Call of Duty® News

Welcome to Warzone 2.0 Season 02

Get ready to squad up and drop into Season 02 of Call of Duty®: Warzone™ 2.0, introducing the new Ashika Island map to Battle Royale and DMZ. Developed by High Moon Studios, Ashika Island brings players to a Resurgence-sized, centuries-old village in an archipelago, presenting all new risks and rewards across its many locales, bridges, districts, and waterways.

The new season will also feature the return of the 1v1 Gulag, a new AI Combatant, the Path of the Ronin seasonal event, new DMZ Faction Missions, and more. Season 02 launches on February 15. Read on for a tactical overview of everything coming to Warzone 2.0.

• Ashika Island Debuts with Resurgence. Explore a new environment with the launch of Ashika Island, debuting alongside Resurgence Battle Royale.
  
• 1v1 Gulag. The 1v1 Gulag returns, including changes to the current Gulag map, ground loot, and starting Loadouts.
  
• New Contract, Public Event, the Rusher, and More. Take on new challenges that will be added to Ashika Island throughout Season 02.
  
• General Season 02 Changes. Season 02 introduces other changes across Ashika Island and Al Mazrah, including adjustments to your starting armor, Buy Stations, and Stronghold rewards.
  

Welcome to Ashika Island, aka “Isle of the Sea Lion.” What was once planned as a resort destination is now under siege by Shadow Company, whose forces are looking for local members of the Ultranationalist Konni Group.

A compact, medium-sized map designed for Resurgence, Ashika Island includes various locales such as the Town Center, Beach Club, Tsuki Castle, Port Ashika, and river channels and bridges spread throughout the environment.

See our Deep Dive on Ashika Island for a rundown of the new Resurgence map’s seven major points of interest.





Playlist updates throughout Season 02 will feature Resurgence in Solos, Duos, Trios, and Quads. In this mode, a countdown appears next to the name of any eliminated squad member, as long as at least one other squad member is still alive. Once the timer completes, the eliminated player is redeployed.

Squads who complete objectives like eliminating squads or finishing contracts will shorten the countdown, bringing their fallen teammates back into the match more quickly. The countdown will grow longer over the course of the match until eventually being disabled in the final minutes.

The last squad standing wins.

Our main tips for Resurgence are as follows:

• Move as one. In any squad-based version of Resurgence, squads that stick together are more likely to survive. From the initial drop to the final circle, coordinate your movements to ensure no Operator is left behind.
  
• The intel advantage. Eliminating any member of an enemy team temporarily reveals their squadmate’s positions on the Tac Map. Use this to track down and completely wipe squads, so they are unable to redeploy back to full strength!
  
• Clutch up, stay alive. If your squad members are down, prioritize your life to ensure they can redeploy. Remember that looting items, completing contracts, and earning eliminations shorten their Resurgence countdown, but sometimes, waiting out the clock for a few seconds can be the difference between the squad redeploying and an untimely end to a match.
  

Restore your honor and exact revenge against your enemy.

Once per match, Operators who fall on Ashika Island will drop a dog tag where they perished. If you or one of your squadmates picks up the dog tag, you’ll be rewarded with a small Cash reward and a UAV Ping to scan the area for supplies and potentially the position of the enemy Operator who downed you.

Here are two strategies for this new feature:

• Truly Honorable. Heading straight for your dog tag after a redeployment is a smart way to get a head start on that fresh life. Alternatively, have a squadmate pick up that tag and call out nearby Supply Boxes so you can quickly build back that Loadout.
  
• Dishonorable Bait. Given the advantage it provides, an enemy dog tag can be used to lure enemy teams into exposing their position. If you see a dog tag in the wild, consider taking an advantageous position near it and pick off any Operator who attempts to pick it up.
  

Season 02 balances the Battle Royale Cash economy for more consistent rewards when pursuing resources. The Cash payout for completing contracts has been slightly reduced, while the minimum value of Cash piles as ground loot has been increased to $800 and from cash registers it has been increased to $500.

Cash will no longer be found in basic and Legendary Supply Boxes, but it can be found as ground loot, in containers, and in white Stronghold Supply Boxes.

This emphasizes looting during a match rather than solely completing contracts to rack up Cash. Be sure to search every Supply Box, Duffel Bag, Locker and other containers to maximize Cash gains during matches.





Season 02 sees the return of the 1v1 Gulag. In this iteration, the Jailer’s out; it’s just you and the enemy player, with the return of the Domination-style control point as the overtime mechanic.

Operators will skirmish in an edited version of the current Gulag map that’s better suited for 1v1 combat. Expect new ground loot and spawning Loadouts, including Assault Rifles, SMGs, and LMGs that change as the match progresses. Shotguns have been removed from the rotation.

Here’s our advice for this updated Gulag:

• Practice makes perfect. Head into Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® II Multiplayer and try out a variety of Primary Weapons within those categories to learn their strengths and weaknesses. Although Operator health differs between Multiplayer and Battle Royale, learning how to control each weapon’s recoil and knowing their range can be crucial to surviving the Gulag.
  
