What DLC is The Giant on? Unpacking the Availability of Call of Duty’s Iconic Zombies Map

The Giant: An In-Depth Look at Its Availability in Call of Duty

I remember booting up Call of Duty: Black Ops III for the first time, eager to dive back into the Zombies experience that had captivated me for years. The thrill of surviving round after round, the intricate Easter eggs, and the sheer replayability were what kept me coming back. When I heard about The Giant, a classic map reimagined, I was ecstatic. But then came the inevitable question: what DLC is The Giant on? For many, including myself initially, figuring out where to access this particular piece of Zombies history wasn’t as straightforward as just buying a new game. It required a bit of digging, understanding different editions, and sometimes, even picking up specific bundles. This article aims to unravel that very query, providing a comprehensive guide to the DLC availability of The Giant map, ensuring you won’t be left in the dark when you’re ready to relive those zombie-slaying memories.

The Giant, a fan-favorite Zombies map, is not a standalone DLC in the traditional sense that you can purchase it individually on most platforms today. Instead, its availability is intricately linked to specific editions of Call of Duty: Black Ops III and certain season passes or bundles. This can be a bit confusing for new players or those looking to revisit the map after some time. My own journey to find it involved checking various store pages, reading through forum discussions, and understanding the evolving landscape of game editions and DLC offerings over the years. It’s a map that’s become synonymous with the early excitement of Black Ops III’s Zombies journey, and its specific distribution is a key part of its story.

So, to directly address the core question: what DLC is The Giant on? The primary way players accessed The Giant map was through pre-order bonuses and special editions of Call of Duty: Black Ops III. It was also included as part of the Black Ops III Season Pass. Over time, as the game’s lifecycle progressed, its inclusion in bundles and subsequent digital store offerings has varied. This means that while it might not be purchasable as a singular “DLC pack” today for everyone, its presence is tied to specific purchased content for Black Ops III.

Understanding The Giant’s Origins and Significance

Before we delve deeper into its availability, it’s crucial to understand why The Giant is such a sought-after map. Originally known as “Der Riese” from Call of Duty: World at War, The Giant is a reimagining of this classic Zombies experience for a new generation. It’s set in a post-World War II research facility, a place teeming with experimental weaponry and, of course, the undead. The map famously features the Pack-a-Punch machine, a staple of the Zombies mode that allows players to upgrade their weapons, making survival even more feasible and strategic.

The original “Der Riese” was a pivotal map in the Zombies saga, introducing key elements that would become foundational for the mode. Its return as The Giant in Black Ops III was a deliberate move by Treyarch to celebrate the series’ roots while introducing it to a new player base. The map retains its iconic layout, including the teleporters, the central laboratory, and the bridge, but it’s enhanced with updated graphics, new audio, and the refined gameplay mechanics of Black Ops III. This blend of nostalgia and modern polish made it an immediate hit and a significant draw for the game.

Key Features of The Giant Map:

• Iconic Layout: Faithful recreation of the original “Der Riese” map.
• Pack-a-Punch Machine: Essential for weapon upgrades and high-round survival.
• Perk-a-Cola Machines: Offers various buffs to aid players.
• New Story Elements: Integrates into the overarching narrative of Black Ops III Zombies.
• Updated Graphics and Audio: Modernized presentation for the Black Ops III engine.
• Four Playable Characters: The original four characters from the Zombies lore return – Dempsey, Nikolai, Takeo, and Richtofen.

The significance of The Giant isn’t just in its gameplay but also in its role within the narrative of Black Ops III Zombies. It serves as a crucial bridge, connecting the events of previous games to the unfolding story of Richtofen and his crew in the Aether storyline. For players invested in the lore, playing The Giant is almost a mandatory step to fully grasp the complex narrative that Treyarch weaves through its Zombies maps.

How to Access The Giant: The DLC Availability Breakdown

Now, let’s get down to the brass tacks regarding what DLC is The Giant on. As mentioned, its availability is primarily tied to how one acquired Call of Duty: Black Ops III.

Pre-Order Bonuses and Special Editions

When Call of Duty: Black Ops III was initially released in November 2015, The Giant was offered as a bonus for players who pre-ordered the game. This was a common strategy to incentivize early purchases. Following the initial release, it was also included in certain special editions of the game. These editions often came with other digital goodies, but The Giant was the standout exclusive for many.

Specifically, editions like the Digital Deluxe Edition and the Hardened Edition typically included The Giant map. If you purchased one of these premium versions, you should have access to the map without needing any further purchases, provided you redeemed the codes or the content was automatically added to your digital library.

