Black Ops 2 Chronicles requires Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 on Steam, plus the Zombies Chronicles DLC pack

To play Black Ops 2 Chronicles on your PC, you need the base game installed from Steam, then purchase and install the Zombies Chronicles DLC. The DLC adds eight remastered zombie maps to the game. You cannot play Chronicles as a standalone product — it is an add-on that only works if you own Black Ops 2 itself.

The base game and DLC are sold separately on Steam. You will need a Steam account, a PC that meets the minimum system requirements, and enough storage space for both the game and the DLC files.

Key Takeaways

  • Black Ops 2 and Zombies Chronicles are two separate purchases on Steam; you must own the base game before you can use the DLC.
  • Your PC must meet the minimum requirements: Windows Vista, XP, or 7; a dual-core processor; and at least 8 GB of RAM.
  • After you buy the DLC on Steam, it downloads and installs automatically when you launch Black Ops 2.
  • The eight remastered maps in Chronicles are Nacht der Untoten, Verrückt, Shi No Numa, Der Riese, Kino der Toten, Ascension, Shangri-La, and Moon.
  • If the DLC does not appear in your game after purchase, restart Steam and verify the game files through the Steam properties menu.

Buying Black Ops 2 and Zombies Chronicles on Steam

Open Steam on your PC and search for "Call of Duty: Black Ops 2". Click the store page and select Purchase as a Gift or Add to Cart if you are buying for yourself. Complete the purchase and the game will be added to your library.

Once Black Ops 2 is in your library, search for "Zombies Chronicles" on the Steam store. This is the DLC pack. Purchase it the same way. After you buy the DLC, Steam will recognize that you own the base game and allow the purchase to go through. The DLC will then appear in your library under Black Ops 2's downloadable content section.

Both purchases are permanent — you own them as long as your Steam account exists. You do not need to renew or re-purchase them.

Installing the Game and DLC

After you buy Black Ops 2, Steam will ask where you want to install it. Choose a drive with at least 60 GB of free space — the game is large. Click Install and let Steam read the full game. This can take several hours depending on your internet speed.

Once Black Ops 2 is installed, the Zombies Chronicles DLC will read automatically. You do not need to do anything — Steam handles this in the background. When you launch Black Ops 2 from your library, the game will check for updates and install any remaining DLC files before the main menu appears.

If the DLC does not appear after launch, right-click Black Ops 2 in your Steam library, select Properties, then click Local Files and choose Verify Integrity of Game Files. Steam will check for missing or corrupted files and re-read them if needed.

Checking Your System Requirements

Black Ops 2 has modest requirements by modern standards, but your PC must still meet the minimum specs to run it. You need Windows Vista, Windows XP, or Windows 7; a dual-core processor running at 2.4 GHz or faster; and at least 8 GB of RAM.

For graphics, the game requires an NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT or AMD Radeon HD 3650 or better, with at least 512 MB of dedicated video memory. Your hard drive needs 60 GB of free space for installation.

If you are unsure whether your PC meets these specs, right-click your desktop, select Display Settings (Windows 10 or 11) or Screen Resolution (Windows 7), and note your graphics card name. Open the Device Manager by pressing Windows Key + X and selecting it, then expand Display Adapters to see your GPU. If you have an older card or less than 8 GB of RAM, the game may run slowly or not at all.

Launching Chronicles from the Main Menu

Start Black Ops 2 from your Steam library. The main menu will load. Select Zombies from the menu options. You will see a list of available maps — the eight Chronicles maps will appear alongside any other zombie maps you own.

Select any of the eight remastered maps: Nacht der Untoten, Verrückt, Shi No Numa, Der Riese, Kino der Toten, Ascension, Shangri-La, or Moon. You can play solo, split-screen with another player on the same PC, or online with up to four players total. Choose your difficulty and round settings, then start the game.

Troubleshooting Missing DLC

If you purchased Zombies Chronicles but the maps do not appear in your game, first check that you are logged into the correct Steam account. The DLC is tied to the account that bought it — if you installed Black Ops 2 under a different account, you will not see the DLC.

Restart Steam completely. Close the Steam process entirely (not just the window), then reopen it. This forces Steam to refresh your library and check for new content. Launch Black Ops 2 again and check the Zombies menu.

If the maps still do not appear, verify the game files as described above. Right-click Black Ops 2, select Properties, go to Local Files, and click Verify Integrity of Game Files. Wait for the check to complete — Steam will re-read any missing DLC files automatically.

What to Expect from the Eight Maps

The Zombies Chronicles DLC includes remastered versions of eight classic zombie maps from earlier Call of Duty games. Each map has been updated with new graphics, improved audio, and modern gameplay features while keeping the original layout and challenge intact.

Nacht der Untoten and Verrückt are small, tight maps designed for early-round survival. Shi No Numa and Der Riese offer more space and complexity. Kino der Toten is a large theater map with multiple rooms and a teleportation system. Ascension and Shangri-La are high-round maps with advanced mechanics like power-ups and special weapons. Moon is the most difficult map in the pack and requires strong teamwork and strategy.

All eight maps support solo play, local split-screen, and online multiplayer with up to four players. You can adjust the difficulty and starting round to match your skill level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to own the full Black Ops 2 game to play Chronicles?

Yes. Zombies Chronicles is DLC and cannot run without the base game installed. You must own and install Black Ops 2 first, then purchase and install the DLC separately.

Can I play Chronicles offline or do I need internet?

You can play solo offline on any of the eight maps. Online multiplayer requires an active internet connection and a Steam account. You do not need a paid subscription service like PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass on PC.

How much storage space does Zombies Chronicles take up?

The DLC adds roughly 20 to 30 GB to your Black Ops 2 installation, depending on your system. Make sure you have at least 60 GB free before installing the base game, and more if you plan to keep other games on the same drive.

What if I buy Chronicles but then uninstall Black Ops 2?

The DLC will remain in your Steam library permanently. If you reinstall Black Ops 2 later, the DLC will read and install automatically when you launch the game. You will not need to purchase it again.

Can I play Chronicles with friends on console if I own it on PC?

No. Black Ops 2 on PC and console versions are separate. You can only play with other PC players. Your friends on PlayStation or Xbox cannot join your games.