The story behind the Metal Gear Solid Board Game is nearly as wild as the plot of a Metal Gear game, featuring a mix of delays and licensing issues, with odds stacked against it ever seeing the light of day before being rescued (much like Solid Snake rescuing Gray Fox) by CMON Games. But at long last, this cardboard adaptation of the Hideo Kojima masterpiece has finally reached the masses. From sneaking around in cardboard boxes to dynamic and exciting boss fights, the game’s tactical stealth gameplay has successfully made the jump from video games to board games. However, the whole package isn’t without its faults, leaving me feeling both satisfied and let down at the same time.
Metal Gear Solid: The Board Game is a campaign-style board game that retells the story of the first Metal Gear Solid game, originally released on the PlayStation in 1998. Designed for one to four players (at least according to the box; more on that below), the game has players move plastic miniature versions of series favorites like Meryl, Otacon, Cyborg Ninja Gray Fox, and Solid Snake himself through 14 scenarios featuring iconic moments from the game, such as the confrontation with Ocelot, changing the PAL Keycard, and, of course, taking out REX.
Unfortunately, there is one significant omission that didn’t make the cut: the final confrontations between Solid and Liquid are not recreated as playable scenarios. It’s a bummer that neither the barehanded fight on top of REX nor the Jeep escape is included. Perhaps the developers couldn’t find a way to balance or explain a 4v1 battle on REX or figure out how the escape would work with all present characters. Instead, they’ve opted to end on the high note of a dramatic and memorable team-up against Metal Gear REX. But in the meantime, the fan community around this game has you covered. Over on BoardGameGeek, user @Geoff907 and their wife devised and published their own unique Stage 15 for this game for you to try out, if you just absolutely need to get some of that shirtless fist-fight action into your game.
If you opt for the more expensive “Integral Edition,” the rest of the story bits that aren’t told through gameplay are instead presented in a striking 109-page graphic novel with art by comic artist Kenneth Loh. It’s reminiscent of the scenes in Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker or the Digital Graphic Novels on PSP. But MGS wouldn’t be MGS without its CODEC calls. These little burst transmissions between Snake and his support team have been faithfully adapted to this new format, with prompts directing players to specific calls in the included Codec Book, as well as pre and post-scenario briefings. I particularly appreciate the care the developers have taken to make them just as campy yet informative as those in the video game. For example, Snake refers to how many actions he can take or offers tips on beating Psycho Mantis involving “Player 2”-like trickery. Even as a game made of cardboard and dice, this still feels distinctly Metal Gear.
Players unlock new equipment, from Snake’s favorite sidearm, the Socom, to the iconic cardboard box.
Regarding gameplay, players take up to four actions per turn, chosen from those listed on their character’s unique player boards. As scenarios progress, players unlock new equipment, from Snake’s favorite sidearm, the Socom, to the iconic cardboard box, which can be used in future scenarios. This equipment expands each character’s skill pool, effectively replicating the video game’s “procure on-site” philosophy. Once players take their actions, it’s time for the enemies to act. Both generic guards and bosses have action cards that dictate their movements and behaviors, which can change depending on whether they’ve spotted the player. Guards also have a separate reaction deck used in various situations, such as spotting a knocked-out guard or investigating a noise.
Boss encounters pose their own unique challenges, forcing you out of your comfort cardboard box and requiring you to think on your feet. Each boss fight feels distinct, from Revolver Ocelot darting around while bouncing bullets off walls to the Hind D having multiple target areas to damage. Thanks to the game’s tile-based nature, each boss fight takes place on a unique, large board with special elements affecting the encounter. For example, in Ocelot’s arena, the injured Kenneth Baker can be hit and killed, adding a new way to trigger a game over. These special tweaks only enhance the excitement and tension of the encounters, as they are rarely designed to favor the players.
This element of randomness kept me on my toes, never knowing exactly how far guards would move or which way they’d turn. The added dice rolls for checking if my actions made noise or if enemy shots would hit me resulted in an experience that balanced strategy with luck. There were multiple moments where I held my breath as I pulled a guard movement card, waiting to see if I’d be spotted. I never felt the game was unfair, but I also never expected it to be kind. Metal Gear does a superb job balancing strategy and luck.
While the box suggests the game can be played with up to four players, at least for the campaign mode, I wouldn’t recommend going beyond two players. Personally, I found playing it as a solo board game offered the best experience. Each scenario specifies which of the four playable characters can be used, with the first two scenarios playable only by Snake. Only five scenarios in the entire campaign allow for four players (with no missions designed for three players), and the first four-player mission doesn’t appear until the ninth scenario.
From a narrative standpoint, this makes sense. It wouldn’t be logical for Snake to infiltrate Shadow Moses with Gray Fox at his side or for Otacon to tackle Vulcan Raven alone. But from a board game perspective, this limitation significantly impacts the experience, making it hard to convince my MGS-loving friends to play when only one of them could participate in most of the game, while the others had to wait for the last few missions. I would have loved to see optional modifiers allowing additional characters in two-player scenarios or “What if?” scenarios offering alternate viewpoints and player counts.
To the game’s credit, the developers addressed this issue by allowing up to four players in the “VR Missions” mode. This additional mode, which includes its own set of special unlockable equipment cards,
has its own caveat: a lack of content. The included VR Missions book features six mission types – Recon, Escape, and Sabotage, among others – but each type has only one associated map layout. While some tokens and traps may change between sessions, and you can swap in a boss model for extra challenge, the guard layouts and objectives remain the same. With the map never changing, once you know what to do, the mode quickly loses its luster. I hope that CMON or the community releases creative and fun new maps and missions to keep things fresh.
We’re just entering Q2 of 2025, but the year is already shaping up to be a big year for excellent video games. An increasing list of big games is set to release this year for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. In April, we’ll see the new Microsoft-published turn-based RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, along with Microsoft putting Forza Horizon 5 on PS5, plust a lot more. Below, you’ll find release dates for all the biggest games and expansions that have been announced for the rest of the year and beyond. Let’s get right down to it.
If you’re someone who likes to preorder your games, you can click the links on the platform of your choice to make sure it arrives on launch day.
April 2025 – Video Game Release Dates
April is a big month for remasters, re-platforms, and re-releases. First, The Last of Us Part II Remastered is hitting PC on April 3. The first-person puzzle game The Talos Principle: Reawakened is out a week later. The Microsoft-published Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Forza Horizon 5 are hitting PS5 this month. The JRPG series Lunar is getting remastered, as is the zombie apocalypse game Days Gone. Aside from all that, Xbox and PC owners will get the awesome-looking turn-based RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on April 24. The only platform that’s not getting a major new release is Switch, but we are getting the info dump on the Nintendo Switch 2 on April 2, so at least there’s that.
Koira – April 1 – (PS5, PC)
Nif Nif – April 1 – (Switch, PC)
Elroy and the Aliens – April 2 – (PC)
Steel Hunters – April 2 – (PC)
The Last of Us Part II Remastered – April 3 – (PC)
Roman Triumph: Survival City Builder – April 3 – (PC)
Sand – April 3 – (PC)
Ekoh Beach – April 4 – (PC)
The Renovator: Origins – April 4 – (PS5, Xbox, Switch)
Peppered: An Existential Platformer – April 7 – (PC)
Chris Reed is a commerce editor and deals expert for IGN. He also runs IGN’s board game and LEGO coverage. You can follow him on (long inhale) Threads, Bluesky, Mastodon, and the social network formerly known as Twitter.
Bandai Namco and FromSoftware have revealed another Nightfarer making their way into Elden Ring Nightreign. The bow-wielding Ironeye will be one of the playable characters in the co-op action game, and they’re bringing some pretty hefty weaponry to Limveld.
The core of Ironeye’s kit is, as you might expect, dealing damage from afar with ranged attacks. The Ironeye starts with a bow and specializes in Dexterity-based weaponry, so they’re able to add some extra damage to any team that needs some long-range support.
Bows are especially useful in Elden Ring Nightreign, as they offer the ability to revive a downed party member from a distance rather than up-close. Given some of the up-close combat footage we see in today’s trailer, below, it seems like skilled Ironeye players won’t have an issue with getting within arm’s reach either.
Of course, you’ll still be able to loot and utilize whatever weaponry you can scavenge while running throughout Limveld in Elden Ring Nightreign. Picking the Ironeye won’t limit you to just bows or anything. But hey, playing to your strengths will probably help when it comes to surviving the night in Nightreign.
FromSoft’s survival action co-op game Elden Ring Nightreign isn’t far off now, with a May 30, 2025 release date looming just off in the distance. The studio has already confirmed Nightreign will continue to receive more bosses and characters, even via DLC per a store page listing.
So even if Ironeye isn’t your cup of tea, perhaps another adventurer would be. Though, if you want to help your team, lobbing arrows from the backline to thin out the horde certainly isn’t a bad way to go about it. Especially if they’re absolutely massive arrows.
Marvel Rivals’ Venom twerk emote is finally here, and to no one’s surprise, it has resulted in a swarm of twerking Venoms in nearly every Marvel Rivals match.
Load up NetEase Games’ hero shooter today, April 1, and you’ll no doubt be met by at least a few Venoms throwing it back. It’s a calculated release meant to coincide with all of the other gags polluting the internet today. The emote is also completely free to obtain, so the low barrier to entry, coupled with April Fools’ Day, has Marvel Rivals fans acting up, to say the least.
Even if you’re just perusing through your social media feeds, you’ll likely run into a few clips showing how the more creative players are bringing Venom’s cheeks to the battlefield. While some break up the heat of battle with a quick dance, others are gathering in matches populated exclusively by Venoms, presenting the perfect opportunity to start a twerking dance party. It’s exactly what everyone expected to happen, and it’s hilarious to see in action.
While the emote has been made available as part of April Fools’ Day 2025, it doesn’t look like the emote will be removed when Season 1 ends, so expect to see Venom dancing for years to come. For now, even those without the free Venom emote are gathering to enjoy Eddie Brock’s twerking abilities. You can see how it’s being celebrated with some of the posts below.
If you’re looking to get in on the booty-shaking fun, you’re in luck. The “Symbiote Boogie” Venom emote is available for free as part of the Galacta’s Cosmic Adventure limited-time mode. You can read more about what it takes to nab the emote before it’s gone here.
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
New life-sim game inZOI has some of the most robust and realistic character creation tools we’re yet to see in a game. So, naturally, the first thing players decide to do when getting their hands on such technology is recreate their favourite pop stars and frankly terrifying childhood nightmare hauntees.
We’ve collected over 30 of our favourites (some legitimately impressive) for you to take a peek at here. From an almost lifelike Billie Eilish and an advanced look at GTA 6’s Lucia to the sexiest (?) of all Squidwards we’ve got you covered. Below is a slideshow if you want to take a look for yourself, or at the top of the page is a video if you want to spend over 40 minutes watching us react and rank them. I recommend it!
Simon Cardy is a Senior Editorial Producer who can mainly be found skulking around open world games, indulging in Korean cinema, or despairing at the state of Tottenham Hotspur and the New York Jets. Follow him on Bluesky at @cardy.bsky.social.
Schedule I continues to receive post-launch updates following its overnight viral success on Steam. The latest is Patch 5, which brings the drug dealer sim up to version 0.3.3f14.
While Patch 5 makes a number of important improvements to the game, of most interest to its many players is the developer’s note that Schedule I’s first content update is set to launch this weekend.
Schedule I is currently the top-selling game on Steam, with more players than big hitters such as Monster Hunter Wilds, GTA 5, and Marvel Rivals after going viral across social media, Twitch, and YouTube. In the game you go from being a small-time dope pusher to kingpin, manufacturing and distributing a range of drugs throughout the grungy city of Hyland Point. You can expand your empire with properties, businesses, employees, and more.
