Here’s all the intel you need to get ready for the humongous Season 1 drop in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III & Warzone

We knew a lot was coming, but this drop is massive. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Warzone’s inaugural season begins December 6th, and Activision has pulled back the curtain to reveal it’s contents today. There’s just so much in store, with three 6v6 multiplayer maps, five new weapons, and of course the huge addition of Urzikstan and all of the Modern Warfare III changes in Warzone. It’ll be tough to cover it all in our impressions during the season, but we’ll do our best here at GamingTrend. Until then, check out what’s coming below!

Season 1 Arrives in Modern Warfare III

Prepare for all-new warfare as Season 1 arrives for Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® III and Call of Duty®: Warzone™. The new season brings more Multiplayer maps; new and returning game modes including Gunfight and Vortex; the next story Act in Zombies; the introduction of Urzikstan in Call of Duty: Warzone, and much more.

An all-new Battle Pass brings 100 Tiers of content, BlackCell brings the Abolisher Operator, and your arsenal is increased with five additional new weapons. Also expect a host of new Aftermarket Parts, including your own flamethrower! The heat continues into the holidays with themed events throughout the season, ensuring a vast wealth of content for you to drop into.

Season 1 for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Call of Duty: Warzone goes live on December 6 at 9 AM PT across all platforms.

Consult the Call of Duty Blog for all official comms and announcements.

Expect Patch Notes to be available prior to the release of Season 1, with separate notes for Modern Warfare III (led by Sledgehammer Games and Treyarch) and Warzone (led by Raven Software).

Be sure to check out free and official Guides to Call of Duty: Warzone and the new MWIII Multiplayer Maps.

Ready up: Here’s what’s dropping:

MODERN WARFARE III MULTIPLAYER OVERVIEW

• Four New Multiplayer maps. Deploy to three brand-new 6v6 maps and one 2v2 map launching, alongside festive reskins of other maps during the Season.
• Welcome Back to Gunfight. Go small-team tactical, launching with the new Training Facility map, plus four other returning Gunfight arenas.
• New game modes. Test your luck in All or Nothing, wield the one-shot Ray Gun against enemies in the limited-time Vortex arriving in-season, and more!
• CODMAS Festive events and Ranked Play. The content continues across Modern Warfare IIII Multiplayer with festive and themed maps and events, as well as the feature-packed, stand-alone competitive Multiplayer mode: Ranked Play returns!

Four New Maps: 6v6 and 2v2

After the arrival of the Carry Forward Core maps, Season 1 expands the Multiplayer map offering with three brand-new 6v6 maps and one 2v2 arena.

Meat (6v6, Core, Launch)

Deploy to the West Coast for some fast-paced butchery, in a compact map centered around the East Bay Meats slaughterhouse. Make use of the new Tac-Stance ability to combine agility with accuracy while weaving through the small confines of the meat locker and processing center. For longer sightlines, stick to the outer loading dock and entrance.

Greece (6v6, Core, Launch)

Test your mettle in a once-idyllic coastal town, where waters at the shore lap at the hull of a burning yacht, signaling disaster. Navigate the city center of this medium-sized map where narrow alleys cut between the lines of shops. Dive into the canal or the sea when you need to reposition and use the copious vantage points that are available to get above your enemies.

Rio (6v6, Core, In-Season)

Take in the vibrant colors of Rio de Janeiro as you battle across an upscale shopping center. Face enemies in tight quarters throughout the mall or move through the vibrant exterior streets in this small- to medium-sized map. Look for vantage points in the covered walkway, over the garage, and on top of vehicles. Spacing is tight, so be ready to engage.

Training Facility (2v2, Gunfight, Launch)

Challenge another duo within the remains of an old warehouse, now repurposed as part of Konni Group’s training facilities. Perch on the second level for a greater view of the area or move through the interior spaces to ambush your enemies. The central shoot house offers plentiful climbing opportunities; use your enhanced abilities to achieve the best angles for the weapons provided in the round.

Gunfight Returns for MWIII, Other Modes Confirmed

Gunfight returns to Call of Duty, pitting two teams of two against one another in a round-based match. There are no respawns, and all players are assigned the same randomized Loadout at the start of each round.

The assigned Loadout changes every two rounds, and you never know what you’ll get; you may be trading shots with Battle Rifles one round and then rushing in with Shotguns the next. In other words, take what you’re given and make it worse.

Each round lasts 40 seconds, in which teams attempt to eliminate the other side. If time runs out and both teams are still alive, an Overtime Flag will spawn on the map for 10 seconds. The first team to capture the flag or eliminate the enemy team wins the round. If neither team wins during Overtime, the team with the most health wins.

The first team to win six rounds wins the match.

