As The Boys would say, don’t you worry, Vondel. Supes are coming to watch over your city
Starlight, Homelander, and Black Noir are coming to Call of Duty Season 04 Reloaded 🔥
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
COD x The Boys | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II & Warzone
As The Boys would say, don’t you worry, Vondel. Supes are coming to watch over your city
Starlight, Homelander, and Black Noir are coming to Call of Duty Season 04 Reloaded 🔥
Season 04 Reloaded: What You Need to Know
World Series of Warzone Global Final Details
The World Series of Warzone Global Final will be held at the legendary Copper Box Arena in London on September 16.
Trios from around the world have climbed the ladder to become the best 50 trios but only one will be crowned Global Champion. This one-day live final is shaping up to be an incredible conclusion to an already action-packed year.
The presale for tickets begins July 17. To sign up, click here.
With countries being represented from around the world, this message is for all Call of Duty fans:
We have one mission for you:
Make us proud, be loud, and stay frosty.
WSOW Designated Driver Pack to Be Added in Season 04 Reloaded
Every squad needs a designated driver, the person who is not going to full-send a Hatchback into the rivers of Al Mazrah.
Enter the WSOW Designated Driver Pack, a 1,500 COD Point Bundle featuring the “Speed Demon” Operator Skin for the official Call of Duty League (Male) Operator. Yes, it is a crash suit, because the roads get a bit dicey out there in the Warzone, especially in Ranked Play.
There is also the “Take the Wheel” Weapon Blueprint, built as a high-capacity midrange option that can fit in a traditional Battle Royale Loadout. Plus, this Bundle includes a Calling Card, an Emblem, a one-hour Double XP Token, and a one-hour Double Weapon XP Token.
Congratulations to the 2023 Call of Duty League™ Champions
Congratulations to the New York Subliners (NYSL) — Season MVP Paco “HyDra” Rusiewiez, Cesar “Skyz” Bueno, Preston “Priestahh” Greiner, substitute Elliot “WarDy” Ward, Head Coach Ehsan “DREAL” Javed, and MVP Matthew “KiSMET” Tinsley” — for winning it all on June 18, 2023.
The team took home the coveted $1 million first-place earnings, along with Championship jackets and some sweet shoes from the great artist KidWiseman.
This was the largest Call of Duty esports event ever: The sold-out Championship Weekend saw more than 3.9 million hours of broadcast watched, and a live audience of 23,000+ throughout the weekend. The tournament solidified a record-breaking year as the CDL’s most-watched season yet, with 40 million+ hours watched throughout.
And the team that cemented their place in history were the New York Subliners, whose collective skills and mindset could be simply summarized in just one word: “resilient.”
Although this squad was swept out of the Winners Final — and despite finishing the season in third place — NYSL defeated the #1 squad in the Regular Season Atlanta FaZe, then dropped the team that sent them down into that Elimination Finals match — Toronto Ultra — with a 5-0 series sweep in front of thousands of fans.
With five stages of competition that saw them play plenty of matches online and offline, resiliency is a part of the New York Subliners’ mindset to success. And it’s one ability that any player aspiring to be a world champion — or just win their next Ranked Play match — should have if they want to succeed.
But for now, congratulations once again to the entire New York Subliners for winning the 2023 Call of Duty League Championship, and thank you to all teams, fans, and staff for an incredible 2023 season.
Until 2024, happy offseason.
COD Shop Update — Call of Duty Shop x Primitive Skateboarding Collaboration
Time to drop in . . . IRL, before you do a kickflip, 5-0 grind, or just want to get to point A to point B in style.
The Call of Duty Shop is collaborating with Primitive Skateboarding, founded in early 2014 by medal-winning skateboarder pros. This collaboration includes a special — and functional — skateboard deck featuring the iconic Ghost, as well as apparel that is ready for vert or street skating.
Grab this board — and this collection as a whole — before it is gone, because this drop is limited in quality!
Upgrade to Modern Warfare II, Get Rewarded in Warzone
Haven’t experienced Modern Warfare II yet?
You are missing out on Premium XP while playing Warzone, quick ways to level up over 50 Weapons through Multiplayer and Special Ops, Multiplayer Ranked Play and its exclusive rewards, and the ability to unlock 14 exclusive Operators to use across both games.
Plus, those who own Modern Warfare II can access content coming as part of Season 04, including all four episodes of the RAID Special Ops experience, seven additional Multiplayer maps across Gunfight, Core 6v6 modes, Battle Maps for all-out Ground War skirmishes, and more.
Stay frosty.
© 2023 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, 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.
THE BOYS ™ © 2023 Sony Pictures Television Inc. and Amazon Content Services LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Content Drop: Season 04 Reloaded
“You’re not the only one who wants payback.” – Billy Butcher, The Boys (Ep. 306)
Task Force 141 members are in captivity. Vondel is a complete Warzone™. [[REDACTED]] is moving quick on their master plan to shake the foundation of Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® II . . . and The Boys are here too: They may be “experts at exterminating Supes,” but can they hunt down Operators now? Well, if they insist . . .
This is Season 04 Reloaded of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Warzone™. This content update launches on Wednesday July 12 at 9 AM PT.
Expect Patch Notes led by Infinity Ward and Raven Software to be released prior to the release of Season 04 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, Raven Software, Sledgehammer Games, Team RICOCHET, Toys for Bob, and Treyarch.
WARZONE OVERVIEW
- Welcome to Battle Royale in Vondel. Resurgence will still be around, but for those Operators prepared for a traditional, high-intensity Battle Royale . . . Vondel is about to welcome up to 72 players to see which one — or which team — can conquer the city.
- Enter the New Gulag. Call of Duty® veterans can make themselves feel at home in Vondel Castle’s wine cellar and dungeon, but anyone can learn how to master this arena for 1v1 duels.
- Additional Features. The Occupation Scan is coming back, along with the Signals Intelligence Contract, and the Portable Redeploy Drone, all scheduled to be released within the Reloaded launch window.
Drop into Vondel Battle Royale
Ready to run this town? Then take all that Resurgence experience and get ready to drop back in for the traditional Battle Royale experience, for the first time on Vondel.
Up to 72 players can play in a Vondel Battle Royale match, and in the launch window, there will be dedicated Quads, Trios, Duos, and Solos Playlists.
Other than that, it’s a Warzone Battle Royale at its core. Encroaching circle collapses, Loadout Drops, and limited lives with one opportunity — at most — to earn a second chance through the Gulag …
Gulag Open in Vondel
Vondel has a dedicated Gulag at mid-season launch, as the wine cellar and dungeon beneath the Castle have been cleared and there are way too many Operators thinking they can take that second chance for granted.
At its core, this Gulag is a three-lane map designed for 1v1 combat. The center features a circular structure with an opening facing the two main spawn points. This might feel familiar, and it should: It appears the architects responsible for Vondel’s Gulag took inspiration from a certain Prison Complex Showers….
Although action will naturally funnel into the center — especially during overtime — these spawn areas have their own facilities for Operators to clean up and take cover.
Introducing Warzone Playlist Map Rotation in Resurgence
In Warzone, there is the main Al Mazrah Battle Royale map, as well as two Resurgence maps — the newer map Vondel and Ashika Island — as well as some additional DMZ locations like Building 21.
In recognizing this, as well as Call of Duty’s two-decade-long history and its future, a map rotation system – Rotating Resurgence Playlists – will be introduced to Warzone in Season 04 Reloaded for Resurgence modes only.
After a certain amount of time specified in-game, the Rotating Resurgence Playlists will shift from Vondel to Ashika Island and vice versa for a given squad size.
Simply grab your squad — or just fly Solo — and get ready to switch gears when your Resurgence AO shifts from Ashika Island to Vondel and back again.
The best Resurgence squads should prove their mettle by winning back-to-back matches in Vondel and Ashika Island, and the truly elite can go on winning streaks for hours while (virtually) jet-setting between those two locales.
Additional Features: Occupation Scan, Signals Intelligence Contract, P.R.D.
Occupation Scan in Effect
“If you can’t identify the target, you are the target” — Captain Price, Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® (2019).
The Occupation Scan, an in-match event that Warzone veterans remember well from another island, is coming to Vondel due to increased hostile activity.
As Price would say, “maintain a low profile” and go prone or dive underwater when an Occupation Scan begins. Otherwise, the scan identifies and marks all Operators who fail to get down. Once that happens, there is a limited amount of time before Occupation Scan exposure runs out, so use that to your advantage.
Signals Intelligence Contract
Another new feature to Vondel Battle Royale and Resurgence game modes is the Signals intelligence Contract, which originally appeared in DMZ.
Just like in DMZ, this Contract requires an Operator – or their squad – to go around hacking three contract phones.
However, this contract is now fine-tuned for Battle Royale and Resurgence – know that you are on the clock to get to these phones and try to stay alive to keep the cash flow going.
Portable Redeploy Drone (P.R.D.)
Get ready to fly on your own, Operator.
Warzone veterans knows how this works for the most part: the drone’s miniature energy reactors help you ascend well above structures until it explodes. You can hop off the drone at any time, or wait until it reaches its apex to get maximum height.
Unlike the Personal Redeploy Drones in the past, the Portable Redeploy Drone can only be employed by a single Operator. Instead of using cables attached to a drone, an Operator hangs onto the drone itself in order to fly high into the air.
This Vondel-only Field Upgrade will not available in DMZ, so Operators heading into Extraction Zones should use those boots on the ground or a vehicle instead.
MODERN WARFARE II OVERVIEW
- It’s Last Down. But Task Force 141 isn’t doomed. Welcome to the grand reveal of RAID: Atomgrad Episode 04, the epic conclusion to TF 141’s Special Operations in Modern Warfare® II.
- Might Turn into a Ghost . . . Because that Ultimate Perk can be great on Vondel Waterfront, the new Multiplayer map where stealth maneuvers are your focus, rather than swimming underneath houseboats as you would in Vondel. Be a true 141 Operator and plan accordingly.
- Time to Play the Game. Ranked Play Season 04 is in full swing, and you have plenty of time — but not too much time — to complete the Battle Pass and reach the maximum Prestige Rank until Season 05 begins!
The Epic Conclusion to Special Ops RAID Atomgrad
[WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS FOR THE FIRST THREE RAID MISSIONS AHEAD. WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND PLAYING THOSE BEFORE READING AHEAD SHOULD YOU WANT TO EXPERIENCE THE STORY FOR YOURSELF.]
“48 hours ago, goat herders in the Sattiq mountains discovered an entrance to what appears to be an abandoned bunker, dug in the hillside. Closer inspection determined the hatchway was an inlet to what could be a fortified Soviet-era fallout shelter . . . or something more.” — Kate Laswell, Modern Warfare II
Al-Qatala controls an underground bunker containing missiles. Price, Gaz, and Farah discover this as they search for missing Task Force 141 members on the Urzikstan border. Alex is one of those missing members; he is mostly off the grid after his heroic acts during Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® (2019).
