Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II

Oct 28, 2022

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September 26, 2023

The future is now, Operator 🦾

Augment your Battle Pass to its full potential when you upgrade to BlackCell in Season 06 of Call of Duty Warzone and MWII 🔋

Intel Drop: Season 06 BlackCell, Battle Pass, and Bundles

September 26, 2023

The antihero Spawn has arrived alongside a slew of hell-cursed adversaries, devastating weapons, and more in Season 06 of Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® II and Call of Duty: Warzone™.



The Haunting is fast approaching, its effects already felt throughout the Season 06 Battle Pass, featuring 100+ rewards, including three new functional weapons and Spawn himself.

Purchase the full Battle Pass for 1,100 COD Points to access all the Season 06 Battle Pass content, or get BlackCell for additional rewards, Battle Token Tier Skips, and more.

Read on for intel covering the incredible and terrifying content you’ll find in this season’s Battle Pass, starting with BlackCell’s premium offering.

BlackCell Season 06



Strike fear into your foes via advanced cybernetics with the Season 06 experience with BlackCell, featuring the following items and rewards:

• Full access to the Season 06 Battle Pass, plus 20 Battle Token Tier Skips (25 on PlayStation®). The full Battle Pass includes 1,400 COD Points within 100 Tiers of unlockable content from Battle Pass progress.
• The BlackCell Sector, including 1,100 COD Points; the new BlackCell Operator V4L3RIA and her Tactical Pet Megabyte; the “BlackCell Reckoner” Pro-Tuned Weapon Blueprint; and a BlackCell-themed Smoke Grenade Equipment Skin.
• An exclusive BlackCell Sector within the Battle Pass AO serving as an alternative starting location.

• Additional BlackCell-only Battle Pass content: 10 BlackCell Operator Skins, including one for new Operator Spawn, Al Simmons, Creepy Clown, Soul Crusher, Mil-Spawn, Tier 100 Spawn, and more; six animated Weapon Blueprints; and two Vehicle Skins.
• Players who upgrade to BlackCell after purchasing the Battle Pass will also receive 1,100 COD Points back.

For more information on the value BlackCell brings, check out the dedicated blog here.

V4L3RIA Boots up BlackCell



Equipped with cybernetic enhancements for optimal battle performance, V4L3RIA represents the latest in Operator technology. A semi-transparent skin reveals the gold-plated arterial skeleton within, a BlackCell creation testing the limits of robotics research.



Little is known about V4L3RIA’s origins, but early tests of the model’s combat prowess confirm its high-performance lethality. Accompanying V4L3RIA is her robotic Tactical Pet, Megabyte. Equip Megabyte’s Finishing Move to trigger the robot dog’s devastating takedown when sneaking up on enemies.

Purchase the Battle Pass to Unlock Spawn Operator and Al Simmons Skin



“This is my fate. This is what I’ve chosen to be. This world and its shadows belong to me. I am Spawn.” — Al Simmons, Spawn Comic Vol. 1 #100

Whether you purchase the BlackCell offering or the standard Battle Pass for 1,100 COD Points, you will instantly unlock the Al Simmons Spawn Operator Skin as part of the Bonus Sector.

Al Simmons, the skilled assassin and military intelligence officer who would return to earth as Spawn after being betrayed, headlines the Season 06 Battle Pass.



The Bonus Sector also features the akimbo “Zombie’s Bane” Handgun Weapon Blueprint; the “Back From Hell” Assault Rifle Weapon Blueprint featuring stabilized recoil and extended damage range; the “NecroClock” Gun Screen; and a 10% Battle Pass boost.

BlackCell owners will also unlock an alternate black and gold Al Simmons Spawn Operator Skin and the “Zombie’s Bane” Weapon Blueprint.

Additional Battle Pass Skins

Take on the appearance of Spawn’s worst enemies and most powerful allies with these additional Battle Pass Operator Skins.

“Creepy Clown” Skins for Fender (Sector F2, HVT)



Battle Pass Skin: The half-demon Violator taunts Spawn by taking on the appearance of a clown, mocking him with his sharp-toothed grin.

BlackCell Additional Skin: Creepy Clown trades in his grungy look for a slick leather jacket, gilded striped shirt, and gold on black face paint.

“Soul Crusher” Skins for Mila (Sector F6, HVT)



Battle Pass Skin: The enigmatic Soul Crusher employs noxious gasses to asphyxiate his victims into submission.

BlackCell Additional Skin: Along with new gold-plated kneepads, Soul Crusher’s BlackCell Skin features etched designs lining the ends of his sleeves and cape.

“Mil-Spawn” Skins for Spawn (Sector F8, HVT)



Battle Pass Skin: Spawn deploys in full tactical gear, combining lightweight armored plates with best-in-class mobility.

BlackCell Additional Skin: Switch from the classic black-and-white look to a menacing black-and-gold variant, the ideal skin while on a winning streak.

“Gaia” Skins for Nova (Sector F11, HVT)



Battle Pass Skin: Not part of the Spawn universe of entities, Gaia is an ancient goddess of considerable power, and uses her earthen form to inspire ruin in her enemies.

BlackCell Additional Skin: Gaia retains her flashing red eyes against a golden face and shoulders, and her body is composed of black twisting roots.

“Disruptor” Skins for Horangi (Sector F12, HVT)



Battle Pass Skin: The crime lord responsible for the death and transformation of Al Simmons, Disruptor goes by many names and enters battle fully armored where it most counts.

BlackCell Additional Skin: Exchange Disruptor’s default armor for a golden variant worthy of his stature as crime lord.

“Burned Spawn” Skins for Spawn (Sector F15, HVT)



Battle Pass Skin: Before Al Simmons made his deal with the devil, he was deceived and burned alive. Deploy in this disfigured form of the antihero.

BlackCell Additional Skin: A golden pattern repeats over Spawn’s poncho, held together by a first-rate chain and skulls.

“Nikto Spawn” Skins for Nikto (Sector F17, HVT)



Battle Pass Skin: Nikto adopts Spawn’s style with a stylized ballistic mask and tactical gear.

BlackCell Additional Skin: Dispense with the military garb and get in your enemy’s face with this bombastic gold-and-black design.

“Violator” Skins for König (Sector F19, HVT)



Battle Pass Skin: The arrogant Violator approaches in a grotesque, demonic form in pursuit of Spawn.

BlackCell Additional Skin: Deploy as “death on two legs” in an elite version of this hell-born demon.

New Weapon HVTs

Unlock three new free functional weapons in Sectors F4, F7, and F18, respectively: the ISO 9mm SMG, the TR-76 Geist Assault Rifle, and the Dual Kamas Melee weapon.

ISO 9mm SMG (Sector F4, HVT, Free) 



Sweep the battlefield clean with the high fire rate, maneuverability, and exceptional steadiness of this 9mm SMG.

The ISO 9mm excels at both close-quarters and mid-distance brawls. Its high fire rate, and top-notch recoil control allow for versatile, effective operations in most combat scenarios.

Use Gunsmith to customize the weapon to your needs by outfitting it with attachments that offer a deeper ammo reserve, more precise fire, extended damage range, and more. Experiment with different configurations across several Loadouts to home in on the best designs.

TR-76 Geist Assault Rifle (Sector F7, HVT, Free) 



A bullpup assault rifle chambered in 7.62 x 39mm. Highly modular, this weapon system can be adapted to fit a wide range of tactics and combat scenarios. 

The TR-76 Geist packs one hell of a punch, dealing solid damage at a moderate rate of fire. The weapon’s strong foundation allows for greater flexibility in attachment choice. Improve its damage profile with a longer Barrel to eliminate targets more efficiently at range or add a Laser and Underbarrel for close-quarters stability. For a wildly different combat experience, try the semi-auto attachment featuring major mobility boosts and high grain ammunition.

Dual Kamas (Sector F18, HVT, Free) 



Cut down your enemies with each swing of these curved and deadly blades.

Grip a sickle-shaped blade in each hand and slice through your enemies. In close-quarters combat, they’re hard to beat, their quick handling and cutting power providing Operators a means to take down the worst of the hell-born invaders.

New Weapon Skin, Blueprints, Vehicle Skins

A terrifying look won’t do much if you don’t have the power to back it up. Get access to a screaming arsenal of Haunting-themed Weapon Blueprints and Vehicle Skins throughout the Season 06 Battle Pass.

New: Smoke Grenade Equipment Skin (Sector BC, Non-HVT)



Equip the new Smoke Grenade Equipment Skin to alter the item’s in-game visual effects. Replacing the traditional smoke effect, the BlackCell variant emits red smoke in the appearance of a snake.

Ghoulish — Shotgun (Sector F3, Non-HVT)



An electrifying addition to the battlefield, this Shotgun Blueprint has the bringer of death emblazoned on its frame.

The Pro-Tuned design favors semi-auto fire, an extended damage range, and a tighter pellet spread to extend your lethality into the midrange. Paired with the weapon’s naturally high ammo reserves, this one will see you through the wildest skirmishes.

Spawn Sketched — Assault Rifle (Sector F8, Non-HVT, Free)



In homage to the hell-cursed antihero, the “Spawn Sketched” Assault Rifle Blueprint features his characteristic black, red, and white colors in a visual pattern as striking as a comic book panel.

Customized with a precision sight picture, improved aiming stability, and recoil control, this Weapon Blueprint is ideal for aggressive midranged play.

Necroplasm — SMG (Sector F10, HVT)



Complete Sector F10 to earn the “Necroplasm” SMG Tracer Blueprint, a mean-looking weapon with animated inlays and chains held in place by skulls.

The weapon’s versatile design combines a precision sight picture with improved recoil control for steady firing off the hip and when aiming down sights. BlackCell owners will get an additional variant of the weapon, featuring an animated surface combined with black and gold highlights.



New Vehicle Skins: Instill fear in your opponents before you’ve even landed with the “All Dolled Up” Heavy Chopper Skin. This Sector F5 reward features creepy doll heads, the largest of which looks outward with an unsettling stare; BlackCell owners will also unlock the “Scorched Wind” Heavy Chopper skin, a fierce-looking bird with orange fiery stripes down its back.

Other Battle Pass Vehicle Skins include the “Spawn’s Wheels” LTV, the “Horror Circus” Cargo Truck, the “Skull Spider” Light Helo, the “By the Horns” Dirt Bike, and more.

Complete the Map for Victory Sector Tier 100 Rewards



Complete 100% of the map by conquering all Sectors to access the final Victory Sector, which features the following items:

“Spawn” Skins for Spawn



“Let there be no mistake. The king of hell is returned.” — Spawn, Spawn Comic Vol. 1 #120

Become the antihero himself in classic form, tasked with fighting back the Dark Ritual Operators intent on destroying Al Mazrah and Vondead.

BlackCell Additional Skin: In the BlackCell variant of this skin, Spawn trades his white for gold, resulting in a fitting look for the king of hell.

“Necro” Assault Rifle Blueprint



This five-attachment build highlights the versatility of the new Assault Rifle in the Battle Pass. In this configuration, a 45 Round Mag helps offset the weapon’s high fire rate, with other attachments improving its Aim Down Sights speed and flinch resistance for a snappy and sturdy weapon that’s as effective as it looks.

300 COD Points, Emblem and Calling Card

Reaching Tier 100 also unlocks the Season 06 animated Emblem, the “Sinister Spawn” Calling Card, and 300 COD Points to spend toward your next Battle Pass or Store Bundle purchase.

Store Highlights: The Gates of Hell Open

Celebrate Halloween and the Haunting with a formidable assortment of Store Bundles, featuring horror icons like Skeletor the Overlord of Evil, Diablo IV’s Lilith, and Inarius, as well as other characters from beloved franchises and beyond.

Tracer Pack: Skeletor (Overlord of Evil)



Available: October 17

Become the true Overlord of Evil with the Skeletor Bundle, featuring three versions of the Skeletor Operator Skin alongside the “Havoc” SMG and “Grayskull Key” LMG Weapon Blueprints featuring shocking purple Tracers and the Last Laugh Death Effect. And when they don’t see you coming, activate the “Skeletor’s Malice” Finishing Move.