Five Gunfight maps at launch: Season 1 brings the new Training Facility map along with four Carry Forward Gunfight maps from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II: Alley, Blacksite, Exhibit, and Shipment.

Game Mode: All or Nothing (Launch)

All or Nothing: Deploy with Throwing Knives and no ammo. Get one elimination to activate the Scavenger Perk, allowing you to retrieve ammo pickups for your weapon. The first to land 20 eliminations wins.

Multiplayer: More at the Mid-Season

Expect additional Modes to launch throughout the season, including fan-favorite and holiday-themed variants:

Vortex (LTM, Mid-Season)

In this free-for-all mode, one player spawns in with the infamous Zombies Wonder Weapon, the one-shot Ray Gun. Whoever eliminates the Operator with the Ray Gun becomes the new owner of this powerful and otherworldly pistol. Vortex takes place on three remixed Multiplayer maps: Satan’s Quarry, Sporeyard, and Tetanus.

CODMAS: Santa’s Slayground (LTM, Mid-Season)

Season’s Eatings! Santa Gnaws is here to spread horror and fear. Complete Event Challenges to earn rewards and visit classic, holiday-themed maps, including Shipmas and Hangover! Just try not to get bitten. Expect more information on this Event and additional Limited Time Modes closer to Mid-Season.

Infected (Mid-Season)

One player is chosen at random to spawn in as the infected. Their goal is to eliminate the other survivors, while those not infected must use all the skill and firepower they’ve amassed to keep their humanity intact.

Headquarters (Mid-Season)

Fight to secure the Headquarters location and then hold that position for as long as you can; respawns are disabled for the defending team. The Headquarters slowly rotates around the map as the match continues, so be ready to move.

Team Gunfight (Mid-Season)

In this 6v6 version of Gunfight, played on standard Multiplayer maps, players all receive the same randomized Loadout at the start of each round. This Loadout changes throughout the match; the team that best adapts to the assigned gear is bound to land the eliminations needed to earn victory.

New Vest (Perks, Launch)

Select your Loadout and you’ll find an additional Vest to utilize across all MWIII Multiplayer modes:

Assassin Vest (Stealthy Killer)

Equipment Slots (2): Tactical, Lethal (Field Upgrade removed)

Gear Slots (3): Gloves, Boots, Gear

Kills don’t display skulls. Immune to UAV and enemy radar effects (including while stationary). Duplicate effects do not stack. If equipped with Ghost T/V Camo, (Gear), you gain the effects of Hijacked IFF Strobe (Gear).

New Killstreaks (Launch)

Expect to unlock two new Multiplayer Killstreaks, available at the start of the season once you’ve unlocked each via an Armory Challenge:

• Swarm (15 Kills, 1,875 Points): Deploys a large number of mosquito drones to provide blanket coverage over the entire area.
• EMP (13 Kills, 1,625 Points): Electromagnetic pulse to disrupt enemy Killstreaks and equipment.

Let’s Go! Ranked Play Launches (Mid-Season)

Presented by Treyarch in partnership with Sledgehammer Games, Multiplayer Ranked Play launches mid-season and builds upon the foundation established in Modern Warfare II with new rewards to earn and updated Modern Warfare III maps, weapons, and Loadout content.

Ranked Play is a feature-packed, stand-alone competitive Multiplayer mode that leverages the Call of Duty® League approved rules, restrictions, maps, and modes. Track your standing with a visible skill rating and earn rewards across multiple Skill Divisions and Tiers. The best of the best will be featured in the Top 250 Leaderboard and Division for the chance to prove themselves as the number one player. Look for further information, including the rewards for ranking up, in the following weeks.

MODERN WARFARE ZOMBIES OVERVIEW

• New story Act. A massive gateway has appeared in the Exclusion Zone. Investigate the area and engage in new end-game content.
• Enter Dark Aether Rifts. A new labyrinth -like experience challenging squads to complete a series of objectives in the given time. Find Sigils to unlock the Dark Aether Rifts and earn rewards on completion.
• New Wonder Weapon, Warlord, and more. Wield the V-R11 Wonder Weapon, discover new schematics, and prepare to infiltrate the fortress of the Warlord Dokkaebi.

Zombies: A New Story Act Begins (Launch)

As Operators continue to push farther into the Exclusion Zone, a new anomaly appears. Sent to investigate, Operation Deadbolt Strike Teams are pulled through to the other side in their first major encounter inside the Dark Aether. Expect a new story mission that begins the next Act of content, with tasks that will test your abilities in the fights ahead.

The Season 1 update brings additional challenges and rewards, including new Prestige Challenges to explore, a new Warlord to battle, an exciting new Wonder Weapon, new Schematics and Acquisitions, new secrets, and introducing the deadly but lucrative Dark Aether Rifts.

