Get ready to drop back into Verdansk. Season 3 of Call of Duty: Warzone lands on April 3, and Activision has just pulled back the curtain on everything to expect from this nostalgia-packed update. From the original 150-player battle royale format to a brand-new “casual” mode with bots, here’s why we’re hyped to head back to Warzone’s iconic first map.
Verdansk Reborn
- Faithful Remake: Verdansk has been rebuilt from the ground up using modern tech. It’s still the same map you fell in love with, but improved visuals, updated lighting, and small quality-of-life adjustments (like extra ladders) make it more playable than ever.
- Dam and Coastline Changes: The dam water is no longer frozen—listen closely for enemy splash footsteps. Plus, you can now swim off the coast for extra flanking opportunities.
- Classic Vehicles and Equipment: Helicopters and “Big Bertha” cargo trucks return, complete with the original health meter. The original Buy Station UI and floating loot are back, too, and the 150-player count ensures massive, high-octane matches.
Return to Verdansk Event
From April 3-15, you can complete free event challenges to unlock 20 rewards, including Modern Warfare 2019 operators and the Kilo 141 assault rifle. Explore new and familiar POIs, loot safes, and soak in all that Verdansk goodness for some sweet nostalgia.
OG Weapons and Battle Pass
The Season 3 battle pass is all about crowd-pleasing throwbacks. Grab the CR-56 AMAX and HDR sniper rifle, both longtime favorites from Verdansk’s glory days. The famed Kilo 141 is an additional reward tied to the Return to Verdansk event—perfect for those who want to gear up with classic firepower.
Omnimovement Tweaks
Warzone’s movement is getting rolled back slightly to match the “feel” of early Verdansk. Expect a marginally slower pace and smoother transitions, preserving that original, deliberate battle royale style you remember.
New Modes and Big Surprises
- Casual Mode with Bots: Jump into “Battle Royale Casual,” which features 28 real players and up to 120 bots. While you can’t earn full progression or stats, it’s a fantastic way to practice, warm up, or just blow off steam with fewer sweaty encounters.
- Seasonal Map Updates: Activision promises evolving POIs, a moving train, underground secrets, and “redacted” surprises in the months ahead.
Two-Part Seasonal Launch
Multiplayer and Zombies content go live on April 2, while Warzone content drops on April 3. Additional details on anti-cheat updates, battle-pass rewards, and upcoming operators from Modern Warfare and Black Ops are also on the horizon.
If you’ve been itching to revisit your favorite Warzone memories—or if you never experienced the original Verdansk—this season promises a thrilling, remastered homecoming. Suit up, squad up, and prepare for Season 3’s ultimate nostalgia trip.
