Introduction:
When you step into the chaotic, blood-soaked world of Call of Duty Zombies, one thing becomes immediately clear: not everyone is built to survive. Between relentless waves of the undead, limited ammo, deadly traps, and constantly shifting objectives, it takes more than just firepower to stay alive. It takes wit, grit, and sometimes sheer, brutal luck. Throughout the franchise’s many iterations—from World at War’s Nacht der Untoten to Black Ops Cold War’s Outbreak—certain characters have proven themselves to be survivors above all else. These aren’t just the ones with the best one-liners (though there are plenty of those); they’re the ones who consistently endure, adapt, and fight back against the darkness. Whether through tactical genius, unshakable resolve, or sheer raw power, these characters defined what it means to outlast the apocalypse. Here are the top ten Call of Duty Zombies characters ranked by their survivability—the ones you’d want by your side when everything falls apart.
#10: Marlton Johnson
Marlton Johnson from the “Transit” and “Buried” maps isn’t your typical action hero—but when it comes to surviving the zombie apocalypse, his brains are his biggest asset. A self-proclaimed intellectual and mechanical genius, Marlton often seems ill-equipped physically compared to his more rugged teammates. He’s awkward, snarky, and not exactly charismatic. But in the brutal world of Zombies, it’s often knowledge that keeps you breathing. Marlton’s technical expertise is invaluable—he helps the crew navigate complex contraptions, assemble essential survival equipment, and manipulate the environment to their advantage. His deep understanding of how things work gives him an edge when it comes to surviving the ever-changing threats thrown their way. However, Marlton’s survivability is hampered by his lack of social skills and overconfidence. He often alienates his teammates, and his tendency to get flustered under pressure can lead to dangerous mistakes. Still, he’s proof that in a zombie apocalypse, brains really can be as important as brawn—if you can avoid getting eaten while bragging about it.
#9: Bruno Delacroix
Introduced in Black Ops 4’s “Chaos” storyline, Bruno Delacroix is a former French Legionnaire whose brutal combat skills make him a formidable survivor. Calm under pressure and physically imposing, Bruno brings a sense of discipline and tactical efficiency to the group. Unlike some characters who rely purely on raw aggression, Bruno treats survival like a military operation—methodical, ruthless, and calculated. His ability to maintain composure under siege makes him one of the better long-term survivors in the series. He’s also fiercely loyal, often throwing himself into danger to protect weaker members of his team. However, Bruno’s sense of order can sometimes be a liability; in situations where chaos reigns, adaptability becomes just as important as discipline. Nonetheless, when it comes to withstanding overwhelming odds with cold efficiency, Bruno is a rock-solid survivor. He’s the type of person who doesn’t just endure the apocalypse—he strategizes his way through it.
#8: Scarlett Rhodes
Scarlett Rhodes from the “Chaos” storyline brings a unique blend of athleticism, intelligence, and personal motivation to her fight for survival. Driven by the need to uncover the truth about her missing father, Scarlett approaches survival with a fierce independence that sets her apart. She’s fast, resourceful, and adaptable—qualities that prove critical in the ever-evolving chaos of zombie-infested worlds. Unlike many of her counterparts who rely on brute force or technical know-how, Scarlett thrives by thinking quickly on her feet, using the environment to her advantage, and staying several moves ahead of her enemies. Her determination often pushes her to take risky but calculated moves, and more often than not, they pay off. However, her fierce independence can sometimes put her at odds with team-based strategies, making her a better survivor on her own terms rather than as part of a larger group. Still, when it comes to adaptability and sheer tenacity, Scarlett ranks among the elite survivors of the Call of Duty Zombies universe.
#7: Sarah Michelle Gellar (Call of the Dead)
In one of the franchise’s wildest and most memorable crossovers, Call of the Dead features legendary actress Sarah Michelle Gellar as herself—and she proves more than capable of surviving against the undead. Armed with quick reflexes, sharp wit, and a never-say-die attitude, Gellar’s portrayal is every bit as fierce as the action heroines she made famous in her Hollywood career. Unlike fictional characters crafted for the universe, Sarah enters the zombie apocalypse as an outsider—and thrives. Her celebrity persona doesn’t hold her back; if anything, it drives her to fight harder, proving she belongs alongside legends like Robert Englund and Danny Trejo. Gellar’s quick adaptability and surprising combat prowess allow her to navigate the chaotic environment of Call of the Dead with style. Her performance is not just a novelty—it’s a full-fledged testament to survivability in the most insane circumstances imaginable. Sarah Michelle Gellar’s place on this list isn’t just earned—it’s iconic.
#6: “Tank” Dempsey
Frank “Tank” Dempsey is the archetype of brute-force survivability, and it’s a reputation he’s more than earned throughout Call of Duty Zombies history. As the American Marine of the original Ultimis crew, Tank approaches the zombie apocalypse with raw aggression, crude humor, and an unshakable belief that firepower solves everything. His love for big guns and bigger explosions makes him an absolute terror to the undead, often charging headfirst into danger without a second thought. But underneath the bluster, Tank is a surprisingly resilient and resourceful fighter. He knows when to fall back, when to hold a line, and when to unleash maximum carnage. Tank’s stubbornness is his greatest strength and his greatest weakness—while it often pushes him through seemingly unwinnable fights, it also makes him reckless. His bravado sometimes leads him into traps that a more tactical mind might avoid. Still, few characters are better suited to sheer survival against overwhelming odds. Tank Dempsey doesn’t just survive—he enjoys every brutal, blood-splattered second of it.