It’s developed and published by TVGS, aka Australian indie developer Tyler, who has called Schedule I’s explosive launch “amazing but pretty overwhelming.”
“I never expected this kind of response!” Tyler said in a post on reddit. “At the moment I’m just trying to stay focussed and get patches out ASAP. Also looking forward to getting started on content updates as soon as all major bugs are patched.”
To that end, Patch 5 fixes a number of employee bugs, multiplayer bugs, and casino bugs. Tyler has also implemented a number of pathfinding validity checks to hopefully prevent crashes.
Schedule I Update 5 version 0.3.3f14 patch notes:
Tweaks/Improvements
Added an active display setting to choose which monitor the game displays on.
Botanists will now automatically move product from their supplies to drying racks.
Owned vehicles are now visible on the map app.
Implemented a few validity checks/failsafes for NPC pathfinding and warping. I think this was one of the primary causes of crashing on certain chipsets (thanks to Chi Chi on Discord for bringing this to my attention).
Refactored employee item movement behaviour to be a bit smarter.
Implemented NPC effects culling at a certain distance to improve performance.
Bug fixes
Fixed non-host clients sometimes not being able to hit/stand in blackjack.
Fixed a quest UI bug that was sometimes causing infinite loading screens in multiplayer.
Fixed clipboard selections not reassigning without first manually clearing the existing selection (employee beds, botanist supplies, etc).
Fixed the dealer sometimes preemptively revealing its hand to non-host players in blackjack.
Fixed first-person jacket looking janky.
Fixed ‘Master Chef’ achievement being rewarded prematurely.
Fixed some property null references that were causing multiplayer loading/desync issues.
The drying rack ‘dry’ button is now non-interactable if the input slot is reserved by an employee.
Fixed NPC ‘stay in building’ behaviour sometimes causing errors for non-host players.
Fixed NPC voiceover emitters sometimes throwing a null reference.
Tyler added that sneak peeks at the first content update will be posted soon.
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
The new Pokémon TCG: Surging Sparks bundle is out, it’s in stock, and it’s actually under $50. That alone would be enough to carry today’s lineup, but the rest of the deals aren’t slacking either. TVs from LG and Insignia are seeing big discounts, and Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Ultra Titanium is finally priced like it wants to be on someone’s wrist instead of a museum pedestal.
Surging Sparks Booster Bundle Is In Stock Now
There’s also a stacked Humble Bundle full of family-friendly games (yes, Bluey made the cut), and the IGN Store has a highly detailed Death Stranding 2 model kit up for pre-order if your shelf is looking a little too normal. If you’ve got the itch to treat yourself, today’s not a bad day to scratch it.
Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet – Surging Sparks Booster Bundle
I don’t need six booster packs, but these are usually in and out of stock. This Surging Sparks Booster Bundle has some fantastic chase cards, we’re talking $400+ chase cards that could be in this Booster Bundle. It’s under $50, which in Pokémon terms is basically a clearance sticker. I’m not saying it’ll change your life, but it might improve your afternoon.
Insignia – 55″ Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV
This is the TV I’d buy if I wanted something that works without having to pretend I care about specs. It turns on, the picture’s 4K, it has Alexa so I don’t have to get off the couch, and it costs less than my last grocery run. Honestly, that’s more than enough.
Outright Games Game On! Bundle
I don’t usually gravitate toward games based on cartoons, but this bundle is stacked if you’ve got kids or just want a break from games that scream at you. Bluey, PAW Patrol, My Little Pony — the whole crew’s here, and honestly, they’re better made than half the AAA titles I’ve rage-quit. Pay $20 or more, get a pile of games, and support charity. Seems like a win for everyone except your free time.
Insignia – 65″ Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV
I like this one because it feels unnecessarily large in the best way. You get Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and it still costs less than a concert ticket and a hoodie. If you want to make movie night feel intentional without spending your life savings, this does the job.
Death Stranding 2 – DHV Magellan – Model Kit
I want this on my shelf mostly so people ask what it is and I can pretend I understand Death Stranding 2. It’s a 1/350 scale model of a massive mobile base from a game that hasn’t even released yet, and I respect the level of commitment required to care this much. It’s $69.99, which is fair for something this weirdly specific and detailed — and yes, the railgun is included.
LG – 65” Class UT70 Series LED 4K UHD Smart webOS TV (2024)
This is the kind of TV I’d get if I wanted it to last longer than my attention span. It’s a 2024 model, has LG’s updated processor, and handles all the streaming stuff without having to download three extra apps just to log in. Feels like someone at LG actually thought it through.
I think this is what happens when Samsung realizes not everyone wants to spend $650 to track their steps. The titanium build is overkill in a good way, and the battery life means I don’t have to charge it every time I blink. It finally dropped to a price where it makes sense to buy one without feeling like I’m auditioning for a tech influencer role.
Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Journey Together Elite Trainer Box
i’ve been watching the Journey Together Elite Trainer Box like a hawk, and somehow it’s actually in stock at Amazon for $70.31. That’s 30% off apparantly, but it’s not at all. It includes nine booster packs, a full-art N’s Zorua promo, sleeves, and the usual accessories, Most people just want the packs and the promo. If it’s gone when you check, keep trying. I’ve seen stock randomly reappear in the mornings and lunch time, just like Target’s Journey Together stock.
Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet—Paldean Fates Booster Bundle
Then there’s the Paldean Fates Booster Bundle at $69.77. Six packs inside, and the draw here is the return of shiny Pokémon. I like that it cuts straight to the good stuff — no sleeves, no dice, no cardboard fluff, just a clean bundle of packs ready to be cracked open. If you’re chasing shinies, this is where the hunt begins.
Best of Boomer Shooters 4: Badda Bing Badda Boom
Humble Bundle’s “Best of Boomer Shooters 4” is live right now, and I love how chaotic it is. For $16, you get $174 worth of retro-inspired FPS games like Turbo Overkill and Forgive Me Father 2. I think of it as therapy, just with more blood and less talking about my feelings. You also support some good causes, so now your nostalgia trip is technically altruism. You’re welcome.
Pokémon TCG: Scarlet and Violet Shrouded Fable Elite Trainer Box
Shrouded Fable ETB is holding steady at $54.96, and I think it’s slept on. It has nine packs, a Pecharunt foil, some sharp sleeves, and a player’s guide that you’ll absolutely ignore until you pull something weird and have to look it up. This set’s all about the Legendary trio—Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti—and if you’re into building themed decks or hoarding off-meta cards, this one hits.
Street Fighter TCG Alpha Warriors Dreams Preorder
Finally, if your card obsession extends beyond Pikachu, the Street Fighter Alpha: Warriors’ Dreams trading cards are now up for pre-order on the IGN Store, starting at $20. I already pre-ordered a box because the idea of serial-numbered Chun-Li cards is somehow more exciting to me than it should be. Rare pulls, killer art, and a chance to relive the 90s one Hadouken at a time — I’m in.
Pokémon TCG: Paradox Clash tin: Iron Leaves ex or Walking Wake ex
I picked up one of the Paradox Clash tins just for fun and honestly, no regrets. For $39.96, you get five booster packs and either a Walking Wake EX or Iron Leaves EX promo, chosen completely at random. It’s a bit of a gamble, but opening tins is half the fun anyway. The promos are clean, the packaging is slick, and I think it makes a solid gift for anyone getting into the game
Pokémon TCG: 3 Booster Packs & 1 Random Foil
For a cheaper fix, I’d go for the $12.25 blister pack with three random boosters and a foil promo. It’s 39% off, which is honestly kind of wild, and it’s one of those no-risk purchases you can talk yourself into without too much guilt. The listing shows Silver Tempest Boosters, so there’s a good chance of pulling some Sword and Shield chase cards here.
This one’s for the people who want it all: QLED, anti-reflection, studio-calibrated modes, and picture quality so good I paused a show just to stare at a lamp. I think my eyes are spoiled now.
Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of “Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior”. Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.
With the launch of Season 3 this week, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone get a significant change that some within the PC community have said could hit their matchmaking queue times.
Activision published the Season 3 patch notes and with it confirmed a big change coming to regular Multiplayer. It’s separating the Multiplayer Ranked Play and Call of Duty: Warzone Ranked Play settings and adding a new Multiplayer-only setting for Quickplay, Featured, and Party Games matches.
Each of these three settings (Multiplayer Ranked Play, Call of Duty: Warzone Ranked Play, and Multiplayer Unranked) will include the following crossplay options when Season 3 goes live on April 4:
On: Enables matchmaking with all gaming platforms when playing in the selected playlists.
On (Consoles Only): Enables matchmaking only with other consoles when playing in selected playlists.
Off: Restricts matchmaking to your current gaming platform only in selected playlists.
Activision made a point of warning those who select On (Consoles Only) may experience negatively impacted matchmaking queue times. But Activision outright said Off will negatively impact matchmaking queue times.
It’s the console-only crossplay coming to regular Multiplayer that has some within the Call of Duty PC community spooked. They’ve said that console players having the option to essentially strip out matchmaking with PC players for regular Multiplayer may mean longer queue times for them. And you can see why they’d be worried.
Call of Duty has a reputation for cheating (it comes with the territory of being such a hugely popular shooter and having a free-to-download battle royale). Cheating is more prevalent on PC (Activision recently confirmed as much, to the point where it said if you believe you’ve died unfairly to a console player, it’s much more likely that they’ve used ‘intel advantage’ than cheats). So, some console players head straight into Call of Duty’s settings and turn off crossplay across the board, just to take the potential for PC cheaters ruining their day out of the equation.
“As a PC player…. hate this change but I get it,” redditor exjr_ said. “I hope it doesn’t affect queue times for the game in the long-run so I’m not forced to buy the game on PS5 to have a good experience.”
“This is awful for PC players because this just killed PC,” added X / Twitter user @GKeepnclassy. “Terrible idea because now PC players that ARE NOT cheating are being penalized. This is bullshit.”
“My lobbies barely fill already to being with on PC due to sbmm,” said @CBBMack. “This will withought a doubt make it worse. Time to plug in the console I guess.”
Some PC players have reacted angrily to the change, saying Activision should instead do more to make its anti-cheat more effective so console players aren’t driven to turn crossplay off in the first place. “Maybe they should fix their anti-cheat instead of isolating PC players,” redditor MailConsistent1344 commented.
However, as many have pointed out, the ultra mainstream, super casual Call of Duty audience on console may never make use of these new settings because they may simply not be aware of them. Most Call of Duty players likely do not fuss over patch notes or spend much time in the settings. They jump into unranked Multiplayer, have some fun for an hour or two, then leave. These players may never know console-only crossplay is an option, or know why it would be needed in the first place. And so, the majority of console players may continue to play Call of Duty as they’ve always done: with crossplay off by default.
This is a point made by Call of Duty YouTuber TheXclusiveAce, who reacted to PC player concern in a post on social media.
“I see a lot of pushback with this change from PC players concerned that they won’t be able to find games in lesser played modes or that matchmaking will take too long,” TheXclusiveAce said.
“To be clear, PC players will still be matchmaking with the largest pool of the playerbase since that majority of players won’t even notice this setting exists so they’ll stick to the default or even if they are aware of it, many will choose to leave it on.
“If anything, it’s the players that decide to turn console-only crossplay on that will be limiting their matchmaking pool but that’s a choice that’s now in their hands for the first time in Pubs and it’s a tradeoff that many of us will be happy to make.”
With Season 3 nearly upon Black Ops 6 and Warzone, it will be interesting to see if these changes move the needle, as Activision’s war on cheaters continues.
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
I’ve got a stack of opened booster packs and zero regrets. That’s how I know this deal is worth flagging. Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet Surging Sparks Booster Bundle is finally back at Amazon, and it’s actually selling at retail again; $45.02 for six packs. In 2025, finding Pokémon cards at their intended price feels like spotting a shiny on the first encounter. It’s rare. It’s thrilling. And honestly, I want more.