Navigate difficult terrain with the “War Sled” Vehicle Skin, equip the ram’s skull-shaped “Havoc Staff” Weapon Charm, and get the “Skeletor” Sticker, “Lord Skeletor” Loading Screen, and “Overlord of Evil” Emblem for your Player Profile.

Tracer Pack: Lilith (Diablo IV)



Available: October 15

The Burning Hells arrive in time for the Haunting. Deploy as the Daughter of Hatred and the Creator of Sanctuary. This Bundle offers the “Lilith” Operator Skin along with the “Blood Petal” Assault Rifle and “Eternal Conflict” SMG Weapon Blueprints featuring bloodred Tracers and the Ascension Death Effect. Eliminate enemies from behind using the “Daughter of Hatred” Finishing Move.

Ride in hellish style with the “Wretched Death” Vehicle Skin, and show your allegiance with the “Altar of Lilith” Weapon Charm, the “Lilith’s Call” Sticker, “Lilith’s Throne” Loading Screen, and “Summon Lilith” Emblem.

Tracer Pack: Inarius (Diablo IV)



Available: October 26

The fallen archangel Inarius appears fully armored in an iconic Operator Skin paired with the Pro-Tuned “Fallen Angel” SMG and “Heaven’s War” Sniper Rifle Weapon Blueprints. For close-quarters flank attacks, activate the “Inarius Impaling” Finishing Move. Available October 26.

Patrol the skies in the “Heaven’s Castaway” Vehicle Skin, and give honor to the prophet by equipping the “Cathedral of Light” Weapon Charm, “Rogue Angel” Sticker, “Archangel” Loading Screen, and “World Father” Emblem.

Tracer Pack: Hellsing Operator Bundle (Hellsing)



Available: October 3

Deploy as “Alucard,” the Hellsing Organization’s most powerful weapon against supernatural forces. Lay your enemies low with the animated “Hellsing Arms” SMG Weapon Blueprint plus the “Jackal” and “Casull” Handgun Blueprints, all featuring red Watcher Tracers and the Third Eye Death Effect.

Eliminate enemies instantly using the “Fate and Consequence” Finishing Move and mark your position on the field with the “Hellsing Ride” Vehicle Skin. Represent your honored role as a vampire slayer with the “Hellsing” Weapon Charm, “Hellsing Family” Sticker, “Vampire’s Eye” Loading Screen, and “Hell’s Gate Arrested” Emblem.

Ash Operator Bundle (Evil Dead 2)



Available: October 23

The former supermarket clerk-turned demon hunter arrives to battle the underworld entities spewing forth from the Hellmouth. Take on the role of humanity’s champion against evil with the “Ash” Operator Skin, paired with the classic “Boomstick” Shotgun and “Groovy” Assault Rifle Weapon Blueprints that get bloodier as you land more eliminations. Up close, make them dance using the “Boomstick Boogie” Finishing Move.

Show them you mean business with the “Chainsaw” Weapon Charm, “Deadites” Sticker, “Evil Dead 2” Loading Screen, and “Evil Dead” Emblem.

Tracer Pack: DOOM



Available: October 9

Bring legendary gaming to Call of Duty with the Pro-Tuned “Super Shotgun” featuring Vintage Tracers and the Pixel Spray Death Effect, alongside the “Chainsaw” Melee Blueprint also featuring the Pixel Spray Death Effect; both weapons are reminiscent of classic Doom graphics and get bloodier as you get more eliminations.

Fight like Hell by adding the “Doomguy” Gunscreen, “DOOM” Weapon Charm, and “Cacodemon” and “Slayer” Stickers to your weapon. Equip the “DOOM” Loading Screen and take your pick between the “Gibs” Emblem, the animated “Healthy Mug” Emblem, the animated “Lost Soul” Emblem, or the animated “POV” Emblem.

Tracer Pack: Grim Tidings



Available: October 29

Serve the afterlife by gathering and preparing souls for the underworld. Don the look of a demon hunter with the “Death’s Right Hand” Operator Skin for Ghost, as well as the reaper-themed Pro-Tuned “Soul Separator” Assault Rifle, “Grave Danger” Shotgun, and “Reap and Sow” Melee Weapon Blueprints. Execute the “Reaping Souls” Finishing Move for an instant takedown.

The Bundle also features the dog-themed “Best Friend” Battle Buddy, the “Ready to Reap” Weapon Charm, the “Reaps” Sticker, the “Grinning Grim” Loading Screen, and the “Slice of Death” Emblem. For DMZ, the Bundle also includes an additional Active Duty Slot and a 15-minute Insured Weapon Cooldown on all three Weapon Blueprints

Pro-Pack: Pumpkin Patch Pack



Available: October 20

This terrifying Bundle, priced at $19.99 or your regional equivalent, comes packed with 2,400 COD Points, become a glowing jack-o’-lantern with the “Carver” Operator Skin paired with the pumpkin-themed “Trick” SMG and “Treat” LMG Weapon Blueprints. Give your enemies the best of both worlds with the “Trick and Treat” Finishing Move.

Carve through narrow passages with the “Hallow Rider” Vehicle Skin, and praise the jack-o’-lantern with the “Pumpkin Lantern” Weapon Charm, the “Costume Party” Loading Screen, and the “Flaming Jacks” Emblem. This Bundle also features an additional Active Duty Slot in DMZ and a 15-minute Insured Weapon Cooldown on both Weapon Blueprints.

Tracer Pack: Witchcraft



Available: September 27

Call on your otherworldly powers to decimate enemy Operators using “The Witch” Operator Skin, paired with the Pro-Tuned “Spellcaster” Sniper Rifle and “Eye of Newt” Handgun Weapon Blueprints. Hex your foes with the “Death Summons” Finishing Move and track your battle proficiency with the “Witch’s Tracker” Gun Screen.

Leave evidence of your presence by attaching the “Witch Charm” Weapon Charm and “Rituals” Emblem. This Bundle also features an additional Active Duty Slot in DMZ and a 15-minute Insured Weapon Cooldown on both Weapon Blueprints.

Paranormal Investigator Pack



Available: October 19

Bring the supernatural to justice with “The Investigator” Operator Skin. Fight back evil with two animated Weapon Blueprints: the “Case File” Assault Rifle and “Paranormalist’s Toolkit” Sniper Rifle. Outfit your weapons with the “Ghost Tracker” Gun Screen and “Sinister Signal” Weapon Charm.

Show who you work for using the “Fringe PI” Sticker, light up your Loading Screen with “Ghastly Energies,” and take a trip through classic horror villains using the animated “Phenomenon” Emblem.

Stay frosty.

SPAWN: Published by IMAGE COMICS, PO BOX 14457, Portland, OR 97293 USA. Spawn, its logo and its symbol are registered trademarks © 2023 Todd McFarlane Productions, Inc. All other related characters are TM and © 2023 Todd McFarlane Productions, Inc. All rights reserved. The characters, events and stories in this publication are entirely fictional. With exception of artwork used for review purposes, none of the contents of this publication may be reprinted without the permission of Todd McFarlane Productions, Inc. Printed in USA.

Todd McFarlane: Legendary comic book creator known for his groundbreaking work in comics, toys, entertainment, and music. Co-founder and President of Image Comics and creator of one of the world’s best-selling comics, Spawn. CEO of McFarlane Toys, one of the leading action figure manufacturers in the world. McFarlane has received multiple awards including a Grammy and two Emmy Awards, several Guinness World Records and many toy awards.

MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE™ and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by, and used under license from, Mattel. ©2023 Mattel.

EVIL DEAD 2 © 1987 STUDIOCANAL S.A.S. All Rights Reserved

HELLSING © 2006 Kouta Hirano.SHONEN GAHOSHA Co.,LTD./WILD GEESE

DOOM © 2023 ZeniMax Media Inc. All Rights Reserved.

DIABLO® IV ©2023 Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.

© 2023 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, CALL OF DUTY WARZONE, and MODERN WARFARE are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.

For more information, please visit www.callofduty.com and www.youtube.com/callofduty, and follow @Activision and @CallofDuty on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. For Call of Duty Updates, follow @CODUpdates on Twitter.

MWII Announcement: Season 06: The Haunting — Part 2

September 21, 2023

Nikto Spawn (Nikto Skin)



Operator Nikto favors a similar tactical look and impressive mask getup and takes it to the next level with this Spawn homage.

Gaia (Nova Skin)



Said to be an earthen form of Mother Nature herself, Gaia is an ancient goddess of considerable power and seeks ruination for those intent on despoiling her realm.

 The Gates of Hell Open with All-New Licensed Store Offerings

In addition to a variety of Halloween-themed content, expect an incredible number of new Operators to stride forth into the fray, including the following:

Inarius (Diablo) and Lilith (Diablo)



The Burning Hells arrives in Call of Duty. Diablo-themed Bundles make their fiery appearance, complete with the Queen of the Succubi Lilith and the fallen archangel Inarius as Operators.

Skeletor (Overlord of Evil)



Become the true Overlord of Evil with the Skeletor Bundle, complete with a Skeletor Operator, as well as evil sorcery–themed Blueprints and Emblems.

Ash Williams (Evil Dead 2)



Open the Book of the Dead with the Evil Dead 2 Bundle. This Bundle introduces Ash Williams to Season 06, complete with boomstick Weapon Blueprints and plenty of gear to slay Deadites and primitive screwheads.

Alucard (Hellsing)



Combat the supernatural and the undead with the Hellsing Bundle, complete with the tyrannical vampire-turned-vampire-hunter, Alucard.

DOOM (DOOM, Weapon Bundle)



As teased earlier in this blog, get knee-deep in the dead with the DOOM Tracer Weapon Bundle, complete with an arsenal of gear (including a Chainsaw and a long-range Shotgun) in readiness to rip and tear your enemies apart.

The Final Prestige — Level 1,250



Season 06 will increase the Prestige Rank cap from 21 to 25, with a new maximum level of 1,250. Obtaining each new Prestige Rank offers multiple rewards along with a new icon besides the Prestige number, as follows:

• Prestige 22: Unlocked at Level 1,100.
• Prestige 23: Unlocked at Level 1,150.
• Prestige 24: Unlocked at Level 1,200.
• Prestige 25: Unlocked at Level 1,250.

Each new Prestige Rank awards an Emblem, a Battle Pass Tier Skip, Double XP Battle Pass Tokens, and access to new Calling Card Challenges found in the COD HQ menu (visible at the top right of your screen). Those who reach Prestige Rank 25 will additionally receive the Militant Operator Skin.

Note that your current progress will not reset at the start of the season. Keep ranking up from the level you reached in Season 05, whether it was before Prestige Ranks (1–55) or within the Prestige Ranks (56–1,050).

OUT OF COMBAT OVERVIEW

• The roadmap to Modern Warfare III launch is here: Mark your calendars for a massive content drop to come!
• Tune into Call of Duty: Next on October 5. Get all the details on the upcoming Modern Warfare III at Call of Duty: Next, the showcase event sharing details on Multiplayer, Zombies, future developments in Call of Duty: Warzone, and more.
• Catch Call of Duty Endowment (C.O.D.E.) Bowl IV. Directly following the Next event, military esports teams will compete for the trophy in the fourth annual C.O.D.E. Bowl tournament.
• The Modern Warfare III Beta (Weekend 1: October 6–10; Weekend 2: October 12–16). Ready to play the Modern Warfare III Beta for free? Check out the intel below.
• Zombie Ghost Instant Reward. Preorder any digital edition of Modern Warfare III and receive the Zombie Ghost Skin on September 27 to use in MWII and Call of Duty: Warzone and MWIII.
• Play Modern Warfare II, Carry Forward into Modern Warfare III. Take your arsenal and roster of Operators with you into Modern Warfare III when it launches on November 10.

The Roadmap to Modern Warfare III Launch



Be sure to clear your schedule and mark your calendars as the Call of Duty action and intel heats up ahead of the global launch of Modern Warfare III this November 10. Here’s what to look forward to:

September 27: Modern Warfare II Season 06 launch. Spawn into the action with all-new Multiplayer maps and weapons and a robust Battle Pass.

