Category: Tech

Activision dropped a lot of details on the return of Call of Duty: Warzone to Verdansk, the original map that made the game a massive success in 2020.

The battle royale map for Season 03 will drop on April 3 at 9 a.m. Pacific time, a day after the the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6: Season 03 on April 2 at 9 a.m Pacific. This map was the popular one that drew in tens of millions of players to Warzone when in debuted in March 2020, but Activision retired it and players haven’t seen it since December 2021.

Developers said they rebuilt Verdansk from the ground up as part of a return to the game’s initial battle royale roots, with back-to-basics gameplay, an authentic rebuilding of the big map, along with an impressive number of quality-of-life improvements.

I looked at the details and found this little gem among the improvements: “Some of the more unforgiving areas of steep and rocky terrain have been adjusted so that mantling and traversal maneuvers are easier, and ‘goat trails’ are a little more prominent.” I can’t tell you how many times I had trouble climbing up hills and rocky areas, only to fall back down. Sometimes dying as a result because I was dealing with the rocks instead of looking out for enemies.

I also nodded my head when I saw this, as I often found no way to the top of a building: “Other traversal points or areas that disadvantaged some players have been given minor adjustments, allowing routes to rooftops that may have originally been accessible only by parachute. This includes the addition of newly positioned ladders. “

In this highly detailed blog post, the developers broke down the rebuilding process of Verdansk, a lengthy showcase of the game’s features, the host of modes, event rewards, and initial weapon details, as well as how to prepare for launch. Separate to this blog is the Tour of Verdansk, a visual recon of all the major points of interest, as well as smaller, but still important locations you’ll remember.

Activision said players should preload the game prior to Black Ops 6’s Season 03 launch on April 2, which comes with a 24-hour Free Trial featuring all premium content available to everyone, and the launch of Verdansk and Call of Duty: Warzone on April 3.

Activision said Verdansk is rebuilt from the ground up, and it has been meticulously recreated with a variety of light adjustments and quality-of-life improvements. You can expect intel on some of the exact one-to-one map duplications, enhanced details on structures and draw distances, additional cosmetic details, improved access along steep slopes and across buildings, and more.

Combat on the Kastovian Coast: Get ready for engagements along the southern cliffs; the newly accessible coast and shoreline trenches are detailed.

When Verdansk returns on April 3, 2025, players who dropped in five years previously on March 10, 2020, should instantly recognize this as the original big map Call of Duty: Warzone experience. This version of Verdansk has been rebuilt from the ground up to give you the very best battle royale experience possible. That experience balances the immersion, adjusted movement mechanics, and the signature gameplay you remember from the original Call of Duty: Warzone with one overriding goal: To relive the classic and nostalgic Verdansk map we all remember.

From exploring the rugged wilderness of the northern villages, Military Base and Quarry, to the first time landing at Superstore or Hospital, to surviving your first 1v1 prison Gulag, a great deal of work has gone into making Verdansk as exact, detailed, and authentic an update as possible.

In the most basic terms, this version of Verdansk is 95% a rebuilt version of Verdansk in 2020, with around five percent of the map’s landscape receiving light adjustments and quality-of-life improvements. Veteran players remembering back to Modern Warfare 2019 Seasons should think of Verdansk in Season 03 as the map that dropped in March 2020, with a few elements from that game’s later seasons added – like the Metro Station entrances – and a variety of other map changes scheduled across future season.

The separate Recon Tour Blog of Verdansk’s famous Points of Interest (click here to read it), and the accompanying descriptions in that blog should be all the intel you need to understand how faithful this version of the map is.

Familiar. Enhanced. And improved: It’s the little things

The look and feel of Season 03 Verdansk falls into one of three categories:
• Familiar: The map is rebuilt to be the same as the original map you remember. This is around 95% of the play space.
• Enhanced: Just the same as the Verdansk 2020 map with beneficial adjustments.
• Improved: New elements within an existing area based on the current game designed with quality-of-life upgrades in mind.

Remember these are mostly very subtle and designed to be beneficial without influencing the map’s original combat flow. If the following examples include comparison screenshots, images of the original Verdansk (taken in February 2020) are on the left, and Season 03 Verdansk (taken in March 2025) are on the right, as indicated on each image. Otherwise, consider all imagery to be from the current version of Verdansk.

Verdansk visuals

Example 1 (Comparison): Familiar Facsimiles

Familiar: For the vast majority of the map, structures, roadways, and scenery are a one-to-one duplication, as shown in the two examples (above). Both this exterior section of Karst River Quarry (Top) and the interior of Superstore (Bottom) are pretty much identical, aside from improved interior lighting and renumbering of the checkout area.

Example 2 (Comparison): Enhanced Topography

Certain structures – like this Fire Station – have received a detail pass. Bottom: Grazna Bridge (west of TV Station) shows Gora River is no longer frozen, though the water is only ankle-deep. This ground thaw extends across most of the map, and changes how you hear enemy footsteps as they splash through water rather than crunch through ice. Also look through the bridge arch to compare the understated improvements to the draw distance at longer ranges.

Example 3 (Comparison): Enhanced Detail

Top: Rummage around in Storage Town, and you’ll discover a variety of subtle cosmetic details added, including weeds on the garage roofs and ground, reflective puddles, additional electrical pipework and other minor additions. Bottom: In the western foothills, Bunker 02 has enhanced and climbable outcrops, extra detail along the combat zone perimeter, and longer-range visibility.

Example 4 (Comparison): Improved Access

Top: The Verdansk Police Stations – like this one close to Airport Maintenance – have received art and clarity adjustments. Examples include the three left-most top-floor windows which are now openings, and more illuminating interior lighting.

Bottom: Back at Storage Town, the roof of Building 3 is now less of an unfair power position as a ladder has been added to the exterior balcony. Again, a very minor adjustment, but one that enables Operators to reach many of the places that only parachutes could be used to get to.

Example 5 (Season 03 Verdansk): Enhanced Details Everywhere

Visit familiar locations, like Gora Dam (Top-left), and you may find small improvements, like a jetty over the ice, which doesn’t appear to take the weight of a truck. Or navigate through the car dealership close to Airport (Top-right), as the exterior sign has fallen, creating a ramp to the upper interior. A favorite hot-drop are Hangars (Bottom), which features some slightly repositioned cargo planes to aid Operators rushing the tarmac, while the main airport runway itself has a few additional concrete jacks to use as cover.

Example 6 (Season 03 Verdansk): Coast; the new Southern Shoreline, Bunker 09 Switchbacks

Running west to east along the southern edge of Hills, now that swimming is possible, access to the Kastovian Sea has opened up and a new shoreline can be traversed, all the way from the southwestern edge of the map (south of the Kart Racing Track) all the way east to the Prison. Along the way are trails up the cliffs, as well as wooden viewing platforms (Top row) allowing a quick ascent from the water as Ascenders appear in the game.