This bundle includes six booster packs from the latest Surging Sparks expansion. If you’re into Electric-types or just want an excuse to hear foil crackle between your fingers, I think this is it. The new card art looks great, there are some intriguing new Trainer strategies in the mix, and opening packs still hits the same dopamine receptors it did in 1999.
In my opinion, this is the kind of deal that’s perfect for casual collectors like me, or anyone who enjoys the chaos of pulling something rare right after saying, “Just one more pack.” I know better than to promise a Pikachu EX SIR in every box, but I’ll absolutely take my chances when I don’t have to pay a third-party markup for the privilege.
If you’re building a deck, feeding a binder addiction, or just gifting this to a kid so you can secretly open the packs yourself later, this is your chance. No inflated prices. No shady listings. Just six legit booster packs that actually ship from Amazon.
Christian Wait is a contributing freelancer for IGN covering everything collectable and deals. Christian has over 7 years of experience in the Gaming and Tech industry with bylines at Mashable and Pocket-Tactics. Christian also makes hand-painted collectibles for Saber Miniatures. Christian is also the author of “Pokemon Ultimate Unofficial Gaming Guide by GamesWarrior”. Find Christian on X @ChrisReggieWait.
Activision published the full breakdown for everything coming to players on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox on its website today. It’s an enormous wave of tweaks and additions across all of Black Ops 6’s modes, giving players everything they could ever hope to know about how Call of Duty will change when Season 3 launches on Wednesday, April 2, at 9am PT.
Headlines from the Black Ops 6 Season 3 patch notes include crossplay tweaks that allow console players to individually adjust the player pool option in both ranked and non-ranked modes. It’s a change that, as Activision admits, could negatively impact matchmaking queue times for those who turn crossplay off, but it’s at least another option for those looking to tailor their experience to include – or exclude – players on all platforms, all consoles, or only their preferred console of choice.
Shotguns, meanwhile, are coming out of the Black Ops 6 update as big winners, as the weapon class is receiving a small blanket buff for nearly all weapons’ damage, range, and rate of fire. This is all in addition to brand-new content, including the return of classic Multiplayer map Firing Range, the reintroduction of the Kilo 141 assault rifle, and a familiar Scorestreak in the Death Machine.
Zombies players have plenty to chomp down on, too, starting with the biggest highlight with its new map, Shattered Veil. The Raygun Mark II is also here with three new variants to explode zombies with, with fan-favorite Perk-A-Cola Double Tap also back from previous games. Both Multiplayer and Zombies have also been stuffed with a variety of bug fixes and adjustments to ensure the experience stays smooth when launch arrives.
Warzone patch notes get special treatment this time around, as Season 3 will soon usher in the return of one of the most important maps in Call of Duty history: Verdansk. Set to launch one day later, April 3, the Warzone Season 3 update mostly focuses on giving longtime fans a classic coat of paint that reverts some features back to their launch state from 2020. You can see our roundup of some of the biggest differences between modern and classic Verdansk here.
It means that Warzone will feel nostalgic in good and bad ways while still incorporating modern Call of Duty features like Omnimovement. Buy Stations, for example, now feature that OG, vertical UI design for a more streamlined purchasing process in the heat of battle but also come with added features, including a Redeploy All option. Veteran players will also notice that the Precision Airstrike will be much harder to dodge, as its mini-map notification has been removed.
“We have removed the Precision Airstrike’s approximate path indicator on the mini-map in order to return back to how it worked in 2020, where part of its purpose was to surprise your enemies,” the patch notes explain. “We will monitor feedback, data and sentiment on this as we look to the weeks ahead.”
“Did Hudson figure out the Pantheon silver bullet all the way back in 89?” – Frank Woods
In a video recorded before his death, Special Agent Jason Hudson warns of the Pantheon moles who have been working in the shadows for decades ever since Vietnam. They’ve managed to avoid detection throughout the years, using conflict and chaos to cover their tracks. With some new leads in play, however, their secrecy is no longer certain. Time to pick up the trail tomorrow with the launch of Season 03.
Like always, stay up to date with what’s to come with our Season 03 launch, including details of new Multiplayer and Zombies Content and the latest balance adjustments, gameplay improvements, bug fixes, and more arriving tomorrow.
New Multiplayer Maps
Firing Range (6v6)
Firing Range makes its glorious return in Black Ops 6 in a faithful remaster of the fan-favorite map. Watch for crossfire down the long center Road as Operators fight for control of the vantage points in the Tower and the upper levels of the Shoot House and Garage. Shooting targets move back and forth on their tracks behind the Office and several other spots adding a useful diversion while preparing for the next fight. Avoid the center chaos by branching off to the Dirt Road, keeping your guard up against ambush as you pass the Storage unit along the way.
Barrage (6v6)
Revisit 1968 Vietnam as you follow Hudson’s clues surrounding one Summit Watch at the front lines of battle. The trees have been cleared and the landscape flattened to make room for this base housing an artillery battery in active combat. The area has taken hits with large chunks blown off buildings including the Command Center and Barracks, the damage opening new pathways through the map.
Nomad (6v6, 2v2)
The Pantheon moles were in Afghanistan, too, when Woods fought there in 1986. Fight in the ruins of a fortified settlement commandeered for the ensuing battle, a parked missile carrier facing out over the valley where a convoy lies in ruins on the narrow road leading up to the map.
New Multiplayer Modes
Sharpshooter
Flex your skills in this classic Black Ops free for all party mode where every Operator is assigned the same Loadout which changes every 45 seconds. Each cycle introduces a new Primary and Secondary Weapon from scoped Sniper Rifles to akimbo Pistols, plus a new Dedicated Melee weapon and Tactical and Lethal Equipment.
Use everything at your disposal to eliminate enemies while unlocking bonus abilities for going on a streak:
1st Elimination: Increased movement speed.
2nd Elimination: Increased reload speed.
3rd Elimination: Increased sprint recovery speed.
4th Elimination: Increased ADS speed.
5th Elimination: Earn double score for eliminating enemies.
Keep the streak going to unlock double score and make a run for the top three. When you’re taken out, respawn and build up those bonuses again. A short countdown precedes each weapon swap. Adapt and win.
Demolition
Alternate between attacking and defending two bomb sites. The attacking team must destroy both bomb sites to win the round, gaining a time bonus after detonating the first site. All attacking Operators spawn with a bomb and respawns are active for both teams throughout the match.
Defense is all about running down the clock. Defuse planted bombs right away, as the match timer pauses whenever a bomb site is in active countdown. If one of the sites is destroyed, regroup and throw everything you have into defending the last one.
New Weapons (Multiplayer & Zombies)
Kilo 141 – Assault Rifle (Call of Duty: Warzone Login Reward)
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 logging in to Call of Duty: Warzone at the launch of Season 03.
CR-56 – Assault Rifle (Battle Pass)
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.
HDR – Sniper Rifle (Battle Pass)
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.
Kali Sticks – Melee (Event Reward)
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. Use Kali Sticks in Multiplayer with the new Close Shave Perk to deploy a quick whack against enemies without having to manually swap to your Dedicated Melee slot first.
Nail Gun – Special (In-Season)
Full-auto Nail Gun. High damage at close range with fast handling speeds and very low muzzle velocity.
Stick it to them with this handy tool configured with a magazine of 15 nails that fires at full auto. The damage drops off quickly after 25 meters and performs best up close. The Nail Gun’s low muzzle velocity can make it difficult to land shots against fast moving targets, so get them in your sights and unload before they know what hit them. This armament is a reward earned during the Black Ops Tribute Event.
New Attachments
Monolithic Suppressor (Battle Pass)
Monolithic Core provides superior sound suppression and increased range. Moderate weight increase affects agility.
Available for Assault Rifles (except AS VAL), SMGs, Shotguns, LMGs, Marksman Rifles, Sniper Rifles, and Pistols.
SWAT 5.56 Grau Conversion (Battle Pass)
Convert the SWAT 5.56 into a fully automatic weapon with lower damage and range but improved accuracy, mobility, and handling. Equips a new default Barrel and Magazine and unlocks an exclusive 50-round extended Magazine. Blocks Barrel attachments.
C9 10mm Auto 30-Round Mags (In-Season)
Conversion kit to use higher caliber 10mm Auto ammunition for increased stopping power. Though the conversion results in some increased recoil and a slightly lower fire rate, the extra damage, range, and velocity make this attachment a worthy consideration when approaching enemies on bigger maps.
New Multiplayer Perks
Close Shave – Enforcer (Event Reward)
Automatically use your Dedicated Melee attack when you perform a weapon butt attack. Simply tap the Melee button to attack. Like the old days!
New Scorestreak (Multiplayer & Zombies)
Death Machine (In-Season)
Heavy minigun with a fast fire rate, high penetration, and a large ammunition capacity.
Wield the infamous Death Machine, a powerful weapon with a single large magazine that fires high impact rounds at a blistering rate of fire. Score earned while using the Death Machine contributes to your current Scorestreak progress, making this a great tool for bumping up to the next streak.
New Zombies Map: Shattered Veil
With the Sentinel Artifact in hand, the crew heads to the remote wooded hills above Liberty Falls to meet with S.A.M. at an old mansion in the forest which has been retrofitted to [[REDACTED]]. Only with the aid of S.A.M.’s synthetic mind can the team hope to unlock the ancient artifact’s mysteries and bring back Agent Maxis. What could possibly go wrong?
New Zombies Perk-A-Cola
Double Tap
The classic rapid-fire Perk returns for the first time in nearly a decade, dramatically increasing your weapon’s fire rate to chew through enemy hordes in record time. Research the iconic Perk for powerful enhancements like an even faster fire rate and the chance to inflict double damage.
Double Tap is available in Shattered Veil along with the other previously accessible Zombies Perks. Note that some of these Perk-a-Colas are only available via the Der Wunderfizz machine.
Double Tap is available on The Tomb, Citadelle des Morts, Liberty Falls and Terminus maps via the Der Wunderfizz machine.
Double Tap Augments
Major
Double Jeopardy
Normal zombies at low health have a chance to die immediately when shot.
Double Impact
Double hits on the same target in quick succession deal more damage.
Double Standard
All non-critical shots do double damage. Only applies to normal bullet weapons.
Minor
Double Time
Increases fire rate bonus.
Double or Nothing
Weapons have a chance to do double damage but also have a chance to do zero damage.
Double Play
Killing two enemies in quick succession has a chance to return two rounds to your magazine. Only applies to normal bullet weapons.
New Zombies Wonder Weapons
Ray Gun Mark II (+ 3 Variants)
Drop multiple zombies at once with the upgraded and modestly unstable Ray Gun Mark II. Recovered from the Dark Aether by Project Janus, this powerful laser armament delivers three-round bursts of energy, can be Pack-a-Punched, and doubles as a bludgeoning instrument if you’re running low on ammunition.
Then there’s the three new variants.
Provided you’ve [[REDACTED]], you can experiment with an additional three variants of the Ray Gun Mark II:
Ray Gun Mark II-W: Offering similar bullet patterns to a submachine gun, this also has a random chance to ignite enemies.
Ray Gun Mark II-P: Shooting ammunition like a shotgun, with a chance to spawn a sigil with the ability to grant invulnerability to the player standing on it for a limited time.
Ray Gun Mark II-R: Dropping zombies with a Marksman Rifle-like discharge, expect a chance to spread a plague infection that can inflict area-of-effect damage.
Wunderwaffe DG-2
Capable of striking down hordes with chain-lightning blasts, this has the bonus effect of stunning crowds of zombies, usually resulting in additional, and eventually terminal damage.