October 5: Call of Duty: Next. Ready yourself for the premier showcase event for Modern Warfare III  showcasing the future of what’s coming to Modern Warfare III, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Call of Duty®: Warzone™ Mobile,  Watch the event live on the Official Call of Duty Twitch Channel or Call of Duty YouTube Channel.

October 6–16 : Modern Warfare III Beta. See below for detailed information on the Modern Warfare III Beta, offering both Early Access and Open Access periods with a taste  of Multiplayer maps and modes and a host of rewards just for playing!

October 17: Modern Warfare II: The Haunting. The conclusion of Modern Warfare II’s final season brings fight-or-fright scenarios across Call of Duty: Warzone and Multiplayer, with a host of Events, Limited-Time Modes, and free rewards to unlock and claim.

November 2: Modern Warfare III: Campaign Early Access. Task Force 141 face off against the ultimate threat. Players can digitally preorder the game and play the Campaign up to a week early, experiencing the innovative Open Combat Missions as well as the signature, cinematic Call of Duty® campaign missions.

November 10: Modern Warfare III: Launch. The full game releases worldwide, offering one of the greatest collections of Modern Warfare Multiplayer maps ever assembled! Play all 16 launch maps from the original Modern Warfare® 2 (2009) modernized with new modes and gameplay features and get ready for over 12 all-new core 6v6 maps fueling post-launch live seasons. Ready up your squad for a new open-world PvE Zombies experience in Modern Warfare Zombies featuring some of the biggest enemies in the largest map in Call of Duty history!

Get in on the Modern Warfare III Beta



Call of Duty: Next also leads directly into the Modern Warfare III Multiplayer Beta, beginning October 6 and lasting over a period of two weekends. The Beta will feature a variety of Core Multiplayer maps and new experiences in Ground War, several modes, and new Loadout items to equip and take into battle.

Expect an announcement in a forthcoming blog detailing the variety of free content you can unlock during the Open Beta Weekends.

Catch Call of Duty Endowment (C.O.D.E.) Bowl IV



We’re only two weeks away from the Call of Duty Endowment event of the year, C.O.D.E. Bowl IV, presented by USAA. Following the Royal Air Force’s comeback victory last year, it’s time for a new champion to emerge as military esports teams from the U.S., U.K., and — for the first time ever — Canada join top Call of Duty streamers to compete for the coveted trophy and bragging rights for the winning team’s military branch of service.

Watch the tournament on the Call of Duty YouTube, Twitch, Steam, and Facebook channels on October 5, 2023, immediately following Call of Duty: Next, the premier showcase event for Modern Warfare III Multiplayer, Call of Duty®: Mobile, and Call of Duty: Warzone! One hundred percent of the net proceeds from the tournament will go toward placing more veterans into high-quality jobs.

Zombie Ghost Operator Skin Preorder Bonus Reward



In addition to all of the benefits you can receive for preordering Modern Warfare III detailed in this blog post, there is a new benefit you can claim: Unlock the Zombie Ghost Operator Skin by preordering or prepurchasing any digital edition of Modern Warfare III (either Standard/Cross-Gen, or Vault Edition).

• If you preorder before the start of Season 06, Zombie Ghost will be available for you to use on September 27.
• If you preorder after September 27, Zombie Ghost will be available for you to use immediately.
• The Zombie Ghost Operator Skin can be used in Modern Warfare II and Call of Duty: Warzone and will carry forward, meaning it will also be available in Modern Warfare III, starting at game launch.

Play Modern Warfare II, Carry Forward into Modern Warfare III



For the first time in Call of Duty history, the content you earn in Modern Warfare II will carry forward to the upcoming Modern Warfare III, releasing November 10. Read all about it in our Carry Forward Q&A. Start playing now and take your weapons and Operators with you to the new game.

Stay frosty.

SPAWN: Published by IMAGE COMICS, PO BOX 14457, Portland, OR 97293 USA. Spawn, its logo and its symbol are registered trademarks © 2023 Todd McFarlane Productions, Inc. All other related characters are TM and © 2023 Todd McFarlane Productions, Inc. All rights reserved. The characters, events and stories in this publication are entirely fictional. With exception of artwork used for review purposes, none of the contents of this publication may be reprinted without the permission of Todd McFarlane Productions, Inc. Printed in USA.

Todd McFarlane: Legendary comic book creator known for his groundbreaking work in comics, toys, entertainment, and music. Co-founder and President of Image Comics and creator of one of the world’s best-selling comics, Spawn. CEO of McFarlane Toys, one of the leading action figure manufacturers in the world. McFarlane has received multiple awards including a Grammy and two Emmy Awards, several Guinness World Records and many toy awards.

MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE™ and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by, and used under license from, Mattel. ©2023 Mattel.

EVIL DEAD 2 © 1987 STUDIOCANAL S.A.S. All Rights Reserved

HELLSING © 2006 Kouta Hirano.SHONEN GAHOSHA Co.,LTD./WILD GEESE

DOOM © 2023 ZeniMax Media Inc. All Rights Reserved.

DIABLO® IV ©2023 Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.

For more information on the Call of Duty Endowment, follow @CallofDutyEndowment on Instagram and @CODE4Vets on Twitter.

© 2023 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, CALL OF DUTY WARZONE, and MODERN WARFARE are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners.

For more information, please visit www.callofduty.com and www.youtube.com/callofduty, and follow @Activision and @CallofDuty on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. For Call of Duty Updates, follow @CODUpdates on Twitter.

MWII Announcement: Season 06: The Haunting

September 21, 2023

Prepare for frightening thrills, the shambling undead, squad hunts to take down grotesque monsters, and those infamous jump-scares as The Haunting returns to Call of Duty®! The Hellmouth has opened, spilling unearthly creatures from the underworld, and a creeping terror is slowly swallowing all souls as it infects the entirety of Al Mazrah, reaching the bloodred canals of Vondel, and beyond!



It appears a clandestine group known as the Dark Ritual Operators have located and opened a terrifying Hellmouth. After the gate’s seals were ripped apart, a cacophony of otherworldly gurgling resounded, before a veritable panoply of the grotesque poured forth from their opened prison…

All Operators should ready themselves for “Operation Nightmare” and prepare to battle and repel these aberrant threats!

Fortunately, in the ensuing chaos, the Dark Ritual Operators left the gate open in time for backup to arrive in the form of Spawn®, the hellacious antihero who is now tasked with sending these monsters and their ilk back to the underworld.

The Haunting event officially begins at mid-season, bringing Halloween-themed maps, modes, events and more across both games. Prepare for spine-chilling scares and ferocious battles ahead at launch with the release of four new Multiplayer maps, a Battle Pass stocked with devilishly entertaining new Operators and Weapon Blueprints, and more.



Welcome to Season 06 Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® II and Call of Duty®: Warzone™, launching on September 27 at 9 AM PT.

Expect Patch Notes from Infinity Ward and Raven Software to be available prior to the release of Season 06. Additional development support is provided by (in alphabetical order) Activision Central Design, Activision Localization Dublin, Activision QA, Activision Shanghai, Beenox, Demonware, High Moon Studios, Raven Software, Sledgehammer Games, Team Ricochet, Toys for Bob, and Treyarch.

As the monstrous host begins to sink Al Mazrah into perpetual and terrifying darkness, here's all the available intel, ahead of a comprehensive Roadmap of all The Haunting activities, coming later, just before mid-season on October 17:

CALL OF DUTY: WARZONE OVERVIEW

• Operation Nightmare is a GO: Coming at mid-season, investigate eldritch anomalies across the map, and face a host of monstrous targets as you gradually clear a Bounty board of otherworldly terrors!
• Welcome to Vondead: A demonic incantation unleashed an uncontained zombie outbreak across Vondel. The undead have ravaged the streets under a bloodred moon. Shocking secrets are waiting to be discovered!
• Zombie Royale is back for both maps: Tear into this infamous limited-time mode at mid-season, with all-new innovations but the same chaotic premise — return to battle as a fast-moving Zombie. Survive, or get eaten!
• Lockdown returns, otherworldly loot, and events: Head to Vondel for more Lockdown action, gather Souls for in-game rewards, and prepare for plenty of jump scares, eldritch equipment, and much more.

The Haunting: Operation Nightmare (Al Mazrah, Mid-Season)



Operators within the Al Mazrah AO, listen up! After the Hellmouth incident, we have alarming reports at increasing frequency of several eldritch hot spots appearing. You are to investigate these anomalies as Operation Nightmare officially begins on October 17, and the following recon has been obtained to offer a glimpse at the chaos to come:

Mission parameters: Entities have been detected throughout the AO, and the [[REDACTED]] of each encounter will be referenced on your Tac-Map. You must investigate each location and eliminate the “Most Wanted” Target, as well as any other hostiles.

Initial recon: A bounty has been offered on a number of [[REDACTED]] targets, and rewards for exceptional bravery may result in [[REDACTED]], as well as a Mastery Weapon Blueprint. Unconfirmed reports state that the following apocryphal activities have been observed:

• An ancient tomb complex has been unearthed [[REDACTED]], hieroglyphs, and [[REDACTED]] entity known as “The Pharaoh” has been [[REDACTED]].

• Witnesses report seeing strange lights and [[REDACTED]] in the night sky over [[REDACTED]], though unidentified anomalous phenomenon (UAP) has [[REDACTED]] or “orbs”.

• Encounters with a spectral [[REDACTED]], seemingly accessible [[REDACTED]], with Operator vehicles necessary to [[REDACTED]], moving at a rapid pace.

• Unconfirmed [[REDACTED]], further into the swamp, where [[REDACTED]] abomination known as the “Swamp Creature,” though [[REDACTED]] non-standard armaments.

• Observers in the [[REDACTED]] region describe a glowing, wisp-like ethereal [[REDACTED]], multiple hostiles [[REDACTED]] “Evil Spirits.”

• Outside the stone walls [[REDACTED]] platforms of particular concern, [[REDACTED]] the Altars of Lilith, [[REDACTED]] Nightmare Portal [[REDACTED]] codenamed “The Butcher.” This influence may extend to the Vondel AO.

The Haunting: Vondead (Vondel, Mid-Season)



Additional supernatural activities have occurred across Vondel, which has forced a complete evacuation of the city and surrounding area. A demonic incantation by a sorceress has unleashed a zombie outbreak, bringing nightmares to life as the canals of Vondead run red with blood. Up in the firmament, a rare Blood Moon hangs ominously in the sky, casting Vondel in an eerie, scarlet-tinged darkness.

Graveyard of the Witch, Altars of the Butcher

The source of this anomalous activity appears to be the Graveyard, which is a hive of summoning activity and should be infiltrated. However, many of Vondead’s points of interest show signs of a city overrun with the undead — from the burning vehicles to the barricaded and vandalized shops, to the bloodied tramway and train station. There are other alarming activities to investigate at the zoo, stadium, and elsewhere.

Demonic altars have also been erected around Vondead, seemingly a source of power for these activities and linked in some way to a feared entity known in myth and legend as “The Butcher.” Have you the skill and mettle to summon this hulking demon, descend into the underworld to face him in battle, and reap the rewards if you can dare defeat him?

Perhaps there are other, hidden rewards to find as you brave the blood-covered streets of Vondead?

The Haunting: Zombie Royale (Limited-Time Mode, Al Mazrah, Vondel, Mid-Season)



The infamous limited-time mode from previous iterations of The Haunting is back, with all-new innovations, as well as elements returning from past Zombies Royale experiences, including Rebirth of the Dead.

The dead walk the earth and are congregating in especially gruesome versions of Al Mazrah and Vondel (each a separate Zombie Royale experience). During a match of Zombie Royale, those Operators slain by others find the Gulag permanently closed, and instead, their corpses are reanimated as vessels of the undead!

Once you’ve been zombified, you’ll find several impressive abilities available to you as you attempt to savagely tear apart the remaining human Operators, all the while collecting special syringes with the purpose of ending your undead purgatory and returning to fight as a human. As the match progresses, expect an additional undead twist as the corpses of every Operator currently spectating the match twitch back to life, creating additional hordes of rotting foes to contend with! Squads can still function with some of their Operators transformed into zombies, allowing for a variety of tactics if you work in unison. However, zombies slain in the continuing mayhem are eliminated from the match. The squad that defeats enemies both undead and living and finishes the fight can claim victory!