The three TF141 Operators navigate through flooded tunnels and ultimately end up at the base of a missile silo. They ascend the silo and, at the top, realize the following:
The good news is Alex — a “man o’ steel,” per Gaz — is here. Not only that, but the missile is still here, too . . . The only problem is that its payload isn’t, it was just smuggled out of the facility by Farah’s brother: AQ asset Hadir.
Gaz leaves to establish comms with Laswell while Alex and the remaining crew push deeper into the base. . . . Until they are ultimately captured by Hadir, flanked by two elite AQ soldiers, and sent to individual jail cells.
Atomgrad will conclude in Season 04 Reloaded with an intense RAID experience for a squad of three Operators.
Whether that’s you and two friendlies or two mercenaries from the Call of Duty community (using the in-game “Looking for Party” feature), it is mission critical that you finish what you started here.
"Be careful who you trust, Sergeant. People you know can hurt you the most." — Ghost, Modern Warfare II
Vondel Waterfront Core Map
Just like the Kunstenaar District, Vondel Waterfront is an area of the larger Warzone Vondel map that — as of Season 04 Reloaded — will be available for Multiplayer experiences.
However, unlike in the larger Vondel map there are a number of changes to this area of town, made specifically to optimize 6v6 Multiplayer action. Operators cannot swim underneath the houseboats and need to keep action mostly on “land” — that is, the pontoon homes on the water and the decks connecting this district together. Additionally, several of the buildings are boarded up, and two of the available four traversable buildings have new coats of paint – Red and Blue – that mark the most prominent positions on the map.
While using the water for stealth maneuvers is an effective strategy, think about employing the Ghost Perk, Dead Silence, Counter-UAVs, suppressors, and other tools to maintain a low profile.
Otherwise, prepare for constant action in and around the abandoned dwellings that can act as great cover.
More intel on this new map here.
GENERAL OVERVIEW
- “You’re not the only one who wants payback.” – Billy Butcher, The Boys (Ep. 306) Homelander, Starlight, and Black Noir are ready to eliminate the opposition. . . . They also brought some new toys to play with, too.
- MX Guardian: Need something “up close and personal?” Unlocked via challenge through the Battle Pass, this highly versatile full-auto Shotgun is limited only by its effective range. Otherwise it’s ready to deliver some devastating knockout blows.
- More in-Store. Whisker Tango and two Tracer Packs highlight the rest of the in-game Store. Also, get the free Prime Gaming Bundle before it rotates out on July 20.
New Weapon: MX Guardian
“A fully-automatic 12-gauge shotgun with three rotating magazine tubes that hold 5 shells each.”
If pump and double-action Shotguns are designed for greater range and accuracy, the full-auto MX Guardian is here to dish out damage up close. Operators who challenge the MX Guardian within its effective range without taking cover should think twice; countering this new tool means getting out of its effective range or going full fisticuffs with a Riot Shield or Melee weapon.
A truly versatile platform, the MX Guardian when properly equipped grants access to semi-auto, burst-fire, and full-auto modes—all of which can be equipped with Slug rounds to give Battle Rifles a run for their money in the mid-range. For those who are ready to wield this power, know that it packs some serious recoil in addition to limited range—though most would consider this a small price to pay for its powerhouse damage output and combat flexibility.
While the KV Broadside reigned supreme in close to mid-range engagements for a time, the MX Guardian has arrived to usurp the close-range crown. Equip the MX Guardian in your favorite close-quarters Loadout in Multiplayer or slot it in as an Overkill Secondary Weapon for room clearing in Warzone to maximize success.
Unlock the MX Guardian via New Battle Pass Challenge
Did you notice that [CLASSIFIED] Sector in the Battle Pass you couldn’t unlock until mid-season?
This Sector is now ready for you to access, has an additional five items to unlock, and its HVT is the new MX Guardian base weapon. Accessing this Sector requires the completion of at least one adjacent Sector (D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, or D7) and all adjacent sectors are very close to either the initial or BlackCell starting position.
That means you can immediately get to the [CLASSIFIED] Sector if you already unlocked at least one of those sectors. If not, then an easy unlock to get from one of the starting positions – the standard one or BlackCell – over to the [CLASSIFIED] Sector.
Unlike a traditional Battle Pass Sector, all five items in the special MX Guardian Sector are unlocked through a set of challenges:
- Dependable Emblem: Get 10 ADS Operator Kills with Shotguns.
- Gunfire Calling Card: Get 10 Hipfire Operator Kills with Shotguns.
- Fanning Hutch Loading Screen: Get 10 Headshot Operator Kills with Shotguns.
- 1 Hour Double Weapon XP Token: Get 10 One Shot Operator Kills with Shotguns.
- MX Guardian: Earn All Sector Rewards.
These challenges are designed to help Operators understand the characteristics of this weapon class: A Shotgun can be hip-fired for fast damage up close or aimed down sight for longer-range fights. Also, a buckshot to the head within a Shotgun’s effective range most likely means a one-shot elimination in core Multiplayer modes.
Get these simple challenges done, and that MX Guardian base weapon is yours.
The Boys Are Ready to Run This Town: Temp V and Camo Challenges
“We're your best pals, aren’t we?” – Buster Beaver, The Boys (Ep. 307)
The Supes are here to save Vondel, Al Mazrah, and the Modern Warfare II universe . . . whether we want them to exterminate rival Operators or not.
For those unfamiliar with Vought International, The Boys is a TV show on our watch list. In their world, superheroes exist alongside non-superpowered human beings, and their work is recognized by the community . . . both good, bad, and downright ugly.
And all that includes the use of a mutagenic super serum known as “Temp V.”
Temp V in Call of Duty . . . Temporarily
The Temp V Field Upgrade: Vought International’s proprietary blend that is near-perfect for anyone wanting to be a Supe.
Near-perfect, of course. Upon consuming it, Temp V grants one of four random superpowers in your Field Upgrade slot, though it doesn’t act like a usual Field Upgrade. Once you use Temp V, you’re then free to activate this power whenever you wish… But if you’re eliminated from combat before activating the power, then like a normal Field Upgrade, it is lost upon death.
Also, all traditional Field Upgrades appear to dispel Temp V’s effects… Operator test subjects picking up a Munitions Box, Dead Silence, or any other Field Upgrade lost that power (or the Temp V shot).
Here are the four different superpowers that Temp V can result in:
Charge Jump – Operators who love fast movement techniques — or maybe remember a Haunting or two —know how much a Charge Jump propels them across the map in leaps and bounds. Just like Queen Maeve, an Operator doesn’t suffer any fall damage when they land from a Charge Jump; in fact they deal splash damage to anyone or anything within a short radius of the Operator’s landing spot.
Electric Shockwave – To put it simply, “electricity goes in, blast comes out.” This shockwave sends a powerful electrical explosion that injures Operators and AI Combatants, as well as destroys vehicles and equipment. Think of this as a super-EMP that – like the other abilities – can help turn the tide of teamfights.
Laser Vision: Upon activation, an Operator levitates and fires a laser beam that sears through enemy targets in whatever direction they are looking. It’s just like one of many powers that Homelander has, but it does leave the user open to backfire.
Teleport: Forget normal on-foot navigation throughout Vondel’s; Teleport jumps an Operator forward in whatever direction they face, which is extremely helpful when trying to escape a fight or move unexpectedly to higher ground. And unlike when Hughie Campbell does it, your Operator Skin isn’t affected in any way – no lost clothing, in other words – whenever this happens.
As you might expect, Temp V is accessible all Warzone playlists, including DMZ, except Ranked Play. The very best Ranked Warzone players don’t need a Temp V injection and should heed Starlight’s advice on their road to Top 250:
“You don’t need powers. You just need to be human." — Starlight, The Boys (Ep. 305)
Otherwise, expect Temp V to be a lot rarer in DMZ compared to Battle Royale modes.
Diabolical Camo Challenges
Ready to paint the town red?
Diabolical Camo Challenges is the third installment of the new mid-season tradition: a set of challenges for every weapon class to prove your total arsenal mastery.
This time, the Diabolical Camo Challenges grants two camouflages, the first of which is a Vought-approved gray camouflage, which can be used on every weapon in a specific class once you complete that classes’ specific challenge. Here are all the Diabolical Camo Challenges:
- Assault Rifles: Get 50 Operator headshots
- Battle Rifles: Get 25 Operator kills from behind
- SMGs: Get 250 Operator kills
- Shotguns: Get 30 Operator kills while prone
- LMGs: Get 30 Operator kills while using a suppressor
- Marksman Rifles: Get 30 Operator kills while mounted
- Sniper Rifles: Get 3 kills without dying 10 times
- Sidearms: Get 50 enemy longshot kills
- Launcher: Get 40 Operator kills
- Melee: Get 30 enemy kills
All these challenges, of course, need to be done while using a weapon from the designated category. And these challenges may align with other challenges for Daily rewards, Camos, or Calling Cards.
With that said, the term “enemy” not only refers to Operators, but also to AI Combatants, such as the ones you see in DMZ. So, for the Sidearm and Melee challenges, it may be easier to play some DMZ or the Multiplayer mode Invasion and pick off those AI Combatants instead.
Complete all ten to unlock a superbly diabolical (and extremely red) universal camouflage, which can be used on all weapons once unlocked, and a Weapon Charm, which proves mastery of this event.
Operators versus Superheroes — A Very Special Limited Edition of Warzone
All around Vondel, the Supes from The Boys made their presence known with some super publicity by way of murals and billboard ads. But for those who want to know who will be dropping into all the action in Season 04 Reloaded, here’s the intel on The Boys Operator Bundles:
The Boys in Warzone, Modern Warfare II — Special Limited-Time Bundles
“No one’s the new me, pal.” — Soldier Boy, The Boys (Ep. 306)
Ready to be Starlight, Homelander, or Black Noir? Think you can lace up those boots and join The Boys or The Seven when the Bundles launch?
Good news, there are three super-Bundles for you in Season 04 Reloaded:
The Boys: Starlight
“If you jump ship and you let the [[REDACTED]] steer, then you’re part of the problem.” — Starlight, The Boys (Ep. 208)
The Boys: Starlight Bundle, priced at 2,400 COD Points, features Starlight — the ever-burning bright doer of good — as an Operator.
Starlight trades in her powers for three Tracer Weapon Blueprints with Dismemberment, built for short- to midrange combat — the “Des Moines Defender” Assault Rifle, the Pro-Tuned “World Saver” SMG, and the “Blinding Light” Sidearm — unless it’s a Finishing Move. In that case, it would be time for some “Necessary Evil,” which is perfect to put an exclamation point on a successful close-range engagement.
The Bundle also includes a Weapon Charm, Loading Screen, Weapon Sticker, and Emblem. This Bundle is scheduled to be available on July 12.