Cross the mouth of Karst River by Docks, and when you reach the marshland to the southeast, you’ll discover a set of trenches (Bottom-left). When you’re finally in the Prison grounds, a new set of pathway switchbacks has been carved into the cliffs above Bunker 09 (Bottom-right), all built to aid in map traversal.

Verdansk recon tour: access granted

For much more details on the topography of the map, consult the Tour of Verdansk Blog, and explore 19 main Points of Interest, as well as a host of other memorable places you’ll be visiting. Click here to see and read more. For now, let’s take a first glimpse at some of these locations:

(Clockwise from Top-left) It’s time to start planning your first game-winning match: Some favorite hot-drops include the top of the Gora Dam, the roof of Hospital, the infamous Atlas Superstore, and the more remote Karst River Quarry.

(Clockwise from Top-left) Battle across familiar territory as Train Station, Gora Dam complex, Scrapyard (within the Zhokov Boneyard) and Airport are all just as you remember them, and all viable places to battle through as you focus on victory.

(Clockwise from Top-left) Towers, tenement blocks, chaos, and concrete: The biggest POI of all, Downtown Tavorsk District is just as you remember it, allowing for match-winning strategies you’ve already planned for. Gold lions guard the bank, the museum sits ready for rooftop sniping, and the infamous SKN Comm Tower is still on fire.

Getting granular: It’s all in the details

Now that you’ve seen a variety of the limited and extremely subtle adjustments and quality-of-life improvements to the map, here’s a general summary of what to expect across Season 03 Verdansk as a whole:

• Trees aren’t in precisely the same exact positions as they were in the original map.
• Any parked vehicles that aren’t drivable now look much more like smoldering wreckage, ensuring players can easily distinguish immovable automobiles from the Cargo Truck, LTV, and other accessible vehicles.
• One of the biggest changes is the ability to swim, which wasn’t originally possible. The southern combat zone has been extended out into the Kastovian Sea, and the coastline is now accessible. However, this isn’t critical to gameplay, and none of the rest of the map requires swimming.
• (as mentioned above) Some of the more unforgiving areas of steep and rocky terrain have been adjusted so that mantling and traversal maneuvers are easier, and “goat trails” are a little more prominent.
• Telephone and electrical poles have been slightly shortened in some locations to enable easier parachute landing.
• Other traversal points or areas that disadvantaged some players have been given minor adjustments, allowing routes to rooftops that may have originally been accessible only by parachute. This includes the addition of newly positioned ladders.
• Doors can be barged through, are usually double hinged (they swing open in both directions) and can be shot or blown open or closed.
• While Ascenders weren’t in the original Verdansk launch (they were originally added at Season 5 of Modern Warfare 2019) and aren’t planned to arrive until later into Season 03 in Battle Royale matches, these have been test-fitted to numerous buildings to enable players to reach otherwise difficult-to-reach rooftops, in preparation for them to return to the game mode. These aren’t the original “A” frame shape, but the newer “L” shape with current mechanics allowing for much faster traversal from the zip line to rooftop. Available in Plunder at launch, they’re scheduled to be bolted to the rooftops and overhangs you remember from the original Verdansk.
• The lighting of the exterior map, the draw-distance at range, general visibility and “haze” of the map has been adjusted to enhance clarity and minimize glare.
• The lighting of interiors has been adjusted to favor more immediate spotting of enemy Operators, and the glare between exiting and entering interiors has been reduced. Or to put it another way, “minimizing the advantage of hiding in dark corners wearing a Roze skin.”
• Detail art passes and scenery enhancements have been added for areas that can benefit from it, such as additional exterior details to the Fire Stations, and extra detritus along the riverbanks. This also extends to some new, additional scattered wreckage players can use as cover.
• The HUD compass text font at the top of the screen indicating the name of the location you’re at has been updated to match the current graphical user interface.
• The user interface has been simplified, as detailed later in this blog.

Part 2: Season 03: Call of Duty: Warzone features

Verdansk is getting back to basics. Featuring authentic, back-to-basics gameplay with the latest in fan-favorite mechanics, there’s a wide variety of features returning or incoming to the game.

Omnimovement adjustments: Fine-tuning has been made to bring movement more in line with what players experienced in the early days of Call of Duty: Warzone.

Like We Never Left: 150 players. The original announcer. Shooting during freefall. Original Infil cinematics. All before you hit the ground running.

Original Game Mechanics: Original Supply Boxes, Floating Loot, Armor Satchels and Buy Station menus, coupled with current Loadouts and Perks, with High Value Loot Zones across the map where some premium loot resides.

A Retro Refresh: In-game loot gets a retro refresh, Thermite is back, while Contracts, In-Match Public Events, Field Upgrades and Killstreaks are back to basics: Verdansk in 2020 basics.

Cargo Truck. Heli. And More: The return of the helicopter, and four ground vehicles all rebalanced to ensure steering and handling keeps to the spirit of the original iteration of the game.

All Gas, No Brakes: Circle Collapse mechanics are just how you remember them from five years ago with Loadout Drops at the second and fifth circles. So-called endgame “dead zones” have been minimized.

Going Up in the World: Exterior Ascenders are coming to Verdansk, but later in the season in Battle Royale Modes, after the original March 2020 gameplay mechanics are employed (before Ascenders came to the game). Rooftop exploits however, are mitigated.

Verdansk Opens Up: As Season 03 progresses, expect the first Points of Interest to open up. This is just the start of the map adjustments you can expect over the multiple seasons to come. Explore areas both topside and below ground, drop onto a moving train, and uncover [[REDACTED]] and more at Mid-Season.

QOL Updates: A variety of quality-of-life updates also hits Call of Duty: Warzone, including Squad Redeploys at Buy Stations, Attachment description at Weapon Inspects, detailed Death recaps in game, and, coming later in the season, a HUD flag so you know exactly when your Loadout is available to buy.
Secrets of Verdansk: There are more revelations, Easter Eggs, and hidden clues to [[REDACTED]] than ever before, across Season 03 and beyond.

With the arrival of the most important map in Call of Duty: Warzone’s history, this has resulted in the return of many fan-favorite features; numerous “back to basics” gameplay elements that harken back to the very first iteration of the game, along with the latest in current and fan-favorite mechanics, all without sacrificing what made Verdansk so special in the first place.

Call of Duty: Warzone omnimovement adjustments (Launch)

The introduction of Black Ops 6’s Omnimovement has been a major steppingstone for the game, establishing a new foundation for player movement. Initially, Call of Duty: Warzone adopted movement values directly from Multiplayer with good intent, but adjustments are needed to better align with the unique demands of Call of Duty: Warzone’s map and engagement styles.

Season 03 serves as an opportunity to fine-tune player movement by slightly scaling back some of the speed increases introduced over the past several months. These adjustments bring movement more in line with what players experienced in the early days of Call of Duty: Warzone.

