Modern Warfare® II Continues on a Global Scale
Al Mazrah, Urzikstan, Ashika Island, Las Almas . . . and now, Vondel.
The waterfront district of a Baroque European city where centuries of old-world history blends with modern architectural developments, Vondel saw a complete evacuation due to an imminent attack threat, right as Operators descended into the darkness of the Al Mazrah Koschei Complex during a fierce sandstorm at the culmination of Season 03.
While Vondel is a brand-new locale for Operators to explore, the ensuing chaos is part of a plan activated by a familiar and infamous masked figure, whose forces are operating in both Al Mazrah and Vondel. Peer through the dust clouds, and you’ll recognize the apparent leader of these unknown forces:
His name is Nikto. And he’s ready to Run This Town.
This is Season 04 of Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® II and Call of Duty®: Warzone™, launching on June 14 at 9AM PT.
Expect Patch Notes led by Infinity Ward and Raven Software to be released prior to the release of Season 04. Additional development support is provided by (in alphabetical order) Activision Central Design, Activision Localization Dublin, Activision QA, Activision Shanghai, Beenox, Demonware, High Moon Studios, Raven Software, Sledgehammer Games, Team Ricochet, Toys for Bob, and Treyarch.
WARZONE OVERVIEW
- Welcome to Vondel. This medium-sized map is ready to host Resurgence, DMZ, and the Lockdown LTM at launch, with standard Battle Royale in-Season.
- Over a Half Dozen New Features. Tactical Amphibious Vehicle (TAV), the return of Favorite Supply Boxes, dynamic fog, a new Field Upgrade, and more.
- The Sandstorm Continues in Al Mazrah. In addition to Vondel’s introduction, Al Mazrah sees some slight topographical changes during Season 04.
- Warzone Ranked Play Resets, First Full Series in Season 04. Ready yourself for a full Ranked Season with more rewards to claim. Read more about Warzone Ranked in the General Overview part of this blog.
- More at Mid-Season, Including Traditional Battle Royale in Vondel, New Vondel Gulag. The action will only get hotter as we look towards a summer Mid-Season Update.
New Map: Vondel
Set your coordinates for an all-new map and Exclusion Zone.
Size-wise, Vondel’s geographical footprint is between Al Mazrah and Ashika Island, welcoming up to 18 Operators for DMZ and 72 Operators for Resurgence game modes. Expect a mixture of densely-packed urban streets and canals, larger structures to fully explore (inside and out), a large degree of verticality and the means to counter those that take advantage of it, including parkour routes and numerous secrets to discover.
Developed by Beenox, Vondel features 15 distinct points of interest, including a medieval Castle dating back to Saxon times, an abandoned Zoo, a Greek Revival–styled City Hall, and a soccer Stadium currently set up for an epic paintball tournament final. There are also densely packed town houses, small alleyway cafés, and a variety of other locales to explore and take tactical advantage of.
However, Vondel’s unique topography and access points are focused around its intricate canal system. In addition to several different road types and bridges, Operators can dive (or even drive) into the water surrounding Vondel’s islands and city streets, or use watercraft and a new amphibious vehicle to get around this tight cityscape.
With all that said, we received a special tactical overview pre-brief from SpecGru that details Vondel’s multiple points of interest. Expect declassification and release on June 8.
Launch Modes: New Lockdown LTM, Resurgence, Updates
New Limited Time Mode: Lockdown (Launch Window: June 28)
Vondel is under Lockdown.
A brand-new mode in Call of Duty: Warzone — inspired by the Multiplayer mode Hardpoint — Lockdown will task multiple Quads at capturing and holding zones around the map rather than being the last squad standing.
Perfect for those who enjoy objective-based modes and who spend plenty of time in both Multiplayer and Battle Royale, Lockdown allows for Custom Loadouts right at the start of the match. This means a squad could go for the Call of Duty League™ bread-and-butter of up to three Vaznev 9Ks or TAC-56s, and a Sniper Rifle user on the side . . . or you can find your new favorite loadout combination when trying to master rotations and defensive setups to crush the opposition.