• Chuck those ’nades. Remember that a Gulag Loadout also includes Lethal and Tactical Equipment. Use it to slightly damage or disorient opponents before dealing the eliminating blow with whatever given weapon.
  
• More Cash: The Gulag now spawns Cash as ground loot to reward players who move around. If you can stall your opponent long enough, take time to pick up those stacks of Cash to make it easier to rebuild that Loadout on the redeploy. Also, Season 02 pays out a larger Cash reward to Gulag winners, so every W counts!
  

[h2]New Contract: Search and Seizure (In-Season)[/h2]

In Search and Seizure, Operators are tasked with tracking down a stolen vehicle taken by the Shadow Company. Get to its location marked on the minimap, take its key from one of the nearby guards, and navigate the vehicle to the designated area. It’s a risky venture, but the rewards will set you up for success later in the match.

[h2]New Public Event: Data Heist (In-Season)[/h2]

In Ashika Island’s new Data Heist Public Event, a trio of uplink stations activate around the map during the second circle collapse. Approach a station to hack it for rewards. Prepare to defend your position against Shadow Company forces; eliminating them will speed up the hacking process. A successful hack rewards XP, Cash, and a random piece of Tactical Equipment.

Hacking a second and third uplink station will result in greater rewards, including Killstreaks. Operators can disrupt the hacking process as well by usingthe DDoS Field Upgrade and by directly contesting the area around the uplink station.

[h2]Get Around Fast with Redeploy Drones (In-Season)[/h2]



Reposition quickly by using the new Redeploy Drones set for deployment during Season 02. Interact with a drone to hook up a cable and launch toward a distant location. Operators can reposition around the cable in preparation for launch, offering flexibility in where you land.

Some drones will reposition to a safe area when encircled in the gas. Note that the drones’ high-tech build makes them vulnerable to lock-on missiles; a well-timed shot may eliminate an enemy Operator attempting to escape the area.

[h2]New Combatant: Rusher (In-Season) [/h2]

Prepare to encounter a new class of AI combatant: the Rusher. Lightly armored and highly mobile, the Rusher combines a short sword and pistol paired with smoke grenades for distraction. Their low armor makes them vulnerable, so don’t let them get in close. Rushers will appear in Resurgence Battle Royale under certain conditions, such as during a Data Heist.





[h2]Faster Looting, Streamlined Backpack[/h2]

The inventory system is shifting away from menus and back to floating loot that will drop out of containers as it does from Supply Boxes. This reduces the time spent navigating the UI, so you can move on from collecting resources more quickly.

To better define each Operator’s role within the match, Medium and Large Backpacks will no longer be found in the environment. The limited space reduces the impact of stacking medical supplies, Equipment, and Killstreaks so that the decisions you make on what to carry remain impactful throughout the match.

[h2]Customizable Perks, Get Your Loadouts Faster[/h2]

Season 02 introduces customizable Perk Packages. At first, a limited supply of Perks will be available to ensure proper balance and viability. Try different combinations of Perks to see which ones work best in different situations.

There are also some upcoming changes to how players obtain their Loadouts in the match. Primary Weapons can be purchased at Buy Stations at a more affordable price, and the cost of Loadout Drop Markers has also been reduced. Furthermore, a second Loadout Drop Public Event will activate in the match, taking place in the first and fifth circles.

[h2]Deploy in a 3-Plate Vest[/h2]

All players will now begin their Battle Royale matches with a 3-Plate Vest. Varying vest sizes will no longer be part of the loot pool, so you can focus purely on looting Armor Plates to keep your vest topped off between fights.

Players will additionally gain a slight movement speed increase while inserting Armor Plates, which means you can sprint through doors while plating. These changes help get you to safety more quickly.

[h2]Buy Station Adjustments[/h2]

Spawn locations for Buy Stations are being adjusted in Season 02, and these spawns will be consistent from match to match. Furthermore, all Buy Stations will have an unlimited stock of Loadout Drop Markers.

[h2]Stronghold Reward Tuning[/h2]

Season 02 brings changes to the rewards Operators will earn upon completing Strongholds or Black Sites, as well as adjustment to AI combatant damage.

• Ashika Island Comes to DMZ. Infiltrate Ashika Island and complete all new Faction Missions.
  
• Balance Changes to Enemies, Spawn Points, Missions. Embark on new Faction Missions that explore all three DMZ Exclusion Zones. Balance changes to AI Combatants, spawn points, and Faction Missions offer a more streamlined match experience.
  
• A New Faction for Modern Warfare® II Players. Players who have purchased Modern Warfare II will have access to an exclusive DMZ Faction called Crown.
  