New Zombies Enemies
Elder Disciple
Strange, floating apparitions have been seen flitting about the sprawling gardens and rambling mansion estate. Known to some as Elder Disciples, these powerful enemies likely spell trouble for the crew.
Elder Disciples gain strength as they empower the zombies around them while summoning more undead to join the battle. Using their dark magic, these fetid, floating carcasses can force their allies to evolve more quickly, allowing a lowly zombie to more rapidly transform into a Doppelghast or some other sinister form.
Eliminate the Elder Disciple before their forces grow too powerful, keeping it at a distance to avoid the scream it lets loose against players who draw too close. The deadly enemy grows more agitated as it takes damage, so try to get the job done fast.
Toxic Zombies
As a sickly yellow fog descends across the mansion, expect the inhabitants to take on an even-more revolting pallor. Easily identifiable due to their greenish hue and more skeletal exterior, Toxic Zombies seem to have lost all but their base perambulatory functions and seem intent on sprinting toward their prey before exploding, leaving a damaging pool of acid in their wake. Listen for their telltale shriek and get the jump on them before they can close the distance.
New GobbleGums
Tactical Diffusion (Rare)
Disables the next Nuke Power-Up explosion you activate and gives everyone 2,000 Essence instead.
Support Group (Legendary)
Gobble up this tasty GobbleGum to acquire the ARC-XD, Mangler Cannon, Sentry Gun and Mutant Injection Support items.
Die Pitched (Whimsical)
Zombies have high-pitched voices. Lasts three minutes.
New Features
Camo Hub
The Camo HUB is planned to be added shortly after launch to provide players with a wealth of Camo information and assist all in their quest for Dark Matter and Nebula. Available via the Barracks > Challenges Menu, the Camo HUB gives players all the Camo information they need in a single location:
View all available Weapons by Weapon Class, with each Weapon sorted by furthest Camo progress
View the Next Camo Challenge for each Weapon
View the 2 available Special Camos for each Weapon
View the next unearned Camo Mastery Calling Card reward
Track/Untrack a Weapon’s Next Camo
Select a Weapon to go to that Weapon’s full Camo screen
“Tracked & Near Complete” tab now serves as the new home for the player’s manually tracked or automatically surfaced near complete Camo Challenges
New Operators
R0-Z3 (BlackCell, Crimson One, Launch)
R0-Z3 returns to claim her status as a top BlackCell operative working in Verdansk. You know the drill. No witnesses.
Hudson (Battle Pass, Rogue Black Ops, Launch)
Special Agent Jason Hudson, CIA operative, handler to Alex Mason, and KIA during Operation False Profit.
Mace (Battle Pass, Crimson One, Launch)
The Special Forces Army Ranger turned PMC returns, ready to inflict serious damage on anyone who thinks they can best him in Verdansk.
John Black Ops (Event Reward for Black Ops 6 owners, In-Season)
A mysterious Operator clad in a gray jump suit, sporting tactical goggles and helmet. Anonymous. Unassuming. Deadly.
New Events
Black Ops Tribute (In-Season)
Don’t miss out on this legendary tribute to Black Ops in an event stuffed with rewards that honor the history of the series.
Earn XP in any mode to progress the Event and earn Black Ops themed rewards. Black Ops 6 owners will receive additional rewards only available to use in Black Ops 6.
Earn cosmetic content and functional equipment, including the Nail Gun (Special Weapon), C9 10mm Auto 30-Round Mags (Attachment), Thermite (Lethal in Call of Duty: Warzone), Death Machine (Scorestreak in MP/Support in Zombies), Close Shave (MP Perk), an Emote, GobbleGums, and the fan-requested Operator, “John Black Ops”.
GLOBAL
RICOCHET Anti-Cheat
This season, the focus remains on our commitment to taking down cheat makers, banning bad actors, and ensuring a great player experience. Our roadmap for anti-cheat extends beyond this season, but in the latest Progress Report we’ll focus on recent results and security-focused updates coming in Season 03.
In Season 03, we’re giving console players more granular options by separating the MP Ranked Play and Call of Duty: Warzone Ranked Play settings and adding a new Multiplayer-only setting for Quickplay, Featured, and Party Games matches.
Each of these three settings (Multiplayer Ranked Play, Call of Duty: Warzone Ranked Play, and Multiplayer Unranked) will include the following options:
On: Enables matchmaking with all gaming platforms when playing in the selected playlists.
On (Consoles Only): Enables matchmaking only with other consoles when playing in selected playlists.
May negatively impact matchmaking queue times.
Off: Restricts matchmaking to your current gaming platform only in selected playlists.
Will negatively impact matchmaking queue times.
Additional details on how these settings interact with party members who are on different platforms.
Players in a party who all belong to the same console platform will matchmake with the party leader’s preferred cross-play settings.
Players who have selected “Cross-Play Off” and create a mixed platform party that includes a different console platform will have their cross-play settings temporarily adjusted to “Cross-Play On (Consoles Only)” to enable matchmaking. This temporary adjustment enables matchmaking for the duration of the mixed platform party, and disbanding this party will result in preferred matchmaking settings being restored.
Players who have selected “Cross-Play Off” and create a mixed platform party with a PC player will have their cross-play settings temporarily adjusted to “Cross-Play On.” This enables matchmaking for the duration of the mixed platform party, and disbanding this party will result in preferred matchmaking settings being restored.
Reminder: Adjusting Cross-Play settings may negatively impact matchmaking queue times.
UI/UX
Pre-Loading Shaders Improvements
Improved menu framerate stability while compiling shaders.
The Pre-Loading Shaders warning has been split per game mode.
Significantly reduced the time required to compile shaders before launching a match.
A new menu widget was added in the lobby to indicate the progress of Pre-Loading Shaders to let you know when you are ready to play!
PC Benchmark
ICYMI: The PC Benchmark remains a useful tool to optimize your gaming experience. Located in the Graphics Settings menu of Black Ops 6 Multiplayer, it simulates a multiplayer match to help you fine-tune your graphics for optimal performance and higher framerates.
Global
Entering Prestige will no longer reset Operator, Calling Card, Emote, Spray, or Gobblegum customization.
Addressed an issue where Finishing Move audio would continue to play after scrolling to a new tier in the Battle Pass.
Challenges
BlackCell
BlackCell Daily Challenge
BlackCell owners can now complete an additional Daily Challenge in Multiplayer, Zombies, and Call of Duty: Warzone for an added 7,500 XP each. The BlackCell Daily Challenge counts toward the 3 challenges needed to earn the Daily Challenge Bonus XP.
Weapons
Multiplayer & Zombies
A major focus of our weapon balance changes in Season 3 is to enable more gameplay variety. Almost every attachment that modifies the core behavior of a weapon is receiving an improvement to help with its viability in the meta. It is our goal to ensure that all existing and future weapon mods feel fun and powerful to use.
Semi-auto weapons are another broad target for buffs this patch. The changes aim to make these weapons more accessible and competitive, as well as create more distinct gameplay feel between the faster semi-auto primaries.
As a last top-level note, the Season 3 patch includes adjustments to the Jackal PDW. More details on the thinking behind the change can be found below. Our weapon balance philosophy is to be conservative with nerfs, and to always consider whether there is an opportunity to elevate other weapons instead. In this case, we feel strongly that tuning down the Jackal PDW will be good for the health of the weapon meta going forward.
Shotguns
All three shotguns have improvements to their alternate ammo types: Dragon’s Breath and Slug Rounds. Dragon’s Breath now has a slightly higher damage over time, as well as longer range. Pellet damage is also being improved at various ranges. The goal is to make Dragon’s Breath a longer range alternative that still retains a classic shotgun feel.
Slug Rounds are getting significant buffs, with the goal of giving each shotgun a unique alternate playstyle. The Marine SP Slugs have a massive range improvement, which paired with better headshot damage turn it into a high risk, high reward precision weapon. The ASG-89 Slugs have much higher damage, converting it into a mid-range semi-auto slugger. Finally, the Maelstrom Slugs have higher damage and ranges that make it akin to a slow-fire rifle.
Shotgun Attachment Adjustments
Dragon’s Breath
Burn damage increased from 25 to 30.
Marksman Rifles
As noted in the general section, semi-auto Marksman Rifles are getting buffs to help them contend with the other weapon classes. Rate of Fire is the main tool here, as that improves TTK and makes missed shots more forgiving.
Movement Updates
Increased crouch to stand speeds by 15%.
Increased crouch to stand speeds while ADS by 39%.
Increased directional sprint animation blend speeds for improved fluidity.
Multiplayer
Maps
Barrage (NEW)
New 6v6 map set in 1968 Vietnam.
Nomad (NEW)
New 6v6/2v2 Strike map set in 1986 Afghanistan.
Firing Range (Remaster)
Remastered 6v6 map, also available via Firing Range 24/7 playlist.
Modes
Sharpshooter
Classic Black Ops free-for-all Party Game where every Operator is assigned the same Loadout, which changes every 45 seconds.
Each cycle introduces a new Primary and Secondary Weapon, plus a new Dedicated Melee weapon and Tactical and Lethal Equipment.
Eliminate enemies while unlocking bonus abilities for going on a streak:
1st Elimination: Increased movement speed.
2nd Elimination: Increased reload speed.
3rd Elimination: Increased sprint recovery speed.
4th Elimination: Increased ADS speed.
5th Elimination: Earn double score for eliminating enemies.
Keep the streak going to unlock double score.
NOTE: Sharpshooter will be added to the new Party Games menu later in the season after it leaves the Featured Playlist selection.
Demolition (Launch Window)
Alternate between attacking and defending two bomb sites. The attacking team must destroy both bomb sites to win the round, gaining a time bonus after detonating the first site.
All attacking Operators spawn with a bomb and respawns are active for both teams throughout the match. The match timer pauses whenever a bomb site is in active countdown.
The first team to win two rounds wins the match. If the score reaches 1-1, players enter a tie-breaking final round where both teams race to detonate a single neutral bomb site.
General Playlist Updates
Season 03 Moshpit
Play respawn modes on the newest Season 03 maps: Barrage, Nomad, and Firing Range.
Firing Range 24/7
Moshpit of respawn modes on Firing Range.
Party Games
Added Party Games option in Featured Playlists with options to play Infected, Gun Game, Prop Hunt, or Gunfight.
Any additional Party Games will be added to this menu in the future.
Gunfight
Moved to the Party Games menu going forward.
Spawns
Addressed an issue where players could spawn at active Shock Charge placements.
Perks
Close Shave (Launch Window)
Automatically use your Dedicated Melee attack when you perform a weapon butt attack. Simply tap the Melee button to attack. Like the old days!
Dispatcher
Increased the score bonus for Interceptors from 100 to 125.
Scorestreaks
Death Machine (Launch Window)
Heavy minigun with a fast fire rate, high penetration, and a large ammunition capacity.
Interceptors
Reduced score cost from 1150 to 1025.
War Machine
Reduced score cost from 1300 to 1150.
Movement Updates
Reduced slide in max speed scale from from 1.6 to 1.55.
Reduced slide max time from .7 to .65.
Ranked Play
Ranked Play continues in Season 03 with new rewards to claim and new Competitive Integrity systems to keep Ranked Play fair for all competitors.
New Ranked Play Systems
Retroactive SR Adjustments
To help reverse the impact cheaters have on the Ranked Play SR system, retroactive SR adjustments will be made starting in Season 03.
When a Ranked Play cheater is banned, anyone they’ve recently beaten will receive a SR refund for those matches.
Players who we detect playing with cheaters may have SR for those wins taken away.
Rejoin Matches in Progress
Starting with Season 03, players will be able to rejoin Ranked matches if they disconnect.
Players will have five minutes to rejoin the match in progress and avoid quit penalties and suspensions. Teammates will receive a reduced SR Loss if a matchmade teammate rejoins and they lose the match.