Additionally, changes are being made to omni-sprint speed scaling and slide friction to address the strength of strafe engagements while preserving the feel of sprint-strafe reloading and general movement.

Player count, infil and shooting during freefall (Launch)

150 Players: Battle Royale returns to Verdansk with large-scale, battle-tested Operator player counts to match the original experience. Those hot drops will never have felt hotter, and 30 additional rivals ensure you have targets to acquire all the way to the final circle.

Original Announcer: Radioing in from the joint operations base, the original Announcer – sometimes known as “UK Team Leader” with a similar accent to Captain Price – is back, and so is the jostling for position before the drop out of the original cargo plane over Verdansk.

Shooting During Freefall: On your way down from an Infil (or return to action after success in the Gulag, drop from a Heli, or airborne descent from a high building), you’re able to switch between the gentle glide of a parachute to a freefall plummet, which is optimal if you want to clear the skies of enemies also dropping in: Shooting During Freefall is back. Draw your starting weapon – the 9mm PM Pistol – and eliminate foes, or cause some damage before facing them on the ground.

Infil and Exfil Cinematics: At Infil, expect to step out from the bay of a giant cargo plane that looms out of the clouds, and for those Operators skilled enough, expect the classic Exfil helicopter to drop a rope for a final escape from the encroaching gas, once all threats are neutralized. Then figuratively press “F” to pay respects to the defeated squads you dominated on your path to match victory.

Crates, armor satchel, looting, loadouts, high value loot zones (Launch, Mid-Season)

Original Supply Box Colors: Once you’re on the ground, it’s time to loot: You’re likely to hear the familiar “original hum” of a Supply Box before you see one. The crates themselves are the original ones; the gray-colored regular crates and more legendary orange crates, along with special supply crates with yellow markings that are accessed during Scavenger Contracts.

Original Floating Loot: As expected, ground loot – whether found at a Buy Station, Supply Crate, or after inspecting a downed foe – is color-coded based on rarity and now springs out of a crate in a variety of directions and floats a few inches off the ground, just as it did originally.

Current Reusable Supply Box: The darker blue Supply Boxes that are refilled as the match progresses are also available across Verdansk.

Original Armor Satchel: The original Armor Satchel – first added during Season 03 Reloaded of Modern Warfare 2019 – is also back, enabling eight Armor Plates to be carried instead of the normal five without the Satchel. The Armor Satchel is found in Supply Crates or as ground loot.

The original Armor Satchel takes the place of the current Armor Satchel. All other Satchel types (the Ammo Satchel) are removed, allowing for as close an original Verdansk experience as possible.

Current loot pool, current loot user interface, current loadouts (Launch)

Current Loot Pool: Expect the type of loot you find on the ground, from fallen enemies, and in crates to be based on the selection of armaments you can choose from currently in Call of Duty: Warzone. This includes Weapons (Primary, Pistol, Melee), Tacticals, and Lethals. See below for the available Field Upgrades and Killstreaks, which are based on those available originally.

Current Loot User Interface: Each item you look at has the current GUI system applied to it, allowing for simple, at-a-glance information and rarity value with attachments for rarer blueprint weapons.

Current Loadouts and Perks: Before Infil to Verdansk, you’re able to create multiple Custom Loadouts as normal to use in-match, with the full selection of MWII, MWIII, and BO6 weapons and equipment. This includes Weapons (Primary, Pistol, Melee), Tacticals, Lethals, three Perks, and a Wildcard.

High value loot zones (Launch, Mid-Season)

Introduced during Modern Warfare III and now coming to Verdansk, recognizable Points of Interest across the map may be identified as “High Value Loot Zones.” Get there before the enemy and you’ll be rewarded with higher tier loot than normal, with gear sometimes related to the type of POI it appears in. Watch out though; the entire lobby may be on their way to claim it too.

This looting meta also gets a significant update at mid-season, as additional Zones within named POIs begin to appear across Verdansk.

Buy stations (Launch, Mid-Season)

It’s time to retrain your muscle memory and remember where all the Verdansk Buy Stations appeared, as these equipment hubs appear semi-randomly across Verdansk in the same places they spawned originally. Near the Comms Tower just south of TV Station? In the parking lot of Superstore? These are just two of the placements from the dozens of possible Buy Station locations. Expect a subset of the total Buy Station placements to appear during each match.

Interact with a Buy Station, and you’ll discover it’s pretty much identical to the original inventory interface, even down to the vertical list of purchases (with the Equipment type under the name, and icons added for quicker visualization). The actual inventory you can purchase has also been scaled back to match that of the original Verdansk; the only Balloons you can buy now are Plunder-related.

Also note there’s additional Buy Station items to buy in Plunder, mimicking those in the original game mode.

Current: Specialist perk (Mid-Season)

One of the most important items of all from the current iteration of the game is set to be added into Buy Station inventories at the Season 03 Reloaded update. Perhaps it’s also hidden elsewhere…?

Equipment: General, tacticals and lethals (Launch, Mid-Season)

As part of your preferred Loadouts, the choices of Tactical and Lethal Equipment span across multiple Call of Duty games (MWII, MWIII, and BO6), based on the selection currently available in Call of Duty: Warzone.

Equipment: Retro refresh (Launch)

Munitions and Equipment available as “floating loot” takes the appearance of items you remember originally. The pool of Lethal and Tactical Equipment in Verdansk has been adjusted to be closer to what was originally available when players first dropped into the field. The list is as follows:

• Field Upgrades: Munitions Box, Heartbeat Sensor, Deployable Cover, P.D.S. (Decontamination Station), Trophy System, Loadout Drop Marker (Grenade and Crate), Armor Box, Recon Drone.
• Killstreaks: UAV, Advanced UAV, Precision Airstrike, Cluster Strike, Bunker Buster.
• Equipment: Flash Bang, Smoke Grenade, Concussion Grenade, Decoy Grenade, Snapshot Grenade, Stim, Frag Grenade, Semtex Grenade, C4, Spring Mine, Molotov, Throwing Knife.

Note: Not all the Field Upgrades and Killstreaks will be available in Verdansk at launch. Expect additional content within these equipment types at mid-season and across future seasons. Remember, this retro refresh is for items appearing as floating loot within a match. Equipment you use with a visual component (the Heartbeat Sensor for example) is likely to reflect the current model.

Returning lethal: Thermite (Launch)

“Explosive incendiary device that sticks to surfaces. Burns fiercely for a short while after impact and effective against vehicles. Sticks to all surfaces.”

Whether you’re preventing enemies from entering a tenement bloc doorway or wanting a sticky incendiary takedown that damages over time, Thermite is likely to be a game-changer. Though not guaranteed to down an opponent, Thermite is extremely effective at burning enemies, as well as vehicles to an explosive finish. Find it in loot or as part of your Loadout.

