Summer is heating things up

Cold War and Warzone Season 5 is now underway!

With a fifth Season dropping this Summer, we can expect the traditional flurry of new content including the new EM2 assault rifle, Tec-9 SMG, the long-anticipated Echelon map, a host of classic Black Ops maps and some interesting new Operators.

Unlike Season 4 Reloaded, the mid-season update, the start of a new season features far more content thanks to a brand new Battle Pass.

One thing we're expecting in this new update is the COD 2021 reveal, also known as 'Call of Duty: Vanguard'.

Here's everything we know about Cold War and Warzone's Season 5 update.

Latest News

Season 5 New Date And Time - 12th August

While the update has gone live, the new season doesn't begin until 5AM BST/12AM ET on the 13th of August (9PM PT on the 12th of August)

Release Date

Season 4 Reloaded arrives on the 13th August 2021 (12th August for some parts of America).

The update will go likely go live at 9pm PT/12AM ET/5AM BST.

However, the actual update will be available for download at the same time a day before.

Trailer
Roadmap
Size

Warzone

  • PlayStation 5:
    • 13.7 GB
  • PlayStation 4:
    • 13.7 GB
  • Xbox One Series X / Xbox One Series S:
    • 13.2 GB
  • Xbox One:
    • 13.2 GB  
  • PC:
    • 19.3 GB (Warzone Only)
    • 21.7 GB (Warzone and Modern Warfare®)
    • PC users will also need 22.1 - 22.8 GB of additional space on their hard drive for the patch copying process; this is only temporary
Patch Notes

Warzone Patch Notes

Patch Notes via Raven Software

Maps

  • Mobile Broadcast Stations
    • These POIs can be found in a variety of locations in Verdansk, differing from match-to-match to keep one area from being signal boosted by the rewards they offer. See what they’re all about by going closer to them, but be sure to keep your head and tune out the broadcast each one emits…
  • [[REDACTED]]
    • [[REDACTED]] has gone off grid and reports suggest [[REDACTED]] is doing [[REDACTED]] in Verdansk - what, we do not know. This is an unauthorized [[REDACTED]] that could jeopardize our [[REDACTED]] in discovering and stopping Stitch.
  • New Gulag: Rush:

    • Based on the classic Black Ops II map, this layout is comprised of the main speedball arena.

    Red Doors:

    • Beware of these doors sending you to unexpected locations other than the main room. This may have something to do with those Mobile Broadcast Stations seen around Verdansk…

General

  • [Console Only] High-resolution textures are now delivered through On-Demand Texture Streaming. To enjoy a similar visual quality, enable this feature in the Options menu.
  • [PC Only] The Windows 7 operating system will stop being supported by Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® and Call of Duty®: Warzone™ on September 8th, 2021.

Gameplay

  • Loot that spawns across Verdansk has been adjusted as follows…
    • New Gulag and in-game lobby loadouts
    • The Sentry Gun Killstreak can now be found in Supply Boxes
    • The TEC-9 (BOCW) and EM2 (BOCW) have been added to the loot pool
  • Players may now detach from an ascender before reaching their destination.

Perks:

  • Added:

    • Combat Scout - Slot 3 (Yellow)
      • Damaging an enemy briefly highlights and automatically pings them.

    • Tempered - Slot 2 (Red)
      • Armor Plates are reinforced and now absorb 75 damage instead of 50. Only two Armor Plates are needed for an Operator to be considered “fully armored.”
  • Adjusted:

    • Cold-Blooded - Slot 1 (Blue)
      • Undetectable by AI targeting systems and thermal optics. Does not trigger High Alert warning and negates Combat Scout.
      • This change only applies to Warzone.

Bug Fixes

  • Fixed additional collision issues with various elements across Verdansk allowing Players to exploit/peek/shoot through them.
  • Fixed visual issues with various elements across Verdansk causing them to disappear at certain angles or allowing light to shine through them.
  • Fixed an issue allowing Players to hide inside of cash drops.
  • Fixed an issue related to the in-game lobby causing Players to turn invisible for the duration of the match.
  • Fixed an issue where a Munitions Box could be dropped in the in-game lobby and persist to the live match.
  • Fixed an issue where a Player would lose their Weapons when reviving another player if the downed Player gave up.
  • Fixed an issue where a Player’s head would disappear when a Plunder bag was on their back.
  • Fixed an issue where Dismemberment was not working for the “Solar Flare” Blueprint.
  • Fixed an issue where new Text Chat options did not appear in the Accessibility Menu.
  • Fixed an issue where sniper glint would sometimes not appear.
  • Fixed an issue where the “Solar Flare” Blueprint wasn't properly applied to the base Weapon.
  • Fixed an issue where the Bumper Ping Button Layout would ping when deploying a Field Upgrade.
  • Fixed an issue with the Steady Aim Laser descriptions for the AK-47 (BOCW) and C58 (BOCW).
  • Fixed an issue where Tracers were not present when using the “Solar Flare” Blueprint.
  • Fixed an issue with Akimbo Pistols would spawn with the left Weapon unloaded.
  • Fixed an issue with the OTs 9 (BOCW) dynamic icons.