Season 03 Rank Setback
Competitors who are continuing their conquest in Ranked Play from Season 02 will notice that their accounts may have been set back as outlined in previous notes.
Every new Season, your Rank may be rolled back based on where you ended the previous season, as follows:
Bronze or Silver Rank players are not impacted by the Seasonal setback and will be able to pick up where they ended Season 02 with no SR deduction.
Gold or Platinum Rank players will start Season 03 in Tier I of Gold or Platinum respectively.
Diamond Rank and above players will start the Season 03 at Diamond I.
Demotion Protection
Demotion Protection will be active for everyone’s first 3 Ranked Play losses in Season 03, and players can expect 1 free loss per day via Daily Loss Forgiveness like in Season 02.
Ranked Play Season 03 Rewards
Ranked Play Season 03 Rewards
Rank Weapon Blueprints: Jackal PDW SMG
Each Rank Gold and above has a unique Rank-themed Weapon Blueprint that you can earn to show off your rank.
Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Crimson & Iridescent: Start in (or above) or reach the applicable Rank anytime in Season 03 to instantly earn the corresponding Jackal PDW Blueprint.
Top 250: Finish Season 03 in the Top 250 to earn the “Top 250 Issue Jackal PDW” Blueprint.
Rank Calling Cards
Each Rank Silver and above has a unique Calling Card reward:
Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Crimson, Iridescent: Start in (or above) or reach the applicable Rank anytime in Season 03 to instantly earn the corresponding Season 03 Rank Calling Card..
Top 250: Finish Season 03 in the Top 250.
Top 250 Champion: One-of-a-kind Calling Card awarded to the single player who finishes Season 03 in the #1 position on the Top 250.
Pro Issue AMES 85 Weapon Blueprint: Unlocked by winning 10 Ranked Play matches in Season 03.
100 Season 03 Wins Large Decal: Unlocked by winning 100 Ranked Play matches in Season 03.
Challenges
“Hard and Fast” Prestige Master Challenge: the description now mentions the Fast Hands Perk, which also needs to be equipped to progress the Challenge.
UI
Updated the Quartermaster, Hunter’s Instinct, and Slipstream Perk descriptions to be clearer.
Addressed an issue where the Scoreboard would be blank when opening it at the end of a round or match.
Addressed an issue where Forward Intel Perk would produce inconsistent minimap zoom functionality.
Added a timer to the Winner’s Circle that counts down the delay before Emotes can be performed. An Emote triggered during the countdown will automatically play as soon as the timer ends.
Addressed a Private Match issue where Game Setup was unresponsive after queuing for Gun Game.
Addressed an issue where the winning map would be displayed as vetoed after the Veto Vote concludes in Ranked Play.
Updated the SR Protection string in the Ranked Play lobby to be more descriptive.
Stability
Addressed various stability issues.
Zombies
Maps
Shattered Veil (NEW)
New map available in Season 03. Main Quest goes live at 9AM PT on April 2.
Liberty Falls
Directed Mode
Addressed an issue that prevented the Round Cap from updating properly during the Liberty Falls Pack-a-Punch quest.
The Tomb
Addressed an issue where rarely the monocle wouldn’t spawn at the Shock Mimic’s location when killed for the Wonder Weapon Quest.
Addressed an issue where zombies could damage Staff of Ice from behind the Plinth.
Addressed an issue where some zombies could appear jittery when attacking the Staff of Ice.
Addressed an issue that caused black smoke to come out of a playable character on death.
Addressed an issue where the Max Ammo after a special round would spawn far away from the player if they were in the Roma Mausoleum.
Addressed an issue where sections of the barrier denoting the Vermin Trial zone were not always present.
Modes
Team Cranked (Launch Window)
Rules
The Cranked Timer starts when the first enemy is eliminated. The timer is shared across the whole team and any kill from any team member fills it.
The timer starts at 30 seconds. Each enemy eliminated replenishes the timer to its current maximum, and every round survived causes the maximum timer to be reduced by 1 second.
Essence earned by eliminating zombies is increased compared to Standard/Directed Mode
The Time Stopper Field Upgrade replaces your loadout’s Field Upgrade.
Main Quests and Easter Eggs are enabled.
Abilities
Time Stopper: Temporarily pause the Cranked timer for all teammates. All Operators begin the match with the Time Stopper Field Upgrade equipped.
Time Extended: Grab this rare power-up to fill the Cranked timer and add a small amount to the maximum time allowed.
Rewards (Survive past Round 50)
A custom selection of six GobbleGums per map.
Each contains one high-rarity GobbleGum and five GobbleGums of other rarities.
15,000 XP per map, for a total of 75,000 XP across all maps.
Wonder Weapons
Raygun Mark II (and Variants)
Drop multiple zombies at once with the upgraded and modestly unstable Ray Gun Mark II. Recovered from the Dark Aether by Project Janus, this powerful laser armament delivers three-round bursts of energy, can be Pack-a-Punched, and doubles as a bludgeoning instrument if you’re running low on ammunition.
Then there’s the three new variants.
Provided you’ve [[REDACTED]], you can experiment with an additional three variants of the Ray Gun Mark II:
Ray Gun Mark II-W: Offering similar bullet patterns to a submachine gun, this also has a random chance to ignite enemies.
Ray Gun Mark II-P: Shooting ammunition like a shotgun, with a chance to spawn a sigil with the ability to grant invulnerability to the player standing on it for a limited time.
Ray Gun Mark II-R: Dropping zombies with a Marksman Rifle-like discharge, expect a chance to spread a plague infection that can inflict area-of-effect damage.
Wunderwaffe DG-2
Capable of striking down hordes with chain-lightning blasts, this has the bonus effect of stunning crowds of zombies, usually resulting in additional, and eventually terminal damage.
Ray Gun
Addressed an issue where the Ray Gun would not automatically reload when emptying magazine ammo.
Perk-A-Colas
Double Tap (New)
The classic rapid-fire Perk returns for the first time in nearly a decade, dramatically increasing your weapon’s fire rate to chew through enemy hordes in record time. Research the iconic Perk for powerful enhancements like an even faster fire rate and the chance to inflict double damage.
Double Tap is available in Shattered Veil along with the other previously accessible Zombies Perks. Note that some of these Perk-a-Colas are only available via the Der Wunderfizz machine.
Double Tap is available on The Tomb, Citadelle des Morts, Liberty Falls and Terminus maps via the Der Wunderfizz machine.
Double Tap Augments
Major
Double Jeopardy
Normal zombies at low health have a chance to die immediately when shot.
Double Impact
Double hits on the same target in quick succession deal more damage.
Double Standard
All non-critical shots do double damage. Only applies to normal bullet weapons.
Minor
Double Time
Increases fire rate bonus.
Double or Nothing
Weapons have a chance to do double damage but also have a chance to do zero damage.
Double Play
Killing two enemies in quick succession has a chance to return two rounds to your magazine. Only applies to normal bullet weapons.
Ammo Mods
Light Mend
Dual Action
Addressed an issue where consuming a healing glyph would not temporarily allow the player to heal faster.
Antibiotic
Addressed an issue where healing glyphs would not damage enemies that touch it.
Field Upgrades
Tesla Storm
Overclocked
Addressed an issue where activating Tesla Storm would not increase the player’s movement speed.
Lithium Charged
Addressed an issue where the extended duration would apply to all players activating Tesla Storm if at least one player had it equipped.
GobbleGums
Addressed an issue where players weren’t able to use their GobbleGums in their pack after entering a Prestige.
Power-Ups
Max Ammo
Addressed an issue that prevented the Max Ammo powerup from refilling ammo for players that are using a Mutant Injection.
Enemies
Mangler
Addressed an issue where Manglers could attack the player with their cannon from outside playable space.
Challenges
GS45 Military Camos
Changed requirement to Eliminations instead of Critical kills due to these weapons becoming explosive after being Pack-a-Punched.
LR 7.62 Military Camos
Changed requirement to Eliminations instead of Critical kills due to these weapons becoming explosive after being Pack-a-Punched.
Titan Felling (Get Elite Kills with Shotguns)
Now allows Special Zombie kills to progress the challenge.
Perfectly Charred (Kill Special Zombies with Molotovs)
Now allows Thermobaric Grenades to progress the challenge.
Stalking Prey (While inside smoke from a Smoke Grenade, kill Zombies with Melee Weapons)
Removed melee weapon requirement so all weapons can progress the challenge.
UI
Addressed an issue where the earned reward was missing from the notification after completing a Main Quest.
Addressed an issue where the vote prompt could stay on screen after taking a fast travel.
Addressed an issue where the Deadliest Weapon was incorrect in the After Action Report.
Addressed an issue where reward notifications would overlap with the Round Cap callout in Directed Mode.
Addressed an issue where the equipped Ammo Mod was hidden behind your Support when using akimbo weapons.
Addressed an issue where Blueprint icons would be misaligned when viewing ground loot.
Addressed an issue where players are able to interact with certain machines while spectating.
Addressed an issue where the Calling Card awarded for completing a Main Quest would not be shown in the After Action Report.
Addressed an issue where Mutant Injection HUD was displayed during a cutscene.
Addressed an issue where a ping on the Mystery Box would stay after it changes location.
Corrected some typos.
Graphics
Addressed an issue when using the Time Out GobbleGum while a white flash occurs could leave the screen white.
Addressed an issue with visuals during the Gold Armor Side Quest on The Tomb.
Addressed an issue where the Ray Gun would be misaligned with players hand when in 3rd-person prone supine.
Addressed an issue where the Pack-a-Punch camo for the “Donatello’s Bo Staff” Blueprint would not cover the entire weapon.
Addressed an issue that caused the “Fire Eater” Beamsmasher Blueprint to not be visible at short distances.
Addressed an issue where some white flashes could be seen during the Terminus Boat Race Side Quest.
Audio
Addressed an issue where no sound effects played when interacting with the bottom row of keys on the Keypad in Terminus.
Stability
Addressed various stability issues.
Warzone
GLOBAL
RICOCHET ANTI-CHEAT
This season, the focus remains on our commitment to taking down cheat makers, banning bad actors, and ensuring a great player experience. Our roadmap for anti-cheat extends beyond this season, but in the latest Progress Report we’ll focus on recent results and security-focused updates coming in Season 03.
Memories are a powerful tool, and even the departed can change the course of history. The road back to Verdansk involves unlocking some core memories, as well as some unforgettable weaponry and new Operators. A flashback to agent Jason Hudson, bringing echoes of his frontline savvy, Hudson is unlockable by progressing within the Battle Pass. Joining him is Mace, the metal-faced mercenary, who will bring the war anywhere, anytime, for anyone, unlocked instantly upon Battle Pass purchase.
The Season 03 Battle Pass includes over 110 pieces of unlockable content (excluding BlackCell) including free, earnable armaments; two new Base Weapons, the Monolithic Suppressor Attachment, and more. Check out the BlackCell, Battle Pass and Store Bundles blog prior to Season 03 launch for a closer look at what’s coming.
CONSOLE CROSS-PLAY
In Season 03, we’re giving console players more granular options by separating the MP Ranked Play and Call of Duty: Warzone Ranked Play settings and adding a new Multiplayer-only setting for Quickplay, Featured, and Party Games matches.
Each of these three settings (Multiplayer Ranked Play, Call of Duty: Warzone Ranked Play, and Multiplayer Unranked) will include the following options:
On: Enables matchmaking with all gaming platforms when playing in the selected playlists.
On (Consoles Only): Enables matchmaking only with other consoles when playing in selected playlists.
May negatively impact matchmaking queue times.
Off: Restricts matchmaking to your current gaming platform only in selected playlists.
Will negatively impact matchmaking queue times.
Additional details on how these settings interact with party members who are on different platforms.