Enter the Rift (Launch)

Dark Aether Rifts bring rewards to those who brave their challenges. These otherworldly labyrinths are located inside the Dark Aether, where players and their squad have 30 minutes to complete a series of increasingly chaotic objectives to earn exceptional rewards. Find Sigils to unlock the Dark Aether Rift and face a new level of challenge!

New Wonder Weapon: V-R11 (Launch)

Season 1 brings the new V-R11 Wonder Weapon.Turn enemies into allies with the powerful V-R11! Shoot zombies and transform them into humans, or blast humans to mutate them into friendly zombies. As you might expect, transformed humans join you in the fight, drawing the attention of nearby zombies, while transformed zombies will commence their ceaseless hunt for your enemy’s flesh!

New Classified Schematics

Dog Bone (Classified Schematic, Legendary, Launch)

Consume the Dog Bone to summon the strongest friendly Hell Hound companion. The pet Hellhound will follow you and attack nearby threats until its health runs out. This Season 1 item can help take off the heat when it’s really needed.

Golden Armor Plate (Classified Schematic, Legendary, Launch)

Consuming the new Golden Armor Plate replaces the Armor Carrier with Plates that automatically repair over time, in addition to providing the user additional damage resistances.

Aether Blade (Lethal, Classified Schematic, Launch)

The Aether Blade is a special Throwing Knife with infinite ammo and a boomerang-like combat style. After striking an enemy, the Aether Blade locates the next nearest enemy to hit before returning to its Operator.

Warlord: Dokkaebi (Mid-Season)

Hoping to counter Operation Deadbolt’s technological advantage in the Exclusion Zone, Jack Fletcher (the leader of Terminus Outcomes) will deploy another of his Lieutenants to the battle space in the coming weeks. South Korean born Dokkaebi will bring with her an intimate understanding of Electronic Warfare, and a fleet of self-programmed autonomous drones, ready to wreak carnage on Operation Deadbolts Operatives from the skies.

CALL OF DUTY: WARZONE OVERVIEW

• Welcome to Urzikstan. The next big map is coming to Call of Duty: Warzone! Receive a topographical overview plus a host of new features and updates coming as part of the Season 1 update.
• Carry Forward Call of Duty: Warzone maps. Players can continue deploying to Ashika Island and Vondel alongside the new Urzikstan map.
• CODMAS Event. Encounter the Zombie Santa, go undead Deer Hunting, open the presents under the Holiday Trees, all while engaging in new challenges events with rewards, and more. Just don’t forget to bring Snowballs!

Big Game, Big Map: Welcome to Urzikstan

Consult the adjacent companion asset (above), then prepare to fight through the all-new Urzikstan map (below), a vast and captivating landscape with a mixture of rural, industrial, and suburban zones. Presented by Raven Software, the new big map features 11 major points of interest (named on your Tac Map), 27 additional, large-scale points of interest (named on your in-game Compass), a Drivable Train (the first mobile point of interest in Call of Duty: Warzone), and numerous smaller areas to explore, giving you near limitless tactical potential!

From the iconic Popov Power Plant in the north all the way to the Zaravan Suburbs in the south, Operators should be ready to engage in a mix of classic and brand-new gameplay, utilizing innovative new features like the Drivable Train, Horizontal Ziplines, and new Perks exclusive to Call of Duty: Warzone.

For an in-depth look at all 38 named points of interest across Urzikstan, be sure to check out the Tac-Atlas Guide.

Urzikstan Modes (Launch and In-Season)

To celebrate the launch of Urzikstan, all modes will be set on the new big map for the first 48 hours of Season 1, including:

• Launch Modes: Battle Royale, Resurgence, and Plunder
  • We will be introducing areas of Urzikstan to a pool of Resurgence locations, along with areas across Ashika and Vondel, as part of a new Limited Time Mode called Urzikstan Reurgence, which will focus on several select Points of Interest from around the Urzikstan map:
    • Orlov Military Base
    • Popov Power
    • Zaravan Suburbs
• In-Season Modes: Lockdown returns, and the brand new Limited-Time-Mode, Slay Ride Resurgence, makes its holiday debut!

All squad sizes for Battle Royale on Urzikstan will be available all season long.

Return to Vondel and Ashika: Carry Forward Maps

In addition to the new Urzikstan big map, after the first 48 hours Season 1 will also add Ashika Island and Vondel to the playable maps.

Updated Gameplay: Movement, Mechanics, and More

With the start of Season 1, Call of Duty: Warzone will be updated to include many of the new movement and other mechanics present in Modern Warfare III, along with new innovations specific to Call of Duty: Warzone.