UI, UX and More

  • Added a new Armor Box icon to better differentiate between Ammo Box and Armor Box.

Accessebility

  • Added the option to have Steady Aim Behavior be a toggle instead of a hold for Controller and KBM.
     
    • This accessibility feature supports motor disability by eliminating the need to hold a button for extended periods of time in order to stabilize scoped Weapons such as snipers.

    • The setting has two options:
      • Hold: Press and hold to steady aim.
      • Toggle: Press to steady aim. Press again to stop.
         
    • Note: The setting cannot be used if the Change Zoom Shared Input setting is set to Steady Aim (Sprint/Tactical Sprint/Steady Aim Keybind in Warzone).

Attachments

  • AMP63 (BOCW)

    • 20 Rnd
      • Ammo Capacity increased from 20 to 25

    • STANAG 25 Rnd
      • Ammo Capacity increased from 25 to 30

    • 20 Rnd Speed Mag
      • Ammo Capacity increased from 20 to 25

    • Salvo 23 Rnd Fast Mag
      • Ammo Capacity increased from 23 to 30

Cold War Patch Notes

Patch notes come via Treyarch.

Multiplayer

Features

  • Challenge Tracker
    • Pause menu now displays and tracks Operator Mission Challenges in Multiplayer and Zombies.

Operator Missions

  • New Season Five Operator Missions available in Multiplayer and Zombies.

Challenges

  • Addressed an issue where previous season Weapon Unlock Challenges could stop progressing.
  • Addressed an issue where certain hacked Field Upgrades would not contribute to Season Challenges.
  • Addressed an issue where previously unlocked Weapon Challenges would continue to display in the Challenges section of the After-Action Report.

Prestige Levels and Rewards

  • Added four new Prestige Levels (20-23) and Prestige Rewards:
    • Level 50: New Prestige, Emblem, Prestige Key, Weapon Blueprint, and Battle Pass Tier Skip
    • Level 100: New Prestige, Emblem, Prestige Key, and Battle Pass Tier Skip
    • Level 150: New Prestige, Emblem, Prestige Key, and Battle Pass Tier Skip
    • Level 190: All Season Challenges Available
    • Level 200: New Prestige, Emblem, Prestige Key, Battle Pass Tier Skip, Master Prestige Calling Card
    • Levels 250 - 1,000: New Prestige Key every 50 levels

Prestige Shop

  • New “Dream Crasher” Pistol Weapon Blueprint added to the Prestige Shop.
  • New Legacy Calling Cards added to the Prestige Shop, including the Level 50 Animated Calling Card from Black Ops 4.

Barracks

  • Added information to unlocked Calling Cards and Emblems in the Player Identity section of the Barracks that lets players know how the item was unlocked.

Main Lobby

  • Updated main lobby theming for Season Five.

PC

  • Addressed an issue where PlayStation 5 controller haptics would not be disabled when setting Trigger Haptics to Disabled on PC.

Weapon Tuning

  • New Season Five weapon tuning includes changes for a selection of assault rifles, SMGs, and Dual Wield pistols. Starting with assault rifles, we’ve reduced Suppressor attachment Bullet Velocity penalties for all ARs to better focus on their potential for damage at long ranges.
  • Assault Rifles (All)
    • Reduced Bullet Velocity penalty on Agency Suppressor attachment from -30% to -15%.
    • Reduced Bullet Velocity penalty on Suppressor attachment from -15% to -8%.

The XM4 is getting several new adjustments to assist with its handling, as well as a unique attachment. As one of our more popular weapons, the XM4 sees plenty of usage from experts and less experienced players alike, so we’ve made changes to specific attachments to appeal to players of all skill levels. Players may want to experiment with new attachment combinations after this update to find the sweet spot that works for them.

  • XM4
    • Increased Reload Quickness from 2.6 sec to 2.5 sec.
    • Increased Vertical Recoil Control bonus on Infantry Compensator from +12% to +15%.
    • Reduced Horizontal Recoil Control penalty on Infantry Compensator from -8% to -5%.
    • Increased Reload Quickness on Jungle-Style Mag from +20% to +30%.
    • Removed ADS Time penalty from 40 Rnd Speed Mag.
    • Reduced extra ammo of 40 Rnd Speed Mag from +10 to +5.
    • Changed Salvo 50 Rnd Fast Mag attachment to 45 Rnd Fast Mag.
    • Reduced ADS Time penalty on 45 Rnd Fast Mag from -25% to -12%.
    • Replaced SAS Mag Clamp with unique "B-Ops Mini Clamp" attachment. This attachment increases Reload Quickness by 50%, improves ADS Time by 10%, and provides an additional starting magazine, but reduces magazine ammo from 30 to 25.

