Tension

Zombie Behavior: Faster, more aggressive.
Damage Output: Noticeable health depletion if caught off-guard.
New Threats: Special zombies (e.g., Brutes, Hellhounds) appear.
Objective: Team coordination becomes essential.

Verdict: A good balance—challenging but not overwhelming.

Late Waves (21-30): Brutal Survival

Zombie Behavior: Extremely fast, relentless attacks.
Damage Output: 2-3 hits can down a player.
Boss Fights: High-damage bosses require perfect teamwork.
Objective: Only well-coordinated teams with maxed-out gear survive.

Verdict: Punishing but rewarding for skilled players.

Beyond Wave 30: Insanity Mode

Zombie Spawn Rate: Near-instant respawns.
Damage Scaling: Even maxed-out weapons feel weak.
Survival Feasibility: Only the most elite teams last.

Verdict: May feel unfair due to extreme scaling.

Is the Difficulty Curve Fair?

Pros

✅ Gradual Learning Curve – New players aren’t overwhelmed early.
✅ Rewarding Progression – Each wave feels like an achievement.
✅ Encourages Teamplay – Solo players struggle in later waves.

Cons

❌ Late Waves Feel Unbalanced – Zombie health/damage scaling may be excessive.
❌ Limited Solo Viability – Almost impossible to survive past Wave 25 alone.
❌ Repetitive Strategies – Meta loadouts dominate, reducing variety.

Suggested Improvements

Adjust Late-Wave Scaling – Reduce zombie health bloat to keep fights tactical rather than bullet-spongy.
More Perk Variety – Introduce unique buffs to encourage diverse playstyles.
Solo Player Buffs – Allow slight stat boosts for lone wolves.

Final Verdict

CODM’s Zombies Mode offers a thrilling survival experience, but its difficulty curve has some rough edges. While early and mid-waves are well-balanced, late-game waves can feel unfairly punishing. With minor tweaks, this mode could become even more enjoyable for all skill levels.