The Haunting: Vondead Lockdown (Limited-Time Mode, Vondel, Mid-Season)



Vondead is under Lockdown.

The limited-time mode is back and bloodier than ever! Those who experienced this limited-time mode during Season 04 know that this objective-based Battle Royale mode requires teams to bring in their Custom Loadouts from the drop, staying close and gaining points by capturing and holding zones around the map like a large-scale version of the Multiplayer mode Hardpoint. This time, however, prepare to play it under an ominous moonlit, night-time variant of Vondel!

The Haunting: Equipment and Items (Mid-Season)



Prowl the frightening gloom of Al Mazrah and Vondead in search of more than just zombies and monstrous entities to slay. There’s some additional, otherworldly loot to gather — and be extremely wary of — as The Haunting begins:

Captured Souls (Al Mazrah, Vondead)

As part of the Soul Capture Event across Call of Duty: Warzone and Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® II (detailed in the General Overview section later in this blog), you will obtain Souls by racking up kills and defeating monstrous beings. These Souls are instantly awarded once you pick them up; you can keep them or trade them for a variety of impressive rewards after each match is complete.

Haunted Box

The revolting Zombies roaming Al Mazrah and Vondead drop more than their entrails; expect them to occasionally leave a strange-looking loot box behind, which can also be found throughout the maps. Well worth seeking out as it spills out plates, ammunition, and equipment, acting like a mutated Armor and Munitions Box. Take extreme care when opening these boxes, lest you’re devoured by the living maw that has possessed these containers!

Bloodseeker Grenade

Fashioned into the shape of a vampire bat by an unknown evil, this parasitic “living grenade” latches on to enemies and highlights them in thermal vision; this is particularly helpful (or harrowing) in the nighttime operations you’re undertaking! Unconfirmed reports state this oddity is unable to clamp on to Operators who are underwater.

Trick and Treat: Jump Scares

It takes additional intestinal fortitude to drop into Call of Duty: Warzone combat when every lootable container across Al Mazrah or Vondead has the potential to set off an intense and visceral jump scare. Survive these horrifying hallucinations to claim the rewards contained within the container.

Expect additional (terrifying) surprises as The Haunting casts its shroud of fear across Call of Duty: Warzone at mid-season!

The Haunting Comes to DMZ (Mid-Season)



If your squad is ready to drop into Al Mazrah as part of Operation Nightmare, hone your DMZ talents before mid-season.

For Season 06, DMZ focuses on the nighttime hunts for preternatural entities across the warzone of Al Mazrah. Prep your team accordingly, as without the pressure of a collapsing circle of gas, DMZ is the ideal mode for obtaining intel on, tracking down, and finally neutralizing monstrous entities from beyond this world.

Players can look forward to the all the Al Mazrah-related Events and other activities present within The Haunting, which will be coming to DMZ.

MODERN WARFARE II OVERVIEW

• Two Core, two Gunfight Maps at launch. Deploy to one new original and one returning map in both Core and Gunfight, from an extravagant Las Almas estate to a classic live fire range where kings reign.
• Two Haunting Map reskins. El Asilo celebrates Día de Muertos, while Embassy becomes the site of a bloody zombie attack.
• A frightening twist on classic modes. Jump scares, skulls, zombies, and more descend on your favorite classic modes, including twisted takes on Domination, Kill Confirmed, Grind, Drop Zone, and Infected.

Four New Maps at Launch: Two Core, Two Gunfight

Season 06 expands the Multiplayer map rotation with four maps: La Casa (Core), Koro Village (Core), King (Gunfight), and Fight (Gunfight). This mix of new and classic environments has something for everyone, whether you’re a tactical mastermind or a true blood run-and-gunner.

La Casa (Core, Launch)



Deploy to the center of paradise in Las Almas, Mexico, in a brand-new map from Infinity Ward. Far from prying eyes and surrounded by high walls, this luxurious estate features a dual-wing layout with living quarters in the east and a massive dining room and offices in the west.

A bridge connecting the two wings looks over the roundabout entrance to the north and the pond to the south, next to a palapa for relief from the sun. Expect crossfire between the separate wings of the estate, and when the action get really hot, dive into the pool and ambush the next enemy who passes by.

Koro Village (Core, Launch)



Wind back the clock to 2005 when the Multiplayer map “Toujane” launched with Call of Duty® 2. If you’ve been playing the series long enough to be familiar with that desert town, you’ll recognize the layout of Koro Village, though you might want to bring along some warmer clothes for the new wintry location.

Tromp through the snow and fight out on the streets or move from building to building, clearing out the opposition. Watch for the yellow ladders offering access to the rooftops, where makeshift ramps connect buildings for easy travel. Use the vantage point to target enemies below and watch your back against intruders looking to claim the upper level for themselves.

King (Gunfight, Launch)



The fan-favorite Gunfight map that debuted in Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® (2019) returns in Season 06. Though the warehouse holding the practice range has since become tagged up and overgrown, veterans of King will be right at home with its layout. Book it up over the central deck, funnel into one of the side containers, or try for an early elimination by firing from behind the shooting target walls. In this symmetrical classic, it all comes down to speed and tactics.

Fight (Gunfight, Launch)



The new Fight map offers a different kind of firing-range experience as Operators move through various shoot houses that feature extreme close-quarters engagements. Use shoot houses three and four to get above your enemies and use one and two to fight them on the ground up close. There’s some room for midrange engagements on the outside, but on this small map, the time to engagement is minimal, so be quick on the draw.

The Haunting: Two Map Reskins (Mid-Season)

Starting with the mid-season update, you’ll find the Halloween spirit alive and well with two map updates: El Asilo celebrates Día de Muertos, while Embassy becomes the site of a devastating zombie attack.



El Asilo: Larger-than-life calaveras stand outside the asylum, looking over the festivities of Día de Muertos. Other painted and neon skulls decorate the landscape alongside marigolds, candles, and altars that honor lost loved ones.



Embassy: Diplomacy has broken down: Conduct an evening operation on Embassy following a gruesome zombie attack. The message “Send Help” hangs suspended from the rooftop, but it’s far too late…the zombie attack has already come and gone, leaving structural havoc and corporeal damage in its wake.

A Haunting Twist on Classic Modes (Mid-Season)



Along with changes to maps, the mid-season update is also bringing Halloween twists to a select number of modes. While the overall objectives may be the same, try not to get scared out of your wits while completing them.

Haunting Domination (Mid-Season): Own all the control points on the map as usual. However, in this version of Domination, expect a Scarecrow to act as a marker for each flag.



Haunting Kill Confirmed/Grind (Mid-Season): Instead of Dog Tags, collect skulls in Grind and Kill Confirmed.

Haunting Drop Zone Drop Scares (Mid-Season): Capture and hold the Drop Zone to earn points for your team but take care while opening any crates . . . who knows what might jump out at you!

Haunting Infected (Mid-Season): Zombies swarm to Infected. Players who become infected will appear as The Haunting–themed Zombies.

GENERAL OVERVIEW

• Gear up with new weapons. There’s no horror too great when you’ve got these weapons in hand. Take on enemies with a new Assault Rifle, SMG, a Melee weapon, and a Chainsaw last used on Phobos…
• BlackCell introduces V4L3RIA. The latest in robotics is ready for deployment as V4L3RIA arrives to lead the BlackCell offering, along with her Tactical Pet named Megabyte.
• Spawn headlines the Battle Pass. The multiple forms of antihero Spawn headline the Season 06 Battle Pass, featuring additional Spawn Operator Skins alongside other monsters and maniacs arriving straight from the underworld.
• Open the Gates of Hell. The Gates of Hell have sprung open to reveal . . . the first glimpse of Season 06’s Halloween-themed Bundles and Operators!

The Haunting: Soul Capture Event (Mid-Season)



Available across Modern Warfare II and Call of Duty: Warzone, the Soul Capture Event is an enhanced and fear-inducing variation on the popular Trophy Hunt Event from Season 03. Available across all game modes, any time a player is eliminated, they leave a Soul behind. Collect these Souls, which are automatically added to your total in all game modes (meaning there’s no need to visit a Buy Station in Call of Duty: Warzone or DMZ this time), and trade them for items shown in the Events Tab.

Increase the number of Souls you capture by facing off against a variety of monsters lurking across Call of Duty: Warzone’s maps. Redeem enough items, and you’ll unlock some impressively themed items for your efforts.

The Haunting: Daily Login Rewards (Mid-Season)



As the creeping terror contained within The Haunting infiltrates Modern Warfare II and Call of Duty: Warzone, expect to receive a variety of free, limited-time cosmetic items simply by logging into the game as The Haunting progresses.

Ranked Play Rewards (Modern Warfare II, Call of Duty: Warzone, Launch)



Ranked Play in both Modern Warfare II and Call of Duty: Warzone continues for the true competitors, and as ever, there are plenty of new rewards for both Multiplayer and Battle Royale Ranked Play:

Multiplayer Ranked Play Rewards

• 5 Wins: ’MWII Season 06 Competitor’ Weapon Sticker
• 10 Wins: Pro Issue SP-X 80 Weapon Blueprint
• 25 Wins: 'Taking Out The Trash” Weapon Charm
• 50 Wins: '1v1 Me’ Large Weapon Decal
• 75 Wins: ’MWII Ranked Play Season 06’ Loading Screen
• 100 Wins: ’MWII Season 06 Ranked Veteran’ Weapon Camo

Battle Royale Ranked Play Rewards



Finish “Top 15” 25 Times: 'Full Send’ Large Weapon Decal

Finish “Top 5” 10 Times: 'Pro Issue Signal 50 Weapon Blueprint

Finish 1st Place: 'Rat Around and Find Out’ Weapon Charm

Kill and Assist Challenges

Get 25 Kills or Assists: 'WZ Season 06 Competitor” Weapon Sticker

Get 250 Kills or Assists: 'WZ Ranked Play Season 06’ Loading Screen

Get 1,000 Kills or Assists: 'WZ Season 06 Ranked Veteran’ Weapon Camo

New Rewards for Season 06, Earning Them, and Top 250

There are new rotating Division Rewards for this Season. For players obtaining Gold through Top 250, you can expect to unlock the following:

• MWII Ranked Play: Large Weapon Decals
• WZ Ranked Play: Vehicle Skins.

Players will earn these based on their highest placement. Top 250 players will need to finish in Top 250.

Remember: The number one player in Season 06 on the Top 250 Leaderboard will receive a unique, one-of-a-kind Calling Card and Emblem for the ultimate bragging rights…

Check the Patch Notes for additional Ranked Play insights, updates, and information on exact Divisional Rewards for Multiplayer and Battle Royale.

Three New Weapons at Launch, One Chainsaw for the Doomed in Mid-Season

TR-76 Geist (Assault Rifle — Launch, Battle Pass)



A hard-hitting bullpup assault rifle chambered in 7.62 x 39 mm. Highly modular, this weapon system can be adapted to fit a wide range of tactics and combat scenarios.

The TR-76 Geist packs one hell of a punch, dealing solid damage with a moderate rate of fire. Its compact design supports manageable recoil, too, making for a rock-solid foundation before accounting for Gunsmith.

Cater to its high damage profile by focusing on attachments that improve mobility and handling or equip its custom 10 round semi-auto modification for even higher damage and greater precision. Excel at greater distances with a midrange optic or equip a dot sight and laser for close quarters play.

However you build the TR-76 Geist, you’ll find it a worthy addition to the Assault Rifle category, offering a reliable and aggressive weapon that will perform admirably in the challenges ahead.

ISO 9mm (SMG — Launch, Battle Pass)



Sweep the battlefield clean with the high fire rate, maneuverability, and exceptional steadiness of this 9mm SMG.

Keep the darkness at bay with this spitfire SMG, the latest addition to the ISO platform. This weapon favors speed over long-range lethality, so do what it takes to get up close and on target fast.

Throw on a 50-round drum for sustained firepower and pair it with a laser and grip that improve hip-fire accuracy. If you prefer snappy precision, boost its Aim Down Sights speed and equip a dot sight. With a weapon that handles this well, you’ve got options… as long as you keep it close.