The Black Ops III Season Pass

For players who bought the standard edition of Black Ops III or decided to get the Season Pass later, The Giant was also part of the Black Ops III Season Pass. The Season Pass grants access to all four DLC map packs released for the game: Awakening, Eclipse, Descent, and Salvation. The Giant was bundled with the first DLC pack, “Awakening,” as an additional bonus map available from the start, even before the subsequent packs were released. This meant that purchasing the Season Pass was a surefire way to get The Giant, alongside all the new Zombies maps and multiplayer content that followed.

It’s important to note that the Season Pass model has evolved over the years. For older games like Black Ops III, purchasing the Season Pass typically unlocks all the post-launch content. If you purchased the Season Pass digitally on your console or PC, the content, including The Giant, should be automatically downloaded or available for download from the game’s respective store page within the platform’s ecosystem (e.g., PlayStation Store, Xbox Games Store, Steam).

Post-Launch Availability and Bundles

As time went on, the landscape of DLC distribution shifted. While The Giant was initially an exclusive or a Season Pass bonus, its availability in later bundles or as part of game compilations has varied by platform and region. For instance, if you’re buying a digital version of Black Ops III today, it’s essential to check the description of the specific edition you’re purchasing. Many “Complete Editions” or “Gold Editions” that have been released since the initial launch often include all previously released DLC, which would encompass The Giant.

On some platforms, particularly PC via Steam, the content might be presented as separate DLC items. However, buying the game now might mean it comes with the “Zombies Chronicles” edition or a similar bundle that includes all Zombies content. The Giant map is not part of the Zombies Chronicles expansion itself, which compiles remastered classic maps from previous *Call of Duty* titles. Rather, it’s a bonus map from the original Black Ops III release.

For players who might have originally received The Giant through a pre-order but later had issues, or for those who bought the standard edition and are now looking to acquire it, the situation can be trickier. It’s less common to find it sold as a separate, standalone DLC purchase nowadays. Your best bet is often to look for bundles that include the Black Ops III Season Pass or special editions of the game that explicitly state The Giant is included. This is where careful checking of the digital storefront is absolutely crucial.

Troubleshooting Access Issues: What If I Can’t Find The Giant?

It can be incredibly frustrating to know a map exists, especially one as beloved as The Giant, and not be able to access it. If you’ve purchased Call of Duty: Black Ops III and believe you should have The Giant, but it’s not showing up in your game, here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot:

1. Verify Your Game Edition and Purchases

This is the most critical step. Double-check which edition of Black Ops III you own. If you purchased the standard edition, you likely won’t have The Giant unless you bought the Season Pass separately. If you have a Digital Deluxe, Hardened, or a similar premium edition, confirm that your purchase included the map. Sometimes, the content is listed under “Add-Ons” or “DLC” within your console or PC’s game library. On PlayStation, for instance, you can go to the game’s page on the Store and look for “Add-Ons.” On Xbox, this is usually found under “Manage game & add-ons.” On Steam, it’s under the game’s “Properties” -> “DLC” tab.

2. Check for Separate Downloads

Even if you own the edition or Season Pass that includes The Giant, sometimes the map doesn’t automatically install. It might need to be downloaded separately. Go to your platform’s store and search for “Call of Duty: Black Ops III The Giant” or check the “Add-Ons” section for the game. If it shows as “Purchased” but not “Installed,” initiate the download. This is a surprisingly common oversight.

3. Ensure Your Game is Fully Updated

While less likely to affect the availability of a specific map that’s tied to a purchased edition, ensuring your game is fully updated is always a good practice. Patches can sometimes fix issues with content recognition or enable access to previously uninstalled DLC. Launch the game and let it check for and install any pending updates.

4. Restore Licenses (PlayStation) or Verify Integrity of Game Files (PC)

If you’re on PlayStation and suspect a licensing issue, you can try restoring your licenses. Go to Settings > Account Management > Restore Licenses. On PC, if you’re using Steam, you can right-click on Call of Duty: Black Ops III in your library, select “Properties,” then go to the “Local Files” tab and click “Verify integrity of game files.” This process checks for corrupted or missing files that might be preventing the map from appearing.

5. Contact Platform Support or Activision Support

If none of the above steps work, it might be time to reach out for help. Contacting the customer support for your gaming platform (PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, Steam) can help diagnose issues with your account or purchases. You can also reach out to Activision Support directly. Provide them with as much detail as possible: your platform, the edition of the game you own, proof of purchase (if available), and the troubleshooting steps you’ve already taken. They can sometimes manually grant access or provide specific guidance based on your account’s history.

