Summary of Call of Duty: Warzone Season 3 Update
- Activision has unveiled the comprehensive patch notes for Call of Duty: Warzone Season 3.
- Season 3 is set to launch on April 2 for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and on April 3 for Warzone.
- The game will undergo a 24-hour downtime to prepare for Verdansk’s return.
With enthusiasm building, Activision and Raven Software are releasing the detailed patch notes for Call of Duty: Warzone Season 3 ahead of its arrival later this week. The new season will drop shortly after Black Ops 6 goes live on April 2, followed by an update for Warzone on April 3. This update promises a wealth of nostalgic features alongside essential quality-of-life improvements, new weapons, and notably, the much-anticipated comeback of the iconic Verdansk map.
Due to the extensive content being introduced in the upcoming season, Activision has confirmed that Warzone will be temporarily taken offline for 24 hours to facilitate these changes. However, during this downtime, players will have the opportunity to access Black Ops 6 for free starting April 2, allowing them to explore new multiplayer maps and modes while preparing their loadouts for Warzone.
As part of the update, Activision has released comprehensive changelogs that illuminate the various enhancements slated for the free-to-play battle royale. Significant changes include a new death recap feature, designed to better inform players about the circumstances surrounding their eliminations, as well as the revival of beloved elements from the original release of Warzone.
In light of the upcoming Season 3 launch, Activision has addressed a key community concern regarding cheating. In a detailed blog post, they shared updates on the Ricochet Anti-Cheat system. The studio reaffirmed its commitment to combating cheat developers and enhancing player experience. Since the launch of Black Ops 6 in October 2024, over 20 cheat creators and various resellers have been eliminated. For Season 3, the Ricochet system will receive additional enhancements aimed at improving detection of aim bots and other cheating tools.
Season 3 not only revitalizes classic gaming experiences but also stands out with the much-anticipated return of Verdansk. Redeveloped by Beenox, the map retains its original essence while introducing substantial enhancements, including improved visuals, upgraded textures, and better lighting. Activision has outlined the detailed changes that will elevate the gameplay experience in Verdansk.
Call of Duty: Warzone Season 3 Patch Notes
RICOCHET ANTI-CHEAT
This season, our main objective remains the eradication of cheating. Our ongoing roadmap for anti-cheat solutions extends beyond this season, but we’ll highlight recent achievements and security updates introduced in Season 3.
BATTLE PASS
As players journey back to Verdansk, they’ll unlock memorable content alongside new weapons and operators. Jason Hudson, featuring nostalgic combat strategies, is an unlockable character via the Battle Pass. Additionally, Mace, the formidable mercenary, can be accessed instantly upon purchasing the Battle Pass.
The Season 3 Battle Pass includes over 110 unlockable items, such as two new base weapons, exclusive attachments like the Monolithic Suppressor, and more.
CONSOLE CROSS-PLAY
Season 3 brings granular options for console players with separate settings for MP Ranked Play and Warzone Ranked Play. A new Multiplayer-only setting will enhance gameplay versatility for Quickplay and Featured matches. Below are the updated matchmaking options:
- On: Matches with all platforms in selected playlists.
- On (Consoles Only): Matches exclusively within consoles in selected playlists, though this may extend queue times.
- Off: Limits matchmaking to your platform only, potentially increasing queue times.
Considerations for party members’ cross-play settings are also outlined, ensuring everyone has a smoother matchmaking experience.
UI/UX/TECH
- Pre-Loading Shaders: Improved stability in menu framerates with a new widget indicating shader progress, significantly speeding up match launch preparation.
- PC Benchmark: This tool remains vital in optimizing your gaming performance, simulating multiplayer matches to refine graphics settings and enhance framerates.
CUSTOMIZATION
- Weapon & Blueprint Customization: Players can now apply skins to any Black Ops 6 base weapon or weapon blueprint, expanding their personalization options across all game modes.
CHALLENGES
- BlackCell Daily Challenge: BlackCell owners can participate in an extra Daily Challenge across Multiplayer, Zombies, and Warzone, earning an additional 7,500 XP.
EVENTS
Return to Verdansk
From April 3 to April 15, players can log in to Warzone to celebrate the map’s return, earning up to 20 rewards, including six instant unlocks and the Kali Sticks melee weapon. Players can also secure rewards by opening safes across the map, which may yield exclusive items such as the “Trail Blazer”Operator Skin for Caine.
Veterans of the original Verdansk will also enjoy exclusive bonuses, including special contrails and parachute skins. Visit the Verdansk Blog for further details.
MAPS
Classic map Verdansk welcomes back players with familiar and improved features. Enhancements include:
- Repositioned trees and clearly marked non-drivable vehicles.
