Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 launching November 16

Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0, the next evolution of Activision’s blockbuster battle royale spinoff, was officially unveiled today during Call of Duty: Next.  During the event showcase, fans were treated to a first look at the highly anticipated sequel, which includes a new map, new weapons, new modes of transportation and more.

Perhaps the biggest change is the new map: Al Mazrah. “Immense, dynamic and rewarding,” this map offers diverse geography complete with coastal towns, desert, rocky mountains, subterranean spaces, rivers and more. These rivers, lakes and water areas will play a big role in the new swimming and aquatic combat, which should open new opportunities to get the jump on your enemies.

To help you navigate this expansive map, Warzone 2.0 will feature new vehicles such as the Tactical Vehicle, UTV, and Light Tank. Or navigate the rivers and lakes with the Rigid Inflatable Boat. Or take to the skies in the Heavy Chopper.  But be careful, in addition to being a more noticeable target, vehicles will require maintenance such as inflating the tires and getting gas. This could open you up to ambush attacks by teams waiting for you to make a pit stop.

Once again, a massive storm will be forcing players to converge. However, the way in which the wall closes in will vary. As Activision explains:

"One possible occurance may be the result of extreme weather pattern anomalies resulting in the safe zone splitting into multiple Circles throughout a match that reconverge into a single safe zone as the match gets closer to the final circle."

I absolutely love this feature as it adds an extra layer of randomness that will require some on-the-fly strategy.

The Gulag is once again making a return only this time you won’t be alone. It’s now a 2v2 battle in which you’ll battle for the chance to return to the main map. New to the Gulag is “the Jailer” an AI combatant that you can eliminate and steal his key to escape. Also, any of the gear you loot will be brought back into the main match with you. While I prefer the intensity of a 1v1 match, I do like the idea of returning to the match with the gear that you loot. Too often surviving the Gulag simply meant dropping back and being at an instant handicap.

Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 will feature shared progression with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile when it launches in 2023. Not only does this apply to Battle Pass progress, but any weapons or Operators you unlock as well.

Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 will officially launch on November 16 as part of Modern Warfare 2’s Season One. The game will remain free-to-play.