Operators seeking a rapid-fire SMG to spray down enemies should look no further than the ISO 9mm.

Dual Kamas (Melee — Launch, Battle Pass)



Cut down your enemies with each swing of these curved and deadly blades.

Shave your enemies down to size with dual-wield Kamas. These sickle-shaped bladed weapons slice through enemies with their viciously sharp curved blades, making them the perfect instrument for close-quarters mayhem. Equip them and reap the rewards of their deadly precision.

DOOM Chainsaw (Melee — Mid-Season, Bundle)



A chainsaw that tore through Hell.

With a weapon that’s brutally effective against Cacodemons across the Martian moons of Phobos and Deimos - it’s time to find some meat as DOOM’s eponymous melee weapon arrives in Call of Duty! This weapon, along with the deadly “Super Shotgun” Blueprint—featuring an all-new Trigger Attachment, are available within the DOOM Bundle. This truly hellish offering is available to be wielded across The Haunting and — like all other weaponry — carries forward into Modern Warfare® III.

Though physically different in form, the Chainsaw has the same damage profile as the Pickaxe, does not have a progression or mastery reward associated with it, and should be considered a variant of the Pickaxe when delivering damage to an opponent.

The Haunting: Possessed Equipment (Mid-Season)



Did you hear that? Did you SEE that? It seems some of your Loadout equipment may have become possessed. Operators are to take additional care when utilizing the following items:

Sound Veil Scream (Field Upgrade, Mid-Season): For those stepping into the sound wave of the Suppression Mine, prepare for a hallucinatory audio assault as the air fills with the screams of the dead!

Decoy Grenade (Tactical, Mid-Season): Reports of inhuman and monstrous sounds peppered with gunfire make this more than just an audio hallucination.

BlackCell Introduces V4L3RIA



Experimenting with their robotics technology, BlackCell introduces V4L3RIA as this season’s exclusive Operator. A BlackCell prototype, V4L3RIA is a hybrid machine built for conflict. A modern marvel of biological and mechanical components, partnered with state-of-the-art battle systems, V4L3RIA features semi-transparent skin, revealing the inner skeleton, as well as robotic voice lines for full technical immersion.

Those who purchase the BlackCell — available for $29.99 — will unlock V4L3RIA, her Tactical (and equally robotic) Pet known as Megabyte, 1,100 COD Points, an advanced starting position in the Battle Pass AO, and even more content in the Season 06 Battle Pass . . . in addition to 20 Tier Skips.

Check out more info on the BlackCell offering below, as well as in the designated Battle Pass, Bundles, and BlackCell blog post, arriving prior to Season 06 launch.

Spawn Headlines the Season 06 Battle Pass (Launch)

A deal with the devil is fulfilled in Season 06’s Battle Pass. Witness U.S. Security Group assassin Al Simmons’ transformation into the legendary antihero Spawn. Unlock further Spawn-themed rewards and Operator Skins throughout the pass, including additional visitors from the Underworld. For BlackCell owners, each of the following Operator Skins comes with an impressive BlackCell variant:

Al Simmons (New Operator)



“I need to finish this, and I need to do it alone.” — Al Simmons, Spawn Comic Vol. 1 #257

Players who purchase the Season 06 Battle Pass system will immediately unlock the Al Simmons Operator, Spawn’s Mortal World identity. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Simmons grew up to become a skilled assassin and military intelligence officer who was then betrayed by his former colleagues and murdered during a mission. Sent to Hell for his work as an assassin, he made a deal with the devil to return to Earth as none other than Spawn.

Spawn (New Operator, Tier 0 Skin, and Tier 100 Skin)



“You sent me to Hell. I’m here to return the favor.” — Spawn, Spawn (1997)

Receive a more tactical variety of Spawn at the start of your Battle Pass progress. Unleash hell with the mightiest Spawn Operator Skin of them all after completing all 20 Sectors of the Battle Pass system and reaching Tier 100.

Other Available Operators and Skins

Burned Spawn (Al Simmons Skin)



Prior to his transformation into Spawn, Al Simmons was deceived and burned alive. This shrouded figure is one of many forms Spawn takes.

Creepy Clown (Fender Skin)



A hell-born half-demon of considerable power and deviancy, the arch-villain Violator has taken the form of a rotund clown to anger Spawn.

Violator (König Skin)



Closer to the true form, the cruel and arrogant Violator brings “death on two legs” in the form of a grotesquely headed Operator to further infuriate Spawn.

Disruptor (Horangi Skin)



 Masquerading as a businessman and responsible for the death and transformation of Al Simmons, Disruptor is known by many names and is feared as a crime lord.

Soul Crusher (Vega Skin)



A mysterious rival of Spawn’s, Soul Crusher is an enigmatic figure, using noxious gasses to asphyxiate his victims into submission.

Zombies Cinematic | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III

September 19, 2023

The Zombies experience arrives in the Modern Warfare universe as a team of multi-national Operators assist the members of Task Force 141 against vast undead hordes brought on by a second major enemy threat. Watch the trailer and dig into the lore of this massive, open-world experience launching with Modern Warfare III on November 10.

Narrative Drop: Zombies Lore for Modern Warfare III

September 19, 2023

For the first time in Call of Duty® history, Zombies is coming to the Modern Warfare® universe in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III. Developed by Treyarch in collaboration with Sledgehammer Games, Modern Warfare Zombies is a signature cooperative experience that challenges players to team up with other squads to survive and fight massive hordes of the undead in the largest Call of Duty Zombies map ever.

Watch the trailer (below), then read on for a breakdown of what is happening as the chaos unfolds:



The Break-In

The scene opens on a squad of men in military garb about to conduct a nighttime raid on an unknown location. A familiar voice calls in support to distract the local police while the military unit moves up to breach the back door of a hotel building. Inside, they quickly plant an explosive, blasting a hole in the wall to reveal stairs down to their subterranean destination. What they find in that room changes the nature of the threat in an instant.

The Discovery



Four heavily decomposed bodies are seated around a table, desiccated almost beyond all recognition. In the middle of the table sits a strange device which opens to reveal two vials filled with an active substance. One of the assailants grabs one and removes his mask to better inspect it, revealing himself as none other than Viktor Zakhaev, the ultranationalist arms dealer and enemy of Task Force 141. He appears equally surprised and pleased to have found what his team is searching for.

The Incursion



Storing the two vials in a secure container, the squad leaves, only to find that the local security forces have raised the alarm, and the military police have sent in reinforcements. The ensuing firefight is both explosive and bloody, and Zakhaev’s forces are severely outnumbered. As the skirmish continues, all but one of Zakhaev’s men are eliminated. Under fire and in desperate straits, he resorts to throwing one of his vials toward his attackers before retreating into his armored vehicle. The vessel shatters on the ground, and almost instantly, a cloying, purple fog spreads rapidly through the streets, choking out the police forces and rapidly transforming both the living and the fallen into bloodthirsty zombies.



Safe in the confines of their vehicle, Zakhaev and his fellow squadmate witness the transformation firsthand as one of their downed men screams and contorts, his eyes flashing red before attacking the closest survivor. Far from fearful, Zakhaev smiles; this weapon is like no other he could possibly have conceived.

The Aftermath



Following the events on the ground, a helicopter descends onto the area of the outbreak as SSO Kate Laswell and Sergeant Johnny “Soap” MacTavish brief an unseen Operator on the mission at hand, codenamed Operation Deadbolt. Accompanying the team is Captain Sergei Ravenov, an Operator and mission specialist with experience in this kind of incursion. Leading them on the ground is one SSO Greene. The group has intel that Zakhaev was planning something a few months ago, but aren’t sure exactly what that was…

They’re about to find out.

Exploring the Lore

“Until we know what’s going on, containment is the name of the game. No one gets in and nothing, I mean nothing, gets out.” — Soap

Terminus Outcomes



In this iteration of Zombies, there are enemies both undead and alive. The threat from the living arrives in the form of Terminus Outcomes, a private military company hired by Zakhaev as muscle. Led by one Jack Fletcher — the surviving soldier alongside Zakhaev at the end of the trailer — the PMC makes no judgment on their clients’ motives or ethics. If the money is good, the job is on.

Veterans of the Dark Aether Zombies narrative will recognize the substance contained in the vials: Aetherium, now in a highly enriched state derived from processing vast amounts of the harvested crystalline form.

Operation Deadbolt



An emergency contingency plan put into action by the CIA, Operation Deadbolt was created in the aftermath of the outbreak events witnessed by Requiem operatives during the events of the Cold War.

SSO Laswell is given the job of prepping the plan, placing SSO Selma Greene on the ground as the de facto commander of the operation. When the team arrives at the Exclusion Zone alongside Soap and Ravenov, a few weeks have elapsed since the events shown in the first part of the trailer.

As a member of the team, your Operator joins other multi-national Operators to counter the threat posed by the Exclusion Zone, all running under the basic tenants of Operation Deadbolt: “Nothing gets in, nothing gets out.”


Modern Warfare: Zombies: Available at Launch



Prepare to face off against a greater quantity of undead than ever before as the members of Operation Deadbolt embark on difficult and multi-stage tasks as Soap and company attempt to stop Zakhaev and Terminus from plundering more resources, all while attempting to contain the current threat before it spreads out of control.

Combining the very best of Modern Warfare map features and systems with the tried-and-true core features of Treyarch Zombies, Modern Warfare Zombies presents an all-new twist on the fan-favorite third game mode, launching alongside the Campaign and Multiplayer when Modern Warfare III releases.

Get ready to contain the incursion across different regions that escalate in difficulty, with core Zombies features and a cavalcade of secrets to discover. Ready up for an open-world, player-versus-environment (PvE) extraction survival experience shared with other squads, along with a number of special story missions. Expect to face a variety of unique elements, challenges, as well as cinematics to reinforce the major story developments. Take on the hordes of undead this fall on November 10, 2023. 

Preorder MWIII, Instantly Unlock Zombie Ghost (*)



In addition to all of the benefits you can receive for preordering Modern Warfare III detailed in this blog post, there’s a new preorder benefit you can claim: Soon you can instantly unlock the “Zombie Ghost” Operator Skin by pre-ordering or pre-purchasing any Digital edition of Modern Warfare III (either Standard/Cross-Gen, or Vault Edition).

• If you preorder before the start of Modern Warfare II Season 06, Zombie Ghost will be available for you to use on September 27.
• If you preorder after September 27, Zombie Ghost will be available for you to use immediately.
• The Zombie Ghost Operator Skin can be used in Modern Warfare II and Call of Duty: WarzoneTM, and will carry forward, meaning it will also be available in Modern Warfare III, starting at game launch.

Nothing gets in, nothing gets out.

(*) Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II/ Call of Duty: Warzone on pre-order platform required to redeem. Sold/downloaded separately. Must be redeemed by November 10, 2024. For illustrative purposes, final operator subject to change.

© 2023 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, CALL OF DUTY WARZONE, and MODERN WARFARE are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.

For more information, please visit www.callofduty.com and www.youtube.com/callofduty, and follow @Activision and @CallofDuty on X, Instagram, and Facebook. For Call of Duty Updates, follow @CODUpdates on X.

MWIII — Intel Drop: Modernizing Multiplayer Maps

September 13, 2023

What’s your favorite Call of Duty Multiplayer map?

As Call of Duty nears its 20th anniversary, veteran fans could have over 100 potential answers to that question, and that’s not including the 16 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Multiplayer maps that debuted in 2009 — one of the greatest Day One Multiplayer offerings of all time.



Afghan. Derail. Estate. Favela. Karachi. Highrise. Invasion. Quarry. Rundown. Rust. Scrapyard. Skidrow. Sub Base. Terminal. Underpass. Wasteland.

As previously revealed, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare® III will launch with meticulously crafted, modernized versions of these 16 Core Modern Warfare 2 (2009) maps, constructed to maintain the authenticity and accuracy of the originals.