[h2]New Exclusion Zone: Ashika Island[/h2]



Infiltrate Ashika Island, the third Exclusion Zone to be added to DMZ after Al Mazrah and Building 21. Unlike Building 21, which requires that you first acquire a keycard, Ashika Island can be chosen as your DMZ destination at any time.

Infiltrating Ashika Island will be crucial to faction progress, with multiple missions across all factions involving Operators who must perform tasks on the island. However, you can also complete more generic missions that do not require deployment to a specific region on the island. If you find more success in eliminating enemies and gathering items on here compared to other exclusion zones, then feel free to drop back in here and use the new space to your advantage.

Each player additionally begins the season with a fresh slate. Though you’ll retain any permanent items you unlocked in the previous season, all earned Contraband and Keys will be reset from the inventory. Season 01 Faction Missions will be reset to make room for the new Season 02 Faction Missions, tasking players with assignments across all three Exclusion Zones.

For more information about this reset, read Infinity Ward’s DMZ blog here.

[h2]DMZ Tuning[/h2]

• Enemy Tuning: AI Combatants will receive some balance adjustments in the new season that alter the number and types of AI you’ll encounter, and there will be changes to their ranged accuracy and other abilities. This should help prevent players from becoming overwhelmed while still providing a challenge.
  
• Spawn Points: Changes to the starting spawns around Al Mazrah should improve the opening minutes of the round, ensuring your squad never spawns too far from loot and contract opportunities.
  
• Faction Mission Reset and Tuning: Season 02 introduces all-new Faction Missions, as well as some tuning to their requirements. While later missions will still be challenging, the tasks won’t be quite as demanding as in the first season, making each player’s journey to unlock the second Insured Weapon Slot more manageable.
  

[h2]Modern Warfare II Exclusive DMZ Faction[/h2]



Owners of Modern Warfare II will gain access to missions from an exclusive new DMZ faction: Crown.

In addition to learning about this new faction’s place in the overall DMZ story, completing their missions allows you to earn new rewards like weapon blueprints and operator skins.

• Path of the Ronin. Complete seven challenges along the Path of the Ronin event to earn exclusive Season 02 rewards.
  
• UI/UX Updates. Expect improvements to the user interface and experience, and other general tuning and balance changes to improve the Warzone 2.0 experience.
  

The main Warzone 2.0 map will have a few updates as part of Season 02…

Intel from Al Mazrah indicate that a downed aircraft has been spotted north of Sa’id City, while enemy reinforcements have gone underground, resulting in a subterranean cave network between multiple points of interest in the North. Also, we are confirming reports of a train being recommissioned, and ready for passengers, on the main railroad line in the region.

Downed Plane at Sattiq Cave

Veterans of the Call of Duty franchise may have felt the outdoor space within the Sattiq Cave region looked familiar before Season 02, and the upcoming change to this point of interest all but confirms those suspicions.

For those who do not know the tactical strategies needed, the new downed plane offers a great amount of cover in between the large cave openings, houses, and bunkers. Use it to cut-off sightlines from snipers around the area, or as a place to reload before reengaging.

New Underground Cave Network

Whether you played Battle Royale or DMZ during this past season, you may have noticed the space between Rohan Oil and Taraq Village was only populated by military camps, hills, and small homes. With the Season 02 update, a new network of caves will be open, giving Operators an additional option for getting around this part of the map by foot.

The network has five distinct entrances; some are straight drop-downs, such as one tucked within a garage, while others are cave openings. Be mindful of equipment and Killstreak traps around these entry and exit points, or set some up of your own to prevent a trailing squad from following your path.

All of this new space also means there is a chance for Supply Boxes and other loot to spawn within this network. When travelling through the nearby major point of interests, consider taking a detour through here if that loadout or backpack is looking light.

New Passenger Train

The freight train is no longer the only locomotive rolling along Al Mazrah’s major rail network.

The passenger train will offer yet another quicker way of travelling around the map and stocking up on items, including through Legendary Supply Boxes that could be found within its sleeper, bar, and normal passenger cars. Unlike the freight train, all cars on this locomotive are covered with only a few allowing for access via open skylights on the roof.

Travelling through the cars on this train is also different compared to doing so on the freight train, as it involves opening the doors in between each one. Take the extra second to “peek” by slowly opening the doors if you want to stealthily engage Operators in the other cars, or barge straight through while plating up for an aggressive start to the ensuing fight.

[h2]Walk the Path of the Ronin[/h2]



The Path of the Ronin Season 02 event launches with three challenges that can be completed in Modern Warfare II Multiplayer or Warzone 2.0.

The first three challenges include:

Integrity
Multiplayer: Win 15 matches in any Multiplayer game mode.
Warzone 2.0: Get five Top 10 finishes.

Advice: Get a great squad going — either with existing friends or by using the new social features — to tally up those wins in no time.

Honor
Multiplayer: Get 100 objective defense kills.
Warzone 2.0: Collect your dog tag (Restore Honor) 5 times.

