Players begin with an Atlas 45 and four Frag Grenades. When playing alone, the player will be downed if Exo Medic is active or simply dies, ending the game. At 0, the player essentially dies and becomes a spectator, but their character becomes a zombie in co-op and will act as a regular enemy, chasing down the remaining players. They have 60 seconds to reach a decontamination unit or they will become a zombie in co-op or downed when playing alone, with every additional hit from a Host speeds up the countdown in the meantime. Players can also be infected with the zombie virus if they are attacked by Host zombies. The level the weapon is can be seen in the weapon name. Upgraded weapons become slightly more powerful each level, gain a new camouflage each level and sometimes gain attachments. For 2,500 credits, the player can upgrade their current weapon to a higher level, up to level 20 (completing the map's easter egg allows one more upgrade to level 25). Exo Zombies does not feature a Pack-a-Punch Machine, but rather an Upgrade Station.

Orbital Care Packages are also dropped on occasion, offering scorestreaks such as the Remote Turret or bonus credits. Exo Zombies has more freedom in movement, and allows for mantling and jumping to higher ledges. They provide the players with more freedom in movement, as well as more dangerous zombies. Exo Suits are also present for both players and zombies. There are also no barriers on Zombie entrances. Players can shoot the legs off of zombies, instead of only having to use grenades. Zombies deal lower damage, so players can take more hits before going down. The game mode has some changes from the original Zombies mode. Zombie Dogs are introduced, taking a similar role to Hellhounds. Enemies also drop power-ups similar to those in the original Zombies.

Exo Upgrades take the place of Perk-a-Colas, providing the players with perk-like abilities. Doors and traps can be activated using credits.

In addition, there is a random 3D Printer that features changing weapon holograms (the equivalent to the Mystery Box). The weapon is printed on the spot when purchased. Weapons can be purchased from wall mounted 3D Printers around the map (the equivalent of chalk weapon outlines), which feature a holographic image of a weapon. Players earn credits by killing zombies, activating Power and ATMs, and reviving other players. The game is based on rounds, with difficulty increasing per round. Exo Zombies is similar in style to the traditional Zombies mode.

Zombie infection 3