My own experience with similar issues often boiled down to forgetting to download a separate content pack or a minor licensing glitch. It’s usually not an insurmountable problem, but it requires patience and a systematic approach to troubleshooting.

The Giant’s Place in the Black Ops III Zombies Ecosystem

The Giant holds a unique position within the Black Ops III Zombies experience. While the game features a robust, original Zombies storyline with maps like Shadows of Evil, Der Eisendrache, Zetsubou No Shima, Gorod Krovi, and Revelations, The Giant serves as a bridge to the past. It’s essentially the “classic” Zombies offering for the game, providing a familiar environment for long-time fans.

Comparing The Giant to Black Ops III’s Original Maps

The original maps in Black Ops III, developed by Treyarch, each introduced new characters, unique mechanics, and intricate Easter egg quests that advanced the Aether storyline significantly.
* Shadows of Evil: Introduced the “Margwa” and “Enemies” while setting a noir-inspired tone with new characters (The Verrückt 4).
* Der Eisendrache: Continued the story with the return of the core four characters and introduced the “Dragon Strike” weapon.
* Zetsubou No Shima: Featured a jungle setting, “Mutant Plants,” and the “Skull of Nan Sapwe.”
* Gorod Krovi: Set in Stalingrad, it introduced “Vespid Swarms” and the “Gersch Device.”
* Revelations: The culmination of the original storyline, bringing together elements from across multiple maps.

In contrast, The Giant offers a more streamlined Zombies experience. It doesn’t have the same depth of complex Easter egg quests that the original Black Ops III maps are known for. Its primary appeal lies in its classic gameplay loop: survive, upgrade weapons, and see how long you can last. This makes it an excellent map for:

• New players wanting to get a feel for Black Ops III Zombies without being overwhelmed by complex storylines.
• Experienced players looking for a classic Zombies challenge or a map to practice high-round strategies.
• Fans who simply want to revisit a beloved map with updated visuals and mechanics.

The accessibility of The Giant is its greatest strength. While the original maps often require significant time investment to understand their mechanics and Easter eggs, The Giant provides immediate, satisfying Zombies action. For those who pre-ordered Black Ops III, it was a fantastic bonus that enriched the initial offering of the game significantly.

The Role of Zombies Chronicles

It’s important to clarify that The Giant map is not included in the Call of Duty: Black Ops III – Zombies Chronicles expansion. Zombies Chronicles is a separate, massive DLC that compiles eight remastered classic Zombies maps from *Call of Duty: World at War*, *Call of Duty: Black Ops*, and *Call of Duty: Black Ops II*. These remastered maps include “Nacht der Untoten,” “Verrückt,” “Shi No Numa,” “Kino der Toten,” “Ascension,” “Call of the Dead,” ” Shangri-La,” and “Moon.”

The Giant, being a remake of “Der Riese” from *World at War*, is conceptually similar to the remasters in Zombies Chronicles. However, its inclusion in Black Ops III predates Zombies Chronicles and was tied to the game’s initial launch editions and Season Pass. Therefore, if you own Zombies Chronicles, you do not automatically get The Giant, and vice versa. They are separate content packages for Black Ops III.

This distinction is crucial for players trying to understand their library and decide what content to purchase. If your primary goal is to play classic Zombies maps within Black Ops III, Zombies Chronicles is the definitive purchase. If you specifically want the Black Ops III version of “Der Riese,” then you need to focus on acquiring The Giant through the methods outlined earlier.

What DLC is The Giant on? A Summary for Clarity

To reiterate and consolidate the information, let’s provide a clear summary regarding what DLC is The Giant on:

• Original Release: The Giant was a pre-order bonus for Call of Duty: Black Ops III.
• Special Editions: Included in premium editions like the Digital Deluxe Edition and Hardened Edition of Call of Duty: Black Ops III.
• Season Pass: Was part of the Call of Duty: Black Ops III Season Pass, typically bundled with the “Awakening” DLC pack.
• Standalone Purchase (Rare): It is generally not available as a standalone DLC purchase in most digital storefronts today. Its availability is tied to bundles or specific editions of the base game.
• Not part of Zombies Chronicles: The Giant is a distinct piece of content and is not included in the Zombies Chronicles expansion for Black Ops III.

