Call of Duty® News

Welcome to Season 04!

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
    
• 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
    
• 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.

Announcing the Season 04 Battle Pass

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?

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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.

Kunstenaar District

Day 334, 14:51

Factions Deployed: SpecGru / KorTac


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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.

© 2023 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, CALL OF DUTY WARZONE, and MODERN WARFAREare 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.

Showdown
United Republic of Adal
Day 229, 17:30
Factions Deployed: SpecGru / KorTac

Positioned in Al Mazrah’s Akhdar Village, Showdown — first featured in 2007’s Call of Duty® 4: Modern Warfare® — is a medium-sized Core Multiplayer experience where action funnels in and around an iconic courtyard and its statue.

Only the bravest — or most foolhardy — Operators will attempt a crossing, with danger looming above and below. The perimeter offers its own challenges, funneling players into tense engagements in its narrow confines.

Here is what you need to know:

Spawn Point: KorTac



KorTac Spawn Zone (West) — Construction

KorTac forces start in Construction amid ongoing renovations. From here, there is a direct view through the West Tunnel toward the courtyard. Branching paths lead to the southern Chicken Coop and the northern Food Stalls. Heading straight towards the central Statue can be a death trap, though the stacked sandstone and wooden pallets in the West Tunnel may be useful as defensive positions against those situated at the other spawn.

On the perimeter, the Food Stalls offer a slightly safer route compared to the Chicken Coop route. The stairs here offer easy access up and over the closed metal gate. Where the Chicken Coop gets the advantage, however, is in its side entrance toward Statue, which can serve as a flank route against enemies in the courtyard.

Spawn Point: SpecGru



SpecGru Spawn Zone (East) — Main Entrance

SpecGru enters the match through the more pristine Main Entrance. They, too, can head straight toward the courtyard or flank around the perimeter. The East Tunnel features some large cover options that can be used for a more defensive approach toward Statue.

The northern Van route is exposed to sightlines past the metal gate, though it’s possible to climb atop the vehicle and mantle to the overhead ledge, where you’ll have a greater vantage point against enemies on the other side. There’s also an entrance to the covered walkway surrounding the courtyard. Break to the southern Glass shop for a less exposed approach to the gate. Nearby stairs offer rapid access to the courtyard’s second story.

Map Maneuvers: Route Planning



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

• Construction
• North Path
• Main Entrance
• South Path
• Courtyard

Construction

Construction is nearly wide open, with only the forklift, cement bags, and the corner dumpster offering cover across its flat, square surface. The biggest challenge here is anticipating enemy attacks — will they arrive via the West Tunnel, Food Stalls, or Chicken Coop? Using the cover objects at hand, it’s possible to partly conceal yourself from one or two of these pathways, but you’re in turn reducing your own spatial awareness while doing so.

When holding the area for an objective, request support to cover the left and right flanks so you can focus on the central tunnel. If one of the flanks comes under fire, move up for additional support to better concentrate your defenses.

North Path

For this guide, the North Path includes, from east to west, Van, Blue Tarp, and Food Stalls. Van is mostly open, with some scattered cover objects for added defense. Your options expand near the eponymous vehicle, offering a quick means to get onto the ledge overhead. Run across the hanging boards to switch sides, or race for the upper path to move toward Food Stalls or into the upper levels of the courtyard. There’s also a ground-floor entrance into the courtyard from here, though getting to it exposes you to attacks from enemies on the other side of the gate.

In Food Stalls, the corner staircase and the low wall in front of the cafe provide great defensive positions when covering the area. When you’re covering the main path through the gate, consider setting up behind the white planter box with a sniper rifle or other long-ranged weapon in hand. For more aggressive play, race up the staircase to fire on enemies from above or to slink into the courtyard’s upper walkway.

Main Entrance

While not identical, the Main Entrance offers largely the same tactical choices as Construction, with a flat open square and some minor cover options throughout. Bring backup when defending the area to help you cover the three pathways in, and be ready to book it for the East Tunnel should any aerial streaks descend on your position.

South Path

Consisting of Glass Shop, Slide, and Chicken Coop, the South Path offers the other means of crossing the map outside of the Courtyard. Though cover objects are sparse, the long planter box in Glass Shop offers a solid defense when engaging enemies here, while the corner scaffolding offers a height advantage but little cover. Note the wooden platform under the Courtyard’s southeast ledge — this is a solid position from which to ambush incoming enemies.

The stone staircase offers a straightforward route over to Slide. From here, you can jump down to ground level or head into the lower Courtyard. You can also hop onto the wooden awnings along the bottom map border to maintain verticality. The Slide offers a powerful vantage point over Chicken Coop.