The Boys: Homelander
“I am done apologizing. I am done being persecuted for my strength. You need me to save you. You do. I am the only one who possibly can. You're not the real heroes. I'm the real hero.” — Homelander, The Boys (Ep. 302)
The Boys: Homelander Bundle, priced at 2,400 COD Points, includes “the only man in the sky,” Homelander. He comes with an absolutely wicked “Laser Everyone” Finishing Move, as well as three Tracer Weapon Blueprints with Dismemberment:
The first is the “Bravado” Assault Rifle, the second is the Pro-Tuned “Vought Issue” Assault Rifle, and the third is the Pro-Tuned “Superiority Complex” SMG. With those powers combined, any Operator can be super-scary anywhere from close to medium range and look the part of Homelander by playing as him.
This Bundle also includes a Weapon Decal, Emblem, Loading Screen, and Weapon Charm. This Bundle is scheduled to be available on July 16.
The Boys: Black Noir
“I can see through that mask. I mean, literally, I can see your face. I can tell when you’re happy, sad, telling the truth, lying.” — Homelander to Black Noir, The Boys (Ep. 302)
The Boys: Black Noir Bundle, priced at 2,400 COD Points, includes the Operator that was once Homelander’s best friend. Now Black Noir is ready to silence anyone standing in his path to victory.
He achieves this with two Tracer Weapon Blueprints with Dismemberment, the “Unspoken Word” Sniper Rifle Blueprint and the “Quiet Rage” Assault Rifle Blueprint. Additionally included are “Noir’s Blades,” a melee tool that completes a stealth loadout with either of those two Primary Weapons. Once he gets too close to Operators, Black Noir can perform the “Shhh” Finishing Move included in this Bundle, a devastating yet silent attack that puts Operators to sleep permanent rest. All of these tools are at your disposal with this Bundle, custom-built for stealth situations across all modes.
There is also a Weapon Charm, Loading Screen, Weapon Sticker, and Emblem included in this Bundle. This Bundle is scheduled to be available on July 20.
Bundle Highlight — Pro Pack 6: Graffiti Tactical
In addition to the above bundles, the Store will include additional bundles as part of the Reloaded update.
One notable bundle is Pro Pack 6: Graffiti Tactical available for $19.99 USD or your regional equivalent.
In addition to 2,400 COD Points, which can be used on any other Bundle you see here or in the Store (or for the Battle Pass), this Pro Pack includes a new Operator Skin for Chuy that puts him in full graffiti artist gear. In DMZ, this Operator Skin automatically awards a two-plate armor plate vest on every deployment.
He’ll paint the walls with the “Express Yourself” SMG and the “Street Legal” Assault Rifle, both of which are built for close-range engagements in Modern Warfare II and Warzone.
This Pro Pack also includes a Weapon Charm, Loading Screen, Emblem, and Weapon Sticker.
Bundle Highlight — Whisker Tango
Get those claws out to tear into this Bundle’s details, which are purrfect for an Operator who doesn’t take themselves too seriously. . .
Priced at 2,400 COD Points, Whisker Tango features two new Operator Skins: Sgt. Pspsps and Sgt. Sprinkles. The Operator Skins come with a free Self-Revive for DMZ – you may not have nine lives, but this will at least give you an extra chance – as well as an additional Operator Slot.
The Bundle also includes two Weapon Blueprints — the “Cat Scratch” Assault Rifle for midrange play and the “Pouncer” SMG for up-close catfights — as well as a new Vehicle Skin, fishbone Weapon Charm, a Vinyl, five Stickers, and an Emblem.
Bundle Highlight — Reactive Pack: Soulless
One of the most premium Bundles in the Store is worth its weight in crystal.
Priced at 2,800 COD Points, Reactive Pack: Soulless includes an incredible “Spectral Ghost” Operator Skin that replaces Ghost’s mask with one of pure crystal.
In addition to that, this bundle has the “Absolution” Assault Rifle and the “Mercy” SMG Weapon Blueprints. Both Primary Weapons are reactive and consume the souls of the fallen whenever they deal the final blow…
This Bundle also includes a crystal Combat Knife Weapon Blueprint, a crystal Throwing Knife Lethal Equipment variant, a Weapon Charm, a Sticker, a Loading Screen, and an animated Emblem.
Marquee Bundle — BlackCell
For $29.99, BlackCell includes over 7,000 COD Points of value (based on comparable in-game store bundles):
• Access to the full Season 04 Battle Pass and 20 Tier Skips. This includes 1,400 COD Points awarded throughout the Battle Pass.
• The BlackCell Sector, which includes 1,100 COD Points, a new BlackCell Operator named Io, a Pro-Tuned Weapon Blueprint and a Finishing Move. Plus, for the first time in Modern Warfare® II, a custom Warzone Parachute and Contrails (the smoke behind your Operator when the Parachute is deployed).
• Immediate unlocking of adjacent Battle Pass Sectors to the BlackCell Sector, an alternate position on the Battle Map compared to the normal starting position. You are free to unlock Battle Map Sectors adjacent to either starting Sector at will after BlackCell purchase.
• Additional BlackCell-only Battle Pass content: six BlackCell Alt Operator Skins, six BlackCell Tracer Weapon Blueprints, and two Vehicle Skins.
• Operators using specific BlackCell Blueprint variants marked in-game as having Tracer Rounds should expect black and gold flourishes and other effects for these armaments.
• Players who upgrade to BlackCell after purchasing the Battle Pass will also receive 1,100 COD Points back.
For more information, check out the dedicated Season 04 Battlepass and BlackCell blog here.
Bundle Highlight — Get Your FREE Prime Gaming Bundle Before July 20
Prime Gaming and Call of Duty teamed up to provide all Prime members with free Bundles for use in Modern Warfare II and Warzone.
Right now, you can claim the Track Rivals Bundle, which includes the “Straight Away” Sniper Rifle and “Speed Boost” SMG Weapon Blueprints, two great weapons for an Overkill Loadout in Battle Royale. It also has two Vehicle Skins — one for the UTV and another for the Hatchback — and a Weapon Sticker.
This Bundle is available only until July 20, at which point a new free Bundle will be available for Prime Gaming members to collect.
Social and Community — In-Game LFP — Party Browser
The overhauled LFP (Looking for Party) system helps players find parties with similar communication styles and playstyle preferences. The following changes were made to improve player experience based on community feedback:
Dynamic Preferences: In addition to communication types, an expanded preference list includes primary and secondary playstyle options (e.g., focus on faction missions or competitive versus casual playstyles).
Advertise Your Party: Party leaders can broadcast your existing party and attract individuals who share similar preferences. Fill up your squad with compatible teammates before diving into the action for more collaborative and team-based play.
Browse Parties and Join: No more waiting around! Players can now explore a list of available parties with matching preferences to join them immediately. Note: Exact matches only.
Quality-of-Life Improvements: Bugs were fixed and the overall user interface was improved to ensure a smoother experience.
To access Party Browser, click “Find a Party.” After selecting a mode and entering the lobby, the player can either advertise their existing party or browse available pools.
Patch Notes Available Prior to Launch
In addition to a breakdown of the new Multiplayer map arriving with Season 04 Reloaded, the Call of Duty studios will release Patch Notes that detail all changes coming with this update.
OUT OF COMBAT OVERVIEW
RICOCHET Anti-Cheat™ Progress Report: Season 04
RICOCHET Anti-Cheat Mitigations
#TeamRICOCHET remains focused on combating unfair play and ejecting bad actors from our games. One of the ways we accomplish this is by banning accounts we have determined are cheating; however, we have also outlined our use of mitigations and we wanted to refresh the community on why and how those systems are used.
In some scenarios, #TeamRICOCHET may choose to deploy in-game roadblocks we call Mitigations on accounts we verify as cheating. These are gameplay adjustments we can make to constrain the gameplay experience of verified cheaters – such as taking away their weapons with Disarm or making legitimate players invisible to cheaters with Cloaking.
Why do we do this?
Cheating in video games such as Call of Duty is big business, and the technology behind cheats is constantly evolving. Allowing cheaters to remain in the game in a mitigated state provides #TeamRICOCHET with intel, while keeping cheaters occupied, in the dark, and unable to harm your in-game experience. The data we gather through analysis of mitigated players enhances our ability to reliably detect and ban players using similar cheat software.
After we capture info, cheaters are removed from matches and/or the accounts are permanently disabled across titles, as outlined in our Security and Enforcement Policy.
Mitigation data shows our detections are doing a better job of protecting the game. In Modern Warfare II, for example, we mitigated four players for every one report. That means, on average, for every one cheater our community reports in-game our detections also mitigate three accounts detected of cheating before they are able to impact our community’s experience.
You can read more about previously announced mitigations in our Season 03 Progress Report. In the latest report, we wanted to showcase one mitigation in active use and another we’ve developed but since put on the shelf to help further outline our philosophy around developing mitigations and protecting your overall gameplay experience.
Active Mitigation: Hallucinations
Hallucinations place decoy characters within the game that can only be detected by cheaters that have been specifically flagged by our system. These false characters are undetectable by legitimate players, and they cannot impact a legitimate player’s aim, progression, end of match stats or overall gameplay experience, but serve to disorient cheaters in a variety of ways. Hallucinations can be deployed both as a method of mitigation for verified cheaters or, in secret, as a detection for suspicious players:
As a Mitigation
Hallucinations look, move, and interact with the world like a real player. These are not AI but a clone of an active user in the match, mimicking their movement to trick a cheater into believing the character they see is a real-life player. In the image above there is one real player and a Hallucination, and in-game it’s impossible for cheaters to know at first glance which is real.
Hallucinations also trigger the same information that cheaters would have access to using nefarious tools, revealing unique data to make them appear legitimate.
As a Detection
Hallucinations can be hidden and positioned anywhere relative to a suspicious player in the world. As shown in the example above, the team can place the Hallucination near a suspicious player, forcing them to self-identify as a cheater if they engage with the cloned character in any way. Like Hallucinations as a Mitigation, the character model displays legitimate data when viewed in cheats and will also trigger things like aimbots.
(Note: The character outline and information in the image above was manually added using photo editing tools for demonstration purposes only.)
Why did we build Hallucinations?
This mitigation is a first but foundational step in one of many efforts to combat what the community refers to as “non-rage” hackers. These are cheaters using prohibited tools for additional in-game information, giving them an unfair advantage against other players. Using these tools is against our Security and Enforcement Policy and will result in account bans.
Read the Reversing Anti-Cheat's Detection-Generation Cycle With Configurable Hallucinations white paper for more information on Hallucinations and the team’s vision for this mitigation’s future.
Decommissioned Mitigation: Quicksand
#TeamRICOCHET is continuously working on new systems and detections to impede cheaters. Sometimes those ideas yield unintended results.
Quicksand was a mitigation that would slow or freeze the movement of detected cheaters in-game, making them sitting ducks. This was accomplished by adjusting their connection delay to the game server. To further impact a cheater’s experience, Quicksand could occasionally (and randomly) alter a cheater’s input settings. It could, for example, swap analog stick controls from default to inverted or begin reassigning mapped keys for mouse and keyboard settings. Someone hit by Quicksand, for example, could suddenly begin to move at half speed and be forced to press their W key to move backwards. It was designed to disorient cheaters and it worked well in testing.