Sledgehammer Games’ Art Director Matt Abbott and Design Director Zach Hodson detail what that means in the latest Intel Drop:



As mentioned in the video above, Matt explains that the excitement at faithfully modernizing 16 seminal multiplayer maps was palpable, with the studio’s designers calling dibs on who brought each Modern Warfare 2 (2009) map back to life in Modern Warfare III. And his colleague Zach emphasized the importance of giving players a new way to experience these classic maps.

“We [asked], ‘What was good about the movement of older games? What was good about the gunplay of older games?’ And the same with the newer games,” Zach said. “So we tried to marry those things.”

Or, as Matt puts it simply, “How are we going to make the best versions of those maps that people have ever played? Because that’s what we want as fans.”

Multiplayer Maps: Then and Now



Fourteen years later, Sledgehammer Games and Infinity Ward have a wealth of game engine and design tech advancements at their disposal, such as variable-rate shading, and numerous runtime systems for better enemy visibility, to name a few.



These new, ever-advancing technological tools are vital in faithfully re-creating the Modern Warfare 2 (2009) classic maps just as fans remember them.

“There are places where the metrics of the level are adjusted to fit more modern gameplay,” Zach states, “but for the most part, it’s going to feel incredibly similar. The biggest changes are in a fidelity sense.”



In other words, those who played Favela, Terminal, or Scrapyard in 2009 may expect a wave of nostalgia as they encounter the visual updates, and more experienced veterans may appreciate the modernization updates for gameplay flow purposes.



One example is the vehicles lining the streets in various locations throughout the map pool; these are different models compared to the 2009 versions. As you explore these newly modernized maps, you’ll notice other areas have received touches that both improve gameplay and enhance scenic detail and visibility.

Buildings and other features may be a different color or material entirely, such as the old dirt-and-grass soccer pitch in Favela, which is now paved over with blue acrylic-coated blacktop.



And when it comes to lighting, this revision of the game engine truly shines.

The game’s in-game illumination techniques noticeably brighten Favela’s central alleyways, allowing players to see enemy Operators more clearly, rather than have targets blend into the shadows.



However, the most important changes to the 16 Multiplayer Maps aren’t how they look but how they ultimately play.

Because of technological advancements in Call of Duty’s animation and movement techniques over the past 14 years, Operators can Tactical Sprint and leap between rooftops, mantle, and navigate alleyways with Tac-Stance, giving players more confidence during these frenetic, close-quarters engagements.

Essentially, a “modernized” Modern Warfare 2 (2009) map means an authentic Multiplayer experience with learnings from the Call of Duty franchise’s rich history.

Memorable Map Areas Modernized for Modern Warfare III

Many other updates and features are coming to all the maps, though each still retains its authenticity and core design. To that end, all the Modern Warfare III launch maps were built from the ground up (rather than being taken from existing points of interest in Al Mazrah).



Prior to more Multiplayer map revelations at Call of Duty: Next on October 5, here’s a brief glimpse at some of the memorable areas contained within a few of the other Modern Warfare III launch maps. Sledgehammer Games’ careful and considerate modernization is set to offer the same maps you remember, but with a refreshing multiplayer experience:

Estate



The lake behind the boathouse is now accessible for wetworks. Operators can now maneuver in and under the water and can swim out to a platform overlooking the area. There’s also a greater military presence on the Estate grounds than there was before. While the original lodge offered a luxurious getaway, this one features intel posted on the wall and a tank sitting on the main road outside.

Skidrow



The bookshop is now a movie store, and the ceiling has been repaired; the lights are back on for greater visibility when passing through. Further lighting improvements to areas like the hallway and tunnel ensure that Operators are clearly visible against the environment.

Rust



Remember that open pipe jutting out in a corner that many a camper took roost in? It’s been replaced by a small building, keeping the fight out in the open. Also, be sure to take advantage of Rust’s verticality by climbing the center tower and the surrounding containers with greater agility than ever before.

Highrise



The standard office layout from 2009 has been updated for the new tenant, a company whose arcade machines, movie posters, and video game systems profess their love for entertainment. Though the occupants are different, both buildings retain their most notorious power positions. The crane still provides a killer view from the northern building, while those willing to scale the front of Actibase will be rewarded with an unmatched rooftop position.

20 Maps at Launch, All-New Core Maps Come to Live Seasons



As detailed in the Modern Warfare III Reveal blog, in addition to these 16 authentic modernizations of Modern Warfare 2 (2009) maps, Modern Warfare III Multiplayer will also include four massive environments comprising three brand-new Battle Maps — where Ground War and Invasion game modes will be fought against monumental backdrops. There will also be a gargantuan War map as Modern Warfare III marks the welcome return and evolution of the legendary War Mode.

Expect the flow of free post-launch content including Core 6v6 Maps and additional Multiplayer content to continue after launch. As previously stated, we’ll have over 12 all-new Core 6v6 Maps in our seasons, with three all-new 6v6 maps hitting in Season 01 and three all-new 6v6 maps hitting in Season 02, along with additional maps and modes throughout future seasons.



The Call of Duty community will experience a selection of modernized Modern Warfare 2 (2009) maps for themselves starting on October 5, where representatives from around the world will play Modern Warfare III Multiplayer as part of the Call of Duty®: Next franchise showcase.

You can watch Next live on the Official Call of Duty Twitch® Channel or the Call of Duty YouTube® Channel, with more details on the event to come later in September.

Ready Up: Preorder Now



Lock in your preorders now to receive immediate rewards in Call of Duty: Warzone and Modern Warfare II as well as for Modern Warfare III later in November.

Both physical and digital editions of the game can be preordered on your platform of choice, with all editions detailed in our preorder guide here.

For more details on everything coming to Modern Warfare III, read the full announcement and stay tuned for further intel.

Stay frosty.

© 2023 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, CALL OF DUTY WARZONE, and MODERN WARFARE are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.

For more information, please visit www.callofduty.com and www.youtube.com/callofduty, and follow @Activision and @CallofDuty on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. For Call of Duty Updates, follow @CODUpdates on Twitter.

Announcing Call of Duty Endowment [C.O.D.E.] Bowl IV

September 6, 2023

Prepare for another epic C.O.D.E. Bowl IV, taking place on Oct. 5, 2023! Following the Royal Air Force’s comeback victory last year, it’s time for a new champion to emerge as military esports teams from the U.S., U.K., and — for the first time ever — Canada join top Call of Duty® streamers to compete for the coveted trophy and bragging rights for the winning team’s military branch of service.

Presented by USAA, C.O.D.E. Bowl IV celebrates the Endowment’s commitment to placing veterans into high-quality jobs, with over 118,000 placements since 2009.

Watch the tournament on the Call of Duty YouTube, Twitch, Steam, and Facebook channels on Oct. 5, 2023, immediately following Call of Duty: Next, the premier showcase event for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare® III Multiplayer, Call of Duty®: Mobile, and Call of Duty: Warzone™! The winning team will take home the C.O.D.E. Bowl Trophy, and 100% of the net proceeds from the tournament will go toward placing more veterans into high-quality jobs.

USAA, Helping to Bring Military Esports Teams Together in Competition



The event’s presenting sponsor, USAA, has served the military community for over 100 years and is proud to continue their support for C.O.D.E Bowl and bringing military esports teams together. Since USAA’s involvement in the inaugural C.O.D.E. Bowl event, they’ve given out more than 66,000 C.O.D.E.-inspired downloadable content bundles to U.S. military members and veterans. Thanks to USAA, viewers of this year’s broadcast have a chance to earn a 30-minute 2XP token each hour and in-game C.O.D.E. Bowl trophy charm. Watch the full event to maximize your rewards!

About the Call of Duty Endowment

The Call of Duty Endowment identifies and funds the most efficient and effective organizations that get unemployed and underemployed veterans back to work. Beyond funding, the Endowment partners with grantees to provide an array of advice and support aimed at maximizing impact.

Since the nonprofit’s inception in 2009, the Endowment has become one of the largest philanthropic funders of veteran employment. In total, the Endowment’s efforts have achieved an estimated $6.9 billion in economic value for U.S. and U.K. veterans. To date, Activision Blizzard has donated more than $42 million to the organization. Visit www.callofdutyendowment.org for further details, including more ways to help the cause.

In compliance with federal rules, all participating U.S. military esports teams will not be endorsing or participating in any fundraising activities associated with any organization, including the Call of Duty Endowment.

Stay Tuned for More

Follow @CallofDutyEndowment on Instagram and Facebook and @CODE4Vets on Twitter for more C.O.D.E. Bowl announcements.

Stay frosty.

For more information on the Call of Duty Endowment, follow @CallofDutyEndowment on Instagram and @CODE4Vets on Twitter.

© 2023 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, CALL OF DUTY WARZONE, and MODERN WARFARE are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the propertyof their respective owners.

For more information, please visit www.callofduty.com and www.youtube.com/callofduty, and follow @Activision and @CallofDuty on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. For Call of Duty Updates, follow @CODUpdates on Twitter.

Season 05 Reloaded: DRC Zone 1 Map Intel

August 29, 2023

DRC Zone 1
Classified
Day 307, 13:17
Factions Deployed: SpecGru / KorTac

Deploy to Defense Research Center Zone 1, a research campus with projects in bioscience, artificial intelligence, computer processing, and other advanced topics. The map location is classified, leaving Operators to focus on the campus itself.

Zone 1 represents a small portion of the greater campus. Navigate the buildings for Research & Development, Labs, and the Lobby, positioned around the central Courtyard and Patio. Except for R&D, the interior spaces here are tight, favoring frenetic, close-quarters combat throughout the map.

This is DRC Zone 1, a new 6v6 Core Multiplayer map launching with Season 05 Reloaded in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II.

Spawn Point: KorTac



KorTac Spawn Zone (South) — Loading Area

There’s little time to prepare in Zone 1’s tight environment, but a strong start can help build an early match streak. Head straight up to the Courtyard to get right into the fight or set up in R&D and eliminate incoming enemies. Take the Warehouse route for a more cautious approach; there are fewer entry points and a protected boundary running up to the Parking Lot.

Spawn Point: SpecGru



SpecGru Spawn Zone (North) — Parking Lot

The Parking Lot is double the size of the Loading Area; players with long-ranged Loadouts may choose to stay put to utilize the area’s long sightlines. For a more aggressive approach, race through the Lobby and Labs into the Courtyard. This is where close-quarters shines. Take the Service Access ramp to the Patio for a more controlled approach.

Map Maneuvers: Route Planning



For the purposes of this guide, we’re dividing DRC Zone 1 into five main sections:

• Parking Lot
• Lobby and Labs
• Courtyard and Patio
• Research and Development
• Loading Area

Parking Lot



The Parking Lot is the biggest exterior space on the map, an advantage that players with long-ranged Loadouts should utilize. Use the open space to create distance from your enemies. Bring a teammate to help cover the three entrances into the area. A well-positioned duo can make a lasting defense. Keep your eyes on the sky and be ready to book it inside should an overhead threat appear.

Lobby and Labs



Connecting the Parking Lot and Courtyard, the Lobby and Labs area is primed for short-ranged combat. Even the largest path through the central Lobby is fraught with danger; the center stand blocks views and presses Operators to the sides of the room. The remaining Lobby and Labs passages are mere hallways, so be ready. Use the branching paths here to get around enemies and outmaneuver them. Extend out to the Service Access ramp to regroup in the Patio.

Courtyard and Patio



At the center of the map, the Courtyard and Patio are where Operators will meet the most. With routes into the Courtyard from Lobby, Labs, R&D, and the Patio, it’s vital to move through the area carefully and be ready to engage at a moment’s notice.

On the Patio, use the campus directory for cover. While there are still multiple entry points leading here, the Patio is generally less chaotic than the Courtyard. Use its safer passage to get across the map and set up flank attacks.

Research and Development



R&D is the biggest interior space on the map and boasts some interesting features. Enter the Vents in the northeast corner for an elevated view in and out of the building. Crash through the north window by climbing onto the nearby air-conditioning unit.

The interior features a narrow hallway over a larger storage room. Of the map’s inside spaces, this is the one where midranged Loadouts perform best. Note the glass ceiling over the largest room here, providing a window for streaks to hit targets inside the building.

