Like many players, my journey with Call of Duty Warzone has been a rollercoaster. It started as an obsession, lost its way a bit with the ‘Warzone 2.0’ update, but has recently recaptured some of its original spark, especially with the return of Verdansk. I’ve been eagerly anticipating how the game will transform with the upcoming Black Ops 7 integration, and the recent COD Next event dropped some exciting news. While new maps and system changes were predictable, nothing prepared me for the announcement that Blackout—or at least a mode heavily inspired by it—is making a grand return!
For those who missed Call of Duty: Black Ops 4’s Blackout, you truly missed a gem. While Warzone’s early days were fantastic, Blackout, the series’ original battle royale experience, offered an even more thrilling ride. Its map holds a special place, rivaling even Verdansk in iconic status. Blackout shined in its simplicity: no complex loadout systems, just pure, exciting looting for weapons and gear. The grappling hook was a standout feature, adding incredible verticality and tactical depth to gunfights and movement. Plus, the added threat of zombies in specific areas spiced things up even further. It might have laid the groundwork for Warzone, but it was an immensely enjoyable experience in its own right.
At the recent COD Next event, Activision officially announced that Blackout is indeed making a comeback – or at least, a heavily inspired version of it. Stephanie Snowden, COD’s senior director of communications, confirmed, “We are bringing a bold new experience to Warzone in the spring inspired by Blackout, set on Avalon.” For those unfamiliar, Avalon is the fictional setting for many Black Ops 6 multiplayer maps, and it will also be a key location in Black Ops 7’s co-op campaign. While many speculated Avalon would replace Verdansk as Warzone’s primary battle royale map with the Black Ops 7 integration, it’s now clear it will arrive next spring, introducing this new Blackout-like mode.
A video at this point showed off some exciting moments and details from the upcoming Blackout-inspired mode on Avalon, giving players a glimpse of the new experience.
Importantly, Snowden clarified that both the beloved classic battle royale experience on Verdansk and this new Avalon-based mode will run concurrently, assuring fans that Verdansk isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
The integration of Black Ops 7 into Warzone will also bring a fresh small-scale map called Haven’s Hollow, perfect for Resurgence enthusiasts, arriving with Season 1. Additionally, two new Points of Interest will be added to Verdansk. Excitingly, loadouts are receiving a much-needed simplification: a strict five-attachment limit per weapon and the removal of all Wildcards – a change many players will surely welcome!
My anticipation for this Blackout-inspired mode is through the roof. I sincerely hope it’s more than just a superficial event featuring a few old Black Ops 4 weapons and operators. If Activision can genuinely recapture the unique essence and exhilarating feel of Blackout within the existing Warzone framework, I’ll be absolutely thrilled. For anyone eager to revisit the original Blackout, you can always reinstall or acquire Black Ops 4, though be prepared for potentially longer matchmaking waits.
For a comprehensive look at all the upcoming changes in the Call of Duty universe, keep an eye out for detailed guides on Black Ops 7’s release date and features. Remember, the BO7 beta is available this weekend, offering a prime opportunity to experience its multiplayer and Zombies modes before the official launch.
Share your favorite Blackout memories! Join the discussion to talk about your hopes and concerns for Black Ops 7 before its anticipated launch.