Call of Duty: Warzone 2 is now in development and we’ve got an early breakdown of all there is to know. From the targeted release window to an early look at the new battle royale map, here are the initial details.
Activision’s extremely popular CoD battle royale is set for what could be its biggest shakeup yet. Alongside new annual titles in the franchise, Warzone itself is in line for a full-fledged sequel.
Warzone 2 is now in the works at Activision. While it’s early days yet and details remain scarce, here’s a full rundown of everything we already know about the sequel.
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Call of Duty Warzone 2 release window
An exact release date for Warzone 2 hasn’t yet been announced. However, we now know for certain that the upcoming title is targeting a 2022 launch.
Despite initial reports that claimed 2023 was more likely, Activision has since confirmed the new Warzone experience will roll out this calendar year.
A more specific target is yet to be revealed, though Activision has also made clear Warzone 2 will “come with Modern Warfare 2″.
Thus, the new battle royale experience will arrive at some stage following October 28. Based on previous trends with Cold War and Vanguard crossovers, both of which were integrated in December of their respective years, the final month of 2022 could also be a safe bet for Warzone 2.
Call of Duty Warzone 2 platforms
Warzone 2 is set to release across PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X | S, Battle.Net, and Steam.
Although initial reports suggested Warzone 2 would be a “completely new game for better hardware”, that isn’t quite the case. Alongside Modern Warfare 2’s reveal on June 8, Activision clarified the future of its hit battle royale, confirming that the upcoming sequel will be supported on both last-gen and current-gen hardware.
Given this widespread support, it’s unclear if newer systems are in store for any graphical or performance upgrades over last-gen players. From an increased frame rate to a highly requested FOV slider, there’s no telling what improvements may arrive with Warzone 2, if any.
Naturally, this announcement has already caused a wave of backlash before we even so much as see the game in action.
Call of Duty Warzone 2 gameplay details
As a full new iteration, opposed to Warzone’s regular updates, it’s expected that major gameplay changes are on the way. Exactly what that may look like, however, remains unclear.
While only a few official details have been confirmed, perhaps the biggest change is a complete reset of progression. This means everyone is set to start from scratch once again when Warzone 2 rolls out.
Furthermore, we know for certain that Warzone 2 is being “built from the ground up” using an entirely new engine. With a new “play space and new sandbox mode” to boot, technological innovations are expected across the board.
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One such innovation appears to be swimming. While nothing new to the franchise as a whole, the ability to swim would be a first for this particular CoD BR.
Similarly, while various AI-controlled enemies have appeared in the CoD franchise for many years now, systems are being ramped up in all-new ways for Warzone 2. We’re sure to see both friendly and enemy AI scattered across the battlefield in the upcoming BR sequel.
Warzone 2 leaks
Perhaps the biggest round of Warzone 2 leaks surfaced on May 17 through a YouTube upload by ‘NerosCinema.’ From a new inventory system to key movement changes, the YouTube rattled off a wide range of changes he was informed of by a trusted source.
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Topping the list were significant changes to Loadouts in Warzone 2, as the leaker claimed custom classes will soon need to be earned through ‘Strongholds.’ These Strongholds will allegedly appear on the Warzone 2 map, and contain a mix of objectives for players to complete in order to earn a Loadout.
Next up, the source touched on a new inventory system supposedly on the way in Warzone 2. Moving forward, players may have access to a “bag system,” which offers more flexibility than before, allowing players to pick and choose what they carry with them.
On a similar note, Armor will also be changing in Warzone 2, according to the leaker. Rather than all players having access, teams will need to find Armor Satchels to even so much as equip an Armor Plate in the sequel, if these claims hold true.
Also arriving in Warzone 2 are Pro Perks, according to new reports. First appearing in Modern Warfare 2, this system allowed for upgraded versions of select Perks through a unique challenge system. Now, it appears these upgraded Perks will be available in Warzone 2.
For the time being, it’s unclear exactly how they may function. Pro Perks could be available directly through your custom Loadouts, or they might only be obtainable through Strongholds on the map. We’ll have to wait and see how this one pans out.
Warzone 2 map
Following on from early rumors, it’s now official that a brand new map will launch alongside Warzone 2. While we could still see Verdansk, Rebirth Island, and Caldera integrated into separate playlists down the line, a new core BR map is the priority for launch.
This new layout, set in Colombia, has seemingly been leaked in full, months out from a potential launch. Every POI has appeared online, with 18 distinct areas in total rounding out the map that takes heavily from Modern Warfare 2 (2009).
On May 18, Tom Henderson claimed via eXputer that he had been able to verify the full Warzone 2 map layout. Contained within the BR map are a number of popular locations from the classic MW2, ranging from Highrise to Terminal.
Below is a full look at all 18 POIs that reportedly make up the next Warzone map.
Lending credence to the leaks, Call of Duty General Manager Johanna Faries chimed in on the speculation during Summer Game Fest 2022. Indirectly confirming its place on the map, Faries addressed Highrise by name, supporting the idea of its inclusion in Warzone 2.
“There’s been some chatter about maybe seeing Highrise, and other elements,” she said. “We will get into the details of Warzone 2.0 for sure.”
Henderson has also outlined that a second map is now in development for Warzone 2 as well. Similar to the first title, the above will reportedly serve as the core BR map, while a second addition arriving later down the line will serve as a bite-sized BR offering akin to Rebirth Island.
This smaller map is currently in early development, according to Henderson, meaning we may not see it until late 2023.
Recent dev comments have also implied that Verdansk is set to make a comeback of sorts in the near future. Targeting “certain platforms,” Activision’s Alex Summers confirmed the news during an April 17 livestream.
Though there’s obviously no telling if this means a Verdansk return in regular Warzone. For all we know, this could be pointing towards the return of Verdansk in the upcoming Warzone Mobile release.
What happens to the original Warzone?
While Warzone 2 is wiping the slate clean with all new systems, content, and progression, the existing Warzone title is set to continue on in some capacity as a “separate experience.”
None of your existing equipment or cosmetics like Operators, Blueprints, or weapon skins, will transfer to Warzone 2.
However, all of your current progression and unlocks from the past two years will still be available in the original game. Though it’s unclear just how much support it may receive down the line once Warzone 2 takes center stage.
Will Caldera and Rebirth remain as the only two playable maps? Will new content and balance updates continue to roll out in 2023 and beyond? These are all questions Activision is sure to answer over the coming weeks.