Courtyard

At the dead center of the map, the Courtyard with its central Statue sees some of the most intense action in the match. The surrounding walkways present dangers at every turn, but when you need to cross the map fast, it’s tempting to take the risk. With a combination of intel-gathering through comms and UAV assistance, plus judicial use of the available cover, it’s possible to get through here alive, but your timing’s got to be flawless.

When it comes to the surrounding walkways, be prepared to fight for your position on the coveted upper level. With a vantage point over Statue, plus sights over the North and South Paths, it’s a powerful area. With four entry points leading to the upper level, however, you must always be on guard, prepared to take on enemies attempting to usurp your position.

Objective Routes and Rotations



Mode Intel: Domination

At the start, expect some serious action on the South Path as teams fight to get through the courtyard’s southern opening toward the B flag. The East and West Tunnels will likely see similar levels of action as well; consider taking the stairs to the upper walkway, which is a good — albeit slightly exposed — power position.

Though the A and C flags are on opposite ends, the map is small enough that one or two aggressive Operators can push to the other side while the rest of the team is engaged with the B flag by Statue. This helps take the pressure off the Courtyard as the enemy falls back to retake their lost flag. Once that happens, taking the B flag becomes more feasible.

Mode Intel: Search & Destroy

Search & Destroy changes up the dynamics on Showdown with both bomb sites positioned along the upper walkway to the north and south. With just one life per round, it’s important to master the four entrances to the upper floor: the staircases leading up from the ground floor in the southwest and northeast corners, as well as the two outer walkways over the metal gates leading straight to the top floor.

As the attacking team, consider aggressively pushing forward while sending a bomb carrier — and potentially a bodyguard to assist — upstairs to plant. Defenders will have to send at least one Operator upstairs to gather intel if they hope to counter this strategy, but no matter what, a midrange weapon with a 3.0–5.5x magnification scope can help take out the bomb carrier regardless of which site they go for. 

Mode Intel: Hardpoint

Showdown has six Hardpoints, with each one positioned in a meaningful location outside of the central Courtyard. However, there will definitely be foot traffic here as players take the shortest route possible to the next objective.

It’s worth fighting for a position along the upper Courtyard walkway; because there are two Hardpoint locations here, as well as two Hardpoints by the metal gates, it is certainly a power area to lock down. Also, staying up here offers protection from aerial streaks and largely negates threats from below.

When it’s time to take the Hardpoints in Construction and the Main Entrance, however, head back to the ground floor to clean up hostile forces.

Top Tips



1. Explore the perimeter first. While dangers abound everywhere, the fight perimeter is generally more focused and predictable. Once you’re familiar with the layout, start moving into the central walkways and exploring the middle.

2. Careful with the aerial streaks. Though the skies are clear, the structure surrounding the courtyard offers thick overhead cover against incoming aerial streaks, so be mindful of your timing or you’ll have a hard time finding a target.

3. Downtime, what’s that? Showdown’s layout pairs long, narrow lanes with plentiful right angles, often requiring a sudden change between close- and long-range engagements. Remember that swapping to your pistol is always faster than reloading, and it provides dependable power when you need to make the switch.

4. Ledge hang trick shot. See those overhead boards set up along the northern Blue Tarp? With a precision jump, you can activate a ledge hang from them, catching incoming opponents off guard. You’re quite exposed in this position, so don’t overdo it.

5. Grenades to upper walkway. When you don’t have time to engage in a precision firefight with someone on the upper walkway, consider tossing a grenade up there instead — or using a Drill Charge to penetrate the walkway — for a quick engagement starter, if not a solid elimination.

6. The right tool for the job. Versatility goes a long way when holding the upper walkway over the Courtyard. The new Season 04 Tempus Razorback Assault Rifle, unlocked for free in the Battle Pass, is a great example of a weapon that can engage targets downrange but can also hold its own against nearby enemies.

7. Pincer attack. When approaching an objective within Construction or the Main Entrance, try to split your forces to come in from at least two different directions, thus dividing the enemy’s focus with an effective pincer attack.

8. Now try to find me. Smokes — Grenades and the Field Upgrade — can be helpful to conceal movements, especially in the Courtyard. Just be mindful of Thermal Sights or predictable movements that can counter this strategy.

9. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. This version of Showdown is very faithful to its original design, though on top of the massive graphical improvements since then, the updated movement mechanics add a new layer of strategy. Use your mantling abilities — especially around the perimeter — to get above your enemies fast and use slide to get behind cover when taking fire.

10. Take your skills to Call of Duty: Warzone. Starting to feel confident after several matches? Consider switching over to Warzone and heading to the Ahkdar Village POI in Al Mazrah. Use the skills you gained in Multiplayer to lock down the area as you fight to be the last squad standing.

Stay frosty.


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