Ultimately, the team decided to decommission Quicksand.
Mitigations are designed to be a roadblock for cheaters so our community can participate in a protected and interruption-free gameplay experience. While Quicksand was a fun mitigation to deploy against bad actors, it could also be very visually jarring to anyone in the lobby. Imagine coming upon an enemy that was moving at a snail’s pace in the middle of your rotation out of a hot zone. It could trip you up. Since #TeamRICOCHET does not want a mitigation we develop to be overly distracting to other players, Quicksand was put on the shelf. We may revisit the concept in the future.
How the Game and Security Pipelines Communicate
#TeamRICOCHET uses a variety of systems that are consistently tuned and updated to identify and capture cheaters. These updates happen for a variety of reasons: we have new methods to detect cheaters, cheat developers update their processes to circumvent identification, we’re launching new tricks. There are many reasons.
This is the cat-and-mouse nature of anti-cheat development. We make a move, they counter; we fix a problem, they create new issues.
One thing we wanted to clarify is that the security team’s efforts run alongside the game itself and therefore, in the instance of something like mitigations, these processes cannot trigger without reason.
Think of the security layer from #TeamRICOCHET as a connected but separate pipeline from the active game. The game on your machine and our servers exchange information to operate a multiplayer match. As part of that process, info from that machine/server exchange splits off and feeds into the security pipeline in real-time for detection and investigation. The security team only steps in if we detect an abnormality.
Mitigation triggers do not consider you having the best game of your life as an abnormality. Similarly, if a wave of people submits malicious in-game reports about you, those reports can’t activate mitigations without additional corroboration. These processes do not function together in that way – and there’s a long list of ways we detect cheaters in real-time.
In short, if two people are in a gunfight and neither is cheating, there’s no way for our in-game mitigations to get in the way of the result.
Third-Party Hardware Device Detection Update
In our previous Progress Report, we detailed a new detection for the malicious use of third-party hardware devices. Today, we want to examine the results we saw within the first two weeks of the detection being live.
As a reminder, third-party hardware devices used to provide a player with an unfair advantage are against our Security and Enforcement Policy. Players found to be using these devices will be served warnings and account penalties.
Within the first two weeks of launching this detection we saw a 59% drop in any use of these devices across Modern Warfare II and Warzone – inclusive of MWII Ranked Play (Warzone Ranked had not launched within this window). Of those users, 57% of them did not utilize the device again, whereas 43% once again attempted to circumvent the policy.
Repeat offenders and those continuing to use these devices without pause have been penalized. Malicious use of these devices may result in account suspensions – up to permanent account bans.
Like all anti-cheat systems, the moment we announced our detections, cheat makers and cheaters worked to find new ways to play unfairly. Our detection methods and systems for this detection (and others) have seen consistent updates and we have multiple methods of approach to identify the use of these devices. These, like all detections, will continue to evolve and update to combat cheating.
In-Game Reporting Update
Our Security and Enforcement Policy has been updated to include Malicious Reporting. The RICOCHET Anti-Cheat team and Call of Duty’s anti-toxicity teams – which both capture information from in-game reporting – take any purposefully false reporting very seriously and we wanted to further highlight changes we have made over the last few weeks to our systems to combat a rise we saw in false reports:
- Malicious Reporting has been added to the Security & Enforcement Policy: Knowingly submitting false reports or spam reporting legitimate players may lead to account penalties, up to and including warnings or permanent account suspensions.
- In-Game Notifications Rewritten for Clarity: In-Game warnings will inform you of a report; however, the original language did not clarify whether an action or investigation was taking place. The new language clears this up.
- Automated Penalties: The automated application of some feature restrictions, such as voice and text restrictions, have been disabled as we adjust our systems.
Our in-game reporting system is a valuable tool to help make our anti-cheat and anti-tox systems better, and to make your experience fair and fun. Reporting effectiveness and this pipeline of information to build better systems suffers when people use these tools inappropriately or maliciously. We’re examining further updates to how we manage reports but we’re happy to have taken these significant steps to reduce any potential misuse of our systems.
For more information, read the Security and Enforcement Policy.
Our Continued Commitment to Fighting Unfair Play
Sometimes our mitigations make a big impact within the community conversation, but the overall goal from #TeamRICOCHET is to protect the game. Our team is excited to showcase its tricks and data as much as possible to be as transparent about the fight we’re in on a day-to-day basis. It’s important for us to illustrate that our work is ongoing and iterative. We’re committed to using all our knowledge and creativity to combat this industry-wide issue.
In the event cheaters find a way into your lobby, our teams work closely together to identify how they evaded our initial detections, capture their information, and get them offline. Sometimes this process is quick and sometimes cheaters evade detection for too long. Eventually, however, cheaters will be identified, captured, and removed and every step we take helps build better tools for the future.
The #TeamRICOCHET mission is to fight unfair play using all means necessary. From developing new detection and protection systems, mitigations and even Cease and Desist notices, our commitment to gameplay integrity is unwavering and we will utilize every tool available to us to keep your experience fun and fair.
© 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.
Get the Crash Team Rumble Weapons Bundle in the Call of Duty store
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II Season 04 Free Access
Get a taste of the new Multiplayer content now live in Season 04 during the Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® II Free Access period, from June 22 through 26.
Deploy to the classic map Showdown, as well as a new map in Vondel known as Kunstenaar District, as part of a total offering of ten Core maps and three Battle maps.
From series veterans to Multiplayer-curious Call of Duty: Warzone™ players, the Season 04 Free Access period is ready to welcome the entire Call of Duty community into a Multiplayer experience that you can try before you consider an upgrade to Modern Warfare II:
Play the New Season 04 Core Maps
Showdown: Originally featured in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, the iconic Showdown map returns to challenge players with its deadly central courtyard surrounded by arched portals from which attacks threaten from above and below.
The perimeter presents its own challenges as Operators are funneled into narrow engagements against enemies near and far, including those escaping the courtyard and looking for action on the outside. Learn to operate in all sections of the map to overcome your opponents, keeping them guessing your every move.
Get more intel on this map with our in-depth Showdown map guide.
Kunstenaar District: Vondel’s scenic arts district features boutique shops, townhouses, and a neighborhood brewery in an area adorned with street art. Take a swim in the canal to avoid detection and watch your flank when moving past the central plaza. Use the map’s tight interiors to move across its traditional three-lane structure while pre-empting close-quarters threats from within.
Get more intel on this map with our in-depth Kunstenaar District map guide.
Go Big with Battle Maps, Plus Hardcore, and Third Person
Engage in large-scale combat with three Free Access Battle Maps, supporting large player counts in expansive environments. Supported modes include the traditional Ground War, where players fight for control of multiple objectives across the map, Invasion, combining players and AI opponents for a multifaceted combat experience, and more.
Free Access players can also try Hardcore for added immersion, including limited HUD elements, friendly fire, and reduced health. And for those seeking a different perspective than the traditional first-person view, try the over-the-shoulder Third Person mode, granting a wider perspective of the environment and a fuller view of your Operator.
All Supported Maps and Modes
The full list of maps and modes that will be available to Free Access players includes:
- 6v6 Core Maps: Al Bagra Fortress, Breenbergh Hotel, Dome, Embassy, Farm 18, Kunstenaar District, Mercado Las Almas, Shipment, Shoothouse, Showdown
- Battle Maps: Ahkdar Village, Guijarro, Mawizeh Marsh
- Core Modes: Team Deathmatch, Hardpoint, Domination, Kill Confirmed, Grind, Search & Destroy
- Hardcore and Third Person Modes: Team Deathmatch, Hardpoint, Domination, Kill Confirmed, Grind
- Party Modes: Gun Game, All or Nothing, One in the Chamber, Infected
- Battle Map Modes: Ground War, Invasion, Search & Destroy, Prisoner Rescue
- Core Playlists: Showdown 24/7, Shipment 24/7, 6v6 MP Moshpit, 6v6 Search & Destroy, HC Shipment 24/7, Third Person Moshpit, Party Modes
- Battle Map Playlists: Ground War/Invasion Moshpit, 12v12 Search & Destroy and Prisoner Rescue
Modern Warfare II Sale
If you like what you see and decide to make the purchase, keep the following sale (based on MSRP, at participating retailers) in mind:
Steam: From June 29 through July 13, get 45% off the Modern Warfare II Standard Edition and 30% off the Modern Warfare II Vault Edition.
Modern Warfare II Multiplayer Free Access begins on June 22 at 10 AM PT and ends on June 26 at 10 AM PT. An additional download is required to play. See your platform for details on file size.
Stay frosty.
© 2019-2023 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.
Intel Drop: New Player Guide for Modern Warfare II and Warzone
With Season 04 dropping yesterday, there are a ton of ways to dive (back) into the wide Modern Warfare II universe.
That’s why COD 101 is here — this is a quick-start guide into Modern Warfare II and Warzone, designed to help you focus on the new content, improve your game, and have fun.
By that, we mean that we are not going to hold your hand down Vondel’s streets — sticking together without proper awareness is a terrible Warzone strategy — but we are going to give you enough information to get you into the game and enjoy it alongside us. Let’s get into it!
First-Time Player Quick Guide
Warzone has a tutorial, and we highly recommend that any player starts there. You can’t miss it: It appears right when you boot up the game for the first time. Don’t skip it.
Alternatively, the first Campaign missions in Modern Warfare II, like those in previous Call of Duty games, are the best way to both familiarize yourself with the game’s main story and get a lot of great tips — or experience — on how to play the game.
Once you play a few matches of the main online modes — Warzone Battle Royale and DMZ, or Modern Warfare II Multiplayer and Special Ops — you will most likely level up to Rank 4. That grants you access to building a Custom Loadout.
As you will see in-game, this slightly differs between modes but it always has a Primary Weapon, almost always contains a Secondary Weapon (“remember switching to your secondary is always faster than reloading”), has at least one piece of Equipment (something you throw or use for a benefit), and then has other items — depending on the mode — that we will lead you to discover in-game.
Every Custom Loadout is different between modes. Your Custom Loadout s always under a menu called “Weapons” once you get past the main hub screen, but here is what a Custom Loadout is exactly:
Modern Warfare II Multiplayer. Your Custom Loadout is given to you at the start of most Multiplayer matches (Gunfight, Gunfight OSP, and Party Modes like Infected are the exception).
Modern Warfare II Special Ops. Standard in Missions and Raid experiences, except for specific Playlists. These are usually called “SOMETHING — Name of Mission,” such as “One in the Chamber — Defender: Mt. Zaya” (note: not in Season 04 at launch, but was a playlist in a previous season).
