Over the course of several updates, some UI elements in Black Ops 3 have broken strings (showing code like @MENU_OPTION_OVERFLOW instead of actual text). Advanced users can edit the Localization file to patch these visual bugs themselves, rather than waiting for an official update.
The Zombies mode in Black Ops 3 (Shadows of Evil, Der Eisendrache, Gorod Krovi, Revelations) is infamous for its cryptic storytelling. Some dataminers use the Localization.txt file to look for "cut content." Often, Treyarch leaves behind unused character dialogue lines or radio transcripts within the localization file. Finding a string that says "ZOMBIE_RICHTOFEN_ORIGIN_QUOTE_07" with no audio attached can reveal narrative plans that were scrapped mid-development.
If you own Black Ops 3 on Steam, finding this file is straightforward. However, note that the exact location depends on whether you are running the base game or the mod tools development version. Call Of Duty Black Ops 3 English Localization.txt
Standard Installation Path:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Call of Duty Black Ops III\localization.txt
Mod Tools Development Path:
C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Call of Duty Black Ops III Mod Tools\share\localization.txt Over the course of several updates, some UI
Important Caveat: If you have verified your game files via Steam, the file will automatically be restored to its default state. Always back up the original before editing.
Once you open the real Localization.txt, you will see a extremely structured layout. It looks like this: Once you open the real Localization
REFERENCE_STRING LANG_ENGLISH
MENU_MAIN_TITLE "Call of Duty: Black Ops III"
ZOMBIE_GOBBLEGUM_01 "Perkaholic"
ZOMBIE_GOBBLEGUM_DESC_01 "Gives you every perk in the map."
MP_ANNOUNCER_VICTORY "Victory!"
SYSTEM_ERROR_NO_AMMO "OUT OF AMMO"
For aspiring game modders, examining this file shows how a AAA game separates logic from text — a core principle of software localization.
Want to rename the Man-O-War assault rifle to "The Beast" on your local UI? Simply find WEAPON_MANOWAR and change the string. This only changes your local display; it does not affect gameplay or online servers (it serves a similar purpose to editing a game's font file, but much safer).
In Call of Duty: Black Ops 3, text displayed in the game (menus, subtitles, weapon names, error messages, etc.) is stored in localization files.
A file named English Localization.txt (or similar) is a plain-text reference that maps string keys to their English text values.
Example content:
MENU_START "Start"
MENU_OPTIONS "Options"
WEAPON_AK74 "AK-74"
MP_DEATH "You died"
ZM_ROUND_END "Round Complete"