Expect Lockdown to roughly last about double the time of a traditional Hardpoint match. You can theoretically fit four matches back-to-back within an hour, and still have time to grab some water or a hand warmer.
Lockdown is a limited-time mode for players to try out at Season 04 launch, as it will be a part of the launch playlist rotation for Warzone.
Resurgence (Launch)
Would you rather drop into Vondel for some familiar fighting? Then prepare for a Resurgence.
The core Resurgence rules and flow from Ashika Island will carry over to Vondel, and two new features are being added to improve match quality and pace of play: Dynamic Resurgence Timers and the Vengeance Icon.
Dynamic Resurgence Timers
Resurgence modes are set to receive a new Dynamic Timer feature. As part of a general plan with aspirations for all online modes, Call of Duty developers are introducing a new feature — Dynamic Resurgence Timers. This automatically adjusts a squad’s timers should one or multiple squad members disconnect.
Should those squad members rejoin, the Resurgence timers revert back to their “normal” countdowns.
However, in general, dynamic Resurgence timers should be an equalizer for squads that suddenly find themselves short an Operator.
Vengeance Icon
When you’ve just been dropped during a Warzone match, it may be time to reevaluate your tactical mettle. Don’t get tilted, get even; in other words, wouldn’t you want to know where the Operator behind your squadmate’s killcam moved to after they eliminated them in a Resurgence match?
The Vengeance Icon allows you to find out who that is.
In Season 04, all Resurgence matches will include this core mechanic improvement: An icon that shows the location of the opponent that eliminated your squadmate when you ping the player.
The Vengeance Icon lasts as long as the Resurgence Timer is on for your squadmate; if your squadmate is down for 15 seconds, the icon only lasts for 15 seconds. If you eliminate this rival, an additional five seconds is shaved off all squadmate Resurgence countdowns in addition to the normal elimination value.
Perfect for squadmates who don’t use microphones, the Vengeance Icon provides support for squad-based Resurgence game modes. However, the intel is only as good as your skills: the icon will be helpful in tracking down the enemy, but it’s up to you to finish the job.
Both Dynamic Resurgence Timers and Vengeance Icons are planned to be included in Resurgence playlists regardless of map.
DMZ Updates, Including Dynamic Fog
DMZ Operators: Welcome to Vondel.
From the Cruise Terminal to the Central Station, expect to fully explore the cobblestone streets, numerous waterways, market squares, waterfront townhomes, and other main points of interest across Vondel as part of your ongoing DMZ missions. Up to 18 Operators – six squads of three – can deploy to Vondel at any given time.
This new Exclusion Zone comes to Season 04 alongside an exciting major update for DMZ, featuring the following additional DMZ content:
Forward Operating Base: A Central Hub for DMZ
A more centralized hub for all communications and Operator upgrades within DMZ is coming to Season 04. Known as the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Operators complete objectives to earn a variety of upgrades to use across DMZ. These upgrades come in four different categories:
- Weapons Locker: Insured and contraband armaments and upgrades.
- Stash: Wallet and Key Stash size increases.
- Bounty Board: For Exfil, Bartering recipes, and Buy Station discounts.
- Comms Station: Allowing Urgent Mission access.
All Operator Upgrades within the Forward Operating Base are passive, don’t need to be equipped, and allow for efficient progress across all aspects of DMZ.
Urgent Missions, Reputation with Factions, Wallet
Within the FOB you can unlock Urgent Missions. These are a new type of Faction-requested tasks. They are usually quicker to complete, and provide an excellent way to earn Faction Reputation, unlock more Story Missions, thus giving Faction Missions even more agency.