Warzone Battle Royale (including any non-DMZ mode). Find a Loadout Drop, or purchase a Loadout Drop at a Buy Station. You can also purchase the individual Primary Weapons and Perk Packages separately and get some equipment and other items that aren’t included in Custom Loadouts but are immensely helpful.
Warzone DMZ Beta. Whatever you bring into DMZ via Loadout — which is different between each Operator — is what you have. Ammo is limited, but you can always acquire new or additional weapons in the world… And once you extract them, they can be used for a future infiltration.
Take time to customize your weapon within the Weapons Menu prior to dropping into a match, and come back regularly to see what new items are unlocked (as you rank up or level up your weapon and unlock more attachments).
You can also head to the Store or check the Battle Pass to see what custom configurations — known as Weapon Blueprints — can be purchased, which are all built to perform to three labeled strengths right out of the box.
In addition to following all in-game tutorials, here is where new players should start across both games:
Warzone
The Plan: The new map Vondel in Season 04 will host multiple featured Resurgence Playlists at launch. We highly recommend playing these playlists to start, as Resurgence Battle Royale gives you more time to live and learn how to play the game more.
Plus, Vondel is a brand-new map created by Beenox. Everyone is starting from scratch here, so outside of learning fundamentals of aiming, firing, and surviving — all of which you will pick up by playing the game — there is one way you can get an edge on everyone else right now:
Tip — Map Knowledge Is Power: The best players don’t have to hit every shot; most often, positioning can be the key to winning a fight. And you can’t master positioning without knowing your surroundings. Learn about Vondel here — or better yet, have it on a second screen (even a phone or print it out) and learn some of its ins-and-outs before getting some boots-on-the-ground experience.
The Other Plan: Alternatively, you can start your journey in DMZ, an extraction game mode built for players who love taking a bit of risk to get some incredible rewards. More on this mode later in the article (Mode Spotlight: DMZ).
Modern Warfare II: The Best Way to Dive into Call of Duty
If you own Modern Warfare II, there are some great options for you to get used to becoming an Operator and saving the world.
Campaign: This is arguably the best place for new players to start across all modes. With adjustable difficulty, tons of AI Combatants to get you up to speed on typical combat pacing, the introduction of Modern Warfare II’s main story, and unlockable items such as Operators and a special Weapon Blueprint, this single-player mode is a great way to spend a few nights or a weekend until you feel confident enough to use those rewards in other modes.
Special Ops: This co-op mode is another great choice, as you can play with friends against AI Combatants. It is a great way to train your aim and get awesome rewards by earning Special Ops Stars in missions or continuing the epic Modern Warfare II story in Raid. By the way, the last episode is coming at Season 04 Reloaded, a mid-season update, so now is a great time to catch up.
Multiplayer: This is the most popular mode choice in Modern Warfare II, with numerous maps and game modes, ranging from tactical Ranked Play to massive team battles in Ground War and Invasion. We highly recommend playing the following Multiplayer modes for your first time out:
- Invasion: A mix of enemy Operators and AI Combatants make this mode incredible for newcomers.
- Team Deathmatch: A no-frills, no-holds-barred Deathmatch is a great stepping-stone into player-versus-player combat.
- Domination: More of an objective player? Domination is one of the easiest modes to understand, with three main objectives to achieve during a match. Try capturing two instead of all three for your team to set up a proper defensive position!
- Ground War: Once you get comfortable with player-versus-player combat and objective play, jump into Ground War. Feel free to use vehicles to maximize your mobility and elimination potential.
- Infection: If it is available, play this party mode. You are either an Operator with a set Loadout or an Infected with a knife, a throwing knife, and tactical insertion. Infected players must turn all Operators to their team before the time limit. Giant Infection is pure unadulterated chaos . . . in the best way possible.
Pro Tip: Don’t have anyone online to play Special Ops, Multiplayer, DMZ, or Battle Royale with you? Use the Find a Party feature, where you can find fellow Operators through in-game communication methods (e.g., Text Chat Only), translated into over a dozen main languages, including every language this blog is translated into! Alternatively, you can always convince friends to hop on and play — Warzone is free, after all.
How to Use New Weapons and Get the New Battle Pass
One of the main updates for each season is its Battle Pass, which offers free content unlocked by playing the game, as well as the ability to upgrade to unlock all 20+ sectors of items like Weapon Blueprints, Operator Skins, and more.
You can see the Battle Pass in any main menu, usually next to the Events and Store tabs. Set your progress to either automatic (recommended for new players) or manual unlocks. You can also purchase the full Battle Pass or get BlackCell, an offering with incredible value, exclusive items, and free Battle Token Tier Skips. Learn more about these here.
The Battle Pass includes two free functional weapons, the first of which could not have come at a better time for new and returning players: the Tempus Razorback Assault Rifle and the ISO 45 SMG.
Weapon Detail: Tempus Razorback Assault Rifle (unlocked for free in the Season 04 Battle Pass, Sector D13)
Weapon Blueprint: “Uninvited Guest” (Victory Sector of Season 04 Battle Pass)
This weapon is incredible for new players: It is a high-floor weapon that delivers consistent damage with relatively low recoil, making it easier to control compared to other weapons in its class.
As you improve in the game, you can start using attachments that increase its recoil — because you can learn to control it — but maximize its handling statistics, such as Aim Down Sight speed.
The Tempus Razorback — specifically, the weapon category it belongs to — has a wealth of attachments for a reason: Assault Rifles, like the Tempus Razorback, is the most versatile Primary Weapon you can have in the game.
Weapon Detail: ISO 45 SMG (unlocked for free in the Season 04 Battle Pass, Sector D19)
Weapon Blueprint: “No Tomorrow BlackCell” (Sector 19 in Battle Pass, for BlackCell Owners)
Think of the ISO 45 as the small jab to the midsection in a boxer’s arsenal: It requires you to be up close and control it well, but when it hits, it lands a significant strike.
Although Shotguns are an effective choice for close-range combat, they can be considered “new player trap” for those who don’t quickly learn positioning, effective range values, and movement techniques. Meanwhile an SMG like the ISO 45 can hold its own at this distance, but be most effective within three to about a dozen or so meters (roughly speaking — no need to bring a ruler to a firefight).
So long as you control its recoil and stay on target, the ISO 45 is bound to be effective.
For this special COD 101, let’s combine both Battle Pass weapons into one Loadout.
Tempus Razorback / ISO 45 Full Loadout Recommendation for Multiplayer, Battle Royale Modes
Primary: “Uninvited Guest BlackCell” Weapon Blueprint, “Uninvited Guest” Weapon Blueprint, or Base Weapon for Weapon Blueprint with Equivalent Attachments
Secondary: “No Tomorrow BlackCell” Weapon Blueprint, “No Tomorrow” Weapon Blueprint, or Base Weapon for Weapon Blueprint with Equivalent Attachments
Perk Package: Overkill, Scavenger, Fast Hands, Survivor
Equipment: Frag Grenade, Decoy Grenade
Field Upgrade (If Applicable): Battle Rage
Here’s the deal: This Loadout allows you to deal with most engagements you will have in Call of Duty. Outside of extreme close ranges (you turn a corner and there is an enemy right in your face) and long to extremely long ranges (that’s when you get a longer-range rifle, but don’t worry about that now), the Primary and Secondary pairing offers complete coverage.
Fast Hands, the Bonus Perk in your Perk Package, allows you to quickly switch between these two weapons. Overkill makes it possible to equip these two weapons in the same Loadout, and Scavenger allows you to pick up ammo for these weapons from eliminated players.
The Ultimate Perk, Survivor, is a bit of gamesmanship in Multiplayer. On death, you enter “Last Stand,” where you can self-revive or have a teammate revive you. In Call of Duty, every second being alive is valuable, so if you find yourself dying a ton, this is an amazing Perk to use.
Survivor in Warzone, however, is a major intel Perk. On top of allowing you to be revived faster by squadmates, it automatically pings the enemy who downed you, which allows you and the squad to see where you got shot from. Having a Self-Revive Kit basically turns this Perk back into the Multiplayer variant, but that piece of intel can be critical to your success in a Battle Royale match.
Mode Spotlight: Vondel Resurgence
Imagine a regular Battle Royale match where the last squad (or solo) standing wins, then amplify it with the ability to get back into the game more often. That is Resurgence.
For those unfamiliar with Resurgence rules, if a squad member is eliminated in a match, and one or more squad members are still alive, a countdown will appear beside their name. When this countdown hits zero, they will redeploy to the DZ.
Your squadmates can shorten this countdown if they perform specific in-game actions such as eliminating enemies, which incentivizes aggressive play. This countdown grows longer with each circle collapse until the final few circles — where all redeploys, save for those bought through a Buy Station, are disabled.
Solo Resurgence modes give you a free second life, but after that, you must refill your own Resurgence Counter in every life.
How is this all different in Season 04 compared to previous seasons? There is a whole new map to explore in Vondel. That means everyone is starting from scratch in learning a new map, which can be great for new players who may be nervous about going into territory that is familiar to other players but new to them.
On top of that, there are new features like Dynamic Resurgence Timers, which means if a squadmate drops from a squad-based match, or if you have a disconnect due to an internet issue, the timers are adjusted to reflect the new team size.
Here are some tips for this mode.
Vondel Resurgence Tips
1. The Most Valuable Resource — Time. Resurgence is about making every second count. Earn eliminations, complete contracts, and scavenge for Supply Boxes to cut down the Resurgence Timer. And remember, you might be down but you’re not out, so long as that Resurgence Timer is filled. So don’t be discouraged on the first (or second . . . or fifth) death.
2. Don’t Full Send . . . Most of the Time. For newer players especially, swimming down Vondel’s central canals without a paddle — er, weapon — is a recipe for disaster. Know what weapons you have, consider their strengths and weaknesses, consider where you are on the map and what your movement options are, and most importantly, don’t take a shot until you are sure you are ready for an engagement.
3. Reactive Vision. Don’t go blind when bullets start flying . . . or you may lose vision temporarily due to a Flash Grenade, but that’s not the point. If an engagement suddenly breaks out, find some cover, figure out where the enemy is firing from, and shoot back.
Here is where you can learn more about Vondel, the main Resurgence map for Season 04 (with Ashika Island set to return in regular Playlist updates throughout the season).
Mode Spotlight: Battle Map Search & Rescue, Battle Map Prisoner Rescue
Two new modes for Season 04 Multiplayer are Battle Map Search & Rescue and Battle Map Prisoner Rescue, great for those who prefer limited-life, first-person action experiences.
Essentially, these are two large player count variations of round-based modes Search & Destroy and Prisoner Rescue.
Search & Destroy is the official “game five of a five-game series” mode for the Call of Duty League (whose Championship is happening this weekend!). It’s where, to put it simply, your squad either must plant or defuse a bomb — or eliminate the opposition entirely — to win each round.
Prisoner Rescue is a similar game: You have two HVTs that need exfiltration or defending, depending on whether your team is on attack or defense. In Search & Destroy, if you go down, you’re out. In Prisoner Rescue, squadmates can revive you. We are emphasizing this, because we often see even the best Prisoner Rescue players forget that they can revive their squadmates.