Movement Updates (Launch)

Expect the following movement changes at launch:

• Slide canceling.
• Tac-Stance.
• ADS while sliding.
• Running while reloading
• A slight movement boost when using the Stim Tactical.
• Additional changes will be detailed in the upcoming Patch Notes.

Gameplay Updates (Launch)

Expect the following improvements and updates from Raven Software at launch:

• Backup Pistol: Always have a dedicated pistol when swimming or climbing ladders or ledge hanging, no matter your Loadout.
• Improved Water Combat: Alongside the dedicated pistol, improvements have been made to water visibility such that it is now easier to see targets both when in and out of the water.
• Manual Gas Mask : You can now manually choose when to equip the Gas Mask. When looking at a Gas Mask on the ground, Players are presented with two options: Equip it, or Stow it. Equipping the Gas Mask will begin the equip animation of putting it onto their face. Stowing the Gas Mask will place it in the Backpack for Players to manually equip at a later time. As a result, the animation will no longer interrupt gameplay, and importantly Players will only hear the heavy breathing sound effect while in the Gas.
• Experimental Gas Grenade: This Tear Gas Tactical now deals gas damage, and as such can be countered with an equipped Gas Mask.
• Dedicated Ammo Slots: Specific new Backpack slots cater to ammo, allowing quick and easy access. These slots will be automatically filled as Players find ammo. Additional ammo can still be stored in the all-purpose Backpack slots.
• Loot Rarity: Weapons, equipment, killstreaks, and more will now appear with a color-coded tooltip to indicate the value and rarity of the item, as well as if a weapon is from a “Custom Loadout”.
• Contract Activation Laptop: Players will now activate Contracts by interacting with larger, more easily identifiable laptops found throughout the map.
• Updated Tac Map Icons: The entirety of the Tac Map has been updated to better serve you, with a variety of easily distinguishable new icons.
• Classic Red Dots: The classic minimap will feature within Call of Duty: Warzone; firing unsuppressed weapons causes Operators to momentarily appear as a red dot on the minimap.
• Improved Loot Spreading: Players will now notice that the loot distribution and spread when opening a Supply Box or eliminating an enemy has received improvements to minimize loot overlap and facilitate loot identification.
• Quality of Life Carry Forward: For the new Chapter of Warzone, all existing Quality of Life improvements that have been made this year will carry forward.

New Environment Elements

Drivable Train (Launch)

Take control of Call of Duty: Warzone’s first controllable mobile POI: Urzikstan’s new drivable train, complete with forward and backward engine controls, a Buy Station, UAV Tower, Horn, Ammo Depot, a guaranteed Legendary Supply Crate, and a handbrake in the caboose (rear carriage) for tactical braking! Read more on how this works in the forthcoming Warzone Patch Notes.

Horizontal Ziplines (Launch)

In addition to the vertical ascenders, expect ziplines to allow rapid horizontal navigation across Urzikstan. Look for ziplines across the map, often allowing faster travel across otherwise more challenging topography, like water or tall structures, and if you watched Call of Duty: Next, Quality of Life improvements have already been made to this system enabling easier on/off access for the Operator using either type of transport line.

New Vehicle: Coyote (Launch)

Available in Urzikstan during Battle Royale and Plunder modes is an impressive, lightly-armored new offroad vehicle, known as the Coyote. This is an open-air and agile desert vehicle designed to grip the dunes and move quickly. The mounted machine gun is more than enough to take out the opposition in your path.

Returning Contract, New Public Event and Updated Strongholds

Big Game Bounty Contract: Activate this Contract to put a Bounty on the Player with the most eliminations in the match; take them out to earn an Advanced UAV.

“Fly Buy” Public Event: A new Public Event arrives in Urzikstan, where there is a chance that multiple Drones will fly-in to drop additional Buy Stations into the Warzone.

Updated Strongholds: In order to make each match unique, Strongholds have now been moved to the Public Event system where there is a percentage chance of them becoming accessible to infiltrate during an Infil. As a result of this change, players may also encounter Cash Drops during Infil, and may also find Blacksite keys in ground loot allowing you the opportunity to open a Black Site in any match.

New Perks (Launch)

The Perk system currently in Warzone continues, with Operators choosing from either a pre-set or a Custom Perk Package consisting of four Perks which become active once your Loadout is claimed. Perk Packs can also be found in ground loot, whether dropped by an eliminated Player or found in Supply Boxes.

Movement and rotation opportunities on the new big map of Urzikstan has been a key focus of its design, so in the new chapter of Warzone Players will also find themselves with several Perks that are now simply enabled by default at all times:

• Tac Pads: Improves slide distance and allows for full ADS while sliding, along with increased stance transition speeds.
• Commando Gloves: Enables reloading while running.
• Quick-Grip Gloves: Increases your weapon swap speed.
• Climbing Boots: Increases climbing and mantling speed aspect.
• Overkill: Allows you to pick two Primary Weapons.