Advice: For Multiplayer Operators, Hardpoint can be a great game mode to sit on the point and eliminate enemies. As for Restoring Honor, it only needs to be done five times; do it only when you are certain enemies are not nearby and ready to pounce.

Sincerity
Multiplayer: Get 50 kills using Battle Rage.
Warzone 2.0: Complete five Assassination Contracts.

Advice: Close-quarters weapons, such as SMGs and Shotguns, are natural fits for Battle Rage. For Assassination Contracts, try playing in squad-based game modes; if anyone on the squad earns the elimination, it counts toward this challenge’s progress.

Expect more challenges to activate throughout the season, each gifting unique rewards upon completion, whether you perform the assigned Multiplayer or Battle Royale task. Complete all seven in either Warzone 2.0 or Modern Warfare II to unlock the Crossbow!

[h2]UI/UX Updates, More in Patch Notes[/h2]



A number of UI/UX updates will launch with Season 02, improving the overall flow of in-game menus. These changes include improved navigation and organization of the Camo menu, a more polished Social tab, quick equip items from the Battle Pass and Store Bundles, and more.

Keep an eye out for the Season 02 patch notes, which will go into more detail on general changes, including crash and stability improvements, audio adjustments, weapon balance, and more.





Purchase Modern Warfare II to get access to content across three modes, as well as the ability to unlock 14 exclusive Operators across both games and other ways to quickly level up the available 30 Weapon Platforms and over 50 Weapons through Multiplayer and Special Ops.

Modern Warfare II owners also get access to the new DMZ faction, Crown, as well as Premium XP while playing Warzone 2.0 — at the end of each match, owners will receive additional XP on top of any earned match XP.

Stay frosty.

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

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

Even in the face of chaos, the modern warrior walks an honorable path, one of integrity, respect, courage, honor, compassion, sincerity, and loyalty. Learning these ways of the warrior will separate the elite Operators from the rest of the pack, as the global conflict calls for a swift resurgence to an island off the coast of Japan.



Prepare to forge your path and create a legacy in Season 02 of Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® II and Call of Duty®: Warzone™ 2.0, set to launch on February 15 across all platforms. In addition to a new WarzoneTM 2.0 map, which will be featured in Resurgence and DMZ game modes, this update will bring Ranked Play to Multiplayer along with four additional maps, as well as returning modes from the franchise’s storied past. Expect plenty of new features across both games, including four new free functional weapons and the return of the modern samurai Daniel “Ronin” Shinoda.

Season 02 of Modern Warfare® II and Warzone™ 2.0 will launch on February 15 at 9 AM PT.

• Resurgence Mode Returns with New Warzone Map. Ashika Island welcomes all warriors willing to fight for honor and glory, as well as those who have a trained eye for secrets hidden in plain sight.
  
• New Contract, Public Event, and More. Hijack a stolen vehicle from Shadow Company forces, hack into uplink stations, and attempt to discover all the secrets that this island may hold…
  
• DMZ Expands to Ashika Island. The power struggle continues across a new Exclusion Zone with plenty of new threats to face and a clean slate for all Operators, who will have the opportunity to earn new permanent reward and Contraband.
  

Resurgence gets a new front: a compact, Japanese-themed map called Ashika Island, which is roughly 30% larger than previous small maps.

Developed by High Moon Studios, Ashika Island is a centuries-old village currently under siege by Shadow Company forces. After dropping in through the mist, Operators can navigate an ancient shipwreck and ruins, modern apartments and town center, a sprawling beach club, a bustling port, an organic farm, or the fortified castle that looms over the entire island. They may even discover plenty of rooftop pathways or the underground waterway networks that can be used for stealthier maneuvers.

Learn more about Ashika Island in a deep-dive blog here.





Ashika Island is the perfect size for Resurgence, a frenetic game mode returning from the original Call of Duty®: Warzone™.

Available for all squad sizes – Solos, Duos, Trios, and Quads – within regular Playlist updates throughout the season, Resurgence allows for multiple respawns as long as one squad member is still standing.

In this mode, if a squad member is eliminated while 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. This countdown can be shortened by your squadmates 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.

The last squad standing wins no matter how many redeploys they needed to stay in the match, so be prepared for a relentless battle.





On Ashika Island, it takes incredible courage to return to where you once fell in battle, courage that is worthy of some valuable rewards.

Every Operator on Ashika Island will drop a dog tag upon death once per match (Resurgence or Battle Royale), which can either be picked up by a squadmate or themselves after redeploying. Doing so grants a small Cash reward, as well as a single UAV ping that marks both enemy threats and nearby Supply Boxes.

Whether it is finding out who downed a squadmate or getting a head start on rebuilding a Loadout, choosing to Restore Honor is a solid strategy for continued survival.





In addition to contracts originally in Battle Royale modes like Safecracker and Bounty, Ashika Island will have an additional contract — Search and Seizure — to take up for Cash and other in-match rewards. It is expected to go live in-season.