Equipment: Field upgrades (Launch, Mid-Season)

The range of Field Upgrades to scavenge or purchase in Verdansk is based on the available equipment from the original Battle Royale Mode:

• Armor Box (Loot, Buy Station Inventory): Deploy a box of armor for you and your teammates. The box can also act as an explosive device if fired at or close to another detonation.
• Deployable Cover (Loot): Portable, rapidly deployable ballistic cover. Once deploys, it forms a protective barrier covering the Operator from the waist down if standing. Use it or mount weapons on it.
• Heartbeat Sensor (Loot, Updated): AKA the “baby monitor”, this limited-use tablet displays rough information about nearby enemies using the current interface. The device is no longer a Tactical (it is now a Field Upgrade) and uses the more upgraded awareness system of the current model, with faster detection at greater distances.
• Munitions Box (Loot, Buy Station Inventory): Deploy a box of ammo and equipment for you and your teammates. Expect to refill your Primary, Secondary, Tactical, and Lethal weaponry if you interact with it. The box can also act as an explosive device if fired at or close to another detonation.
• Recon Drone (Loot): Remote controlled drone that marks enemies and also offers tactical visuals across the area around the Operator. It cannot mark enemies with the Cold Blooded Perk and is easily shot down.
• Trophy System (Loot): Deployable autonomous defense system that destroys up to three nearby pieces of equipment and projectiles. Useful to affix to a vehicle, or in a location you don’t wish to leave. Is the “Big Bertha meta” back?
• Returning Field Upgrade: Portable Decontamination Station (Mid-Season)
• Drop this Field Upgrade to protect yourself from encroaching gas, adding to the tactical options in end-game scenarios.

Equipment: Killstreaks (Launch, Mid-Season)

The selection of support Killstreaks echoes those available in March 2020, with the Cluster Strike, Precision Airstrike, and UAV (revealing enemies on your Tac-Map for a short period of time) available. The current Advanced UAV (showing enemies over a wider area with increased sweep frequency) is also added to this line-up due to its added tactical benefits – though it is only available if players use three consecutive UAVs. All Killstreaks are available from the Buy Station or as ground loot.

Current bunker buster (Mid-Season)

Scheduled for arrival at mid-season, the available Killstreaks are expanded with the arrival of vertical explosive ordnance; the Bunker Buster, which could be the weaponry you need to pry foes dug inside apartment building interiors.

Contracts (Launch, Mid-Season)

Three of the Contracts currently available in Call of Duty: Warzone are confirmed for Verdansk, coming in their original iterations:

Bounty: Hunt down a player within an enemy squad using your Tac Map to see the approximate location of your quarry. Eliminate the target before another team can! Eliminating your target will award your team with cash and a UAV ping centering on your fallen target’s location.

Most Wanted: Let the enemy come to you by marking yourself as a most wanted target. A large crown icon appears around you and your squad for all rival Operators to see. The next few minutes are deceptively simple; just survive with your squad until the timer ticks down. Killing enemies and opening supply caches will lower the amount of time you need to survive the mark! Surviving the mark will respawn all your eliminated squad mates and award you with a nice sum of cash.

Scavenger: Three special Supply Crates are indicated by an icon on your Tac Map. Once the first one is opened, the second is marked, followed by the third once both boxes are collected. Reach and open each yellow-glowing Crate for a chance at rarer loot, a guaranteed armor satchel from the final box, and a direct injection of cash.

Returning original contract: Recon (Launch)

“Recon that point, soldier!”
Original Contracts are back: Find the rugged tablet with the flag icon and activate this to update your Tac Map, and advance to an objective marker. You and your squad need to stand within a small radius around the objective – a comms station – and upload data. The more squadmates are nearby, the quicker the capture.

Complete the upload for Loot and Cash along with a “peek” at the next “safe area” to reach, via a yellow circle on your Tac Map. Just be aware there’s a flare fired skyward as you’re capturing, which can attract rivals. But the results are worth it, especially as finishing multiple Recons stacks the reward allowing you to see several safe areas.

Returning original contract: Supply run (Launch)

“Race to the Buy Station, soldier!”
Pinpoint a tablet computer with a timer icon and activate the Supply Run Contract, which marks out a specific Buy Station for you or your squad to reach within the allotted time. Get there for a Cash reward and Firesale prices on most items. Even better, there’s no cost for picking up a Self-Revive Kit or redeploying a fallen teammate.

The Loadout Drop Marker is not discounted. You can only select one discounted or free item before the Buy Station returns to its normal prices, so choose wisely, and since time is short on this one, you might wish to use a vehicle to quicken your pace.

Returning Feature: Contract multipliers (Launch)

“Contract payout increased!”
Keep an eye on completing contracts throughout an entire match, as the original Contract Multiplier system is back! This is an additive bonus to each completed contract payout after the first one, which increases every time you or your squad successfully completes a contract. Need cash fast? Then consider the following:

• Complete more than one contract for additional bonus money. The type of contract isn’t important; finish any contract you like.
• Every contract across Verdansk receives an additive bonus 30 percent to its cash payout.
• The bonus is capped after you finish the fifth contract. And no, this bonus doesn’t apply to XP.

Returning Contracts: Big game bounty, recon (Train) (Mid-Season)

“Stay on the train to receive intel on the next gas spread!”

Big Game Bounty: Band together to place a Big Game Bounty on the player with the most eliminations in the match, then hunt them down and defeat them to earn a 20 second instantly activated Advanced UAV and a tidy sum of cash.

Recon (Train): With the arrival of the Train moving around the rail lines of Verdansk at Mid-Season, the returning Recon Contract also becomes available on the train’s cargo carriages. Activating this is riskier than a normal recon as data uploads happen on the train itself.

In-match public events (Launch, Mid-Season)

The following in-game Public Events – match-changing incidents occurring towards the final circle collapses – are confirmed for Verdansk, as one of following three familiar Public Events within a match may (randomly) occur, with more to be revealed at Mid-Season.

• Fire Sale: Expect major discounts at all Buy Stations for most items.
• Jail Break: All eliminated players immediately redeploy into the match.
• Restock: All Supply Crates on the map close and the loot is refreshed, substantially increasing the available loot.
• Loadout Drop: Additionally, during the second and fifth circle collapses, free loadouts drop from the skies.

Original capture the flag gulag variant (Launch)

Fail at victory the first time during a match, and you’re sent to the infamous Prison Showers Gulag, for a 1v1 confrontation with the victor redeploying. As with the original Verdansk, all three Gulag variants are returning, along with the optional, raucous rock-throwing from the cellblocks above. For a closer look at all three Gulag variants, check out the Tour of Verdansk Blog here.

Though technically a variant, the only way to emerge from the Gulag victorious is to claim the Gulag flag, if defeating your opponent is proving trickier than anticipated. A flag is positioned in the middle of the map, appears after a short time delay. The winning player is the one that either dispatches their rival as normal or captures the flag within the time limit.