You should also get ready for new and returning Perks exclusive to Call of Duty: Warzone designed to create new outplay and counter opportunities, of which the following can be equipped as Custom Perks in your Loadout:

• Irradiated: Move faster and take less damage while in the gas.
• Tempered: Now also available as a Custom Perk, Tempered allows you to refill armor plates to full with two plates instead of three.
• Combat Scout: Bullets you fire briefly ping an enemy for you and your squad. Hitting the enemy from farther away increases the ping time.
• Resolute: When taking damage from gunfire, this grants a short bonus to movement speed.
• Shrouded: Drop a smoke grenade when downed.
• Mountaineer: Reduces fall damage.
• Stalker: Increased strafe and aim down sight movement speed.
• Escapist: Increased downed, prone, and crouch speed.
• Primed: Accuracy and time to aim down sight is improved while jumping.
• Faculty: Delay triggered explosives while sprinting, warns of nearby enemy equipment, and reduces combat noise.

These additional Perks allow for an impressive variety of playstyles and Perk Packages, as the total number of Perks now reaches over 30 with the 5 new default Perks, plus 12 Perks in Slots 1 and 2, 10 Perks in Slot 3, and 7 Perks in Slot 4.

New Gulag (Launch)

Urzikstan features a new Gulag, the perfect way to redeploy once you’ve faced down an adversary in 1v1 combat. However, this Gulag, aside from being a brand-new environment, comes with new gameplay updates too:

• Ascender Overtime Finisher: Replacing the old overtime flag, players are now provided an exfil rope that drops into the middle of the Gulag during the match allowing extraction – but, be warned! You can both shoot, and be shot at, from the Ascender!
• Gulag Public Events: Severalnew Public Events may also occur within the Gulag, such as Go Again (an additional Gulag attempt if you lose the first fight), Cash Grab (more money on the floor with a big stack in the middle of the map) and Locked & Loaded Weapons (AMG + SMG Loadout with full armor), helping the victor by bringing back some much-needed power items into the match.
• Night Vision Gulag (In-Season): NVG has a new name, as the Gulag will occasionally go dark while equipping Operators with night-vision goggles for a fun new twist on the Gulag experience.

Additional Content (In-Season)

Season 1 Reloaded, available in early 2024, will bring with it a number of new features including Covert Exfil – a new secondary exfil condition – as well as the Weapon Case similar to that seen in Modern Warfare II but with brand new rewards. In addition, players can expect a new Champion’s Quest with fresh rewards for those brave and strategic enough to complete it – or steal it…

New Event: Merry CODMAS (In-Season)

Krampus is back!

Just kidding. Instead, get into the festive mood with CODMAS! This Holiday Event brings new challenges and rewards (some visible, some hidden!) to the Urzikstan map in Call of Duty: Warzone in the form of Deck the Halls, Zombie Santa, and Slay Ride.

“Slay Ride Resurgence” Limited Time Mode: Nothing says “festivities” quite like a new Limited Time Mode: Prepare for a Holiday-themed take on Resurgence, as you’re in for a number of treats….

Deck the Halls: Santa has delivered presents across Urzikstan, via a number of holiday crates. Open the Tac Map to reveal their location in the match and get to the trees to earn the rewards in the vicinity. However, be ready to fight for your spot as a flare is sent up when Operators interact within the immediate area where the crates are found. Those who hold the point the longest will be gifted a chance to meet Santa… or at least something that used to be Santa.

Zombie Santa: Once an Operator obtains a key from Deck the Halls, a “Merry” portal will appear. Take the portal to face off against a zombified Juggernaut Santa. Defeat this evil incarnation of Santa before rummaging in his massive sack for a variety of valuable loot!

Slay Ride: Santa has taken over the train in Urzikstan. Per his usual modus operandi, Santa will be handing out presents to all the well-behaved Operators he meets. Those who choose to be naughty, on the other hand, will be met with heavy resistance.

Snowball Fights: As part of both the Players default Loadout as well as in ground loot represented by a snowflake icon on the Tac Map, you can find these rather lethal Snowballs all over the map.

And more….

The CODMAS event will also feature a new challenge for Call of Duty: Warzone and Multiplayer during the 12 Days of CODMAS. Complete these challenges to earn rewards.