#5: Richtofen (Primis Version)
Doctor Edward Richtofen may have started as the mad scientist villain of the Zombies storyline, but the Primis version of Richtofen shows that genius and adaptability are key to long-term survival. Unlike his Ultimis counterpart, who often operated with psychotic self-interest, Primis Richtofen is a calculated, almost noble figure driven by a larger mission. His understanding of the multiverse, Element 115, and the nature of the zombie outbreaks allows him to predict threats before they arise and manipulate events in his favor. This foresight gives Richtofen a huge advantage in survivability—he isn’t just reacting to danger, he’s planning several steps ahead. His calm demeanor under pressure and his ability to think beyond the immediate battle make him an invaluable leader, even if his moral ambiguity leaves some teammates wary. Primis Richtofen is proof that intelligence and planning can sometimes outmatch even the strongest weapon when it comes to surviving the end of the world. His survival isn’t just luck—it’s engineering.
#4: Samantha Maxis
Samantha Maxis began as the mysterious, malevolent force behind the Zombies, but in later storylines, particularly the Dark Aether saga, she becomes one of humanity’s most vital defenders. Raised around scientific experimentation, betrayal, and cosmic horror, Samantha combines emotional resilience with strategic brilliance. She understands the stakes of the zombie apocalypse on a level few others can match, having lived inside the Aether itself. In combat, Samantha is resourceful, fearless, and capable of navigating supernatural threats that would drive others insane. Her experience gives her a survivor’s edge that’s unmatched—while others fight for survival, Samantha fights for redemption and a future beyond the chaos. Samantha’s combination of emotional depth, knowledge of cosmic forces, and tactical combat ability makes her one of the deadliest and most inspiring survivors in Zombies history. When Samantha fights, she isn’t just surviving—she’s reclaiming her destiny, and that makes her an unstoppable force.
#3: Takeo Masaki
Takeo Masaki’s approach to survival is rooted in discipline, honor, and an unwavering code. As the stoic samurai of the Ultimis and Primis crews, Takeo views the zombie apocalypse not as chaos to be feared, but as a battle to be endured with dignity. His respect for tradition and his sharp tactical mind make him a steadying force amidst the insanity of Zombies’ multiverse. Takeo is methodical, careful, and deeply loyal to his comrades, often putting their survival above his own desires. While he doesn’t boast like Dempsey or scheme like Richtofen, his quiet strength allows him to survive battles that would break lesser men. In the Primis storyline especially, Takeo’s sense of purpose gives him resilience even when confronted with existential despair. His willingness to sacrifice for the greater good, combined with his deadly combat skills and strategic patience, solidify him as one of the most formidable survivors in the entire Zombies universe. Takeo doesn’t just survive—he transcends.
#2: Nikolai Belinski (Primis Version)
Primis Nikolai Belinski is the very definition of character evolution, transforming from the drunken, bumbling soldier of earlier games into a hardened, deeply introspective leader. His experiences across countless timelines and realities forge him into an unbreakable survivor who combines raw toughness with unexpected wisdom. By Black Ops 4, Nikolai has become the emotional center of the crew, the one who sees the bigger picture and makes the hard choices no one else will. His capacity for endurance—both physically and emotionally—is staggering. He survives betrayal, cosmic horrors, loss, and endless war, and yet still manages to lead with a clear mind and a steady hand. When the final battle comes, it’s Nikolai who carries the burden of sacrifice, showing that true survivability isn’t just about staying alive—it’s about knowing when to let go. Nikolai’s transformation into a fearless, determined survivor earns him one of the top spots in Call of Duty Zombies history. He doesn’t just endure the apocalypse—he masters it.
#1: Ultimis/Primis Dempsey, Takeo, Richtofen, Nikolai (The Crew as a Team)
While individually they’re all formidable, it’s together—Tank Dempsey, Edward Richtofen, Takeo Masaki, and Nikolai Belinski—that they achieve truly legendary survivability. As both Ultimis and Primis, this crew survives multiple apocalyptic events, multiversal collapses, encounters with ancient evil, and betrayal after betrayal. They are soldiers, scientists, philosophers, and warriors, balancing their weaknesses with each other’s strengths. As a team, they become unstoppable. Their combined tactical intelligence, brute strength, mystical knowledge, and loyalty to one another form an unbreakable bond. Time and time again, when the odds seem impossible, they find a way—not because of luck, but because of trust, resilience, and sheer force of will. If survival in the Call of Duty Zombies universe had a face, it would be the battered, bloody, determined faces of this crew. They aren’t just survivors—they are the blueprint for how to fight, endure, and stand tall against the end of the world.
Conclusion:
In the ever-escalating chaos of Call of Duty Zombies, where death lurks around every corner and hope fades with each passing wave, true survivors are rare. These characters didn’t just stumble through their battles—they faced the apocalypse head-on with courage, strategy, and unwavering loyalty. Whether through strength, intellect, sacrifice, or sheer stubbornness, they showed us that survival is about far more than shooting straight—it’s about heart. These heroes made their mark on Zombies history not just by living, but by inspiring players to keep fighting, no matter how dark the night became. In a world built to crush all hope, these survivors stood tall—and reminded us why we love this insane, brutal, unforgettable journey.