Verdansk vehicles and rebalancing (Launch, Mid-Season)

As the topography of Verdansk sometimes favors rapid transportation across the dangerous open terrain, it’s worth test-driving the five different vehicles coming to the Big Map, including the return of a fan favorite helicopter.

All vehicles are available in the same set of locations to those that appeared in the original map. Additionally, there are no tire punctures or fuel-refilling to worry about; each vehicle has a health meter and when it reaches zero, it explodes and flames out, just as it did originally.

All vehicles are receiving a tuning pass. This rebalancing is designed to ensure these handle and steer in the spirit of the original iteration of the game, with more rapid acceleration and handling.

Helicopter: AKA Heli

A stalwart aircraft for maneuvering across the map with haste, and with rotor blades that can double as slicing and dicing implements, the Heli allows four players (including the pilot) to rule the skies, providing they aren’t downed by enemy missile or sniper fire. Dropping out of an airborne helicopter and using it as a blunt explosive implement is also a favored tactic.

Cargo Truck

Parked at every Fire Station across the map, this heavy-weight truck is slow to accelerate, lacks swift e-braking and steering maneuvers, but can really take a pounding in the damage department. Offering easy boarding access to and from the flatbed, the rear of the truck also offers a modicum of protection if an Operator drops to a more prone position.

LTV: AKA Light Tactical Vehicle

Taking the place of the SUV from the original Verdansk is the re-tuned LTV. This workhorse of Verdansk offers a mixture of protection and speed and can be swung around tight corners with a well-timed e-brake and enough previous acceleration. It also has reasonable uphill and off-road terrain prowess for up to four Operators. You’re also guaranteed to find one at the Promenade car dealership.

Polaris RZR PRO R 4

Now wrapped in an understated but formidable matte black finish, this swift, rapid-accelerating off-road tactical RZR has light armor, but excellent handling and power across all types of terrain, with mountain goat-like agility and impressive performance, whether you’re weaving through the steep wooded tundra close to Gora Dam or weaving through the burning barricades of Downtown.

ATV: AKA All-Terrain Vehicle

The Kongo Offroad 4×4 is a two-seater all-terrain machine with almost no protection, but exceptional acceleration, top-speed, maneuverability, and off-road capabilities. Though designed for two Operators to sit back-to-back, perch a third on the front hood for an unconventional increase to your carrying capacity.

Verdansk: Circle collapse pacing (Launch)

“You’ve got gas closing in fast. Get to the safe zone!”

The collapsing circle of acrid gas that suffocates stragglers and forces Operators to rotate into ever-shrinking arenas performs similarly, and relentlessly, just like in the original map. Expect Loadout Drops during the second and fifth of the six circle collapses, and a wide variety of final locations to claim victory at, though “dead zones” – end-game areas which lack cover or maneuvering choices – are being minimized to lessen matches that conclude like the infamous Verdansk Stadium endgame; where it was almost impossible to extricate any teams dug in on the roof.

Map interactive elements (Launch, Mid-Season)

Verdansk returns with the two types of Ascenders you remember – Interior and Exterior – and there are distinct plans involving each:

Interior Ascenders (above): Rope or cables spanning vertical interiors, like the sluice towers of Gora Dam, the inside of the Airport Control Tower, or the Hospital elevator shafts, are accessible at launch in all modes.

Exterior Ascenders (above): Ropes up to a yellow L-shaped metal overhang attached to a deck, balcony, or rooftop exterior, are also planned for inclusion in Verdansk. Nowadays these are part of your regular maneuvering, but Exterior Ascenders were completely absent from the original game, and didn’t arrive in Verdansk until Modern Warfare 2019’s Season 5, almost five months after launch.

To maintain the classic feel of Verdansk, expect no Exterior Ascenders to be available at launch in Battle Royale, except in a few, very particular areas where a rival team could exploit the verticality of a building to reach a power position that is almost impossible to overrun. Yes, that means the Stadium will be getting Ascenders. Almost everywhere else, gameplay will be focused on other means of traversal, just as players did five years ago.

Then, as Season 03 progresses, Exterior Ascenders are scheduled to be added across Verdansk in Battle Royale modes in the same locations as you remember them.

Plunder Mode will have all External Ascenders available at the start of Season 03.

Original train station interior access (Mid-Season)

First unlocked during Modern Warfare 2019 Season 5 (August 2020), the interior of the covered footbridge, and a mezzanine shopping mall within the Train Station POI, is scheduled to open, along with a surprise or two.

Original moving train (Mid-Season)

The Verdansk Express; a fearsome-looking train with numerous, loot-filled carriages, is reported to be heading towards the map at Mid-Season. Moving along a pre-determined path in a large circle around much of the rail lines, it can’t be controlled by Operatives… yet.

[[REDACTED]] interior access (Mid-Season)

New areas both on the surface and within subterranean [[REDACTED]] across Verdansk are being actively monitored for signs of [[REDACTED]]. Additionally, partially redacted reports of [[REDACTED]] that haven’t been seen [[REDACTED]] also tracking intel that [[REDACTED]].

Additional quality of life improvements (Launch, Mid-Season)

A number of additional gameplay enhancements are coming to the game. Be sure to continue consulting the Call of Duty: Warzone Patch Notes for more information on these and other improvements.

Squad redeploy at Buy Stations (Launch)

Got more than one Squadmate ready to get back into the action, but only a second or so to buy them back? Then select “Redeploy All” at the Buy Station, and providing you’ve got sufficient funds, all teammates can drop back into the action with a single purchase. Naturally, if you’re short on cash, you can still choose specific players (likely those with fewer skill issues) to join you back in the match.

Weapon inspect to view attachments (Launch)

Whether you’ve just picked up a weapon from ground loot, a fallen foe, or a Loadout Drop, you can now immediately see a list of the Attachments the weapon is equipped with at any time by inspecting it. During the inspect, in the bottom-right corner of the screen displayed the icon and name of each Attachment. This feature can be toggled on or off in the Settings > Interface > Gameplay HUD Menu.

Prioritize favorite Loadout in Gunsmith (Launch)

Now, when you’ve finished your preferred Loadout in the Call of Duty: Warzone Gunsmith, and set it to Favorite in the Loadout Options, the Loadout is prioritized and moved to the top of the list.

Tac map zoom and centering settings (Launch)

New Tac-Map settings under “Map Assist” offer improved control options: Auto Zoom & Center, Auto Center, Zoom & Center Once, Center Once, and Off — giving players flexibility in how their map behaves for better navigation during a match.

Every time you’re eliminated in a match, you’re likely to get a glimpse of your opponent and a brief HUD message regarding how they managed to defeat you. This Death Recap will be further augmented with more details showcasing gameplay elements that the attacker utilized during the fight. Current and new recaps include:

List of attackers with their name, weapon, damage and hits (this appears currently in Call of Duty: Warzone).