GENERAL OVERVIEW (Modern Warfare III, Zombies, Warzone)

• Gear up with new weapons and Aftermarket Parts. Season 1 brings five free new weapons and nine Aftermarket Parts.
• New Operators: Deploy as Nolan and Dokkaebi, the new Season 1 Operators.
• Get the Premium experience with BlackCell. Purchase the BlackCell offering to unlock the Abolisher Operator, extra Tier Skips, alternate BlackCell-exclusive Skins earned throughout the Battle Pass, and more.
• The Season 1 Battle Pass. Unlock new Operators and a variety of free and premium content across the Season 1 Battle Pass.
• New Store offerings. Deploy as Santa, grab Bundles related to Dune, and more.
• Seasonal progression. Level up past Rank 55 and enter the Prestige Ranks, with new Challenge Rewards for both Multiplayer and Zombies.
• Additional comms regarding the future of DMZ.
• CDL Announcement. Rep your love for competition with the Call of Duty League™ Launch Pack and earn rewards for watching the pros compete starting December 8.

Gear Up: Five New Weapons

XRK Stalker (Sniper Rifle — Launch, Battle Pass Sector A4)

Stalk your prey and lay them out with this tactical sniper rifle chambered in .50 Cal.

For one-hit eliminations, look no further. The XRK Stalker Sniper Rifle deals massive damage and is highly customizable to support multiple playstyles. Enhance the weapon’s velocity and stability and strike from the shadows or improve its handling capabilities to become a quick-scoping menace.

RAM-7 (Assault Rifle — Launch, Battle Pass Sector A7)

Exceptionally compact, this bullpup assault rifle sports a lightweight, polymer frame and is chambered in versatile 5.56.

When you need power and mobility, the RAM-7 is a sure bet. The weapon deals solid damage at close and medium range and in controlled bursts can compete from afar. Its lightweight frame results in a quick reload and fast handling so you can stay on the offensive.

Stormender (Launcher — Launch, Battle Pass Sector A12)

This state-of-the-art weapon system fires a localized EMP on a slight delay. Destroys tactical and lethal equipment and temporarily disables other electronic devices.

This brand-new weapon has the power to shoot down specific Killstreaks and take out drones with its lock-on capabilities. With unlimited recharging ammo and the ability to disable and delay enemy equipment, this weapon serves as a very real shock to the system, though damage to Operators is minimal.

HRM-9 (SMG — In-Season, Armory Unlock)

A light yet stable 9mm submachine gun for close-quarters combat and putting down enemies quickly.

Sporting a high fire rate and excellent handling and mobility, the HMR-9 is the perfect fit for aggressive run-and-gun playstyles. Aim down sights for precise fire or enter Tac-Stance and run circles around your enemies. Use Gunsmith to enhance the weapon’s midrange capabilities, improve its close-quarters performance, or a combination of the two.

TAQ Evolvere (LMG — In-Season)

An advanced, multi-caliber LMG capable of firing 7.62 or 5.56 with minimal adjustments to the weapon. Versatile and exceptionally lethal in the right hands.

This all-new Light Machine Gun is capable of taking down both infantry and artillery, whichever chooses to cross its path. A wide variety of Attachments are available via the Gunsmith, allowing you to tailor the TAQ Evolvere to any playstyle.

Explore Your Attachments: Nine New Aftermarket Parts (Launch, In-Season)

Season 1 brings new Aftermarket Parts, including the JAK Purifier, a new flamethrower underbarrel attachment for multiple weapons, available via the Season 1 Battle Pass. Note that Aftermarket Parts usually attach to a specific weapon or class of weapon, as detailed below:

JAK Purifier

Compatability: MCW, MTZ-556, Holger 556, DG-56, SVA 545, RAM-7, MTZ-762, BAS-B, Sidewinder, Riveter

Equip an underbarrel flamethrower. What more needs to be said? Burn it all down. The JAK Purifier AMP is compatible with several weapons, including multiple Assault Rifles, Battle Rifles, and the Riveter Shotgun.

JAK Ettin Double Barrel Kit

Compatability: AMR9

Available for the AMR9 SMG, this kit creates two stacked barrels that fire simultaneously. This offers twice as much down-range damage at the cost of some accuracy.

JAK Thunder LMG Kit

Compatability: Sidewinder (BR)

Dominate lanes and hold objectives with this LMG conversion kit for the Sidewinder Battle Rifle that brings a large capacity magazine and ramps in fire rate the longer you hold down the trigger.

JAK BRB

Compatability: Many Assault Rifles, Submachine Guns, Battle Rifles, Marksman Rifles, and Sniper Rifles.

Go loud. This compensator borders on excessive, offering a phenomenal reduction to recoil while significantly increasing muzzle report, resulting in an extended red dot on enemy radars.

JAK Bullseye

Compatability: [[REDACTED]]

Very low-profile dot Optic. Limited interference from framework offers an exceptionally clear sight picture.