Players in a party who all belong to the same console platform will matchmake with the party leader’s preferred cross-play settings.
Players who have selected “Cross-Play Off” and create a mixed platform party that includes a different console platform will have their cross-play settings temporarily adjusted to “Cross-Play On (Consoles Only)” to enable matchmaking. This temporary adjustment enables matchmaking for the duration of the mixed platform party, and disbanding this party will result in preferred matchmaking settings being restored.
Players who have selected “Cross-Play Off” and create a mixed platform party with a PC player will have their cross-play settings temporarily adjusted to “Cross-Play On.” This enables matchmaking for the duration of the mixed platform party, and disbanding this party will result in preferred matchmaking settings being restored.
Reminder: Adjusting Cross-Play settings may negatively impact matchmaking queue times.
UI/UX/TECH
Pre-Loading Shaders
Improved menu framerate stability while compiling shaders.
The Pre-Loading Shaders warning has been split per game mode.
Significantly reduced the time required to compile shaders before launching a match.
A new menu widget was added in the lobby to indicate the progress of Pre-Loading Shaders to let you know when you are ready to play!
PC Benchmark
ICYMI: The PC Benchmark remains a useful tool to optimize your gaming experience.
Located in the Graphics Settings menu of Black Ops 6 Multiplayer, it simulates a multiplayer match to help you fine-tune your graphics for optimal performance and higher framerates.
CUSTOMIZATION
Weapon & Blueprint Customization
You’re now able to customize any Black Ops 6 base weapon or Weapon Blueprint with a skin you’ve unlocked or purchased, across Multiplayer, Zombies, and Call of Duty: Warzone.
For Base Weapons, you can only change the skin of the Base Weapon, not any Attachments.
For Blueprints, you can customize the skins with other existing Attachments.
CHALLENGES
BlackCell Daily Challenge
BlackCell owners can now complete an additional Daily Challenge in Multiplayer, Zombies, and Call of Duty: Warzone for an added 7,500 XP each. The BlackCell Daily Challenge counts toward the 3 challenges needed to earn the Daily Challenge Bonus XP.
WARZONE
EVENTS
Return to Verdansk
Welcome back to Verdansk!
Celebrate Verdansk’s return by logging into Call of Duty: Warzone from April 3rd to 15th to earn up to 20 rewards including six instant unlocks and the Kali Sticks Melee Weapon.
Open safes in various locations to secure rewards, such as the exclusive “Trail Blazer” Operator Skin for Caine. You may even get especially lucky during your search!
Be sure to log in to instantly unlock the Kilo 141 and two Operator Skins. Original Verdansk veterans also get bonus items: the “Blue Legacy” Contrails, “Coming Home” Parachute, and “Like We Never Left” Gun Screen.
Welcome Home: Verdansk has returned! The map that started it all in Call of Duty: Warzone – including a breadth of classic and memorable features that naturally come with it.
Below is a recap of some of the improvements made to Verdansk that players can expect to see – as outlined in the Return to Verdansk blog:
Trees slightly repositioned from the original map.
Non-drivable vehicles clearly marked as smoldering wreckage.
Swimming now possible – southern coastline expanded into Kastovian Sea (not critical to gameplay).
Improved traversal in steep areas – new “goat trails” added.
Shorter telephone/electrical poles for easier parachute landings.
Additional ladders and adjusted paths to rooftops for better accessibility.
Doors now double-hinged, allowing barging, shooting, or blowing open/closed.
Ascenders returning mid-season, already available in Plunder mode; updated to faster “L” shape design for increased fluidity and speed when getting on and off
Enhanced exterior lighting, improved visibility, and reduced glare.
Interior lighting adjusted to reduce hiding spots, especially against dark corners.
Added detail enhancements, such as extra debris and scenery around Fire Stations and riverbanks.
And for console players, the ability to view Verdansk in up to 120 FOV for the first time.
The original Gulag from 2020 is back, with all three variants included.
Gulag Overtime: Capture the Flag (CTF)
When Gulag match-ups don’t resolve fast enough, a flag will spawn in the middle of the arena. The winning player is the one that either dispatches their rival as normal or captures the flag within the time limit.
Returning
Rebirth Island
Rebirth Island, which is currently live, will remain part of our Season 03 offering. Resurgence Quads will be added to the playlist shortly after the launch of Season 03, with the remaining squad sizes coming later into the season.
MODES
New
Battle Royale Casual At Launch
The Battle Royale experience is branching out with the introduction of a new mode featuring bot players. This is designed as a stepping stone for players to go from the Warzone Bootcamp tutorial mode to an experience closer to our traditional, player-only, experience. Players can learn the game and hone their skills in a lower-stress environment while still embracing the core survival challenge of being the last squad standing among 148 players.
Map:
Verdansk
Player Count:
28 Players
120 Bots
High TripIn-Season
Players can look forward to a new limited-time event highly inspired by this time of year. Join your squad in a joint effort to light up your enemies and blaze the trail to victory. Details will be rolled out as we draw closer to the event date.
Returning
Battle Royale At Launch
Our core experience, Battle Royale challenges players to scavenge, survive, and outlast their opponents as the map shrinks, with the ultimate goal of being the last squad standing.
Map:
Verdansk
Player Count:
Solos, Duos, Trios → 150
Quads → 152
PlunderAt Launch
Plunder returns to Verdansk, challenging players to loot, complete contracts, and battle to earn $2 million, with respawn enabled and loadouts intact—ideal for leveling weapons, exploring the map, and experimenting with strategies.
Map:
Verdansk
Player Count:
100
Warzone Bootcamp At Launch
Call of Duty: Warzone Bootcamp is a training mode with up to 20 players and 24 bots, offering mode-specific matchmaking to help players practice skills, learn basic strategies without affecting their stats.
Map:
Verdansk
Player Count:
20 Players
24 Bots
ResurgenceLaunch Window
This mode offers a faster-paced, aggressive take on Battle Royale, with respawn timers allowing eliminated players to redeploy as long as teammates survive, encouraging riskier play and frequent engagements.
The playlist will be updated to include Resurgence Quads shortly after the launch of Season 03. Other squad sizes for Resurgence will be included later into the season.
Map:
Rebirth Island
Player Count:
44
PLAYLIST
For information about upcoming Playlists, please check out the dedicated Call of Duty: Warzone Trello Board.
RANKED PLAY
Now that Season 02 has officially wrapped up, Ranked Play will be temporarily offline during the first half of Season 03. This downtime will give players a much awaited opportunity to rediscover and relearn Verdansk before diving back into the competition.
We plan to bring Ranked Play back online with the Season 03 Reloaded update. Upon its return, all player ranks will undergo a full reset to Bronze, offering everyone equal footing and the excitement to climb back up through the ranks. When Season 04 arrives, we’ll resume the standard soft reset, pulling players back by only a few ranks.
Thank you for your patience during this transition period – now go drop into Verdansk and have fun!
GENERAL
Classic
150 Players
The number of players in a Battle Royale match has been increased to 150 players, up from 120.
There are 152 players in the Quads playlist.
We tipped our hat at this by running it in Season 02 Reloaded, however it was all to serve a greater purpose. We’re officially coming home with a mix of 150 of your friends and enemies.
Freefall Shooting
Players can shoot while freefalling (also known as skydiving) using their secondary weapon. If no secondary weapon is equipped, they will default to their backup pistol.
We’re restoring some of the early game intensity that keeps you on your toes immediately leaving the infil plane, and enables more of a response during a freefall.
360-Degree Revive Rotation
Players can now rotate their view 360 degrees while reviving a squadmate, instead of being fixed on their squadmate’s downed position, giving the perfect opportunity to call out if your squadmate is being pushed by an enemy as they revive you
End-Game Circle Pacing
The gas circle pacing is faithful to the original timings of the gas closing as well as the circle size and movement.This means that Battle Royale matches will run longer to create a more well-defined initial looting phase.
We’ve some good memories of games ending in the woods above Quarry, or in the deep forests on the East or West of Verdansk, and this change to circle logic brings back those possible end games. Be warned! This does mean that the circle can move very quickly if you are caught deep outside when the gas starts to move. Respect the circle, and you’ll stay alive.
Map Assets
Many models and textures found across Verdansk now feature classic aesthetics including but not limited to Armor Plates, Armor Satchels, Buy Stations, and Contracts.
GAMEPLAY
Classic
Ascenders on VerdanskBattle Royale
To bring back the classic feel of Verdansk, external ascenders have been disabled at launch but are scheduled to return in the mid-season.
Internal ascenders within elevator shafts remain operational.
Adjustments
Gulag Loadouts
Loadouts within the Gulag has been reworked to improve variety and balancing.
These loadouts will change as the game progresses, allowing players that return to the field victorious to do so with a competitive weapon in hand for a better chance at recovery.
Infil & Backup Pistol
Players will now infil and spawn with the 9mm PM, replacing the GS45.
Late-Game Redeploy
Late-game redeployments will now spawn players closer to the ground, reducing the need to hover while positioning during final circles. This system has not been turned on since BO6 launched.
Player Respawn Angles Quality of Life
Players will now respawn looking approximately 30 degrees downward instead of directly at the horizon, providing a clearer view of potential landing areas.
This adjustment aligns with natural player behavior when scouting landing spots.
Unsuppressed Red Dot Distance
The distance at which unsuppressed weapons display a red dot has been reduced in Resurgence to better align to the map size:
Reduced to 112.5 meters on Rebirth Island, down from 250
Unsuppressed Red Dots are core to the Call of Duty: Warzone experience, and while developing Verdansk we took great care in evaluating the strength of red dots on each map – which previously was a static value regardless of play-space. While reviewing these values, we felt that given the vastly smaller map size of Rebirth Island, the Red Dots should be better aligned to the small-map experience. These adjustments are based on both player feedback and our design goals, ensuring that visibility of unsuppressed gunfire matches the intended combat dynamics for each map.
LOOT & ECONOMY
Classic
Floating Loot
Loot found on the ground will once again float in the air for better visibility and interactability.
The return of floating loot is the foundation of many improvements we’re making to loot interaction this season. Floating loot by itself will improve your ability to pick up, or simply notice important items when at a distance.
Adjustments
The return to Verdansk comes with some refinements to Battle Royale’s loot philosophy that brings us back to its roots: life is valuable, adaptability is key, great loot must be earned, and contracts are central to earning cash.
In order to create more intentionality around looting, the various sources of loot have been adjusted to be more reminiscent of the classic Verdansk days, with some improvements.
Ground Loot Refresh
Common to Epic weapons now sport a selection of random attachments that align with the weapon’s natural strengths.
Legendary weapons come with a variety of fixed builds tailored to specific roles, that are randomly selected match over match.
This change aims to maintain the excitement of random loot while preserving the reliability of weapon performance.
Looting in recent years has become a little too static- a blue (rare) tier weapon often providing the most valuable attachments and devaluing an epic or legendary find. This change aims to bring some different outcomes in the more commonly found weapons, and makes legendary weapons (or loadouts) highly sought after.
High Value Loot Zones
This season, HVLZs remain consistent every match, allowing players to reliably identify Hospital, Military Base, and Superstore as Points of Interest (POIs) with enhanced ground loot and an increased number of Supply Boxes.
Further enhancements to this feature will be added in future updates.
Supply Boxes
Basic
These boxes provide consistent cash rewards and average to high-quality weapons, occasionally offering premium equipment such as legendary weapons, killstreaks, and gas masks.
Legendary
Legendary Supply Boxes have received significant upgrades for a more rewarding experience. These boxes guarantee top-tier weapons and some of the best loot available, with increased chances of obtaining substantial cash.
Reusable
These boxes replenish every 90 seconds, serving as an ideal means for players to regain strength in the mid-to-late stages of a match, particularly after returning from the Gulag or redeployment. They supply players with a viable weapon, an armor plate, and some cash to quickly return to combat readiness.