Specifically, Urgent Mission completion grants a tracked Reputation with individual Factions, all shown in the Forward Operating Base along with your objectives that allow you to unlock insured slots, the out-of-game Wallet, as well as expanding DMZ elements like the Contraband Stash, Key Stash, and Wallet Capacity.
And yes, DMZ will allow you to keep your extracted Cash from each match in a Wallet. You can then choose to re-infiltrate with a full pocket of Cash, potentially making it easier to complete objectives that require hundreds of thousands of Cash for completion… Or so your Operator can go on a spending spree.
Phalanx Faction, More DMZ Comms to Come
There is more intel to come on DMZ, including additional details on new and refreshed missions, Urgent Missions, a clandestine faction known as Phalanx that is [[REDACTED]], and the Signal Intelligence Contract. Expect declassification of all this info and more in a special Infinity Ward DMZ Community Update on June 9.
However, do not expect the new Boss [[REDACTED]], a vehicular [[REDACTED]], and Weapon Case Rewards such as [[REDACTED]] to be declassified until the start of Season 04.
For now, here is some initial intel on the new Dynamic Fog feature, which mostly pertains to action in DMZ:
Dynamic Fog
Because Vondel is built atop a network of canals and is technically below sea level, this location is subject to fog during certain inclement weather conditions. Initial intel suggests that fog could be present during DMZ infiltrations, as well as on very rare instances in other game modes.
This new technology in Call of Duty — dynamic fog — allows for players to feel more ingrained in the world of Modern Warfare II.
Especially during Resurgence and Battle Royale modes, Vondel’s usual weather is sunny with very few clouds — if any — in the sky. However, there is the possibility of fog rolling in due to the marine layer.
Typically, it is light enough to still see your opposition, except at extremely long ranges. However, in rare instances, the fog will have density to the level shown in the screenshot above.
If this level of fog rolls in, it may be wise tactically to reevaluate combat, seek weapon optics to circumvent the weather, or head indoors, giving yourself optimal combat opportunities.
Additional Features, New TAV
Expect the following new features coming to Vondel, with some also to appear across all maps in Warzone:
New Vehicle: The Tactical Amphibious Vehicle (TAV)
This four-passenger vehicle can travel over both land and water, making it the perfect ride for the streets and canals of Vondel.
Because of its amphibious nature, the TAV may not be the fastest vehicle on land or sea, but rather is a jack-of-all-trades for cruising the streets and canals around Vondel. Simply drive the TAV off the road and onto water, or emerge from the water onto an exit ramp, and you will see the TAV’s value in the vehicle lineup.
There is plenty of room for the whole squad, too, so don’t leave any of them behind without a tactical plan both in and out of Vondel’s waterways.
Favorite Supply Box (Assault of Vondel Event Unlock)
Formerly known as the “Personal Supply Box” in the original Call of Duty®: Warzone™, the Favorite Supply Box is a rare container that, when opened, unlocks your favorite weaponry and deposits it out for you to quickly gather and utilize.
Each Operator’s Favorite Supply Box contents will be different in theory, as the Box pulls the Primary and Secondary Weapons from the Favorite Loadout you choose, along with ammo and an Armor Plate. To choose a Favorite Loadout, simply go to the Weapons section of the Warzone menu before your match begins, hover over a Custom Loadout, then select “Set to Favorite.” You’ll know it works when there is a star icon next to the Loadout. By default, your first Custom Loadout is your Favorite Loadout.
Remember, this Supply Box is rare within Vondel, so when you find one, open it quickly to get your favorite weapons before an enemy player gets the opportunity to secure theirs!
Reinforcement Flare (Assault of Vondel Event Unlock)
This Field Upgrade can be an absolute game-changer in Battle Royale matches, as its purpose is for reinforcing your squad via squadmate redeployment.
After being purchased at a Buy Station or found via scavenging, the Reinforcement Flare can be placed to signal the return of a random squadmate. This is a little like a “Buy Station Redeployment” but without the ability to choose who gets revived.
