Activision is planning to release the second most significant update for Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone 2.0, known as Season 2. The developer is taking steps to improve the game with new features in Warzone 2.0 Season 2. The new season will include Gulag functioning more like the original Warzone, adjusting the Cash Economy, and introducing floating loot similar to Supply Boxes. Additionally, customizable Perk Packages will also be added in the upcoming season. Warzone 2.0 and Modern Warfare 2 Season 2 is scheduled to launch on February 15, 2023.
Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone 2.0 Season 2 Update
Battle Royale Changes
The Gulag
1v1 Gulag will be returning with the launch of Season 02. With this change, Players will see the return of the originalWarzone overtime mechanic – the Domination-style flag control point – in place of the Jailer.
To bring this change online sooner, we have edited the existing Season 01 Gulag for better 1v1 combat, but are actively working on a dedicated 1v1 map for future seasons.
We’ve also made some logistical changes to the Gulag experience. Ground loot has been revisited as well as the Loadouts that Players will spawn in with. We’ve updated the pool to include Assault Rifles, Submachine Guns, and Light Machine Guns as Primary Weapons as the Circles progress. Shotguns have been removed from the rotation, while Handguns will remain available as Secondary Weapons.
For those leaving the arena victorious, the Gulag will grant a larger Cash reward to players. This change to cash will allow redeploying players to get back on their feet a bit faster.
Alongside increased victory Cash rewards mentioned in the previous section, the Gulag will now spawn Cash as ground loot to encourage and reward Players willing to prowl the arena.
Cash Economy
In addition to the cash changes to the Gulag outlined above, we are balancing the Battle Royale economy with a slight reduction to cash rewards for completing contracts. Additionally, we are increasing the lowest value of Cash piles from ground loot to $800 and from Cash Registers to $500 (previously $100 minimum).
In addition to this, Cash can be acquired via ground loot, containers, and white Stronghold Supply Boxes throughout Al Mazrah, but can no longer be found in basic and legendary Supply Boxes.
This redistribution should make for quicker, more consistent gameplay in the pursuit of resources.
Loadouts
Loadouts have always been a core part ofWarzone’s Battle Royale, and something we pay close attention to. The changes Players have seen with the launch ofWarzone2.0 and since then have ultimately been in pursuit of the most fulfilling experience for the individual, and the team, all while keeping things challenging. As such, we’re making further changes to how Players acquire part of or the entirety of their Loadouts.
Season 02 will introduce customizable Perk Packages! This feature will launch with a slightly reduced pool of available Perks, which we may slowly reintroduce over time. We want to navigate this particular feature as carefully as possible, ensuring that all available Perks provide ample utility and remain viable/balanced options.
Primary Weapons will continue to be available at Buy Stations but now at a more affordable price point so that Players can pursue victory with their most desired Weapons. We also remain happy with the introduction of Loadout Drop Markers, though we have taken a careful look at the price point. The price of Loadout Drop Markers has been slightly reduced so that respective Squad sizes can acquire their full Loadouts at a faster pace. In addition, on extremely rare occasions, Players may find one while looting throughout Al Mazrah. A second Loadout Drop Public Event has been added, which means the drops will now happen on the first and fifth Circles each match.
DMZ Changes
Enemy Tuning
In Season 01 the AI in DMZ were challenging, but the ramp up of difficulty was often steep with some players getting overwhelmed. With Season 02, we’ve introduced a number of balance changes to adjust the types of AI spawning, the number of AI spawning, and the accuracy of AI at range and much more. All of this should provide a challenging but manageable play-space that still requires player respect of enemy combatants in the DMZ.
Spawn Points
We are tuning some of the infil points across Al Mazrah for improved early match experience based on gameplay data. Starting at a point at which your squad feels isolated or without loot and contract opportunities is not the best experience. These tweaks should improve spawn points across the mode.
Mission Difficulty Tuning
Data and feedback reinforced that the Faction Mission difficulty ramp was too aggressive for many Players, and that the demanding scale ultimately made it very challenging to unlock the second Insured Weapon Slot (completing all Tier 3 Missions) in Season 01. We have adjusted the overall scaling of difficulty in Missions as the Tiers progress. Later Tier Missions will still be quite challenging even for the experienced Operator, but we believe more straightforward access to an additional Insured Slot will provide a better path forward for all Players.
Seasonal Refresh
All-new missions are coming to Season 02 including a refresh of your current Faction mission progress and an inventory (Contraband and Keys) reset. We will be detailing all the need-to-know intel for DMZ ahead of Season 02 in an upcoming blog.
Locations
With a new Exclusion Zone coming to Season 02, players will have a third option to choose from when deploying in DMZ. The Faction Mission refresh will provide new missions that send you across these destinations, including Building 21. We suggest you and your squad gear up for infiltration first!