Duffel Bags, Medical Cabinets, & Weapon Lockers
These sources of loot have been removed to better service the classic feeling of Verdansk.
Second Chance Mechanics
The following items have been removed from loot:
Gulag Tokens
Reinforcement Flares
Redeploy Tokens
The only available methods to return after death are:
Gulag Victories
Buy Station Buybacks
Jail Break Public Events
Self-Revive Kit
Self-revives can only be acquired via the following sources:
Legendary Supply Boxes → Random drop
Scavenger Contract → Random drop
Buy Station → $4,000
Fire Sale → Free
Your life matters. In returning back to the classic feeling of Verdansk, we are going back to a simpler set of Second Chance Mechanics that are faithful to the original Battle Royale experience.
Death Tax
Cash dropped upon death has been adjusted to assist players returning from the Gulag, providing them with a larger portion of their previous cash balance for mid-to-late game recovery:
50% of the cash balance will drop on the ground
50% will remain with the eliminated player, up from 20%
Previously, 50% of the cash balance dropped on the ground, with players keeping 20% and 30% being entirely removed from the economy.
After months of playtesting we noted that regain in the mid-to-late game was almost impossible, so the design intent of this is to better allow players to redeploy with a little more cash to give them a slight leg-up when it comes to getting back into the flow of the game.
Loot AngleQuality of Life
Interactions now require more precise aiming to reduce accidental item pickups, resolving most unintended looting situations, such as inadvertently picking up items during reloads.
Rarity Outlines
Rarity outlines now gradually fade into view only when players are within a logical proximity, rather than remaining visible at all distances.
Loot Card Positioning
Loot cards are now centered over items to improve readability, particularly when combined with floating loot.
Loot cards remain at a fixed height rather than moving with the player’s view.
Loot cards are hidden when players sprint, dive, slide, or use lethals, tacticals, and field upgrades.
Loot cards now have contextual prompts. For example if the player has an empty weapon slot, a weapon loot card prompt will display “Equip”, but if the player has two weapons equipped, the prompt will display “Swap”.
BUY STATIONS
Classic
Vertical Redesign
The vertical list is back! The Buy Station interface has been streamlined, returning to a vertical list layout to more clearly display purchasable items and teammates eligible for redeployment.
The left side of the Buy Station now clearly shows all gear available for purchase, including equipment, killstreaks, and field upgrades.
The right side of the interface will display teammates who have been eliminated and are eligible for buyback, provided they are not currently awaiting a Gulag battle.
Importantly, controller players can still press ‘Up’ to access the ‘Loadout Drop Marker’ in one button press as we wanted to retain the carousel interface to allow for quick access to items further down the list.
To enhance navigation efficiency and emphasize loadout acquisition, individual weapon purchases have been removed.
Our aim is to recapture the classic Battle Royale feel reminiscent of playing on Verdansk five years ago. Adjustments to the Buy Station reflect this vision, featuring a reduced selection of purchasable items and updated prices aligned with the game’s new economic balance. We intend for players to experience an economy more akin to Call of Duty: Warzone in 2020, where strategic cash management becomes essential to gameplay decisions.
New
Redeploy All ButtonQuality of Life
We have introduced a single-button shortcut at Buy Stations, allowing players to redeploy all teammates simultaneously.
Although the Redeploy All button is executed with one button press, individual flares and sound effects will trigger for each teammate redeployed, alerting nearby enemies to the total number of returning players.
In scenarios where insufficient funds prevent buying back the entire squad, the Redeploy All feature will prioritize teammates carrying the highest cash amounts.
We recognize the urgency of quickly redeploying teammates under pressure, especially when attempting hero plays amidst heavy combat. After careful consideration, we determined that prioritizing teammates with the highest cash aligns most closely with the most prominent behavior that we’ve observed.
Item IconsQuality of Life
Each entry in the vertical buy station now shows the icon of its respective item, as we found that this vastly sped up the at-a-glance navigation in playtesting.
Item Count Quality of Life
Players can easily see how many of an item they already own while in the Buy Station before making a decision on what to purchase.
Category Subheaders Quality of Life
We appreciate that for new players, being able to see the equipment category like “Killstreak” or “Field Upgrade” is helpful to know what item slot will be equipped or swapped when an item is purchased.
Adjustments
Spawn Locations
Buy Stations will spawn in the same exact 30 static locations across every match.
Inventory Pricing
We have updated the prices of the various items in the buy station as follows:
Armor Plate: $300
Cluster Strike: $3,000
Precision Airstrike: $5,000
UAV: $6,000
Gas Mask: $3,000
Self Revive: $4,000
Munitions Box: $2,500
Armor Box: $4,000
Loadout Marker:
Solos: $6,000
Duos, Trios, Quads: $10,000
Squadmate Redeploy: $4,000
Interact Angle
The Buy Station can now be accessed from any angle, including behind it, providing increased flexibility during tense engagements.
MOVEMENT
Adjustments
The introduction of Black Ops 6’s omni-movement system revolutionized gameplay and has become the foundation of player movement in Call of Duty: Warzone. While the system launched with multiplayer-inspired values, we’ve recognized the need for adjustments to better align movement dynamics with the unique demands of Call of Duty: Warzone’s limited-life modes.
Season 03 focuses on fine-tuning the Black Ops 6 player movement by ensuring a balance between fluidity and responsiveness. The adjustments to the movement mechanics are as follows:
Movement Speed
Crouch Movement Speed reduced by 10%
Crouch-to-Stand Speed increased by 15%
Crouch-to-Stand Speed While ADS increased by 39%
Prone Movement Speed reduced by 5%
Sprint Movement Speed reduced by 4.9%
Directional Sprint Animation Blend Speeds increased for improved fluidity
These values bring Call of Duty: Warzone’s movement speeds closer to the spirit of the original experience while still preserving the fluidity of Black Ops 6. We encourage players to go hands-on with these fine-tuned changes, as they can be hard to express in a patch note. The proof is in the pudding!
Jump Cooldown
Reduced the cooldown by 40% for improved responsiveness during repeated jumps.
Omni-sprint Side & Back Speed Scaling
Reduced by 8.5%, to better balance strafe movement.
Slide Friction
Increased by 4% to reduce overly slippery engagements.
These adjustments address the dominant power of strafe engagements while maintaining fluidity for mechanics such as sprinting, strafe reloading, and general navigation. Responsiveness across movement systems has been improved to ensure smoother gameplay while striking a better balance for Call of Duty: Warzone’s fast-paced encounters. This will bring back the feeling of a classic Warzone experience that we all know and love.
CONTRACTS
Classic
Recon Contract
Replacing the Intel contract, the Recon Contract provides players with a 4-minute timeframe to capture a designated domination point.
Rewards for completion include cash and a preview of the next circle.
Supply Run
The much-loved “Supply Run” Contract returns! Players have 2 minutes to reach a designated Buy Station to earn rewards, which include cash and a single-item Fire Sale for each squad member at the targeted Buy Station.
Supply Run contracts will not appear on the map until the first circle has fully collapsed.
With the return of the “Supply Run” Contract, we want to make sure that its return fits within the gameplay loop and the economy. This adjustment to be available from the second circle onwards allows for the Contract to be more centered around travel and vehicles, which in playtesting we have found to be a more fun and engaging Contract experience.
Contract Multiplier
Returning from the Verdansk era, the contract multiplier enhances cash rewards as players complete more contracts.
Each contract completed now grants a +30% cash bonus, stacking up to a maximum of +150% additional cash rewards in both Battle Royale and Resurgence modes.
Stacking up on completed Contracts in the early game is a great way to improve your chances if you need a mid-to-late game regain, as the multiplier will carry throughout the entire game to give greater financial rewards later on.
Tablet Models
All contracts have reverted to their original tablet models, providing players with a nostalgic experience.
Adjustments
Spawn Rebalancing
Contract spawn rates have been adjusted throughout base Battle Royale to enhance distribution and improve overall gameplay balance.
Payout Updates
Contract payouts have been updated to align more closely with values reminiscent of the Verdansk era, although not exactly matching them.
Supply Run and Recon contract payouts are now standardized to match the Scavenger contract values in both Battle Royale and Resurgence modes.
Completing a Most Wanted contract no longer results in a supply cache drop.
Plunder-specific contract payouts have been adjusted for consistency across modes.
Recon Contract ProgressQuality of Life
Added upward arrows indicating how much faster a Recon contract is being captured by your team depending on how many players are on the target location assisting with the capture.
EQUIPMENT
Classic
Thermite
In Season 03, Thermite returns as a specialized anti-vehicle and area denial tool, echoing its original use in Verdansk.
Unlike previous versions, Thermite no longer guarantees a kill upon sticking an opponent. It will, however, deal sufficient damage to down players with two armor plates or fewer.
Thermite now instantly explodes vehicles if their health reaches zero from its damage ticks, similar to C4.
Unlockable via the Black Ops Tribute event.
Adjustments
The following is an outline of the full arsenal of Lethal & Tactical equipment – including how to acquire them across a match in Battle Royale on Verdansk:
SATCHELS
Available Satchels
Armor Satchel
Munitions Satchel
Available via Bandolier Wildcard
ARMOR
Adjustments
Maximum Armor Plates
Default maximum capacity reduced from 6 to 5 to match the classic experience.
Armor Satchel Capacity
Now increases plate capacity by an additional 3 plates (totaling 8 armor plates when equipped), down from the previous 6, to also match the classic experience.
Armor Drops
Eliminated players will consistently drop at least 1 armor plate in Battle Royale and Resurgence matches.
This does not apply to bots in Bootcamp and Battle Royale Casual.
Armor is your first line of defense and gauges how freely you’ll take engagements. Recently armor supplies have been so plentiful that enemies are able to reinforce armor several times in the middle of a fight and the notion of “downtime” or the need to resupply has been lost. This massively affects the pace of the game and also changes how you’ll rotate to the next safe zone.
To maintain balanced gameplay, armor has become less abundant, ensuring players experience meaningful downtime and strategic decisions between engagements. This returns the gameplay feel to a more classic experience, emphasizing the value of armor resupply.
Gulag Armor Removed in Unranked
In unranked Battle Royale modes, the Gulag now features health-only combat, placing greater emphasis on precision and tactical movement, reminiscent of the classic Gulag experience.
Armor Plate Color Improvements Quality of Life
The Armor Plate color has received an improvement where the color hue will be darker if the player doesn’t have full plates. The color will remain the familiar bright color hue when the players are full. This will better indicate to players when they have almost full plates.
FIELD UPGRADES
New
Field Upgrades in Squad Widget Quality of Life
The Squad Widget now expands to display squadmates’ active Field Upgrades to show their entire inventory to allow for improved comms and strategy.
Adjustments
The following is an outline of the full arsenal of Field Upgrades in a match of Battle Royale on Verdansk:
Heartbeat Sensor
Increased battery life from 60 to 120 seconds.
We can’t return home properly without welcoming back the Heartbeat sensor. While not infinite like its great predecessor, we understand that a minute of battery time is simply not enough to utilize effectively.
Reclaimable Field Upgrade Icon Quality of Life
An interactable icon (white dot) now appears on reclaimable Field Upgrades to better highlight that they can be re-equipped.
KILLSTREAKS
Precision Airstrike Indicator
To return to the classic feeling of Verdansk, the Precision Air Strike Mini-Map notification that was added last year has been removed.
We have removed the Precision Airstrike’s approximate path indicator on the mini-map in order to return back to how it worked in 2020, where part of its purpose was to surprise your enemies. We will monitor feedback, data and sentiment on this as we look to the weeks ahead.