Affected by Live Ping: If the enemy had you pinged via line-of-sight.

Affected by UAV: If the enemy had you pinged in the minimap via a UAV, UAV Tower (if available), or Advanced UAV.

Affected by Unsuppressed Weapon: If firing your weapon revealed your location on the minimap to nearby enemies.

As the season progresses, this feature will roll out additional gameplay tracking elements, assisting you in understanding how you were felled in combat, and more importantly… how to get the upper hand in your next fight!

When playing in Duos, Trios, or Quads, it’s important to know what your teammates are carrying. Yelling questions over comms is one option. But a better plan is to quickly check the Squad Widget (the HUD in the bottom-left corner of the screen). This lists the members of your Squad, with icons showing their Armor Plates, Gas Mask, and Killstreak. Now the Field Upgrade each Operator is carrying (or a white dot if they aren’t) is displayed, allowing for at-a-glance information.

Ping duration settings (Launch)

A new setting has been added that lets you control how long pings stay on your screen. Choose from multiple options to make pings disappear quickly or remain visible for longer.

Secrets of Verdansk: Redacted content (Launch, Mid-Season)

“You really know Verdansk inside and out!”

Between March 2020 and December 2021 when Verdansk was an active map, investigations across the combat zone began to reveal a host of hidden items, communications, and evidence, much of it hidden well away from prying eyes. Upon your return to Verdansk, it’s well worth your time checking out-of-the-way places, searching for clues, and finding [[REDACTED]] allowing you to [[REDACTED]] both old and new. With a wealth of history over the last five years, [[REDACTED]] opening up, [[REDACTED]] including tracking [[REDACTED]] than ever before!

Part 3: Season 03 maps, modes, events and initial weapons details

Map Management: Welcome to Verdansk and Rebirth Island.

Confirmed Modes: 150-Player Battle Royale, Plunder, and (at Mid-Season) Ranked Play on Verdansk. Plus; Rebirth Island Resurgence Quads within the Launch Window, with other squad sizes dropping the following week. And a brand-new Battle Royale Casual mode on Verdansk where 28 players and up to 120 Bots can warm up before the main events.

Major Launch Event: Major Rewards: Free, major rewards in the Return to Verdansk Event include the Kilo 141 Assault Rifle, two Modern Warfare® 2019 Operators for Call of Duty: Warzone only, the infamous Kali Sticks, and a special Verdansk-themed Operator Skin for Caine as the ultimate reward.

A new grindset: Four free weapons available at Season 03 launch and during the Return to Verdansk Event are confirmed and detailed, including three Verdansk-era originals: the Kilo 141 Assault Rifle (Call of Duty: Warzone download & launch reward), CR-56 AMAX Assault Rifle (Battle Pass Reward), and HDR Sniper Rifle (Battle Pass Reward).

Season 03: Confirmed maps and modes

It’s a fond farewell to Urzikstan, as players wanting to drop into the current Big Map have around one week left to do so before it is retired. Also, it’s au revoir (but not goodbye) to Area 99 as the Nevada test site goes on hiatus for a limited time.

Returning Map: Verdansk (Launch), Map: Rebirth Island (Launch Window)

Season 03 is dominated by the arrival of Verdansk at launch. Then during the Launch Window, expect Resurgence modes to appear on Rebirth Island as this map drops back into the map pool along with Verdansk.

Expect the following Modes as Season 03 progresses:

Returning: Battle Royale (Verdansk, Launch)
150 Players, 25 Minute Matches

Loot, Upgrade, Survive!
The same ruleset, map, Buy Station options, and a host of other features from March 2020 detailed earlier, this is the original Call of Duty: Warzone Battle Royale mode you remember.

New: Battle Royale Casual (Verdansk, Launch)
148 Players, Players & Bots, 28 Players, up to 120 Bots

Loot, Upgrade, Survive, but with a new kind of opponent!

Whether you’re warming up, want a Battle Royale match that isn’t quite as intense as facing off against 149 human opponents, or need to build up your confidence, Battle Royale Casual is likely the game mode for you. Expect the same rules set as BR, and up to 27 other players dropping in with you, but the majority of your opponents will be computer-controlled Bots, who may – or may not – be experiencing skill issues of varying severity.

Like Call of Duty: Warzone Bootcamp, game progression is limited in this mode and results will not count towards or against your stats. This mode also doesn’t count towards your eligibility to accessing BR Ranked Play when it arrives at Mid-Season.

Returning: Plunder quads (Verdansk, Launch)

100 Players, 20 Minute Matches

Fan-favorite Plunder is back in Verdansk. Collect the highest amount of in-game money, choosing to keep or bank the cash using Balloons or Extraction Points, and claim victory over other teams before the timer runs out. Note this mode launches with all External Ascenders active across the map.

Returning: Call of Duty: Warzone Bootcamp (Verdansk, Launch)

Training, 44 Players, 12 Humans, 32 Bots, 15 Minute Matches

Loot. Advance. Endure. Refine your Battle Royale Tactics.
An updated Call of Duty: Warzone Bootcamp is still available for newer players or those wishing to practice their skills but now takes place across Verdansk. While you’re waiting for your squad to assemble, or if you want to easily earn some XP completing missions and earning rewards, drop into a Resurgence-sized section of Verdansk – for example, the Karst River Quarry – and hunt down up to 32 Bots of varying skill levels.

Game progression is limited in this mode and results will not count against your stats. Expect to collect around 50 percent of the normal XP compared to regular Battle Royale.

Returning: Resurgence (Rebirth Island, Launch Window)

44 Players, 15 Minute Matches

Resurgence. Wipe Out. Survive.
A favorite mode to many, but one that’s difficult to conquer, you’re here to survive and redeploy fallen teammates as well as scoring by dispatching enemies, equipment, opening crates, and completing Contracts to return your Squadmates more rapidly. Drop into the fray on Rebirth Island just hours after launch.

New: Battle Royale ranked play (Verdansk, Mid-Season)

150 Players, Trios, Verdansk.

Competitive Play. Earn Rewards. Show Your Skill.
The mode that never quite made it to Verdansk, Battle Royale Ranked Play is back in a big, big way at Mid-Season! Squad up in your preferred Trio and ensure your dominance over 49 other teams as 150-player Ranked Play hits Call of Duty: Warzone’s first Battle Royale Map!

More Modes at Mid-Season

Expect Mid-Season to bring additional Modes to Verdansk, including the LTM: High Trip with massive resurgence potential, a special narrator on the comms, and gameplay boosts to leave your enemies in a pile of ash.

