Warzone 2 Release Date, Leaks, Trailers, And More
Warzone 2 is fast approaching, and after a wave of leaks and confessions from the developers, the excitement surrounding the battle royale sequel is ramping up. While Caldera nearly put the nail in the Warzone coffin, a sequel will aim to renew the interest of the title that steered us all through lockdown. The only thing is, what's the Warzone 2 release date? And what else do we know about the leaks and trailers we've seen so far?
Warzone 2 Release Date
The first iteration of Warzone came out in March 2020, having bided its time following the release of Modern Warfare in 2019 - the core title to what Warzone as we know it runs on. However, the map updates have come at different times throughout the year, such as Verdansk 1984 coming in April 2021, and Caldera in November 2021, leaving many to wonder just when will we get our hands on Warzone 2?
According to the quarterly Activision financial call, the developers confirmed that Warzone 2 was "proceeding very well", and is currently scheduled for a Holiday 2022 release, which could coincide with the annual release of the multiplayer games (in this instance, Modern Warfare 2), which is set to release on October 28th.
A recent internal leak claims that Warzone 2 is set to release on November 16th. If true, this would put the Warzone 2 release date a few weeks after Modern Warfare 2. In theory, this gives the main multiplayer mode of Modern Warfare 2 some time to breathe before players drop into a new Battle Royale map.
Warzone 2 Leaks
Loadouts returning in Warzone 2 Strongholds
One of the staples of Warzone that sets it apart from other battle royales is the use of loadouts. Pre-determined guns and perks allow for creativity and speed on the game, and are one of the more beloved features. However, with the game allegedly taking inspiration from Blackout, where loadouts weren't available, will loadouts be returning in Warzone 2?
According to Henderson, loadouts will be returning, but will be kept in Strongholds, which will likely be a hot-drop in the map. Also, the renowned leaker has detailed that Warzone 2 loadouts will only have five attachments, differing from Vanguard's ten, and you will be able to store extra weapons in a backpack.
Warzone 2 DMZ map
While Verdansk is likely to return in Warzone 2 at some point, in an LTM of sorts, the permanent map will not be either Verdansk or Caldera. Instead, a brand-new map is in construction.
DMZ is set to be Modern Warfare 2's third game mode, much akin to Treyarch's Zombies and Special Ops, and previous trials like Infinity Ward's Survival in MW3. Both DMZ and Warzone 2 are expected to share the same map, which will have more objectives, loot points, and even AI to battle.
Warzone 2 features 4 multiplayer maps from Modern Warfare 2 2009
Click to enlargeIt's only befitting that with Modern Warfare 2 coming, the developers share some love with the old-school MW2 title, and with DMZ and Warzone 2 having the same map, four iconic multiplayer maps will be making their way into the BR.
Highrise, Quarry, Afghan, and Terminal have all been leaked by Henderson to be POIs in Warzone 2, although most of them will come under different names. Quarry is likely to remain as it always has done, while Terminal is set to be re-named as Airport, Afghan as Caves, and Highrise will be just one skyscraper in Modern City - the maps biggest POI, according to the leads.
Warzone 2 Trailers
The first Warzone 2 trailer is expected to be released sometime in September, as the developers look to prepare themselves for a release to either coincide with Modern Warfare 2 in October, or slightly after, akin to how Warzone was originally rolled out.
Activision will be cautious not to rush Warzone 2, especially with the way Caldera was rolled out, arguably ruining the franchise, and instead will have all of the I's dotted and T's crossed.