JAK Glassless Optic

Compatability: [[REDACTED]]

This small, glassless reflex Optic offers a crisp and clear sight picture for snappy target acquisition.

JAK Signal Burst

Compatability: Holger 556 (AR)

A conversion kit designed for accuracy and controllability with four-round bursts.

JAK Beholder Rifle Kit

Compatability: TYR (Handgun)

A long and heavy barrel that offers the best increase to range. Improves recoil control and damage range, converting this Handgun into a single-shot Rifle.

JAK Headhunter Carbine Conversion

Compatability: Rival-9 (SMG)

Rival Assault Rifles with this three-round burst conversion kit that excels at midrange combat.

Become Elite with BlackCell

Purchase BlackCell to gain exclusive access to premium items in Season 1 along with full access to the Season 1 Battle Pass. Enter the Season 1 Battle Map through the BlackCell Sector plus 20 Battle Token Tier Skips to help unlock valuable items more quickly. Getting BlackCell will immediately unlock the BlackCell Sector, including the new BlackCell Abolisher Operator plus the “Man o’ War” Weapon Blueprint with Tracers, the “Flexed Upon” Finishing Move, “War Horse” Vehicle Skin, and 1,100 COD Points.

Throughout the Season 1 Battle Pass, BlackCell members can earn 16 unique BlackCell rewards include 10 alternate Operator Skins and six alternate Weapon Blueprints with Tracers.

Or, if you preordered the Vault Edition of Modern Warfare III, you can claim all of this as part of the rewards granted at the start of Season 1.

For the players who upgrade to BlackCell after purchasing the Battle Pass will also receive 1,100 COD Points back.

New Operators Headline the Season 1 Battle Pass

Season 1 introduces Nolan and Dokkaebi as playable Operators unlocked through purchase of the Season 1 Battle Pass, and the mysterious BlackCell Operator, Abolisher. The Battle Pass itself is crammed full of unlockable content, and a deep dive into the Skins, Weapons, Operators, Blueprints and other items to obtain, will be showcased in a future blog prior to Season 1 launch.

Nolan (KorTac, Launch)

This once distinguished soldier is a master of manipulation and close-quarters combat. Rescued by Makarov, Nolan plays an integral role in the Konni Group’s mission.

Dokkaebi (KorTac, Launch)

A skilled spy and robotics engineer, Dokkaebi is Konni Group’s eye in the sky. Dokkaebi has been operating behind the scenes, executing drone attacks for Nolan and Makarov.

Abolisher (SpecGru, Launch)

This BlackCell Operator’s biographical information has been [REDACTED].

New Store Offerings: Santa, Dune, and More

Season 1 brings new Operators and challenges. Equip Operator Skins from certain Bundles to earn a boost toward collecting rewards in related events.

Santa Gnaws: Bring destruction and holiday cheer in equal measure as Santa himself, paired with two Legendary Weapon Blueprints, including tracers and a Weapon Vinyl, Sticker, Charm, and Animated Emblem.

Dune Part Two: Choose your champion with the Dune Bundles. Fulfill your destiny with the Paul Atreides Operator or show your ruthlessness as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen.

Other upcoming Store offerings include the Tracer Pack: Echo Endo Ecstatic Entropy Mastercraft, Beach Boomin’, the Tracer Pack: Supernova, the Painted Alebrijie Weapon Bundle (pictured above), and more.

Challenges and Seasonal Progression

In addition to Daily, Armory, Weapons, and Operator Challenges, there are plenty of additional unlocks to complete as you level up your Operator, weapons, and complete the Battle Pass. Here are a few highlights:

Weekly Challenges

Ensure you complete all your pre-season Weekly Challenges, as a brand-new set of Weekly Challenges becomes available at the start of Season 1! This offers full flexibility in how many Challenges from each game you need to complete; allowing up to five from Multiplayer, Zombies, or Warzone to unlock the Weekly Reward (an Aftermarket Part for Week 1). Feel free to complete more five if you want more XP! Then set your sights on the “Coherence” Weapon Camo; the grand prize for completing all eight Weekly Rewards!

Prestige Challenges

Following a similar system to Modern Warfare II, Season 1 allows you to level up past Rank 55 into Prestige Ranks that persist across seasons. Beginning in Season 1, reaching Rank 56 will unlock Prestige 1. Achieving this unlocks rewards and a set of challenges — complete those challenges to unlock multiple exclusive Calling Cards, with separate sets of Cards for both Multiplayer and Zombies.

