A growing number of Call of Duty fans believe the legendary TranZit Zombies map from Black Ops II was inspired by Pasco and the Tri-Cities region of Washington. Here’s why the theory continues to gain attention.
For more than a decade, Call of Duty: Black Ops II players have explored the eerie roads, abandoned bus stops, and post-apocalyptic landscapes of the iconic TranZit Zombies map. Now, an old fan theory is making the rounds once again, with gamers claiming the legendary map may have been inspired by Pasco and the surrounding Tri-Cities area in Washington.
The discussion has gained traction across social media, gaming forums, and YouTube, where longtime Zombies fans are comparing locations from the game to real-life landmarks throughout Pasco, Richland, and Hanford. While Treyarch has never officially confirmed the inspiration behind the map, many players believe the similarities are too noticeable to ignore.
One of the biggest pieces of evidence fans point to is the game’s setting. TranZit takes players through a desolate landscape connected by highways, abandoned buildings, power facilities, farms, and a mysterious bus route that links several isolated locations. Many believe the atmosphere closely resembles Eastern Washington, particularly the Hanford Site, an area famous for its role in nuclear history and its vast stretches of open land.
The Hanford Site, located just outside the Tri-Cities, played a major role in the Manhattan Project during World War II and remains one of the most recognizable nuclear facilities in the United States. Because TranZit takes place after a devastating global event involving radiation and destruction, fans have long connected the game’s environment to the history surrounding Hanford.
Others have pointed to the rural roads, desert terrain, abandoned structures, and industrial scenery that appear throughout the map. While these elements can be found in many parts of the country, players familiar with the Tri-Cities region say the overall look and feel remind them of Pasco and its neighboring communities.
The theory has sparked plenty of debate within the Call of Duty community. Some fans believe the similarities are intentional, while others argue they are simply coincidences inspired by general post-apocalyptic themes. Regardless of where players stand, the discussion has introduced many gamers from around the world to a part of Washington they may have never heard of before.
For Washington residents, especially those living in Pasco, Richland, and Kennewick, it’s been entertaining to see their hometown become part of one of gaming’s longest-running fan theories. Many locals have joined the conversation online, sharing side-by-side comparisons between real locations and scenes from TranZit, while others have joked that surviving zombies might be easier than navigating local traffic.
Although Seattle sits more than three hours west of the Tri-Cities, stories like this continue to highlight the growing influence Washington has on entertainment, gaming, and pop culture. From blockbuster television series and major sporting events to video game theories that capture the internet’s imagination, the Evergreen State continues finding new ways to stay in the spotlight.
The renewed interest also comes during a strong period for the Call of Duty franchise, with both longtime fans and newer players revisiting classic Zombies maps that helped define the series. TranZit remains one of the most talked-about maps in Zombies history, dividing opinions while maintaining a loyal fan base more than a decade after its release.
Whether the theory is true or simply an interesting coincidence, one thing is certain: Pasco has become part of the conversation every time fans revisit one of Call of Duty’s most iconic maps. Until Treyarch officially addresses the speculation, the mystery will likely continue fueling discussions across the gaming community.
For gamers in Washington, that possibility alone is enough to make another trip through TranZit’s zombie-filled roads feel a little closer to home.
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