Search and Seizure involves reclaiming a stolen vehicle — either an SUV or a Patrol Boat — from Shadow Company forces somewhere on the island. After you accept the contract, the vehicle’s approximate location is revealed on the minimap and as a marker in the overworld.

Operators must neutralize any Shadow Company forces guarding the vehicle, then pick up the key dropped by one of the soldiers and get the vehicle safely to its designated drop-off point. Expect heavy resistance en route to this destination, as the Shadow Company has been rumored to have their hands on some powerful hardware, ready to repel Operators venturing onto the isle…





Intel is power, especially during a Data Heist, a new exclusive Public Event on Ashika Island.

During the second circle collapse, three uplink stations will come online around the map, allowing players to download critical intel from them. In exchange for valuable in-match rewards, squads can hack into and stand near the uplink station to gain this intel, but they will face resistance from Shadow Company combatants guarding these precious machines.

Download progress can be sped up by eliminating these combatants, while other Operators can halt progress through contesting the station area directly or using a DDOS Field Upgrade.

Successfully completing a download rewards XP, Cash, and a random piece of Tactical Equipment. Squads that visit two or three uplink stations and successfully download their intel will receive increased rewards, such as a random Killstreak or even an Advanced UAV.





Season 02 will include several notable changes to Warzone 2.0, including an updated Gulag that will host 1v1 duels, changes to armor plate vests and backpacks in Battle Royale, customizable Perk Packages in Loadouts, and more.

You can read more about these updates in Infinity Ward’s Blog here.

In addition to these updates, a few new and returning features are also coming to the game:





Redeploy Drones, the high-tech successor to the Redeploy Balloons you first used on Caldera, are the high-risk, high-reward way to reposition around Ashika Island, to be deployed during Season 02.

To use a Redeploy Drone, simply hook a cable up to the drone via interaction. After ascending to where the drone is hovering in the sky, an Operator will be launched in the direction they are facing, allowing them to parachute down safely to a distant location. While ascending, Operators can rotate around the cable to best position themselves for launch, and they can hip-fire weapons and detach at any point.

These new drones have a few differences compared to the Redeploy Balloons: notably, they can relocate to a safe area after a short period if they are within the circle collapse. Only a certain number of drones will reposition with each circle collapse, with all drones going out of commission after several circle collapses have occurred.

On the downside, their high-tech nature makes them easy targets for lock-on missiles, and they are too expensive for an Operator to replace. Instead, new drones will fly in after a short time if there is an available safe location to hover over.





So far, AI Combatants are all about dealing damage from a distance, unless otherwise provoked to swing wildly with the butt of their gun. During Season 02, a new type of Combatant joins their ranks to fulfill that extreme close-quarters combat (CQB) role: the Rusher.

The Rusher may not have much in terms of health or armor, but what they lack in defense they make up for in increased agility and a deadly short sword. This adversary also packs a pistol in case a target is unreachable for a melee attack, as well as mini smoke bombs to use for repositioning.

Rushers are meant to be downed just as quickly as they sprint, especially in confined and indoor spaces where they are most effective. Expect them to hit the ground running in Resurgence mode, with AI only appearing under certain conditions such as during a Data Heist.





Like previous smaller-sized Warzone maps, Ashika Island has its own secrets for Operators to uncover. Use all of your senses and be curious during Resurgence matches, and you may just stumble upon some Legendary Supply Boxes or other items that can help you toward victory.





From the first missions of Al Mazrah to the uncovering of Building 21, the new DMZ experience has significantly evolved thanks to a growing community committed to building up that Contraband stash and reading every last bit of intel gathered.

In Season 02, Operators will begin their journey again with a new Exclusion Zone to infiltrate: Ashika Island.

As mentioned in Infinity Ward’s blog, Season 02 will see DMZ experience its first reset, allowing all Operators to start with a clean slate while keeping all permanent content they earned in Season 01, along with their Insured Weapon Slots.



Following the reset, a new faction known as Crown, available to Modern Warfare II owners, will add additional intrigue alongside a refresh of familiar missions and their rewards, granting Operators new permanent unlocks like Operator Skins and Weapon Blueprints as well as Contraband.

Operators will be able to complete missions either back in Al Mazrah, within Building 21 if they have keycard access, or by infiltrating Ashika Island. This new map will be central to the experience’s continued narrative, and other new features like Boss Hideouts to test even the most seasoned Operators.





The one who rules over Ashika Island knows how Operators will infiltrate the Exclusion Zone and will be more than prepared to defend his domain by any means necessary.

The Bombmaker’s location is currently unknown, but Operators will be able to find him somewhere on Ashika Island. He holds a new Weapons Case for Season 02, which contains all-new permanent rewards for Operators to flaunt within and outside of DMZ.

Note: Al Mazrah and Building 21’s Weapons Cases will remain the same for Season 02, so be sure to grab those too if you have not extracted all 13 of those rewards.

More information on DMZ, including how to access Building 21, is detailed in Infinity Ward’s blog here.