Season 1 includes five Prestige Ranks, a total of 194 levels to rank up through, and each Prestige unlocks a new set of challenges and rewards:

• Prestige 1: Unlocked at Rank 56
  • Emblem Reward
  • MP: Four Calling Card Challenges, one Prestige 1 Mastery Calling Card Challenge.
  • MWZ: Four Calling Card Challenges, one Prestige 1 Mastery Calling Card Challenge.
• Prestige 2: Unlocked at Rank 100
  • Emblem Reward
  • MP: Four Calling Card Challenges, one Prestige 1 Mastery Calling Card Challenge.
  • MWZ: Four Calling Card Challenges, one Prestige 1 Mastery Calling Card Challenge.
• Prestige 3: Unlocked at Rank 150
  • Emblem Reward
  • MP: Four Calling Card Challenges, one Prestige 1 Mastery Calling Card Challenge.
  • MWZ: Four Calling Card Challenges, one Prestige 1 Mastery Calling Card Challenge.
• Prestige 4: Unlocked at Rank 200
  • Emblem Reward
  • MP: Four Calling Card Challenges, one Prestige 1 Mastery Calling Card Challenge.
  • MWZ: Four Calling Card Challenges, one Prestige 1 Mastery Calling Card Challenge.
• Prestige 5: Unlocked at Rank 250 and the level cap until the end of Season 1.
  • Emblem Reward
  • MP: Four Calling Card Challenges, one Prestige 1 Mastery Calling Card Challenge.
  • MWZ: Four Calling Card Challenges, one Prestige 1 Mastery Calling Card Challenge.
  • Blueprint Reward: “Venomous” Blueprint for the MTZ-556 AR, with a focus on ADS Speed, Sprint to Fire Speed, and Sprint Speed.

At the end of Season 1, you can continue ranking up from wherever you landed on the Prestige Ranks. This allows players to catch up in later seasons, while also not resetting the progress of anyone who reached the Max Rank during that season.

The Future of DMZ: Update

We would like to thank the entire community for their support and continued feedback on the DMZ Beta. Infinity Ward and all the development teams who contributed to the creation of DMZ are incredibly proud and delighted to see the enthusiasm and participation that you’ve shown since its release, and to see so many players pouring into the MWZ mode in Modern Warfare III, which has many DMZ-inspired gameplay aspects within it.

Beginning with next week’s launch of Season 1, DMZ Beta players can continue the mode via the Call of Duty: Warzone section of COD HQ. The DMZ Beta will remain fully playable across all current DMZ content, including Al Mazrah, Ashika Island, the Koschei Complex, Building 21, Vondel, as well as all DMZ missions.  The mode will not be available or interact directly within Modern Warfare III or Call of Duty: Warzone which means that progression and any new Modern Warfare III or Warzone content, including Battle Pass or store bundles, will not sync or carry back into this DMZ mode. Also, DMZ progress will not apply to new Battle Passes beginning with Season 1.

We recognize that not having cross progression with Modern Warfare III and Warzone may be frustrating for some players, but we felt now was the time to take all the learnings from the Beta that we could apply toward future development efforts as we evolve this style of play. We also know that many players still enjoy the mode and wanted to ensure that everybody can keep playing, which is why we are keeping a variety of content available.

Going forward, development teams will continue to evolve these dynamic open world experiences into the future. We look forward to sharing updates when ready.

CDL Pack and 2024 Season Announcement

The 2024 Call of Duty League™ Launch Pack on sale December 6

The 2024 Call of Duty League Launch Pack goes on sale December 6, just in time for the start of the season beginning on December 8. Pick up the League Launch Pack and rep the Call of Duty League with the Home and Away variants for the CDL Female & Male Operators, the “Flying High” Weapon Camo, two Calling Cards, and more. Available December 6 with Call of Duty® Points.

The 2024 Call of Duty League season begins December 8

Who will reign supreme in the Call of Duty League this year? Find out as the Call of Duty League returns for the 2024 season on December 8. This year with the arrival of the Miami Heretics and the Carolina Royal Ravens, and live competition at four major events,expect more action than ever before. Don’t miss out!

Interested in catching the CDL action live? The first Major tournament will be hosted by the Boston Breach at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway, January 25 – 28. Get your tickets here!

Upgrade to Modern Warfare III

Modern Warfare III celebrates the 20th anniversary of Call of Duty with one of the greatest collections of Multiplayer maps ever assembled, including modernized versions of all 16 launch maps from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009), plus the introduction of an all-new open-world Zombies and a Campaign that finds Task Force 141 facing off against the ultimate threat in Vladimir Makarov.

Upgrade to the Vault Edition to unlock the Soap Operator Pack, the Nemesis Operator Pack, two Weapon Vaults, plus one season’s worth of BlackCell which includesa Battle Pass, instant access to the BlackCell Sector (including an 1,100 CP bonus), extra Battle Token Tier Skips, and more.

Stay frosty.

Stay tuned to GamingTrend for more Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Warzone news and info!

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