To support the higher player count these modes are run on our Battle Maps. The sandbox style maps combined with the higher player counts make these modes much higher action!
Here are some tips for this experience:
1. “Keep a Low Profile and Hold Your Fire.” Single-life modes are won and lost by players who can tactically move around enemy forces for the purpose of better positioning. It is best to not play this mode with an itchy trigger finger.
2. Intel Is Power. In addition to soaking in all this information we are giving you, using intel-gathering tools — Heartbeat Sensors, Snapshot Grenades, the red dots on the compass, UAVs, and, most importantly, teammate callouts — can be critical to learning where enemy positions are. This is a crucial part of setting up a winning engagement. Use them often. Use them wisely.
3. Clear, Concise, and Courteous Comms. A successful team gives clear direction and is well-coordinated either by using the voice chat, text chat, or the in-game pinging system. Pay attention to it, learn how others are using it effectively, and then use it yourself. And do not be a bad actor. Read the Call of Duty Code of Conduct for more information.
Learn more about these 12v12 Playlist variations of Search & Destroy and Prisoner Rescue here.
Mode Spotlight: DMZ
DMZ is recommended for extraction shooter fans; those high-intensity, single-life games that feature both fellow Operators and AI Combatants as enemies… But know that DMZ is whatever you make of it, whether it is working methodically through missions or just cruising around Vondel with that new amphibious vehicle.
Just know at the end of the day, you better be on an exfil chopper before you a deemed MIA via encroaching gas.
Despite its ruleset being based on player risk — you lose any noninsured weapons and Keys if you die during an infiltration — DMZ offers a few new player-friendly features.
New Features for Season 04
For this season, there are more ways to have whatever you exfiltrate with and complete in each match matter.
Consider the Forward Operating Base (FOB), the replacement for Faction Missions and the new hub for DMZ. This is where you can access Urgent Missions, see your weapons and Stash, and check the Bounty Board for Barter Recipes.
Initial Planning: The first Forward Operating Base and Urgent Missions are built for new players; they teach you how to play DMZ, and they offer a great amount of XP in addition to DMZ-specific rewards (e.g., FOB upgrades) and permanent rewards like Weapon Blueprints that can be used across all modes. You will also be playing alongside more experienced players, who can help you through the dangerous DZs of Vondel, Al Mazrah, Ashika Island, and Building 21.
Surviving and Thriving: Finally, winning in DMZ is about shifting your perspective. Simply surviving an infiltration and completing a Contract within the DZ grants you a Perk (or multiple, if you get an exfiltration streak going).
That Perk can be extremely helpful for the next infiltration for gathering more Contraband or completing more objectives. And, in general, you should see any successful exfil as a major victory if you are a new player.
Consider yourself proficient in DMZ if you can survive and complete missions and/or contracts every other infiltration — that is, a success rate of 50% — because even the best DMZ players in the world cannot say they survived every infiltration.
Oh, and feel free to open that microphone or type in text chat within DMZ; the community here is full of people who want to help others complete missions, so say hello and send them an invite to join your party! Just be wary of those who say they are taxi drivers . . . but if they are, make sure to tip them handsomely for their help.
Learn more about DMZ here.
How to Get Rewards During the Assault on Vondel Event
As part of Season 04, there is a new Event to participate in until July 7: the Assault on Vondel.
Available via the Events tab, you can complete objectives to earn medals. These give you rewards like Operator Skins, Weapon Blueprints, and more. They also unlock new content for everyone in-game by combining everyone’s medal count together around the world.
Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is simple:
1. Go to the “Events Tab.”
2. Look around the map (by selecting or hovering over various sectors) to see how you can earn Medals via challenges.
3. ???
4. Profit, by way of collecting medals and earning rewards.
It is that simple. On the Event screen, you will see your own Medal count as well as the community’s total. There is also a separate screen for all the rewards that you can personally earn.
Get in there and save Vondel before [[REDACTED]].
Maximizing Challenge Completion
Outside of the Event, a major part of Call of Duty is ranking up. That is how you unlock nearly every Loadout item (through Rank 55) and earn Prestige rewards, which include new ranks and special Weapon Blueprints.
Ranking up is as simple as playing the game and earning XP, and XP gains can be maximized by completing challenges. This includes:
Daily Challenges: These are simple to see, as they show up in the pre-game lobby of any online mode you are in (and are visible in the Challenges menu). Complete all three — worth 2,500 XP each — to get a special Bonus Challenge worth 10,000 XP.
Weapon Challenges: In addition to leveling up weapons and unlocking attachments for them, you can also unlock camouflages — coats of paint that can be applied to nearly every weapon in the game, except Gold, Platinum, Polyatomic, or the fabled Orion camouflage (read our Camo Challenge blog here before taking on this ultimate and rewarding quest).
Operators Challenges: You can unlock over a dozen Operators by owning Modern Warfare II and by completing a variety of challenges across all of its game modes. For example, finishing the whole Campaign unlocks Hutch, while finishing Special Ops missions like Atomgrad Raid: Episode 03 unlocks Operators such as Alex, and performing tasks in Multiplayer has its own Operator rewards.
Calling Card Challenges: View Calling Cards — items that can be added to your Profile for bragging rights — via the Challenge menu (accessible in the top-right corner of any non-in-match menu screen) and see what you can earn on top of XP. Calling Cards are broken down into:
Games: Shared, Modern Warfare II, Warzone, and DMZ
Prestige: Once you hit a certain Prestige Rank, more challenges open up.
This menu also has “Premium,” for whatever Calling Cards you get outside of Challenges, such as via Bundle, Battle Pass, or other means.
Let’s keep it simple with the following math:
Let’s say, hypothetically, one of your Daily Challenges is “Get 2 Operator Longshot Kills.” It awards 2,500 XP. If you get that number of Longshots, not only will you get the standard XP, but you also get a 2,500 XP bonus from that challenge.
Now let’s add in a Double XP Token — you can get these via the Battle Pass or by completing objectives across game modes. During certain times of the year, Double XP is turned on, eliminating the need for a Double XP Token.
There is also the Prestige 1 Mastery Calling Card Challenge of “Colorful Shine — Get 50 Operator Longshot Kills with SMGs.” If you decide to do those Longshots with an SMG, you will be well on your way to getting that Calling Card.
And for fun, let’s make this the new ISO 45 SMG that you are doing these Longshots with. The Platinum Challenge for most weapons — including SMGs — are Longshots, so let’s say you are playing enough to be working toward Platinum Camo.
Alright, so that’s showing the work, now here is the equation:
2x(Base XP for Longshot Kills + 2,500 XP for Daily Challenge) + Calling Card Challenge Progress + Platinum Camo Challenge Progress = …
5,000+ XP and Challenge Progress Towards More Rewards… In other words, absolutely [[REDACTED DUE TO EXPLETIVE]] incredible value compared to just playing with one weapon constantly.
Plan tactically. Play well. And take in the rewards.
It’s as simple as that.
Everything Else You Need to Know in Season 04
This intel drop has only scratched the surface: There’s a lot more content in Modern Warfare II and Warzone leading to countless other ways to play in Season 04.
Season 04 includes Vondel, which is a brand-new, medium-sized map for Resurgence Battle Royale, DMZ, and other modes in Warzone. Modern Warfare II owners also get a six-pack of Multiplayer maps, including the return of the classic locale Showdown as well as a slice of Vondel in the Kunstenaar District.
There is never a better time to dive into Modern Warfare II and Warzone than right now, so drop into all this action and, as we always say around Task Force 141 . . .
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 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.
Season 04 Patch Notes
We’ll dive deep into all of the new content coming this Season below, but just a few highlights include:
- Run this town: welcome to Vondel, our all-new medium-sized map!
- Jump into the Assault on Vondel Event at Launch
- Jump into the Assault on Vondel Event at Launch
- Fight your way through six new Multiplayer Maps, including new Core, Gunfight, and Battle Maps
- Update your Loadouts with three new weapons:
- Tempus Razorback Assault Rifle
- ISO 45 SMG
- Tonfa Melee Weapon
- Tempus Razorback Assault Rifle
- The introduction of DMZ’s new Forward Operating Base (FOB), a centralized hub for all communications and Operator upgrades within DMZ
Check out the full patch notes for all the intel on this update, including new content, balance updates and bug fixes! For regular updates about live issues, patch notes and status updates from all studios and studio partners, follow @CODUpdates, launching with Season 04.
© 2023 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, CALL OF DUTY BLACK OPS, CALL OF DUTY WARZONE, CALL OF DUTY LEAGUE, 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.
Intel Drop: Season 04 BlackCell, Battle Pass, and Bundles
Nikto and his forces are going all in for the Assault on Vondel in Season 04 of Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® II and Call of Duty®: Warzone™. Are you with or against them?
Gear up for this fight with the help of the Battle Pass for Season 04, which features 100+ rewards across 22 Sectors, including two new functional weapons and the addition of Nikto, a key protagonist from Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® (2019).
Upgrade to the full Battle Pass for 1,100 COD Points to access all of Season 04’s regular Battle Pass items, or purchase BlackCell for an additional Sector, Battle Token Tier Skips, and more.
Here’s what you’ll find in this Battle Pass, starting with what to expect with BlackCell.
BlackCell Season 04
For $29.99, BlackCell includes over 7,000 COD Points of value (based on comparable in-game store bundles):
- Access to the full Season 04 Battle Pass and 20 Tier Skips. This includes 1,400 COD Points awarded throughout the Battle Pass.
- The BlackCell Sector, which includes 1,100 COD Points, a new BlackCell Operator named Io, a Pro-Tuned Weapon Blueprint and a Finishing Move. Plus, for the first time in Modern Warfare® II, a custom Parachute and Contrails (the smoke behind your Operator when the Parachute is deployed).
- Immediate unlocking of adjacent Battle Pass Sectors to the BlackCell Sector, an alternate position on the Battle Map compared to the normal starting position. You are free to unlock Battle Map Sectors adjacent to either starting Sector at will after BlackCell purchase.
- Additional BlackCell-only Battle Pass content: six BlackCell Alt Operator Skins, six BlackCell Tracer Weapon Blueprints, and two Vehicle Skins.
- Operators using specific BlackCell Blueprint variants marked in-game as having Tracer Rounds should expect black and gold flourishes and other effects for these armaments.
- Players who upgrade to BlackCell after purchasing the Battle Pass will also receive 1,100 COD Points back.
For more information, check out the dedicated BlackCell blog here.
Season 04 Battle Pass Details
Here is everything you need to know about Season 04’s Battle Pass, including BlackCell content:
ID on Io, a New Operator
Io, like the previous BlackCell Operator Atom, is an Operator whose entire history was [[REDACTED]] by an unknown entity.
Io is believed to be an elite soldier whose nonpareil combat rig is matched only by her abilities in the field.