Loading Area



The Loading Area and Warehouse both feature large cover objects; get behind them to ambush enemies or climb on top to get over them. The Warehouse provides overhead cover in a discreet location while the Loading Area intersects with multiple locations. Weave between the two, depending on the threat at hand.

Objective Routes and Rotations



Mode Intel: Domination

The Domination flags mark a tight spread in the middle of the map. Flag A sits in R&D, Flag B is on the Patio, and Flag C is in the Courtyard. On a map this small, the flags are sure to change hands often. It doesn’t matter which two flags you take, only that you keep at least two in your possession for most of the match. Be flexible and always look for opportunities to capture a flag.

Use the minimap to help determine where the enemy is concentrated, then decide whether it’s best to attack straight on or redirect toward another flag. Use your grenades when approaching an objective and play defense from time to time so your teammates can focus on the attack.

Mode Intel: Search & Destroy

There are advantages to attacking both bomb sites. Starting in the Parking Lot, attackers can push through the Service Access ramp and over the Patio toward A, or move through the Courtyard toward B in R&D. On a map this small, going for the elimination win is also viable. The enemy is never far off.

Bring long-ranged backup when going for A. The Service Access ramp allows an Operator or two to stand back and provide cover to teammates moving toward the Warehouse; bring your close-quarters Operators to the front to deal with enemies in the more constrained Warehouse and Loading Area.

Teams who want to remain fully within close- to midranged engagements may prefer taking B, using the Courtyard and R&D building to keep enemies within a moderate range. On defense, spread out initially to get eyes over both bomb sites; then regroup once the attacking team’s play begins to materialize. When you get the chance, go for the team elimination.

Mode Intel: Hardpoint

Hardpoint starts off hot as Operators rush the central Courtyard for the first objective; get in there fast and watch your angles for incoming enemies on all sides. After that, the Hardpoint moves up to the Parking Lot and then down to the Loading Area. At the ends of the map, these areas aren’t as chaotic as the center, but an early rotation is still key to securing the objectives and getting your defense in order.

The last two Hardpoints appear in the R&D building and finally on the Patio. Be willing to change your Loadout when transitioning between these two areas, with the Patio generally favoring longer-ranged engagements than R&D. Throughout it all, keep earned streaks on standby until they’re most effective, either when pushing into a new Hardpoint or to help dislodge enemy defenders from an entrenched position.

Top Tips

1. Sights up. DRC Zone 1 is a small map with little downtime between engagements. Don’t get caught sprinting past a corner unless you’re certain that it’s clear on the other side. Keep your sights up and be ready to engage.
2. Check the Vents. Think there might be an enemy in the Vents? Toss a grenade in there when passing by and you’ll likely get a hitmarker if there’s someone inside. If not, you can always climb up and take advantage of its sightlines for yourself.
3. To the side. The narrow Lobby and Labs passages each feature an indented space to the side of their otherwise straight route. Use these to protect your back so you can you focus on covering just one of the two entrances. Don’t overdo it, though, as it’s an easy move to counter.
4. Take care with aerial streaks. About half of the map provides overhead cover, so be mindful when calling in aerial streaks. In general, these are best used in objective modes where you know there’ll be plenty of activity in open spots like the Parking Lot and Loading Area.
5. Hop up. The great thing about the many midsized cover objects across the map is that you can climb on most of them. Though this exposes you to attack from all angles, it also provides a strong vantage point against incoming enemies. This is best used when you know where your target is located. Get the elimination and then hop back down and keep moving.
6. Guard dog. Though it’s a small map, there are still opportunities to pick an area and stick with it. Areas like R&D, Patio, Lobby, and even Courtyard can be defended by a single active Operator. Choose a site, lock it down, and constrict the enemy.
7. What was that? Getting the initiative is of even greater importance on small maps like this. Consider using the Dead Silence Field Upgrade to quiet your footsteps during critical plays. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to land gun and melee eliminations to refresh its duration, too.
8. Snap or smoke. Depending on your playstyle, you might prefer obscuring the enemy’s view or enhancing your own. If distraction is more your style, head in with a Smoke Grenade for those risky passages. If intel is your watchword, bring a Snapshot Grenade to tag enemy positions for the whole team.
9. Courtyard dash. Need to cross the Courtyard with minimal exposure? Use your Tactical Sprint to race between the narrow Lobby passage and the northern window of R&D, accessible via climbable objects on either side.
10. Offensive defense. Though aggressively moving through the map keeps the enemy on their toes, it often pays to group up and hold a critical area of the map, especially in objective modes. Work with your teammates to form the best defensive postures when needed. This is the Defense Research Center, after all.

Stay frosty.

© 2023 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, C and MODERN WARFARE are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. For more information, please visit www.callofduty.com and www.youtube.com/callofduty, and follow @Activision and @CallofDuty on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. For Call of Duty Updates, follow @CODUpdates on Twitter.

MWII Content Drop: Season 05 Reloaded

August 28, 2023

The battle is far from over — time to reload and redeploy.

Season 05 Reloaded in Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® II and Call of Duty®: Warzone™ will launch on August 30 at 9 AM PT across all platforms.

It will feature a new Multiplayer map, a new Resurgence experience, several events and additional DMZ missions, as well as a ton of content that will carry forward to Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® III. 

Expect Patch Notes from Infinity Ward and Raven Software to be available prior to the release of Season 05 Reloaded. Additional development support is provided by (in alphabetical order) Activision Central Design, Activision Localization Dublin, Activision QA, Activision Shanghai, Beenox, Demonware, High Moon Studios, Sledgehammer Games, Team Ricochet, Toys for Bob, and Treyarch.

Here is what you need to know:

MODERN WARFARE III INBOUND 



It’s almost time to adapt or die in a fight against the ultimate threat.

And now it’s time to prepare for that fight in Season 05 Reloaded.

As mentioned, Carry Forward will allow you to use your Modern Warfare® II weapons, Operators, and cosmetics in Modern Warfare® III Multiplayer and Modern Warfare: Zombies. All this is in addition to the new content to be introduced in Modern Warfare III.

Season 05 — and Season 06, to be announced — is the golden opportunity to prepare for Modern Warfare III.

Here are three of the many reasons why:

1. All Weapons Carry Forward



Whether you max out the 60+ weapons already in Modern Warfare II or unlock and level up the three new weapons in Season 05 Reloaded, all those armaments can be used on Day One in Modern Warfare III.

The second you unlock Create-a-Class in Modern Warfare III, those fully kitted Modern Warfare II weapons will be ready for those Loadouts.

2. Completion Camos, Rewards Carry Forward Too



Want to show off Gold, Platinum, Polyatomic, and Orion on Day One?

Those camos and hundreds more — in addition to Weapon Mastery Emblems and Charms, Stickers, Prestige Emblems, Calling Cards, and other cosmetics — will all be available in Modern Warfare III, along with the next chapter of Call of Duty: Warzone.

(Note: Modern Warfare II camouflages only apply to Modern Warfare II weapons)

3. A Full Army at Your Fingertips



From special guest Operators in Season 05 Reloaded to the BlackCell and Battle Pass offerings and even launch day favorites like Hutch, Horangi, Nova, and Stiletto, nearly every Operator from Modern Warfare II can be used in Modern Warfare III Multiplayer and Zombies.

Whether you earned them or recruited them via Store Bundle, stack up those Operators to show them off today and in Modern Warfare III.

Learn more about the Season 05 Reloaded content you can carry forward into Modern Warfare III in the “General Overview” section of this blog.

WARZONE OVERVIEW

• Fort Resurgence. Al Bagra Fortress in southern Al Mazrah is ready for Resurgence — expect it as part of an unprecedented Call of Duty: Warzone offering of active maps.
• Armored Royale. It’s back with MRAPs — rally the squad and keep that truck alive to redeploy en route to ultimate victory.
• DMZ is Reloaded. Additional Shadow Company missions, and upgrade tasks. . . Because the stakes in DMZ have never been higher.

New Resurgence Experience: Fort Resurgence Added to Rotation



Resurgence makes strong Operators, and this new Resurgence experience launching with Season 05 Reloaded is set to separate the weak from the elite.

The boundaries for this map include the entire Al Bagra Fortress point of interest in Al Mazrah and immediate surroundings; those who visit this locale in Battle Royale or DMZ, or who had numerous Multiplayer matches on this map will know plenty of tactics for success here.

Fort Resurgence will have its own playlist at launch, separate to the Resurgence rotation that contains Ashika Island and Vondel.

In other words, for the first time in Call of Duty: Warzone history, Operators can dive into three distinct Resurgence maps in a single play session, in addition to Al Mazrah and other DMZ locales such as Building 21 and the Koschei Complex (within Al Mazrah).

Armored Royale Returns



Vehicular combat lovers are getting a blast from the recent past:

Returning from the original Call of Duty®: Warzone™ (2020), a new version of Armored Royale will be available for Quads during Season 05 Reloaded.

This experience sees every squad assigned to a powerful MRAP vehicle. So long as a squad has their MRAP, they can redeploy. 

Squads can also upgrade their MRAP for better offensive or defensive capabilities via Upgrade Station on the vehicle itself. However, expect Gas Stations to be the Al Mazrah’s hottest spots in this mode, as squads may have to repair and refuel their MRAP often.

Although LMGs and Launchers are recommended for this experience, any part of the arsenal can suit you and the squad well as you drive toward victory.

DMZ Reloaded — More Missions and Features



Active Combat Zones ravaged DMZ . . . and Operators who resorted to friendly fire learned quickly that they should not cross the Shadow Company.

In fact, that faction has some new missions for Operators:

Shadow Company Tier 3, 4, and 5 Missions

“I don’t make threats, I make guarantees.” — Phillip Graves, Shadow Company CEO, Modern Warfare II

Shadows are Oscar Mike.

Three tiers of Shadow Company missions will be available following the Reloaded update. These missions include acquiring a Heavy Chopper or an MRAP, extracting leftover gas canisters from the Observatory’s underground lab, and going face-to-face with a Commander known by his call sign “Rhino.”

For your efforts, there are [[REDACTED]] rewards waiting for you, including some that can be carried forward to Modern Warfare III.

Communications Station Additional Upgrades

In addition to unlocking Urgent Missions for all five Factions, Operators can unlock additional permanent benefits by completing new Communication Station upgrade tasks in Season 05 Reloaded.

These upgrades include lengthening the duration of UAV Tower and SAM Sites, so be sure to see what Mission Objectives are needed to get these in-match boons.

Patch Notes for Rebalancing, Other Additions 



In addition to a new “Host Leave Game” feature in DMZ and weapon balancing, Raven Software and Infinity Ward will report on additional technical changes to Call of Duty: Warzone via their Patch Notes.

Expect those prior to the launch of Season 05 Reloaded.

MODERN WARFARE OVERVIEW 

• Deploy to DRC — Zone 1. This Building 21 annex is ready for frenetic combat, especially in objective modes.
• Sharpshooters welcome in Gunfight Snipers. Form a duo and train those shots; only the real sharpshooters will survive in this Gunfight variant.
• Earned those new Ranked Rewards yet? There is still time to prove dominance in Multiplayer Ranked Play; those rewards, and the ones for Call of Duty: Warzone Ranked Play, are yours now and in Modern Warfare III.

Critical Reinforcements Needed in DRC — Zone 1, a New Multiplayer Map



The Visitor Center adjacent to Building 21 will now welcome all kinds of combat.

Focused on fast-paced combat and designed with several shortcuts and flanking routes, DRC — Zone 1 is built for frenetic action. From destroying the center’s displays of the DRC’s triumphs to weaving through the laboratories and employee-only rooms, a well-rounded squad that communicates often and coordinates movements — just like in Building 21 — will have the best chance for success regardless of the mode.

More intel on DRC — Zone 1 – a Deep Dive Tactical Guide to the map – will be available prior to the Reloaded update.

New Mode — Gunfight Snipers



Leave the Secondaries, Lethals, and Tacticals at home — Gunfight Snipers is for the sharpshooting duos who believe themselves to be masters of Sniper and Marksman Rifles.

All the usual Gunfight locales are in play for this mode variant; watch your duo’s six and all conceivable angles where longshots can come from.