Call of Duty: Warzone Events: “Return to Verdansk” (Launch, WZ Only)

Activation Dates: April 3 to 15
Free Event. Total Rewards: 20, including up to six Instant unlocks for new and veteran players

Reassemble the Squad and drop back into your former stomping grounds for an exciting homecoming. The celebration takes the form of a series of challenges scattered across 12 distinct, Event-only zones within Verdansk:

Explore: Fight your way across Verdansk and explore 12 unique zones.
Find Hidden Safes: Discover one Safe in each Zone and open them for exclusive rewards.
Special Operator Skin: Safes have a rare chance of awarding an Event-Exclusive Operator Skin. Will you be one of the lucky few?

Instant Unlocks (All Players):

Firstly, let’s talk about the six rewards you can automatically unlock just for accessing Call of Duty: Warzone:

Primary Weapon (Assault Rifle): Kilo 141
Operator: Domino (available in Call of Duty: Warzone only)
Operator: Mil-Sim USEF (available in Call of Duty: Warzone only)
Instant Unlocks (Call of Duty: Warzone Veterans):
Contrail: “Blue Legacy”
Parachute: “Coming Home”
Gunscreen: “Like We Never Left”

If you don’t take advantage – optionally via a special Free Trial – of levelling up the Kilo 141 Assault Rifle in the previous 24-hour countdown between the time the Premium Game and Call of Duty: Warzone launched, the weapon becomes available now. Operators Domino and Mil-Sim USEF from Modern Warfare 2019 become available at this time as well and are only accessible in the “BO6” section of the Operators Menu in Call of Duty: Warzone. Both Operators are not available in Black Ops 6 Multiplayer or Zombies.

The ”Blue Legacy” Contrail, “Coming Home” Parachute and “Like We Never Left” Gunscreen are Instant Grat Rewards for “Call of Duty: Warzone Veterans” only. The game checks your Activision ID, and if you played on the original Verdansk map, or Verdansk ’84 on that account, you’re awarded with the three previously listed items. Remember to equip them in the Barracks Menu.

Note: If – for some strange reason – you’re a Premium player and don’t access Call of Duty: Warzone between launch and the end of this Event, the Kilo 141 weapon will become available as an Armory unlock during Season 03.

Event Intel Part 1: Explore

Once the Event begins, you and your Squad are encouraged to explore the entirety of Verdansk in any of the following game modes:
• Battle Royale
• Battle Royale Casual
• Plunder
The Event menu restructures the Verdansk map into 12 separate “Zones”, which usually include one or two major POIs, and a few minor POIs, as detailed in the following map and table:

[[TH1]] Event Zone [[TH2]] included major and minor POIs in this zone

1. Dam Gora Dam, Gora Tunnel, Gora Village, Gora Ridge, Roadside Hamlet
2. Military Base Arklov Peak Military Base, Crash Site, Lozoff Pass, Riverside, Grazna Bridge
3. Quarry Karst River Quarry, Quarry Offices, Lozoff Pass Village, WHP Camp, Karst Bridge, Rail Tunnel, Gorengard Lumber Yard
4. Storage Town Storage Town, Airport (Verdansk International Airport Terminal), Airport (Control Tower Complex)
5. Superstore Atlas Superstore, Airport Maintenance (Hangars)
6. Stadium Verdansk Stadium, BCH TV Station, TV Station Central Plaza, Great Bridge
7. Train Station Verdansk Train Station, Junkyard, Zhokov Boneyard, Graveyard, Torsk Bloc, Kart Racing Track, Barakett Promenade (West)
8. Hospital Verdansk Hospital, Barakett Promenade (East)
9. Downtown Downtown Tavorsk District, West Bridge, Gora Bridge, Tavorsk Bridge
10. Hills Novi Grazna Hills, Tavorsk Park, Styor Memorial, Coast
11. Port City of Verdansk Port, Krovnik Farmland
12. Prison Zordaya Prison Complex
    Tip: Consult the Verdansk Tac Atlas for expanded details of all the locations mentioned here.

Event intel part 2: Find hidden safes

The actual missions you’re undertaking during this Event is to choose a Zone and thoroughly explore it, looking for Hidden Safes. There are multiple Safes across each Zone. You and your Squad can open as many Hidden Safes as you can find during a match. Each Safe can only be opened once, and when opened, expect an explosive indication (visible to rival teams) that the Safe has been cracked.

When you open a Hidden Safe, there are three possible outcomes:
• Supply Loot: The Hidden Safe contains a variety of ground loot, but no other reward.
• Zone Reward: The Hidden Safe contains an Event Reward. Each Zone has a specific reward from the first 12 listed below. Each member of your Squad receives the reward.
• Special Reward: [[REDACTED]].

Event unlocks: Zone rewards (All Players)

Below are the 12 rewards (one available per Zone) you can unlock during the Return to Verdansk Event:
Loading Screen: “Let’s Plan Something!”
Emblem: “Jarvdinsk Spomenik”
Calling Card: “Lumberjack Legends”
Weapon Decal: “Deathly Chill Return”
Weapon Charm: “With Fries, Please”
Calling Card: “Breaking News”
Finishing Move: “The Back Adjustment”
Spray: “Love 4 Tha Game”
Emote: “Cheering the Squad”
Token: Double XP Token (45 minutes)
Sticker: “Shipping to Verdansk”
Calling Card: “Wheel of Glory”

Event intel part 3: Mastery rewards (All Players)

Mastery Reward: Kali Sticks: Once your safe-opening skills have yielded dividends and you’ve acquired all 12 Event Rewards, you’re automatically awarded with the infamous melee weapon from Modern Warfare 2019 Season 04 (June 2020); the dual-wielding batons that might just change the melee meta; the Kali Sticks.

Special Challenge: Operator Skin (Caine): “Trail Blazer” Be on the lookout, as opening [[REDACTED]] Hidden Safes also have the [[REDACTED]] chance to grant you the special “Trail Blazer” Operator Skin for Caine (as shown above).

A New Grindset: Initial Weapons Detail

Prior to the Season 03 Announcement Blog on March 27, which fully details all the incoming weapons and special Attachments are covered, it’s worth detailing the weapons confirmed so far:

Primary Weapon: Kilo 141 (Launch)
Assault Rifle, Call of Duty: Warzone Download Reward

Levels: 42
MAGS: 3
MAG SIZE: 30
Mastery Badges: Yes
Attachments: Optic, Muzzle, Barrel, Underbarrel, Magazine, Rear Grip, Stock, Laser, Fire Mods
Customize Options: Skins, Camos and Reticle Unlocks (MP, ZM, WZ), Accessories (1), Decals (1), Stickers (3).

Fully automatic assault rifle with an ergonomic design that improves handling, and a steady fire rate helps stay on target.

The Kilo 141 is back and ready to tear it up across Multiplayer and Call of Duty: Warzone. The weapon’s smooth handling, manageable recoil, and steady fire rate give it room to shine in a variety of combat situations, leaving no doubt as to why the Kilo 141 was a favorite in Verdansk. Now that the location is back, it’s time to relive the glory days with this hard-hitting Primary Weapon.