Intel from Al Mazrah indicate that a downed aircraft has been spotted north of Sa’id City, with plumes of thick, black smoke visible from the summit above the Sattiq Caves Complex. Enemy reinforcements have [[REDACTED]], resulting in a subterranean [[REDACTED]] between multiple points of interest in the North. Also, we are confirming reports of [[REDACTED]] being recommissioned, and ready for passengers, on the main [[REDACTED]] in the region.

Given the amount of existing reconnaissance in this release, this intel will be declassified as part of a Tactical Overview to be released tomorrow.

• Prove Your Skills in Ranked Play. Built off previous iterations, Modern Warfare II Ranked Play offers plenty of rewards and bragging rights to those most dedicated to being the best Operator in Multiplayer.
  
• Two Core Maps, Two Battle Maps. Battlegrounds in Al Mazrah and Spain will be ready for Multiplayer infiltrations at Season 02 launch.
  
• A Half-Dozen Modes. Infected, Gun Game, and Grind to be available at launch. Drop Zone, One in the Chamber, and All or Nothing set to start the party in season. Also, the return of Hardcore.
  

Those who claim to be the best in Modern Warfare II Multiplayer will have to prove it in Ranked Play, a new Multiplayer experience built in collaboration with Treyarch and the Call of Duty League.

This feature-packed, stand-alone competitive Multiplayer mode uses CDL-approved rules, restrictions, maps, and modes all while rewarding players with exclusive items and visible skill ranks to show off with pride. Work your way up through seven Skill Divisions — from Bronze to Iridescent — all the way to the Top 250, where your name will be displayed on a special Top 250 leaderboard. Earn Skill Division Skins based on your highest rank for that Season, including a set for finishing a Season in the Gold Division or above for the first time, as well as unique rewards given out each season.



As you fight to increase that Skill Rating (SR), you also climb through a separate set of Ranked Play Ranks (1–50); this does not reset with each season. Everyone starts at Rank 1 and can climb towards Rank 50 by winning matches to earn Stars, with each win equaling one Star earned. Every 5 Ranks will update the player's Rank icon and award a set of exclusive Ranked Play rewards, including Skins at Rank 5 and Rank 50 - along with other rewards.

Stay tuned for a dedicated Ranked Play blog detailing these rewards, the ranking system, and more.



Core Mode and Ground War Operators, get ready to deploy to more locales around Al Mazrah and Spain in Season 02:

[h2]Dome (Core Map)[/h2]



Located at the highest point in Al Mazrah, Dome bears a striking resemblance to one of Call of Duty®’s classic maps.

This small- to medium-sized map is built for fast-paced combat with three main buildings surrounding a central street area. One of these is the iconic domed structure, which has a small catwalk that provides incredible views over most of the map’s outdoor spaces.

However, just know that the metal grates on that catwalk can be easily shot through, and sidearms can be used on ladders.

[h2]Zaya Observatory (Battle Map)[/h2]



Zaya Observatory will be available in Ground War and Invasion modes, where the combat area will be expanded to fit all of Al Mazrah’s tallest natural point of interest.

The Battle Map version encompasses the entire science facility and adjacent cliff sides. Observant operators will find solace along the mountain side flank routes. While a narrow space for vehicles, tanks and other armored vehicles can be used to effectively hold critical choke points. With main thoroughfares cut off, infantry should resort to navigating the facility buildings to bypass any vehicle obstructions. For when you have no other option but to sprint across an exposed road, be sure to keep smokes equipped to deter any rooftop sniper fire.

Those skills learned from Battle Royale, DMZ, and the Special Ops mission Defender: Mt. Zaya more than apply to this Ground War map.

[h2]Al Malik International (Battle Map)[/h2]



Located at the southern tip of Al Mazrah, this modern airport mixes traditional and modern architecture to host both business and leisure activities, and will be available in Ground War and Invasion Modes.

The Battle Map version of this locale comprises of the tarmac and main airport building, allowing Operators to take hold in all the familiar spaces within the Terminal or take to the roof for more advantageous angles. Meanwhile, those looking for vehicular combat have plenty of runway to use for getting around the Battle Map quickly.

Similar to the Zaya Observatory map, not much is different between this Battle Map and the point of interest within Battle Royale or DMZ, save for the boundaries to keep matches focused within this area. Use those sightlines and other tricks from past experiences, and you will be more than ready for takeoff.

[h2]Valderas Museum (Core Map)[/h2]

The other Core map launching at the start of Season 02 is Valderas Museum, returning since first appearing in the Modern Warfare II Beta.



Modern Warfare II Multiplayer is getting a half-dozen modes that veterans of the Call of Duty franchise know as some of the greatest hits over the past two decades. Plus, the return of Hardcore:

[h2]Infected (Launch)[/h2]



Ever since Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare 3 (2011), this mode is known for being infectious fun.