Loyal to SpecGru, Io is the yin to Atom’s yang; whenever they meet in battle, they are sure to bring an all-out fight to the finish.
Io is planned to be only available as part of the Season 04 BlackCell offering.
Purchase the Battle Pass to Unlock Nikto
This mercenary is back with a vengeance, although the organization writing his checks is currently [[REDACTED]].
Players who purchase the Season 04 Battle Pass can unlock the D0 Bonus Sector and gain immediate access to Nikto’s default Skin.
As Modern Warfare® (2019) veterans remember, Nikto worked with the CIA to hunt Victor Zakhaev in Verdansk, but since October 2022, he’s been AWOL…until Season 04. Now in Modern Warfare II, he appears in a new Special Forces group that is taking over Vondel. Whether he is the leader of this group is unknown, but one thing is for certain: He will stop at nothing to ensure the city is his to rule.
In addition to unlocking this Operator, the Bonus Sector also awards “Weights and Measures” Gun Screen, the silent and versatile “First Step” SMG, the punchy and precise “Death Blow” Assault Rifle, and a 10% Battle Pass Boost.
BlackCell owners also get an alternate, black-and-gold Nikto Skin in addition to the above rewards.
New Weapon HVTs in Sectors D13, D19
Let’s talk Loadouts: The Tempus Razorback and ISO 45 are ready for you to unlock for free in Season 04.
Tempus Razorback Assault Rifle (Sector D13, HVT, Free)
A masterclass in exceptional craftsmanship, this Tempus Armament assault rifle features a bullpup design and frame vibration control, resulting in a smooth and controllable full-auto 5.56 weapon.
In Modern Warfare II, the Tempus Razorback is an Assault Rifle whose smooth recoil profile make it a reliable and accurate damage-dealer. Perfect for new players and veterans, we expect Operators to use this tool – earmarked for its consistency at mid-range – well in the new season.
Some attachments can make this weapon more controllable at range at the cost of Aim Down Sight (ADS) speed, while others can make it more mobile but require the Operator behind it to learn its heightened recoil pattern.
ISO 45 SMG (Sector D19, HVT, Free)
The ISO Platform’s answer to room clearing. This SMG dominates with a high fire rate and the stopping power of .45 Auto rounds.
A throwback to Modern Warfare (2019), the ISO 45 functions similarly to the old ISO, known for its lightweight design and decent fire rate for short- to midrange engagements.
If Shotguns and Sidearms dominate up close and Assault Rifles rule the midrange, the ISO 45 provides a strong option for action in between. Because this weapon boasts both a high fire rate and strong stopping power, Operators need to control its recoil to get the fastest eliminations possible.
Some attachments give more leeway for accuracy, while others grant better magazine capacity or mobility for those who master the ISO 45 enough to dominate in 1v1, 1v2, or even 1v3 situations.
One More Battle Pass Weapon Note:
If a master Warzone Operator wants a new Overkill Loadout on day one, then they could consider a Tempus Razorback/ISO 45 weapon combination. The ISO can punish them up close while the Razorback does damage at midrange. However, they might want to mix these into some of their other favorite weapons — LMGs, Sniper Rifles, and the like — to ensure they are ready for action whenever.
New Weapon Blueprint HVTs
Need more Weapon Blueprints? Battle Pass and BlackCell owners can get a few more for their arsenal, but there are also some Weapon Blueprints everyone — for free – just by participating in the Battle Pass System during the season.
No Tomorrow — SMG (Sector D1, HVT, Free)
Right from the normal starting position, you can unlock the “No Tomorrow” SMG, a five-attachment, jack-of-all trades, hard-hitting beast.
It is equipped with a larger magazine and attachments that increase stability, and it even has a red dot for an Operator to have better target acquisition.
BlackCell owners can also get the “No Tomorrow BlackCell” Weapon Blueprint at this sector as well.
Heavy Weight — Sniper Rifle (Sector D6, HVT)
Based off the latest Sniper Rifle added into Modern Warfare II, the “Heavy Weight” is exactly as named. It packs a devastating punch but is tooled for ADS speed and comes with a thermal optic.
Meant for both long-range engagements and midrange fights, the Heavy Weight is a balanced build for those looking for versatility.
Raining Death — “Marksman Rifle” (Sector D11, Non-HVT)
Looking for a Weapon Blueprint for a different type of takedown?
The “Raining Death” Blueprint is an “off-the-menu” recommendation. It is of interest to those considering the Battle Pass and who want a glimpse at what other Weapon Blueprints are on offer.
“Raining Death” is a Crossbow rather than a rifle, and it comes with explosive bolts. In addition, it is equipped with a heavy arm and wire for faster bolt velocity, as well as an angled grip and tactical stock to make it a more balanced weapon.
If your aim is true, then the “Raining Death” may be for you.
New HVT Operator Skins
SpecGru and KorTac Operators are ready to drop back in with new gear for Vondel and other critical missions. Also available for BlackCell owners is an alternate Skin — an enhanced, black-and-gold colorway of the Battle Pass Skin, unlocked when the HVT is captured.
Here’s a look at what Operators are suiting up with for the season:
“Swamped” Skins for Alejandro (Sector D10, HVT)
Battle Pass Skin: Prepare for wetwork in the swamps with a new skin for Alejandro.
BlackCell Additional Skin: The new definition of “dripped out” – the Swamped BlackCell is adds a polished finish to a rugged kit.
“Out for Blood” Skins for Valeria (Sector D12, HVT)
Battle Pass Skin: Keep it tactical with this green and khaki rig setup for Valeria.
BlackCell Additional Skin: Now it’s drop-dead sleek; Valeria’s BlackCell alternate is all-black with gold accents.
“Ocean Fog” Skins for Kleo (Sector D15, HVT)
Battle Pass Skin: Aquatic tattoos, kelp on the belt to appear more natural in water and more, Kleo is ready for aquatic combat with this skin.
BlackCell Exclusive: A golden net highlights this all-black alternate attire for the BlackCell Ocean Fog variant.
“Desert Ghost” Skins (Sector D20, HVT)
Battle Pass Skin: Straight from Las Almas, Ghost is more than ready for his next op.
BlackCell Exclusive: The infamous Operator from the 141 also comes clad in black-and-gold.
Complete the Map for Victory Sector Tier 100 Rewards
Get 100% map completion by conquering all 20 Sectors. This gives you access to the final Victory Sector, which features the following items:
“Uninvited Guest” Assault Rifle Weapon Blueprint
A well-balanced build for the new Assault Rifle featured in the Battle Pass, the “Uninvited Guest” makes this weapon effective at most ranges, save for extremely close or extremely far firefights. Its five-attachment set-up also includes a mini red dot optic for clearer visibility down range, which pairs well with the other four that make it a jack-of-all-trades weapon.
“Powercell” Tier 100 Skin for Nikto
Nikto becomes fully enraged in his Tier 100 Skin, only for those that complete the Battle Pass.
BlackCell Benefits – Additional Weapon Blueprint, Operator Skin
In addition to the above, BlackCell Owners will receive an additional Weapon Blueprint – the “Uninvited Guest BlackCell” Assault Rifle, a black-and-gold finished weapon with tracer rounds – as well as a sleek “Powercell BlackCell” Skin for Nikto.
300 COD Points, Emblem and Sticker
Anyone who makes it to Tier 100 will receive a Season 04 themed Weapon Sticker, an Emblem, and 300 COD Points for the next Battle Pass or put them toward the purchase of a new Store Bundle.
Alert! New Battle Map Sector to Open at Mid-Season
Following the Assault on Vondel, a new Sector of the Battle Pass AO is set to open to everyone at mid-season. Anyone can be rewarded for their efforts — specifically, a new [[REDACTED]] and other items — by playing the game and using their Battle Pass progress toward this new Sector.
More details to come during Season 04.
Store Highlights: Launch Window Bundles
Ready to customize your Operator to your liking? Then consider the following Store Bundles, available from June 14 and set to drop during the launch window of Season 04.
Tracer Pack: Crash™ Bandicoot
Crashing the Store on the Crash Team Rumble release date of June 20 for 1,800 COD Points, the Tracer Pack: Crash™ Bandicoot bundle, packed with items to celebrate a brand-new addition to a historic franchise.
Get N.Sane with the “N.Sanity” Sniper Rifle Weapon Blueprint, or get up close into typical “spin jump” range with the “Let’s Rumble” SMG Weapon Blueprint. Perfect for a two Primary Weapon loadout that can fit in either Multiplayer or in Warzone.
This bundle also includes the first-ever lethal equipment skin in Modern Warfare II: the “Wumpa” Grenade, which replaces the default Frag Grenade look. In addition, the bundle includes the “Team Bandicoot” ATV Skin, “Crash Clash” Loading Screen, the “Bumpa Berry,” “Quad Damage,“ and “Golden Wumpa” Stickers, and of course, “The Myth, The Legend” Emblem featuring Crash Bandicoot himself.
Pro Pack 5: Griffin
Pro Pack 5: Griffin, available for $19.99 USD (or your regional equivalent), contains an absolutely stunning “Lion’s Might” Operator Skin for Nova, a “Bruised and Battered” Finishing Move that features a battering ram on some kneecaps, the “Winged Beast” Assault Rifle and “War Beast” Shotgun Weapon Blueprints – an awesome pairing for any Multiplayer or Warzone loadout that covers engagements from extremely-close to far ranges – as well as the Lion’s War Loading Screen and the Grassland Royalty Weapon Vinyl.
It also comes with 2,400 COD Points that can be used for regular Battle Pass purchase or for another bundle.
Tracer Pack: Cyber Riot 2
Now to bring it back to day one of Season 04 – the marquee bundle at launch will by Tracer Pack: Cyber Riot 2 for 1,400 COD Points.
Its marquee item is the “Black Hat” SMG Weapon Blueprint. Featuring “Universal Wrap technology,” or an animated appearance that makes it look like a piece of sci-fi technology, the “Black Hat” is custom-built for stealth and recoil control. In other words, it’s a great pick for someone who wants to hit targets silently and reliably without too much recoil.
The Bundle also includes a “Little Green Man” glowing Weapon Charm, the “Robo-Fist” Emblem, and the “Fight Bot” Loading Screen.
In-Season Store Highlights
Watch out for additional themed Bundles coming to the Store during the first few weeks of Season 04:
Tracer Pack Elementals: Magma Flow
What else is there to say: this bundle is so fire, it just has to be Tracer Pack Elementals: Magmaflow, available for 3,000 COD Points.
It features the “Pyro” Operator Skin for Ghost, which lights him on fire, perfect for those who claim they have a hot hand. There is also the reactive “Volcanic Intentions” automatic Shotgun and “Liquid Hot” Assault Rifle Weapon Blueprints, which see themselves get even hotter as Operators rack up kills.
