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A month after the release of Modern Warfare 3, Warzone’s first season is fast approaching. Indeed, following the trend of the past three years, MW3 Season 1 also begins a new era in Warzone. It’s set to bring forth a new map, lots of gameplay changes, and the integration of 37 weapons coming from MW3 to Warzone battleground. Here we’ll detail everything we know so far.
Warzone Season 1 Release Date
Warzone Season 1 starts on December 6, 2023, at 9 AM PT. And just like every other seasonal update, you should expect a large file download of around 20-30 GBs to start the game. The new season begins on the same date for all platforms.
New Warzone Season 1 Map and Game Mods
Season 1 Game Mods:
- Battle Royal
- Resurgence
- Plunder
With Warzone Season 1 we will see the integration of the Urzikestan map to the battle royal title. This map is currently available as the main MW3 Zombies playground, but it was previously announced that Urzikestan is planned for a Warzone experience. The new map is smaller than Al Mazrah, but it’ll be available for 150-player battle royal and plunder matches.
Alongside the new Warzone map, however, we still have the return of Ashika Island and Vondel. These two maps will have all the new gameplay changes, but they’re here for one reason only: The Resurgence mode. Later in 2024, we will see the return of Fortunes Keep and Rebirth Island as well. This is while some parts of the Urzikestan map will also be available to play for the Resurgence.
Warzone Season 1 Gameplay Changes
- New Movement System
- Perks and Gear
The gameplay changes are the real stars of the Season 1 show, as they bring back Warzone to its roots. Starting this season, all the movement mechanics from MW3 are integrated into Warzone, including the Slide Cancel, Tactical Stance, ADS while sliding, and running reload. The Stim tactical equipment will also behave nearly the same as it did in Warzone 1, allowing players to move faster for a few seconds.
There’ll also be some new perks that you can use in Warzone Season 1 as well. Although the new gear system has replaced perks in the title in MW3, Warzone is staying on the same path, even bringing back some of the old ones like Tempered. Here’s a list of new perks coming to Warzone:
- Shrouded: drop a smoke grenade when downed.
- Tempered: Allows you to get full armor by applying two plates only.
- Irradiated: Take less damage and move faster in gas.
- Combat Scout: Pings the enemy when you shoot them.
- Resolute: Move faster when being damaged; the same effect as Serpentine from Warzone 1.
- Mountaineer: Take less fall damage.
- Stalker: Increased movement speed while in ADS.
- Escapist: Increased movement speed while in crouch, prone, and downed positions.
- Primed: ADS accuracy is increased when jumping.
- Faculty: Gives warnings of enemy equipment, while also delaying the triggered explosives and reducing combat noise.
Quality of Life Update
One of the most important parts of the Warzone Season 1 update is that it’ll feature some of the best quality-of-life changes. As an example, you’ll be able to toggle on/off your gas mask manually! This means that you’ll no longer face the on-nerve gas mask animation during gun fights while you’re in full control of the situation.
Coming with the Urzikestan map you’ll also see a train on the map like the one in Al Mazrah, but this time, you get to drive it! Horizontal ziplines are also featured on the new Warzone map, while there’s also a returning contract from Warzone 1 called the “Big Bounty.” Picking this contract, you’ll find the player with the most kills in the match, and killing him will grant you access to an Advanced UAV.
Besides all the changes I’ve mentioned so far, you should note that all the weapons from MW3 will be integrated into Warzone Season 1. These weapons all come with different camos, levels, and attachments that you can also use on other MW2 weapons like Vel 46 and the TAQ family. But that’s not all! There’ll be new weapons coming to Warzone and MW3 Season 1 as well:
- XRK Stalker – Sniper Rifle
- Ram-7 – Assault Rifle
- Stormender – Launcher
- HRM-9 – SMG
- TAQ Evolvere – LMG
Stay frosty for brand new Warzone loadout guides and features with The Nerd Stash, Soldier!
Call of Duty: Warzone is available to play on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.