Crowded Airspace Notification Quality of Life
The “Airspace too crowded” message will now appear when a player attempts to pick up or aim down sights (ADS) with a killstreak in an area where too many aerial killstreaks are currently active.
This removes uncertainty about killstreak usability upon looting.
PERKS
Adjustments
Lootable Perks
All lootable perks have been removed from Battle Royale as we return to the classic feeling of Verdansk.
These may return in a future update depending on feedback.
WEAPONS
Reflecting on our 5th Anniversary, it’s important to acknowledge our journey and current state, including in regards to combat. This milestone presents an opportunity to celebrate our successes and critically assess our shortcomings. The game has continuously evolved through the addition of new features, systemic enhancements, economic adjustments, and philosophical shifts in balancing. These improvements help us better understand what is effective and where further refinements are needed.
Call of Duty: Warzone was designed to deliver the essence of a Call of Duty Battle Royale, combining exceptional, precise gunplay within a strategic and intense “limited life” scenario. While this core principle remains intact, certain distractions have at times impacted the intended pacing and intensity of gameplay.
Building upon recent adjustments, such as the reduction of Armor reserves to improve economic pacing, we are introducing substantial buffs to weapon damage. Initially, these enhancements will focus on the Black Ops 6 catalogue, subsequently extending to legacy weapons.
Our goal with these changes is to increase the lethality of every encounter, reinvigorate overlooked weapon classes, and encourage players to adopt a more thoughtful and deliberate strategy in preparation for engagements.
Classic Weapons
Kilo 141 Assault Rifle
Fully automatic assault rifle with an ergonomic design that improves handling, and a steady fire rate helps stay on target.
Available via Call of Duty: Warzone Login Reward
CR-56 AMAX Assault Rifle
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.
Available via Battle Pass Page 6 HVT Tier Reward, Completion Page Battle Pass Blueprint
HDR Sniper Rifle
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.
This weapon is able to one-shot headshot enemy players from any distance.
Available via Battle Pass Page 3 HVT Tier Reward, Page 11 Battle Pass Blueprint
Kali Sticks Melee
Two-hit kill. Extremely fast attack speed. Short range.
Available via Event Reward
New Conversion Kits
SWAT 5.56 GRAU Conversion Kit
Convert the SWAT 5.56 into a fully automatic weapon with lower damage and range but improved accuracy, mobility, and handling. Equips a new default Barrel and Magazine and unlocks an exclusive 50-round extended Magazine. Blocks Barrel attachments.
Available via Battle Pass Page 5 Reward
New Attachments
Monolithic Suppressor
Monolithic Core provides superior sound suppression and increased range. Moderate weight increase affects agility. The ideal attachment for extending your damage range on big maps like Verdansk while retaining the concealment provided by a suppressor.
Available via Battle Pass Page 7 Reward
General Adjustments
Default Loadouts
Default Loadouts available via Loadout Crates during a match have been updated with more competitive options.
This season, we have updated the Default Loadouts with a new selection of weapons and equipment. Our goal is to provide viable options that cater to both new and returning players. To ensure these loadouts remain competitive, we are committed to making frequent adjustments.
VEHICLES
Classic
Heli
Cargo Truck
Polaris
LTV
ATV
Adjustments
With the return of Verdansk we are looking to capture the original essence of vehicles in Warzone. In collaboration with our friends at Treyarch, we have tuned movement, health, damage resistance, and equipment interactions to feel much closer to the original vision.
We know that nobody wants paper thin vehicles and we also know that vehicles are more fun when they can efficiently get you from point A to B. Traversal shouldn’t feel restricted to roads alone. That said, there will be appropriate counters to vehicles reminiscent of the past.
The chart below serves as a high level view of the equipment lethality against vehicles. With greater vehicle responsiveness comes the need for more powerful and more memorable, moment-inducing equipment counters.
Pinging Near Vehicles Quality of Life
Made improvements to the accuracy of pings to loot near a vehicle to avoid the ping to ‘snap’ to vehicles.
UI/UX
Classic
Victory Screen
The iconic Warzone Victory screen returns to the classic Victory animation.
Tac Map & Compass Icons
The Tac Map has the circular cursor from the classic Call of Duty: Warzone experience.
All Map icons are also spiritually faithful to the color pallet from Verdansk with some improvements to help better identify certain items at a glance.
Ping Visuals
The Ping Shape has been reverted from the triangle shape to a lollipop shape that featured in classic Verdansk
“Go To” pings now also have classic visuals, improving legibility.
Score Feed Colors
Standard score events now appear yellow for that classic look.
Special score events are highlighted in white for better distinction.
New
Weapon Inspect to View AttachmentsQuality of Life
Inspecting a weapon now displays all its attachments on-screen, allowing players to see exactly how the gun is configured.
This can be disabled with the “Weapon Inspect Attachment Info” option.
We’re excited to introduce this update as part of our ongoing efforts to improve clarity and onboarding. Seeing a weapon’s full attachment setup at a glance helps players better understand builds and especially the weapon they picked up from the ground. We’re investigating other ways to use the Inspect interface to assist with onboarding and better explaining the player’s loadout. We’ll keep listening to feedback to ensure this improvement feels helpful without adding clutter.
Detailed Death Recap Quality of Life
We’ve expanded the Death Recap Widget to provide more detailed information about how you were eliminated. In addition to showing attacker count and damage dealt, the widget now highlights key conditions that contributed to your death:
Affected by Live Ping: Indicates if the enemy had you pinged.
Affected by UAV: Indicates if you were revealed on the minimap by a UAV, UAV Tower, or Advanced UAV.
Affected by Unsuppressed Weapon: Indicates if firing an unsuppressed weapon exposes your position to nearby enemies.
For the first few days of the new season, players will notice “Unsuppressed Weapon” saying “Weapon Ping” while the team works to get the wording updated.
We’re excited to introduce this update as part of ongoing efforts to improve clarity and address concerns around unfair deaths. This is just the beginning — we’ll continue expanding the Death Recap Widget with future patches. Our goal is to create a helpful tool that allows players to better understand what led to their death, recognize enemy advantages, and ultimately improve their gameplay. While we’re committed to adding meaningful insights, we’ll ensure the widget remains clean and informative without overwhelming players.
We’re eager to hear your feedback as we refine this feature further.
Prioritize Favorite Loadout in GunsmithQuality of Life
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 for ease of access.
Mission Items in Squad Widget Quality of Life
A new slot has been added to the Squad Widget to show each squad member’s most recent mission item icon for improved coordination.
A mission item refers to things like Keycards or easter-egg items that might require some coordination with allies.
Adjustments
Death Skull IconQuality of Life
The size of the Death Skull Icon has increased to make it easier for players to locate their previous death location based on feedback that it was difficult to spot.
Navigation Pings
Updated to provide clearer, more intuitive iconography, with a design that may feel familiar to veteran players.
Player Icons
Mini-map and Tac map player icons have been enhanced to visually differentiate between:
Talking
Firing a weapon
Staying quiet
Ghost perk on / off
Leaving Match Confirmation Quality of Life
Players attempting to leave a match while a teammate is still alive will now receive a confirmation prompt to prevent accidental exits.
Ping Distance Text on Map Quality of Life
Added dark backing to pings on map to improve readability of the distance text on the map.
Ping Duration SettingQuality of Life
This new setting lets players decide how long pings last on their screen. Select between Off, Infinite, or On which will let players pick the duration between 1 and 20 seconds.
Tacmap Centering OptionsQuality of Life
New setting, “Map Assist”, provides a few different options to enable players to have more agency over their experience:
Auto Zoom & Center: Upon opening the map, it will auto zoom and auto center on the player each time
Auto Center: Upon opening the map, it will auto center on the player each time
Zoom & Center Once: Upon opening the map, it will auto zoom and auto center on the player one time per match
Center Once: Upon opening the map, it will auto center on the player one time per match
Off: Upon opening the map, it will be showing the last location the tacmap was closed on. This means players will need to manually adjust the map each time they open it.
We’re excited to provide more options to players to adjust the map to their preference. We will continue to monitor feedback about this improvement as players get to experiment with it.
AUDIO
Classic
Cinematics
Infil, Gulag, and Exfil
Music
Announcer
Re-recorded by original announcer Julian Stone (2020)
Hit Markers
Including Armor and Armor Breaks
Death’s Door
Footstep Recordings
Loot Chests
Buy Stations
Contracts
UI Sounds
Pings, Splashes, and Progression
Adjustments
Occlusion & Reverb
Transitioned from older ray-casted occlusion system to Microsoft Triton acoustics audio middleware, providing realistic audio occlusion, obstruction, and reverberation.
Improved sound behavior around corners and surfaces.
Custom-tuned data specifically optimized for Call of Duty: Warzone.
Sound Modifiers
Adopted new procedural audio technology (developed by Treyarch) that dynamically adjusts sounds based on gameplay elements (entity speed, angle, elevation).
Footsteps & Ladders
Unique tuning for Call of Duty: Warzone footsteps separate from premium titles (introduced with MWIII).
Friendly teammates’ footsteps reduced when positioned behind the player.
Footstep loudness dynamically scales with entity speed.
Footstep pitch changes based on player elevation (above vs. below).
Ladder sounds amplified and adjusted based on player movement speed.
Boosted audio cues for jumping, landing, and distinctive ceiling footsteps to clearly indicate players running overhead.
Cloth/Gear & Mantling
Cloth & Gear sounds are now distinctively tuned for Call of Duty: Warzone, separate from premium titles.
Increased clarity and volume of mantling and melee sounds, differentiating friendly and enemy movements.
Enhanced mantling audio to resemble footsteps for greater situational awareness.
Loot Supply Boxes
Audio pitch now dynamically adjusts based on vertical elevation, providing clearer vertical positional feedback.
BUG FIXES
Fixed an issue that caused the Death Recap Widget to register bleed damage while in last stand.
Fixed an issue where Bomb Squad incorrectly allowed fuse resets; this functionality is exclusive to Reflexes.
Fixed an issue causing players to be eliminated when mantling onto care packages.
Fixed an issue where players were eliminated upon interacting with the Most Wanted reward crate.
Fixed an issue causing a UI error preventing players from creating new loadouts.
Fixed an issue causing a Dev Error when opening the Armor Challenge menu.
Fixed an issue causing a Dev Error when exiting private matches.
Fixed an issue where the Corvus Masterkey Underbarrel occasionally caused instant downs at any range.
Fixed an issue preventing the Quartermaster Suppressor from unlocking properly.
Fixed an issue causing certain equipment to duplicate upon redeployment.
Fixed an issue where players would teleport across the map when using an ascender in the pre-game lobby.
Fixed an issue with the incorrect display of full ATVI IDs.
Fixed an issue where players lost control after Jailbreak revivals.
Fixed an issue with the gas mask overlay not aligning properly with screen boundaries.
Fixed an issue preventing restocking of Gulag lethals and tacticals from ammo caches or munitions boxes.
Fixed an issue allowing infinite submissions of Biometrics Keycards.
Fixed an issue causing loss of player control when interacting with a loadout after redeploying from the Gulag.
Fixed an issue causing incorrect cash displays for spectating players.
Fixed an issue causing loss of field upgrade deployment ability after using a loadout.
Fixed an issue with MW2 and MW3 camo descriptions not clearly stating weapon-level requirements.
Fixed an issue preventing immediate weapon fire after cutting a parachute without re-pressing the fire button.
Fixed an issue causing obituary messages to overlap with the squad widget in the HUD.
Fixed an issue causing incorrect elimination crediting to uninvolved players.
Fixed an issue with contract icons incorrectly displaying elevation information.
Fixed an issue where Bunker Buster gas damage bypassed gas masks if equipped within the gas.
Fixed numerous legacy weapon descriptions and statistics.
Fixed an issue preventing MW2 and MW3 weapons from appearing correctly in the loot feed.
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