This means that if you are looking to play The Giant, your primary path is to ensure you acquire Call of Duty: Black Ops III in a way that guarantees its inclusion. This could be purchasing a digital edition that explicitly lists it, finding a physical copy of a special edition, or acquiring the Season Pass for the game.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Giant DLC

Here are some frequently asked questions that players often have regarding The Giant map and its DLC availability:

How do I know if my copy of Black Ops III includes The Giant?

The best way to confirm if your copy of Call of Duty: Black Ops III includes The Giant is to check the product description or your game library.

• Digital Purchases: If you bought the game digitally, go to the game’s page on your platform’s store (PlayStation Store, Xbox Games Store, Steam, etc.) and look for an “Add-Ons,” “DLC,” or “Included Content” section. This will list all the downloadable content associated with your purchase. If The Giant is listed there, or if you own a Digital Deluxe, Season Pass, or a similar premium edition, it should be included.
• Physical Purchases: If you bought a physical copy, check the game’s case or the product listing where you purchased it. Special editions like the “Hardened Edition” or “Digital Deluxe Edition” (which often had a physical version too) would typically state that The Giant is included, often via a download code inside the case.
• Checking In-Game: Sometimes, even if not explicitly listed, The Giant will appear in the Zombies map selection menu if it’s installed. If you don’t see it and believe you should, proceed to the troubleshooting steps mentioned earlier.

Ultimately, if you purchased the Season Pass or a special edition that explicitly mentions The Giant, it’s highly probable that you have access to it. The key is verifying that the content was indeed part of your original purchase or subsequent Season Pass acquisition.

Why can’t I find The Giant for sale as a separate DLC?

The decision by developers and publishers to offer older DLC as standalone purchases can change over time. For The Giant, the primary strategy was to include it as a value-add for early adopters and those who invested in the Season Pass or premium editions of Call of Duty: Black Ops III. As the game has aged, the focus shifts towards selling complete bundles or newer titles. Making older, specific DLC packs available individually for older games can sometimes dilute the market for newer content or create confusion. Treyarch likely wants players to either have acquired it during its initial availability window or to purchase a bundle that includes it. This approach is fairly common in the gaming industry to manage content and encourage sales of comprehensive packages rather than piecemeal additions for older titles.

Furthermore, the technical integration of The Giant into Black Ops III means it’s not necessarily a simple “plug-and-play” DLC that can be easily detached and sold. It was developed as part of the game’s initial package or as a key component of the Season Pass. Reconfiguring it for individual sale might require additional development effort or licensing considerations that are not deemed worthwhile by Activision, especially when bundled versions of the game are available. Therefore, its continued availability is mostly through existing or re-released bundles of the main game.

Is The Giant a remake, and where did it originally appear?

Yes, The Giant is indeed a remake. It is the updated version of the iconic Zombies map known as “Der Riese,” which was originally featured in Call of Duty: World at War, released in 2008. “Der Riese,” meaning “The Giant” in German, was a landmark map in the Call of Duty Zombies’ history. It was the final map of the original Zombies storyline in *World at War* and introduced many core mechanics that became staples of the mode, most notably the Pack-a-Punch machine and the introduction of playable characters with distinct personalities (Dempsey, Nikolai, Takeo, and Richtofen).

Treyarch, the developer behind the Zombies mode, decided to bring back “Der Riese” for Call of Duty: Black Ops III as The Giant to celebrate the franchise’s legacy and to offer a familiar yet enhanced experience for a new generation of players. The remake retains the fundamental layout and key locations of the original map, such as the main facility, the teleporters, and the bridge. However, it benefits from Black Ops III‘s advanced graphics engine, updated sound design, and refined gameplay mechanics, making it feel fresh while evoking strong nostalgia for those who played the original.

The choice to remake “Der Riese” specifically was likely due to its immense popularity and its foundational role in the Zombies lore. It represents a pivotal moment where the Zombies mode truly began to solidify its identity and captivate a dedicated fanbase. By including it in Black Ops III, Treyarch ensured that players could experience this critical piece of Zombies history within the context of a more modern game.

Does owning The Giant mean I have access to all Black Ops III Zombies maps?

No, owning The Giant map does not automatically grant you access to all the other Zombies maps in Call of Duty: Black Ops III. The Giant is a single, bonus map. The other Zombies maps in Black Ops III are part of the game’s post-launch content, released through four DLC map packs: “Awakening,” “Eclipse,” “Descent,” and “Salvation.”