A high-risk, high-reward option — due to the signal flare in the sky exposing you to your adversaries — consider this Field Upgrade as an option for that end-game Loadout.
New Public Event: High Stakes
In addition to other Public Events that are present in Battle Royale and Resurgence matches, Vondel will launch with a new Public Event: High Stakes.
When it starts, several Loadout-sized crates will drop from the sky. Capturing them grants Double Weapon and Player XP for the duration of the match. And if you’re wondering if this bonus stacks with Double XP Tokens or Double XP Events . . .
Yes — an Operator who already has Double XP active will gain QUADRUPLE XP if they or a squadmate secure this package.
An absolute boon for those looking to rank up quickly, prepare to double down when these crates fall from the sky.
Taxicabs on the Canals (Assault on Vondel Event)
Like Al Mazrah, Vondel has a train station, but given the smoldering wreckage on the tracks and the extensive canal network, there needs to be another way to get around the city on a self-piloted vehicle…
Enter the Taxicab, an autonomous boat accessible as part of the Assault on Vondel Event (detailed in the General Overview section of this blog). Planned to be deployed after Stage I of the Assault on Vondel is completed, these auto-piloted boats move around the canals on set routes, with Operators also able to “speed them up” should their leisurely pace be too slow for active firefights.
The Sandstorm Subsides in Al Mazrah
Al Mazrah no longer has a sandstorm buffeting Operators and Combatants, but the damage to downtown is already done.
Al Mazrah City now has several sand banks to climb upon, which offer new and creative ways to approach some of the city’s prominent buildings. Specifically, expect a massive sand dune up the side of the TV tower, the Embassy, and the “Highrise” building. The dunes also piled up across some roadways, including covering parts of the highway system, and nearly flooded entire small structures in the main downtown area.
There is also some partial destruction that will offer new approaches to maneuvering in, within, and outside of the city.
More details on Al Mazrah updates will be provided in the Patch Notes next week.
More at Mid-Season: Vondel Battle Royale, Gulag
There’s no need to wait for Season 04 Reloaded, especially as you’ll want to be on Vondel at launch to learn all of its secrets.
However, Traditional Battle Royale fans should know that this main mode will be available on Vondel starting at Season 04 Reloaded. This includes a brand-new subterranean Gulag for Vondel, hidden deep within the more medieval parts of town.
Mid-season is also when the return of the Occupation Scan Public Event and a new quest for [[REDACTED]] involving [[REDACTED]] will be available.
MODERN WARFARE II OVERVIEW
- A Six-Pack of New Multiplayer Maps at Launch. Showdown. Kunstenaar (pronounced “khun-steh-nawr”) District. Mercado. Penthouse. Mawizeh Marsh. Ahkdar Village. Plus one more Core MP map planned for mid-season.
- Search & Destroy, Prisoner Rescue to Expand to 12v12 for a Limited Time. Expect the Playlist rotation to include these intense modes with double the number of players on each team.
- A New Ranked Season. Rise and grind; shoot for a new top Division and unlock those cool Ranked Rewards as you prepare for the exciting conclusion to the Call of Duty League season. More details in the General Overview.
Seven New Multiplayer Maps
From familiar locales to brand-new Multiplayer maps, Season 04 is coming out swinging at launch with two maps for each of the three Multiplayer experience types, along with a third Core map at mid-season:
Showdown (Core Map, Launch)
This map is originally from Call of Duty® 4: Modern Warfare® and is currently present in the Ahkdar Village area of Al Mazrah.
Now, as part of Season 04, this iconic map drops into Modern Warfare II at Season 04’s launch. It’s a great place to practice for those hot drops . . . or just drop airstrikes and helicopter Killstreaks with Gold weapons just like old times.