In Infected, Operators must avoid the chosen Infected player at all costs. Every survivor eliminated joins the Infected team until none remain or until the five-minute time period elapses.

Jump into this game mode with friends or make some of your own in the 18-person lobby… Just don’t get too attached to those who may wind up joining the infected ranks!

[h2]Gun Game (Launch)[/h2]



One of three party game modes launching in season, Gun Game is a competition of overall gun skill. Every ranged elimination awards a different weapon, while melee eliminations put your opponent one weapon back on the 18-weapon rotation. Show off your prowess with a variety of weapon categories, then finish the job with a Throwing Knife to win.

[h2]Grind (Launch)[/h2]



The third mode whose roots trace back to Modern Warfare 3, Grind is Kill Confirmed with an added twist: enemy dog tags are stackable and must be banked at one of two fixed locations.

Bank multiple dog tags at once to maximize point gains, but be sure to stay alive to avoid giving the enemy a ton of tags!

[h2]Hardcore (Launch) [/h2]



As previously announced, the Hardcore playlist will return in place of the Tier 1 playlist at the start of Season 02.

The initial Hardcore playlist will feature a mix of traditional modes with the classic ruleset veterans of the franchise are familiar with, including decreased health that cannot be replenished outside of Stim shots, as well as a limited HUD.

Whether you appreciate a more realistic FPS experience or want a place to hit those Longshots for Platinum Camos, head into Hardcore and be sure to watch your six.

[h2]Drop Zone (In-Season)[/h2]



Care Package lovers, look no further.

Drop Zone is another classic mode that debuted in Modern Warfare 3. A derivative of Hardpoint, Drop Zone sends a Care Package down into occupied Drop Zone areas every 15 seconds.

Perfect for those wanting to ramp up their Killstreak elimination numbers or who just love pure chaos, expect this to be among the modes available in weekly Playlist rotations at launch.

[h2]All or Nothing (In-Season)[/h2]

With only Throwing Knives and a pistol with no ammo, can you rack up 20 eliminations to win this special Free-for-All party game mode? Every Operator get additional Perks starting with Scavenger, which allows for ammo pickups after the first elimination. Like other party game modes, feel free to bring the squad in or make new “friends” in the lobby.

[h2]One in the Chamber (In-Season)[/h2]

As the name implies, every Operator gets a handgun with one bullet in the chamber for this Free-for-All variant. Every elimination awards an additional bullet, and Operators only have three respawns. Ensure your aim is true and practice good trigger discipline; the Operator with the most eliminations wins.





Atomgrad was just the beginning.

Price, Farah, and Gaz will be back later in Season 02 with Episode 2 of the Raid, a continuation of the Modern Warfare II Campaign.

Prepare to squad up for whatever gauntlet lies ahead — even if it means finding unlikely allies to help tie up those loose ends.

• Path of the Ronin Season Challenges. Complete challenges in Warzone 2.0 or Modern Warfare II to earn rewards, including a new functional weapon.
  
• Ronin Returns with an Arsenal. Vanquish your opponents like a true warrior with this new Operator and five new weapons during the Season, three of which are available for free in the Battle Pass.
  
• New Personal Watercraft Vehicle. Engage in fast-paced aquatic combat utilizing the new aquatic vehicle.
  

Following the way of the warrior will lead to the spoils of war.

At the beginning of Season 02, the Path of the Ronin Challenges will present all Operators with seven challenges to be completed in Warzone 2.0 or Modern Warfare II based on the Seven Virtues of Bushido: Integrity, Respect, Courage, Honor, Compassion, Sincerity, and Loyalty. Each challenge comes with a reward for completion, such as a Gun Screen or a Weapon Charm.

Complete all seven challenges in Warzone 2.0 or Modern Warfare II and get the new Crossbow functional weapon.





New armaments and returning favorites highlight the weaponry to be available in Season 02 at launch and in-season. Get three of these new weapons through the Season 02 Battle Pass and the remaining two through seasonal challenges.

[h2]ISO Hemlock Assault Rifle — ISO Platform (Launch, Battle Pass)[/h2]



A powerful and enhanced rifle from Expedite Firearms is designed to take both 5.56 and subsonic .300 BLK ammunition, providing battlefield-advantage in any situation.

How to unlock: Free weapon within the Season 02 Battle Pass.

[h2]KV Broadside Shotgun — Kastov Platform (Launch, Battle Pass)[/h2]



Bringing the power of the 12 gauge to the Kastov Platform, the KV Broadside is the fastest-firing semi-auto firearm in the shotgun class. Destroys targets at close range with impunity.

How to unlock: Free weapon within the Season 02 Battle Pass.

[h2]Dual Kodachis Melee Weapon (Launch) [/h2]



A powerful melee weapon that can quickly move towards a target with a longer-range attack. Each swipe has an impressive range and faster forward motion towards enemies compared to the Knife melee weapon, though this comes at a slight cost, a slower strafe and sprint speed.