Players will automatically unlock the Kilo 141 for use in Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone after downloading and launching Call of Duty: Warzone following the launch of Season 03.

Primary Weapon: CR-56 AMAX (Launch)

Assault Rifle, Battle Pass Page 6 HVT Tier Reward, Completion Page Battle Pass Blueprint

Levels: 42
MAGS: 3
MAG SIZE: 30
Mastery Badges: Yes
Attachments: Optic, Muzzle, Barrel, Underbarrel, Magazine, Rear Grip, Stock, Laser, Fire Mods
Customize Options: Skins, Camo and Reticle Unlocks (MP, ZM, WZ), Accessories (1), Decals (1), Stickers (3).

This lightweight 7.62 x 39mm full-auto assault rifle is compact and powerful. Built exclusively for military use, the standard issue rifle is deadly at mid-range combat and easily configured for a variety of assault tactics.

Combining high-damage hits with a fast fire rate and good handling, the CR-56 AMAX is the perfect mid-range weapon for downing targets fast. Eliminate enemies in three to four shots up to 25 meters out, leaving plenty left over to chew through equipped armor. Quick reloads get you back into the action fast, a helpful trait no matter how you choose to customize the weapon via Gunsmith.

Primary Weapon: HDR (Launch)

Sniper Rifle, Battle Pass Page 3 HVT Tier Reward, Page 11 Battle Pass Blueprint

Levels: 38
MAGS: 3
MAG SIZE: 5
Mastery Badges: Yes
Attachments: Optic, Muzzle, Barrel, Underbarrel, Magazine, Rear Grip, Stock, Laser, Fire Mods
Customize Options: Skins, Camo and Reticle Unlocks (MP, ZM, WZ), Accessories (1), Decals (1), Stickers (3).

Anti-material bolt action sniper rifle chambered in 12.7 x 108mm ammunition. Bullets have a lower muzzle velocity but remain devastating even at very long ranges.

Veterans of Verdansk know the power of the HDR and the havoc a sniper can inflict with it when stationed in high vantage points like the infamous Airport Control Tower. The weapon’s long reach and heavy damage make it a favorite of sharpshooters, its distinctive firing sound sending squads running. Add the Reinforced Barrel attachment to further extend your damage range and bullet velocity, and don’t forget to hold your breath for difficult shots.

Melee Weapon: Kali Sticks (Launch)

Melee, Event Reward

Levels: 30
Mastery Badges: Yes
Attachments: None
Customize Options: Camos (MP, ZM, WZ).

Two-hit kill. Extremely fast attack speed. Short range.

The infamous Kali Sticks return, dealing out damage with rapid swings that’ll take down your target in a flash. Smack them with fast follow-up hits using the weapon’s light attack or take them out in a more dramatic fashion by unleashing the heavy attack.

Note: Grind the Kilo 141, CR-56 AMAX, and HDR when the full game of Black Ops 6 becomes accessible as part of the 24-hour Free Trial during the Countdown to Verdansk.

Part 4: Prepare for Season 03 now. Verdansk launch sequence

Important Intel: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Multiplayer, Zombies, and General game content drops a day early on Wednesday April 2, 9AM PT. Call of Duty: Warzone content launches across all platforms 24 hours later, on Thursday April 3, 9AM PT.

Free Trial: Play All of Black Ops 6 During 24-Hour Countdown: Pre-load the game, then access Black Ops 6 as a premium player or via a Free Trial with the entire Season 03 premium game accessible for 24 hours, allowing you to grind out some of the new weapons, including the Kilo 141, CR-56 AMAX, and HDR.

Welcome Home: At around 9AM PT on April 3rd, expect to access the Call of Duty: Warzone lobby, squad up, and return to Verdansk on console and PC for the first time since December 2021.

Season 03 and the Return of Verdansk: April 2 9 a.m. PT to April 3 9 a.m. PT

Prior to the March 27 Season 03 Announcement Blog and Roadmap detailing all new Multiplayer, Zombies, and general content shared with Call of Duty: Warzone, we can confirm that the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Season 03 launch is planned to roll out across two separate days:

Wednesday April 2, 9 a.m. PT: Black Ops 6 Multiplayer, Zombies, Battle Pass, and general content launches across all platforms.
Thursday April 3, 9 a.m. PT: Call of Duty: Warzone content launches across all platforms.

Verdansk Launch Sequence

Be sure you preload both Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone content files in the hours before launch, as there’s plenty of content for all players to enjoy throughout this 24-hour period! Here’s a timeline of what to expect:
Wednesday April 2, 9:00 a.m. PT
• Black Ops 6 Multiplayer, Zombies, Battle Pass, BlackCell, and general content becomes accessible to all Premium players.
• Call of Duty: Warzone completely shuts down for 24-hours.
• Simultaneously, a 24-hour Multiplayer and Zombies Free Trial commences, available to everyone, including all Season 03 Premium content from these two game modes.
• This Free Trial unlocks it all; allowing you into every Black Ops 6 Multiplayer Map and all Zombies content, including everything from Season 03 (revealed tomorrow).
• Season 03 Battle Pass and BlackCell content, including two free weapons within the Battle Pass, also become available.
• Additionally, the Kilo 141 Assault Rifle is unlocked for you to use, once you download the Call of Duty: Warzone game files and click on the updated tile. Call of Duty: Warzone won’t be available until the next day, but the Kilo 141 will.

24-hours Countdown: Wednesday April 2, 9:01 a.m. PT to Thursday April 3, 8:59 a.m. PT

• A 24-hour “Countdown to Verdansk launch” timer now begins.
• Use these 24 hours wisely: This is the very best time to level up all preferred weapons you want to use in Verdansk.
• Obtain the Kilo 141 for free, optionally pop a couple of 2WXP tokens, and play Black Ops 6 content to unlock attachments and camos, via the Premium game or Free Trial.
• Get into the proper Grindset: Complete Season 03 Battle Pass Pages (free or paid) to unlock two additional new base weapons; the CR-56 AMAX Assault Rifle, and the HDR Sniper Rifle.

Welcome Home: Thursday April 3, 8:45 a.m. PT to 9:00 a.m. PT

• Stand by for your first return drop into Verdansk; departure is imminent!
• In-game messaging will direct you to the appropriate menus.
• Various rewards prior to your first match will be granted (and were detailed earlier in this Blog).
• At around 9:00 a.m. PT, expect to access the Call of Duty: Warzone Lobby, to squad up, and return to Verdansk for the first time since December 2021.

Just Dropped: The Call of Duty Shop Verdansk Collection

Rep Verdansk with all-new apparel, accessories, and collectables inspired by the iconic battlefield that started it all! The Call of Duty Shop is now offering everything from sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, tumblers, and more to celebrate the return of Verdansk. Click here to visit the Call of Duty Shop to view the full collection.