In addition, the bundle comes with the “Scoria” Sidearm Weapon Blueprint, the flaming “Scorching Hot” Weapon Charm of Ghost’s head, the “Ka-Boom” Vinyl, “HOT” Sticker, and “Burn ‘Em” Emblem.
Tracer Pack: The Ghost of Akihabara
Did you know Ghost is known as “Ghost Senpai” to some?
We’ll leave it at that, because that is the name of the Operator Skin leading the new Tracer Pack: Ghost Pop Bundle coming in-season for 2,400 COD Points.
Alongside that Operator Skin, the bundle comes with the animated “Unrivaled” Assault Rifle and “Bulldozer” buckshot long-range Shotgun Bluepirnt, as well as the “Senpai Ride” Vehicle Skin, “Ghost in Green” Vinyl, “Cyber Ghost” Emblem, and the “Skyline Escape” Loading Screen.
Tracer Pack: Butch Operator Bundle
Celebrate the fourth with the Tracer Pack: Butch Operator Bundle, featuring one of the new Operators for the season and available around early July for 2,400 COD Points.
The “Butch” Operator is all-America’d out with his base skin as well as the “Butch Masked” variant, and pairs well with the bundle’s included “Old GloryDawn’s Light” Assault Rifle and the “Bomb Burst” Shotgun animated Weapon Bluprints.
It will also come with an extra DMZ Operator Slot, the “Brawn Eagle” Charm, the “Soaring Eagle” Vehicle Skin, the “Soaring Predator” Emblem, the “’Merica” Vinyl, and the “Roaring Eagle” Loading Screen.
Tracer Pack: Cthulhu
Serve Cthulhu and serve death for 2,400 COD Points with the Tracer Pack: Cthulhu Bundle, feating the “Deep Lord” Skin for König. Drop your enemies to the depths with a demonically inspired rapid and high-capacity SMG Blueprint; a drum mag and fast handling attachments make it a great sniper support weapon or as a spray-happy primary.
The “Condemnation” Sniper Rifle Blueprint comes with Explosive Rounds and an optic with a built-in range finding, making it a powerful weapon at long distances... But only if you can land those shots!
Don’t forget to stare into cosmic terror with the “Hell Spawn” RHIB Vehicle Skin, the “Dark Seas” Loading Screen, a terrifying emblem, and a “Cthulhu” Sticker.
Stay frosty.
BlackCell Sector value based on comparable in-game Store bundles.
© 2023 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, CALL OF DUTY WARZONE, CALL OF DUTY BLACK OPS, and MODERN WARFARE are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II Season 04 — Kunstenaar District Map Intel
Kunstenaar District
Day 334, 14:51
Factions Deployed: SpecGru / KorTac
Welcome to the arts district of Vondel — the new Season 04 Call of Duty®: Warzone™ map — a Core 6v6 Multiplayer map positioned west of the Museum and across the water from the Stadium and Police Station.
This small- to midsized Multiplayer map features a variety of boutique shops and town houses along its classic three-lane layout, with a canal for underwater operations and street art adorning its buildings and central plaza. With a map punctuated by small interior locations, Operators have plentiful options for weaving in and out of its main roads, with opportunities for close-, mid-, and long-ranged combat alike.
Spawn Point: KorTac
KorTac Spawn Zone (South) — Back Alley
Starting in the Back Alley, KorTac forces have access to three forward routes: west through the Streetwear clothing store toward the Canal and Checkpoint, straight ahead to the Plaza, or to the east toward the Park Entrance and up through Vans.
Generally, taking the middle path presents the most danger, as the Plaza is at a disadvantage against enemies positioned at the top of Stairs. Therefore, you may have more luck moving up Vans in the east, or, when moving up the western path, taking a swim in the Canal until you get past sight of the Plaza and Stairs.
Spawn Point: SpecGru
SpecGru Spawn Zone (North) — Road
Entering from the northern Road, SpecGru forces are also presented with three routes forward, though the map’s asymmetrical design presents some different risks and opportunities.
Head straight through Connector to the top of Stairs for a strong vantage point against KorTac forces moving up through Plaza and the western Riverside. When taking the eastern path through Construction, be aware of the sudden drop in the road past the flatbed truck — this could potentially obscure your sight of enemies heading toward your position. Consider setting up by the south window of House, cutting them down as they reach your level. In the west, watch for snipers utilizing the long, straight path to engage from far out, and look for swimmers in the Canal trying to avoid attention from the central Stairs.
Map Maneuvers: Route Planning
For the purposes of this guide, we’re dividing Kunstenaar District into four main sections:
- Canal
- Residential
- Shops
- Park Side
Canal
With the Canal and the western pathway running alongside it, this area is a hot spot of long-ranged activity as opposing sides take shots from either end of the map. For those looking to close the distance, several large vehicles offer substantial cover and a means to get up and over street level for a more commanding view. You don’t have to worry about them blowing up under fire, either; these trucks are sturdy.
To avoid getting hit from the side, be aware of the Stairs and Plaza when moving up through the middle. As mentioned earlier, swimming through the Canal will keep you out of sight, but it’ll also slow you down.
Residential
Comprising the northern half of the map, including the main Road behind it, the Residential area sits at a higher elevation compared to its southern counterpart. Midranged engagements rule the outside, favoring Assault Rifles along Road and SMGs as you approach the back of the House. Note the flatbed truck parked along the wall here; the barrels strapped to it provide good cover against enemies moving up from the Plaza.
Combat becomes much tighter in the interior spaces here: House, Bike Shop, and Connector. When aerial streaks come calling, expect these areas to become hot zones.
Finally, the power position afforded by the Stairs is certain to draw attention. Use them, then move on before becoming a high-value target. When attacking the position, consider coming in from the eastern Archway, a difficult position to cover from up top.
Shops
The southern shops area funnels Operators into narrow engagements through its exterior alleyways and the Streetwear and Laundry interior spaces. With fewer cover pieces around, fights here are more often determined by who has the quicker draw, so be aggressive.
Don’t neglect the usefulness of the Sober Friar Restaurant when attacking the central Plaza. Though it may feel exposed, it offers valuable partial cover against enemy Operators on the other side. When defending the area, Laundry and Streetwear become worthy paths as well; use them to quickly change your position between the middle and outer lanes.
Park Side
Though longshots are also a concern — and an opportunity — here, the road’s angled path makes it less of a concern compared to the long, flat road along Canal. Still, there’s plenty of danger to be found here, with several pathways leading abruptly into the area from the middle path, as well as consistently placed vehicles and other large cover objects to obscure the view of incoming enemies.
Use the Museum boundary here, which allows you to get above street level. While you’re more exposed this way, it also gives you a clearer sight down the road. At the path’s far north end, the stone staircase offers a great view over Road. When defending against enemies coming in through the middle, consider setting up in one of the flat grass areas, reducing your chances of getting spotted by enemies along the road.
Objective Routes and Rotations
Mode Intel: Domination
Kunstenaar District’s tight, three-lane layout presents danger at every turn in Domination matches. If your squad groups up too tightly, the risk of getting flanked runs high, so spread out when covering objectives to increase your awareness of incoming danger. If you encounter fierce resistance down one lane, shift to another, always prodding for an opening in the enemy’s defense.
With the A and C flags positioned near the east road, the action tends to be more intense on that end of the map in this mode, thought that heightened attention can be used to make a play at B from the west. Don’t be too rigid about which flags to focus on, however; any two will do, and on a small map like this, the objectives are likely to change hands often.
Mode Intel: Search & Destroy
Slow it down in Search & Destroy and remain especially wary of enemy snipers utilizing the map’s long sight lines to get an early elimination in the match. Subterfuge can be deadly here — open fire, throw grenades, or otherwise get the enemy team’s attention while setting up a flank to eliminate them as they respond to the targeted location.
The bomb site positions focus the fight on the outer roads, and their proximity to the central Plaza makes it tempting to cross the open area. Be wary of this highly exposed move and eliminate hasty enemies who do. If you notice any open doors or broken windows when passing an interior location, toss a grenade inside just in case, and take advantage of the many large vehicles by mantling on top of them for a greater view.
Mode Intel: Hardpoint
The opening Hardpoint spells chaos right from the start, sending both teams careening toward the volatile central Plaza. Try approaching the objective from multiple angles to split the enemy’s attention. Once the Hardpoint is yours, remember that you only need one Operator inside to accumulate points; the rest of the team can then spread out to better cover the multiple pathways leading toward the objective.
Get moving to the next objective location before the current Hardpoint runs out, especially between the second and third Hardpoints and the fourth and fifth, each requiring a greater distance of travel between them. Carry a Launcher — or be willing to switch to a Loadout that has one — to respond to enemy aerial streaks, particularly UAVs. Executing pincer attacks or attempting a stealth movement through the Canal won’t be of much help if they can see you coming.
Top Tips
1. Fight horizontally. Kunstenaar District’s layout tends to funnel the battle along its three primary vertical lanes of engagement, though you can catch the enemy off guard by focusing on a more horizontal playstyle, moving between the three lanes to keep the enemy at bay.
2. Browse a little. You might think that the crammed interior spaces are mostly useful for passing through, but don’t be in such a rush to get to the other side. Use the available windows and doors to seek out and eliminate any nearby Operators; then move on once the coast is clear.
3. Go fishing. Suspect there’s an enemy Operator swimming in the water but don’t have time to wait for them to come up for air? Fire some shots along the water’s path to see if you get a hitmarker. The Canal is narrow enough that you’ve got a decent chance of connecting if someone’s there.
4. Watch your feet. The constricted pathways here are prime locations for ground-based attacks, whether in the form of Claymores, Proximity Mines, or Suppression Mines. Scan the floor when racing through or equip the Spotter Bonus Perk to avoid an untimely elimination.
5. Broken connection. Due to the popularity of the Stairs, you can bet there will be a lot of movement through the tiny Connector room just north of it. If the enemy is holding fast to this position, fight your way into the room and greet incoming Operators with a Shotgun blast.
6. Cover to cover. To better avoid long-range threats while traveling the road alongside the Canal, use the available cover objects to keep out of view until you can get into a better position at close range.
7. Greet them at the door. With only a few scattered interior locations, the shops and House can get crowded fast when aerial streaks force Operators indoors. Be prepared to fight for the overhead cover in these situations, whether you’re the one running from the streaks or expecting enemies to race in to escape yours.
8. Wheelson coming through. The Wheelson-HS is a formidable streak here, considering the ease of moving through the district’s exterior roads. The parked vehicles additionally help keep the machine obstructed while approaching enemy positions.
9. Enjoy the artwork. Even in a heated battle, there are inevitably quiet moments, offering the perfect opportunity to appreciate the surrounding street art. See the octopus over the Stairs, the dog in the Plaza, and a variety of others throughout the entire district.
10. Deploy to Vondel. The Kunstenaar District provides just a taste of the greater Vondel map launching in Season 04 of Warzone. Grab your squad and head into the match to view the Museum grounds next door as well as the many other points of interest making up this new field of battle.
Stay frosty.
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