Additional Social Updates, Including Friend Recommender 



Season 05 Reloaded will introduce two new social-related features, both built on an awesome experience many community members already had when playing Call of Duty: finding that random squadmate that ultimately becomes a true friend.

The first is simply “Play Again,” adapted from Call of Duty: Warzone to meet the Multiplayer experience. After each match, all players – or, specifically, solo players and designated Party Leaders – on the same team can opt to stick together for the next match.

The other is called Friend Recommender, built for those looking to find new squadmates. It works in two ways: one is suggesting Friends of Friends, a helpful feature for the whole squad to get connected with one another.

However, the Friend Recommender is also built on a new, dynamic system that suggests new friends to play with.

Whether it is finding someone who enjoys the same game modes, play at similar times, or are a part of the same Social Group, the Friend Recommender suggests potential new friends, as well as provide explanations for why it recommended each individual person.

Infinity Ward will detail these updates – and more technical changes – in the Patch Notes, to be released prior to the Reloaded update.

GENERAL OVERVIEW

• Three New Operators. Mace is back, Lara Croft from Tomb Raider is ready for combat, and 21 Savage drops in as a guest feature, which is always an instant classic.

• Three New Weapons. A new pistol, an SMG, and a melee weapon all combine to make a formidable midseason assortment for close-range combat fans.
• Two New Camo Challenges: Earn new Weapon Camos, as well as impressive themed wraps for your favorite Vehicle.

Ranked Play Rewards — A Reminder on Carry Forward



After Reloaded, Ranked Play in both Call of Duty: Warzone and Modern Warfare II continues, and there is no better time to get into both competitive experiences thanks to Carry Forward.

As a reminder, ALL the following items are Carrying Forward to Modern Warfare III:

• Weapon Blueprints, including the Pro Issue Blueprints.
• Weapon Camos for MWII weapons, including the Divisional Reward Camos.
• Emblems, Stickers, and More Rewards from Ranked Play and other experiences across Call of Duty: Warzone and Modern Warfare II.

This means that the world’s No. 1 player in Season 05 will have their unique, one-of-a-kind Calling Card and Emblem now and in Modern Warfare III. Furthermore, the players who reach the Top 250 and earn its animated Camo will find it in Modern Warfare III as a Camouflage option for Modern Warfare II weapons.

You also don’t need to become No. 1 to earn rewards; play Ranked Play to earn Pro Issue Blueprints, Camos, and more by earning wins (in Multiplayer) or getting high placements or kills and assists (in Call of Duty: Warzone).

New Operators: The Return of Mace, Lara Croft from Tomb Raider, and 21 Savage



Seven new Operators wasn’t enough at the start of Season 05. Here are three more to complete the ten-soldier-strong seasonal Operator roster:

Additional Operator Intel — Tracer Pack: 21 Savage Bundle 



“Pest control, who called ’bout rats?” — 21 Savage

“Don’t Come Out the House” — 21 Savage is ready for Reloaded, and his feature is dropping right at launch on August 30.

In addition to his Operator and Finishing Move — called “Stabbed . . . a Lot” — the Tracer Pack: 21 Savage Bundle notably includes two Weapon Blueprints named after two songs featured in sold-out concert setlists throughout his career: the “Savage Mode” Assault Rifle and the “Red Opps” SMG.

And when it comes to some “Knife Talk,” just know the “Slaughter King” Melee tool is 21’s Secondary Weapon of choice.

This Bundle also has the “Skrrt Skrrt” UTV Vehicle Skin, a Charm, a Sticker, and, of course, a “Mr. Right Now” Loading Screen.

Additional Operator Intel — Tracer Pack: Tomb Raider Bundle Featuring Lara Croft



Lara Croft arrives as a Store Bundle Operator in Season 05 Reloaded! Experience the legendary adventurer, famous archeologist, and ultimate expert in the fields of archery, dual pistols, and other small-arms combat.

The Tracer Pack: Tomb Raider Bundle — set to be available on in September 9— includes three Weapon Blueprints: a version of the new melee weapon in the “Ice Axe,” the “Mythic Defender” SMG, and her signature “Mach-5” dual pistols based on the new sidearm coming with the Reloaded update. And yes, they are also used in her “Play For Sport" Finishing Move.

The Bundle also comes with the “Tomb Buggy” Vehicle Skin for the Chop Top, a Loading Screen, a Sticker, and an Emblem.

Additional Operator Intel — Tracer Pack: Mace Operator Bundle 



Once a U.S. Ranger and Jackal, now the vicious reinforcement for Shadow Company, Mace is back in Call of Duty.

The Tracer Pack: Mace Operator Bundle — available this September — includes the legend himself, his own devastating Finishing Move, an additional Operator Slot for DMZ, and a Battle Rage Self-Revive whenever he’s an Active Operator.

Among other items in this Bundle are two Weapon Blueprints that align with his Overkill agenda: the “Shrapnel” Assault Rifle and the “Fragmentation”  automatic Shotgun.

Three New Weapons, All in Limited-Time Battle Pass Sector



All Operators, report to the AO’s previously-classified sector.

Three new weapons will all be available first in Battle Map Sector E0. Those who complete Sector E2, or who participated in the Weapon Camo Challenge Limited Time Event for Task Force 141, will be able to access Sector E0, which was previously classified.

In addition to a 30-minute Double XP Token and a 30-minute Double Weapon XP Token, which have their own challenges, this Sector includes the following weapons: the 9mm Daemon, Lachmann Shroud, and the Pickaxe.

Pickaxe (Melee)



This heavy-duty Melee Weapon enables quiet and deadly operations behind enemy lines with best-in-class damage and range.

The fourth Secondary Melee tool in the box, the Pickaxe is a heavy hitter that may not bring down walls, but does bring down Operators with aggressive swiftness.

How to Unlock Base Weapon: Get 15 Operator Kills with Melee Weapons

9mm Daemon (Sidearm/Pistol)



This modern, tactical pistol chambered in 9mm is deadly from the hip and features best-in-class semi-automatic fire rate.

The Sidearm category grows deeper with this new addition, set to rival the P980 and X12 for the low-caliber semi-auto throne.

Whether kitted for accuracy as a sole Sidearm or done Akimbo, the 9mm Daemon is true to its name. This is a hell of a Secondary Weapon choice.

How to Unlock Base Weapon: Get 15 Operator Headshot Kills with Pistols

Lachmann Shroud (Submachine Gun)



This stealthy and lethal 9mm submachine gun features burst and semi-auto fire modes which allow for considerable mobility and stopping power out to the mid-range.

Integrated suppressed weapons like the M13C and Fennec show their strength in clandestine operations.

Now the Lachmann platform is getting its own stealth powerhouse — the Lachmann Shroud, perfect for close-range engagements, especially when staying off the grid is paramount to mission success.

How to Unlock Base Weapon: Complete all four initial Sector E0 challenges (including unlocking the 9mm Daemon and Pickaxe), then get 30 Operator Hipfire Kills with SMGs.

Bundle Highlight — Tracer Pack: Hippin’ and Hoppin’ 



If you recall Hip Hop’s foundations, you might appreciate what Tracer Pack: Hippin’ and Hoppin’ brings to Season 05 Reloaded in early September.

Featuring two new Operator Skins — “MC Hips” and “MC Hops” — in full tracksuits and bucket hats. The “Bussin’” Assault Rifle and “Cap” SMG don’t need an explanation, but for the rest of the Bundle, know that it has a new Finishing Move, a Charm, a Loading Screen, a Sticker and an Emblem.

Bundle Highlight — Tracer Pack: Blunt Fingers



We’ll be blunt: Tracer Pack: Blunt Fingers is made for high-level Operators, and it joins the Store rotation once the fall foliage starts budding in mid-September.

Fender becomes a true Ent with his “Blunt Fingers” Operator Skin, while the “Pot Shot” Sniper Rifle and “Weed Eater” SMG Weapon Blueprints can cause chronic problems for enemy squads . . . provided the Operator behind the trigger has good reaction time.

Otherwise, feel free to let out a few laughs with the “Puff ’n Go” TAV Vehicle Skin. Also included are the “Homegrown” Charm, a Loading Screen, three Stickers, and a “Bud Beast” Emblem.

Weapon Camo Challenge



Just like previous Reloaded updates, Season 05 will have a Weapon Camo Challenge, available at Season 05 Reloaded launch.

Here are all the challenges for this event:

• Assault Rifles: Get 250 Operator Kills with an Assault Rifle.
• Battle Rifles: Get 40 Operator Kills while Prone with a Battle Rifle.
• Marksman Rifles: Get 40 Operator Kills while using a Suppressed Marksman Rifle.
• Launchers: Get 75 Enemy Kills using Launchers.
• LMGs: Get 30 Operator Longshot Kills using an LMG.
• Melee: Get 30 Enemy kills using Melee weapons.
• Handguns: Get 50 Enemy Headshot Kills with a handgun.
• Shotguns: Get 3 Operator Kills without Dying 10 times using a Shotgun.
• SMGs: Get 100 Operator Headshot Kills with an SMG.
• Sniper Rifles: Get 50 Operator Headshot Kills with a Sniper Rifle.

Complete a weapon category Camo Challenge to unlock a Weapon Camo for that entire category.

Complete all ten challenges to unlock the Mastery Weapon Camo, which can be equipped on all weapons once unlocked, and an event mastery Charm.

NEW Vehicle Camo Challenge



In addition to Weapon Camo Challenges, Season 05 Reloaded will also feature a brand-new Vehicle Camo Challenge.

Here are all the challenges for this event:

• JLTV: Get 30 Enemy kills by running them over with the vehicle.
• Armored Truck (DMZ Only): Ram 5 enemy vehicles at high speed.
• ATV: Stay in the air while in the vehicle for 15 seconds.
• Heavy Tank: Get 20 Operator kills with either turret.
• Hatchback: Get 10 Operator kills while leaning out of the vehicle.
• Light Helo: Refuel your helicopter at 10 different gas stations.
• PWC: Visit 5 POIs while driving the vehicle.
• Armored Patrol Boat: Get 20 Enemy kills with the boat turret.
• Dirt Bike: Perform 20 air tricks with the Dirt Bike.
• MRAP: Get 30 Operator kills using the turrets on the MRAP.

Unlike the Weapon Camo Challenges, you can complete 6 of the 12 available challenges to unlock the Mastery Rewards, which are a new Weapon Blueprint, a Loading Screen and an Emblem.

However, if you want that camouflage on all 12 vehicle types, then rev up those engines and prepare for combat across DMZ, Battle Royale, and other Call of Duty: Warzone and Modern Warfare II modes.

World Series of Warzone is Almost Here – More Tickets Added!

It’s almost time for 150 Battle Royale demons to go all in at the ultimate Call of Duty: Warzone event.

On September 16, 50 trios will battle it out in the most competitive Call of Duty: Warzone tournament of the year on September 16 where esports legends are forged: the Copper Box Arena in London, England.

Mark your calendars and be sure to tune in on the official Call of Duty Youtube channel, the official Call of Duty Twitch channel, or the Call of Duty World Series of Warzone website… or see the action live as more tickets are now available!

Don't wait – limited quantities are still available for purchase; get your ticket to the World Series of Warzone here.

Upgrade to Modern Warfare II, Get Rewarded in Call of Duty: Warzone and Modern Warfare III



With all this new content, in addition to Carry Forward for Modern Warfare III, there is no better time to get the full Modern Warfare II experience if you have’t already.

In addition to Premium XP granted while playing Call of Duty: Warzone and other ways to level up this deep weapon roster — all of them set to Carry Forward to Modern Warfare III — Modern Warfare II includes 14 Operators that players can earn and use across Call of Duty: Warzone, Modern Warfare II, and Modern Warfare III (when it releases on November 10).

Plus, those who own Modern Warfare II can play the new DRC — Zone 1 Map, hop into Gunfight Snipers, and play all the content from launch and prior seasons, including the fun and frenetic mode Havoc, the team-based Battle Map Ground War, and all the RAID Episodes in Special Ops.

Stay frosty.

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For more information, please visit www.callofduty.com and www.youtube.com/callofduty, and follow @Activision and @CallofDuty on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. For Call of Duty Updates, follow @CODUpdates on Twitter.

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