How to unlock: Free weapon within the Season 02 Battle Pass.

[h2]Crossbow (Marksman Rifle Category) (Launch Window)[/h2]



Silent and agile, this high-performance crossbow fires 20.0” bolts with exceptional lethality. Exclusive customization, distinct functionality, and unique ammunition types put this weapon in a class of its own. Standard 20.0” bolts are recoverable, and are undetected by trophy systems.

How to unlock: Complete all seven Path of the Ronin Event challenges, or purchase via Store Bundle.

Also expect a new Marksman Rifle – the Tempus Torrent – to be available at midseason, as well as a new lethal equipment piece, the Shuriken.

Remember: each new weapons comes with a brand-new set of camos to unlock for use across all your weapons. Expect well over a dozen new camos to be available to unlock by the end of Season 02.





Complementing the armored Patrol Boat and the midsized RHIB, the Personal Watercraft (PWC) is a nimble seacraft capable of swiftly carrying up to two Operators across any body of water in Ashika Island or Al Mazrah.

Consider the PWC the ATV of the sea: one of the faster ways to get around the map with little protection for its driver and one passenger.

Although it is considerably weak compared to its fellow watercrafts, the PWC’s quick speed makes it a hard target to hit.



A Japanese American who embodies the modern-day warrior, Ronin is the marquee Operator available at the start of Season 02.

[h2]Daniel “Ronin” Shinoda (Launch)[/h2]



Returning from Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® (2019), Ronin is the ex-Special Forces fighter known for his mastery of multiple fighting styles and unconventional warfare.

His name comes from the rough translation of “wanderer,” which came about during the feudal era of Japan when a samurai had no master. Forging his own path, Ronin is a known saboteur who can pick apart foreign defense systems and perform special reconnaissance like no other Operator can.

From the ashes of ARMISTICE, Ronin took it upon himself to maintain balance between different factions as their wars spilled over into Urzikstan and Al-Mazrah. Living by a new code of honor, Ronin found a new master he can serve, one that cannot be corrupted: balance, itself.





Time to put those Double XP tokens to good use.

At the start of Season 02, the Prestige Rank cap will be increased to Prestige 10, with the level cap increased to 500. Specifically, players can unlock the following new Prestige Ranks, which come with a new icon beside their name:

• Prestige 6: Unlocked at Level 300
  
• Prestige 7: Unlocked at Level 350
  
• Prestige 8: Unlocked at Level 400
  
• Prestige 9: Unlocked at Level 450
  
• Prestige 10: Unlocked at Level 500 – this is the maximum level that can be achieved in Season 02.
  

Each Prestige Rank also unlocks a new set of Challenges. Complete these to earn new Calling Cards, including Animated Calling Cards for completing full sets of Challenges.

As stated previously, all progress will not reset at the beginning of each season. Players will continue ranking up at the level they ended Season 01 at, whether it was before the Prestige Ranks (1-55) or within the Prestige Ranks (56-250).

More information on this Prestige system can be found here.




Warzone 2.0 Combat Records will come online as part of Season 02. The statistics present in the Warzone 2.0 Combat Record will only be from the activation date forward, and will not include statistics from Season 01.

Furthermore, Leaderboards for Modern Warfare II Multiplayer will be online as part of Season 02.

For additional updates, be sure to check the Patch Notes.





[h2]Centralized Patch Notes[/h2]



To better serve the global Call of Duty community, Patch Notes will also be available on the central callofduty.com website at www.callofduty.com/patchnotes starting on February 15., and localized in all languages that this blog is available in. This includes Spanish, German, French, Italian, Arabic, Brazilian Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, and Traditional Chinese.

These Patch Notes will be available for every major update, such as the upcoming patch for Season 02. Information on emergency updates will either be added onto existing notes on this platform, or on either Infinity Ward’s social media channels for Modern Warfare II and Warzone 2.0’s DMZ, or Raven Software’s social media channels for Warzone 2.0 Battle Royale.

As always, you can also view Patch Notes in-game by visiting the Quick Menu.



Purchase Modern Warfare II to get access to a ton of content across three modes, including the ability to unlock 14 exclusive Operators to use across both games, as well as other ways to quickly level up the available 30 Weapon Platforms and over 50 Weapons through Multiplayer and Special Ops.

Modern Warfare II owners also get Premium XP while playing Warzone 2.0 — at the end of each match, owners will receive additional XP on top of any XP that can be earned by all players.

Plus, as already mentioned, those who own Modern Warfare II will have access to all the content coming in Season 02, including Crown Faction Missions in DMZ.

Those who want even more benefits should consider upgrading to the Vault Edition, which grants four additional Operators — Ghost, Farah, Price, and Soap as Red Team 141 — the FJX Cinder Weapon Vault, an ultimate version of a Weapon Blueprint with 50+ attachments included, the Season 02 Battle Pass along with 50 Battle Token Tier Skips, and more.

Stay frosty.

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