If you purchased the Black Ops III Season Pass, you would have received The Giant (as a bonus) and all four of these subsequent DLC packs. However, if you acquired The Giant through a pre-order bonus or a special edition of the base game that only included that specific map, then you would only have access to The Giant and the original Zombies map that came with the base game (usually “Shadows of Evil,” depending on the edition). To play the other original story maps like “Der Eisendrache,” “Zetsubou No Shima,” “Gorod Krovi,” and “Revelations,” you would need to purchase the individual DLC packs or the Season Pass.

Similarly, as mentioned before, The Giant is separate from the Zombies Chronicles expansion. If you wish to play the remastered classic maps included in Zombies Chronicles, that is a separate purchase altogether. Therefore, obtaining The Giant is a specific acquisition for that single map, and it does not encompass the full suite of Black Ops III Zombies content.

If I buy a used physical copy of a special edition of Black Ops III, will The Giant work?

This is a common question with used game purchases, and the answer can be a bit nuanced. It depends entirely on how The Giant map was initially delivered.

• Download Code: If The Giant was provided as a download code that came inside the game case, and the previous owner has already redeemed that code, then you will not be able to access it. Codes are typically one-time use.
• Digital Entitlement: In some cases, especially with digital deluxe editions that might have been transferred or resold (though this is less common with digital games), the content is tied to the account that purchased it. However, for physical special editions, if the map was automatically included in the game installation upon initial setup and activation of the game disc, it might still be accessible.
• Platform Linking: On consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, content is often tied to the primary account that downloaded or redeemed it. If the previous owner didn’t fully wipe their account or if the content is somehow linked to the disc itself (less likely for DLC), you might get lucky.

Your best bet when buying a used physical copy of a special edition that supposedly includes The Giant is to assume that the code might have been used, or the entitlement is tied to the previous owner’s account. You can try installing the game and checking your add-ons, but be prepared for the possibility that it might not be included. This is one of the risks associated with buying used games, as you don’t have control over previously redeemed content.

If the used copy includes an unused code for The Giant, then yes, you would be able to redeem it on your platform’s store and download the map. However, finding unused codes in used game cases is increasingly rare these days.

What is the best way to get The Giant now, in 2026 or later?

As of 2026 and beyond, the most reliable ways to get The Giant map for Call of Duty: Black Ops III are:

1. Purchase a Complete Edition: Look for digital storefronts (PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Steam) and search for Call of Duty: Black Ops III. Many platforms offer “Gold Editions,” “Complete Editions,” or similar bundles that include the base game and all released DLC, including the Season Pass content (which grants access to The Giant). This is often the most straightforward and cost-effective method if available. Carefully read the description to ensure it specifies inclusion of all DLC or Season Pass content.
2. Acquire the Season Pass: If a complete edition isn’t readily available or if you already own the base game, you can often purchase the Call of Duty: Black Ops III Season Pass separately. As established, the Season Pass includes The Giant. Check your platform’s store for the Season Pass option.
3. Look for Physical Special Editions: While less common and potentially more expensive, you might find physical copies of the “Hardened Edition” or “Digital Deluxe Edition” (which sometimes had physical versions) of Black Ops III. If these editions are still available new or used, check their contents carefully. If they came with a download code for The Giant or the Season Pass, and the code is unused, you’ll get the map.

Avoid purchasing Zombies Chronicles if your sole aim is to get The Giant, as they are separate content packages. The key is to look for bundles that explicitly mention the Season Pass or all DLC being included for Black Ops III.

Conclusion: Securing Your Access to The Giant

Navigating the DLC landscape for older games can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt, and The Giant map for Call of Duty: Black Ops III is a prime example. To directly answer what DLC is The Giant on: it’s primarily associated with pre-order bonuses, special editions of the game, and the Black Ops III Season Pass. It’s not typically offered as a standalone purchase today, which necessitates a more holistic approach to acquiring Call of Duty: Black Ops III content.

For players eager to revisit this classic Zombies experience or dive into it for the first time, the most prudent course of action is to seek out complete editions of Black Ops III that include all DLC or to purchase the Season Pass. Always double-check the product descriptions on your digital storefront or the contents of physical special editions before making a purchase. By understanding its historical distribution and current availability through bundles, you can successfully add this iconic Zombies map to your Black Ops III collection and continue enjoying its thrilling undead challenges.

My own journey to re-accessing maps like The Giant after switching platforms or purchasing games at a later date has taught me the importance of meticulous checking of digital storefronts and understanding edition differences. Hopefully, this detailed breakdown will help you secure your access to The Giant without any unnecessary confusion or disappointment.