- Swimming capability expanded along the coastline and enhanced navigation in steep areas with newly added paths.
- Improved lighting and visibility both outdoors and indoors.
- Increased maximum FOV for console players, allowing for a broader view of the map.
Gulag Showers
- The original Gulag structure returns, offering all three variants from 2020.
Gulag Overtime: Capture the Flag (CTF)
- In extended standoffs, a flag will spawn. Players can either eliminate their rival or capture the flag to claim victory.
Returning Maps
- Rebirth Island: This map will continue to feature in Season 3, with Resurgence Quads joining the playlist shortly after launch.
GAME MODES
New Modes:
-
Battle Royale Casual: This newcomer allows players to engage with bots and gradually acclimatize to the game’s mechanics.
- Map: Verdansk
- Player Count: 28 Players + 120 Bots
- High Trip: A limited-time event celebrating the season, details to follow as the date approaches.
Returning Modes:
-
Battle Royale: The quintessential experience encourages survival with up to 150 players.
- Map: Verdansk
- Player Counts: Solos, Duos, Trios – 150; Quads – 152
-
Plunder: Engage in loot collection and contracts to accumulate $2 million in cash.
- Map: Verdansk
- Player Count: 100
PLAYLIST
Ranked Play: After Season 2’s conclusion, Ranked Play will be briefly suspended, allowing players to familiarize themselves with Verdansk again. It will return with the Season 3 Reloaded update, resetting player ranks to Bronze.
GENERAL
- Player Count Increase: Battle Royale matches now accommodate 150 players, an increase from 120.
We hinted at this shift during Season 2 Reloaded; now, we welcome you back to Verdansk with an immersive experience alongside 150 players.
- Freefall Shooting: You can now fire your secondary weapon while freefalling. If unarmed, players will default to firing a backup pistol.
We’ve restored early game tensions by allowing players to shoot while descending, increasing urgency from the moment you jump.
- 360-Degree Revive Rotation: A new mechanic lets players maintain a full view while reviving squadmates, enhancing situational awareness during critical moments.
- Map Assets: Many assets within Verdansk have been updated with a classic aesthetic touch, ensuring familiarity and nostalgia.
GAMEPLAY
- Ascenders: Verdanak’s internal ascenders will remain active, while external versions are temporarily disabled, set to return mid-season.
Adjustments:
- Gulag Loadouts: We’ve restructured loadouts in the Gulag to enhance gameplay variety and balance.
- Player Respawn Angles: Players will respawn facing slightly downwards, giving better visibility on landing spots.
- Unsuppressed Red Dot Range: The range for unsuppressed weapon visibility has been adjusted based on map dimensions.
Adjustments to red dot visibility reflect a commitment to balanced gameplay, ensuring fair play across various map sizes.
LOOT & ECONOMY
Classic:
- Floating Loot: Ground loot will again float to be more visible and interactive.
The floating loot system reintroduces clarity and ease of engagement, making crucial items easily identifiable.
The shift back to classic loot management design has emphasized creating a more intentional looting experience, aligning closely with the original values of Verdansk.
High Value Loot Zones (HVLZs): Specific locations will consistently feature enhanced loot and supply boxes, aiding strategic gameplay.
Duffel Bags, Medical Cabinets & Weapon Lockers: These loot sources have been eliminated to preserve the classic style of gameplay.
Death Tax: Now players drop 50% of their cash upon elimination, with the other half remaining with them, adjusted to promote smoother in-game reintegration.
This design tweak aims to improve mid-to-late-game play by allowing players more resources for return engagements.
BUY STATIONS
Classic:
- Vertical Redesign: The Buy Station layout has returned to vertical presentation, making it more user-friendly.
These changes aim to recapture the gameplay experience characteristic of early Warzone, where strategic acquisition of resources is crucial.
MOVEMENT
This season focuses on fine-tuning player movement dynamics to harmonize them with the original Call of Duty experience.
- Jump Cooldown: Reduced by 40% for enhanced responsiveness during hopping maneuvers.
- Slide Friction: Increased to greatly improve engagement control when traversing surfaces.
These alterations restore a classic movement aesthetic while ensuring responsive gameplay.
CONTRACTS
Classic:
- Recon Contract: A new addition replacing the Intel contract that rewards players with cash and preview of the next circle.
PUBLIC EVENTS
Enabled:
- Fire Sale
- Jail Break
- Loadout Drop
- Restock
EQUIPMENT
Classic:
- Thermite: Now returns as a vehicle destroyer with updated damage mechanics.
BUG FIXES
- Fixed several issues impacting player experience, including UI errors, interaction points, and gameplay flow disruptions.
For the latest updates and detailed information on specific adjustments, enhancements, and features, please refer to the official patch notes.
Learn more and immerse yourself in the action ahead!