More intel on Showdown is to come before launch, but just know that it is exactly how you recall it with a few modern changes. Namely, some mantling/mounting spots and set pieces that bring it into Al Mazrah. Stick to the perimeter for “safety,” or go right down into the courtyard to potentially face the opposition head-on.
Kunstenaar District (Core Map, Launch)
Located west of the Museum in Vondel, the Kunstenaar District (translation: Arts District) features a row of town houses, boutique shops, a central plaza, and a swimmable canal along its west flank.
Check out the street art throughout the map as you battle along its classic three-lane design. Use the Shadow Company trucks and other vehicles for cover as you move up the main roads, and race across the map’s scattered interior locations to quickly change from lane to lane.
Want a first glimpse on this Vondel point of interest? Keep an eye out for our upcoming Kunstenaar District Multiplayer map guide on this blog.
Mercado (Gunfight Map, Launch)
The Mercado is a section of Las Almas cleared out for Gunfight and Face Off battles. Combat within this large, covered structure will be frenetic on multiple levels, so get ready to stay close to your duo or trio, get in, and get out.
Penthouse (Gunfight Map, Launch)
Time to take Gunfights all the way up to the top. The Penthouse, situated in the heart of Chicago, features a lap pool, an outdoor firepit, and a tight-angled modern interior. Just don’t stare at the Chicago skyline for too long, lest you get hit with a Finishing Move.
Mawizeh Marshlands (Battle Map, Launch)
Mawizeh Marshlands is from the region of the Al Mazrah map containing the infamous River Diamond Luxury Resort . . . or what’s left of it.
Get comfortable around this area with boots on the ground and in vehicular combat, and you’ll be more than prepared to take down the opposition in any game mode that occurs in this area, from the shallow, murky waters of the flooded swimming pool to the luxury resort under construction.
Ahkdar Village (Battle Map, Launch)
Similar to Mawizeh Marshlands, this Battle Map is a subsection of Al Mazrah — specifically, this map is the footprint of the fortified Ahkdar Village.
Action is mostly contained in the village (where Showdown is also located), and its most notable boarders are the railroad to the south and the stepped farms and base of the mountain to the north. Vehicular combat may be frequent within the city walls, although infantry can take to the battlements, rooftops, and alleyways to counter them.
Both of these maps are incredible ways to learn these specific sections for Warzone Battle Royale matches – from parkour paths and secrets to lines of sight and vehicle routes – so consider dropping into a Ground War or Invasion to gain some valuable intel.
Vondel Waterfront (Core Map, Mid-Season)
Although more intel is on the way for future operations this Season, expect core multiplayer combat to expand to a second Vondel location — the floating houses of Vondel Waterfront — as part of the mid-season update.
Search & Destroy, Prisoner Rescue to Expand to 12v12 in New Playlists
Those who recently played Modern Warfare II may have enjoyed the “10v10 Mosh Pit” Playlist, a collection of respawn game modes with increased lobby counts. Additionally, we know there is a large Search & Destroy and Prisoner Rescue community, with some wanting a bit more of a frenetic vibe and larger squad counts.
As part of regular Playlist updates, Modern Warfare II will introduce 12v12 Search & Destroy as well as a 12v12 Prisoner Rescue mode. These single-life game modes may be even more intense with double the players in the lobby… Just remember to keep that trash talk respectful when you hit that clutch 1v7 moment.
The 6v6 versions of these experiences will still be available in Quick Play, but expect there to be Featured 12v12 Playlists of these modes during Season 04.
More at Mid-Season, Including RAID Finale
The last RAID episode for Special Ops will be released as part of Season 04 Reloaded. Prepare your trio for the exciting conclusion to the RAID series before [[REDACTED]]; complete Episode 04 also unlocks new skin for Farah.
As previously mentioned, expect the Vondel Waterfront Core Multiplayer map, as well as additional updates to come as part of Season 04 Reloaded.
For even more details about what's coming in Season 04, check out the General Overview and Out Of Combat Overview blog.
Stay frosty,
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