Everything we learned about Warzone 2 from COD: Next

The moment Warzone fans have been waiting for finally arrived during the Call of Duty: Next event. Activision invited content creators, professional players, and fans across the globe to witness the unveiling of Warzone 2.0–the highly-anticipated sequel to Call of Duty: Warzone. The game began with Infinity Ward in 2019, and now we know what to expect when Warzone 2.0 drops in November. 

Activision left nothing to the imagination, revealing the entire map, new mechanics, weapons, and much more. That’s where we come in—to break down everything we learned about Warzone 2.0. 

The map instantly became one of the most anticipated aspects of Call of Duty: Next. Many die-hard Warzone fans felt Caldera did not live up to Verdansk. Today, the event named Al Mazrah as the landscape in Warzone 2.0. This map is massive and features 18 locations. 

Beyond the map itself, Warzone 2.0 features all new vehicles and terrain that players will need to learn. There’s water, elevation, and buildings in most areas. Ultimately, Al Mazrah is appropriately themed to Modern Warfare 2’s campaign and should provide a fresh experience for Warzone fans. 

Here’s the list of locations in Warzone 2.0:

Warzone 2.0 looks to innovate the Battle Royale concept with multiple Safe Zones. Previously, Warzone followed a beat similar to other Battle Royale games, where all remaining players would have to survive inside one small safe area. In Warzone 2.0, Safe Zones split into three and eventually converge into one zone. Evidentially, this won’t happen every match, but it’s fascinating nonetheless. 

The initial Warzone build in 2019 introduced the brilliant Gulag concept. For those unaware, players who fell during a match could earn their way back in by winning a one-on-one battle. The Gulag truly set Warzone apart from every other Battle Royale game. However, Warzone 2.0 takes the Gulag to another level. 

Warzone 2.0’s Gulag does away with the tight-quarters fight. Instead, four players will drop into an area for a 2v2 combat scenario. The winning team exits the Gulag back into the match. Also, players will bring any loot obtained during the Gulag stay back to the battlefield. Gulag attendees can also take out a bot named “The Jailer” and escape with a key that he drops. 

Infinity Ward heavily highlighted the inclusion of water-based action in Warzone 2.0. The team mentioned boats, proximity mines, and unique swimming mechanics new to the Battle Royale. However, some drawbacks accompany water fights. For instance, players can only use their secondary weapon in the water. 

Still, aquatic combat should add another layer to Warzone 2.0’s complexity. There’s no telling what will happen when you chase an opponent into the water and engage in a battle. 

Gone are the days of a minuscule selection of vehicles as it was in Verdansk and Caldera. The COD Next event showcased 18 vehicles players can use to traverse Al Mazrah. Those options include the tactical vehicle, light tank, heavy chopper, UTV, and an inflatable boat. Furthermore, you can expect to see a wide range of cars across the map. 

While the new vehicles are a fun inclusion, you’ll want to be careful when riding in them. Warzone 2.0 has included vehicle damage, particularly to the frame and tires. Also, vehicles can now run out of fuel, so be sure to keep tabs on gas station locations. 

Buy stations have received somewhat of an upgrade in the new game. Referred to as “The Shop,” players will find the usual offerings, such as buying a teammate back and purchasing equipment. Additionally, you can grab your custom-made weapons and classes from these stations. 

Warzone 2.0 marks the first instance of AIs on the battlefield. It’s a risk-reward scenario where you and your teammates can undoubtedly take the fight and receive a nice reward. However, the developers dialed these bots up to another level of intensity. It’s also worth noting that Al Mazrah includes several AI-controlled “Strongholds.”

Any team that overtakes a Stronghold will receive “impressive loot” and a free customized weapon. 

There’s a lot to unpack ahead of Warzone 2.0, which is currently slated for release on November 16. We didn’t even touch on the new ledge grab and diving mechanics, which will be critical to master come November. The game itself looked exciting. Top professional Warzone player Aydan “Aydan” Conrad proclaimed it would be the greatest Battle Royale of all time. 

Be sure to check out the Call of Duty website for more information!

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