Though the QBZ-83 is a solid performer, it’s been underused compared to the rest of its class. We’ve reduced its recoil to help more players explore this weapon, develop a feel for it, and find success with it in-game.

  • QBZ-83
    • Reduced vertical recoil by 10%.

As the fastest-firing AR, the FFAR 1 should be serviceable in a more aggressive, close-quarters play style. To accomplish this, we’ve given the weapon additional high-damage potential at short range while retaining its original damage values for mid- to long-range combat. Hip fire has also been improved to help with short-range encounters. As a result, several of its Barrel attachments have also been adjusted. These changes allow a skilled player to leverage the FFAR 1’s shorter-range capabilities for a more versatile play style.

  • FFAR 1
    • Now deals 30 damage out to 12.7 meters for higher damage at short range.
    • Increased Hip Fire Accuracy by 14%.
    • Reduced Sprint to Fire Time penalty on Tiger Team Spotlight from -10% to -5%.
    • Reduced Aim Walking Movement Speed penalty on 21.2” Ranger Barrel from -20% to -5%.
    • Reduced Effective Damage Range bonus on 19.5” Reinforced Heavy Barrel from +100% to +40%.
    • Reduced Effective Damage Range bonus on 19.5” Task Force Barrel from +50% to +20%.
    • Reduced Effective Damage Range bonus on 20.3” Takedown Barrel from +150% to +80%.

With the Groza, handling speed is key. We’ve made visual improvements to help players take better advantage of this weapon’s quick handling, as well as attachment changes to lean into the Groza’s unique personality as a bullpup AR.

  • Groza
    • Reduced vertical recoil by 15%.
    • Reduced weapon movement when walking in ADS.
    • Moved Iron Sights view farther away from the player camera.
    • Increased Horizontal Recoil Control bonus on Spetsnaz Grip from +17% to +25%.
    • Increased Vertical Recoil Control bonus on Spetsnaz Grip from +7% to +15%.
    • Increased ADS Time bonus on Spetsnaz Field Grip from +15% to +30%.
    • Reduced Flinch Resistance mitigation on Spetsnaz Field Grip from +80% to +70%.
    • Increased Sprint to Fire Time bonus on KGB Pad from +30% to +50%.
    • Reduced Hip Fire Accuracy penalty on KGB Pad from -30% to -20%.

Mid- and long-range combat are important factors for the FARA 83. Currently boasting the best range of any AR as well as a fast fire rate, this weapon requires consistency for success. As such, we’ve improved recoil and visibility while firing. While this AR was originally concepted to fill more a marksman-like role on larger maps, it has proven to be reliable in most game modes. Developing a sense for controlled firing will lead to even more success with this weapon.

  • FARA 83
    • Reduced initial recoil when firing the weapon.
    • Moved Iron Sights view farther away from the player camera.

While the C58 is a powerful weapon in capable hands, some of its handling characteristics initially created a high barrier for proficiency. We’ve addressed this by improving the recoil, feel, and visibility while firing the weapon. The C58 isn’t recommended for close quarters, but with proper ammo management, this weapon can perform much like an LMG with the handling of an AR.

  • C58
    • Overhauled recoil system.
    • Improved weapon visibility when initially firing.
    • Increased Effective Damage Range from 25.4m to 30.48m.
    • Reduced Effective Damage Range penalty on Suppressor attachment from -15% to -8%.

Moving onto SMGs: the KSP 45 has recently overperformed at ranges we feel are better suited for other weapons. We’ve made slight adjustments to its burst fire speed and effective damage range to alter the feel of the weapon just enough that focused players won’t feel much of a difference, but others won’t feel as “lucky” with this weapon.

  • KSP 45
    • Reduced Effective Damage Range from 25.4m to 22.86m.
    • Slowed burst fire delay from 0.066 to 0.083.

In the weapon lore of Black Ops Cold War, the LC10 is an SMG created by a sniper rifle manufacturer. Accuracy – specifically at range – is part of its personality. The LC10 also features very little damage drop off to create a very consistent time to kill over a large distance. With the launch of Season Five, we’re making slight adjustments to recoil and range to raise the skill level required for success.

  • LC10
    • Reduced medium damage range from 50.8m to 45.72m.
    • Increased recoil on the first and 12th bullets.

Dual wielding pistols now has a slight movement speed penalty. While not being able to aim down sights is a sizeable trade-off, movement speed has always been a top factor for success with short-range weapons. Lowering the movement speed while dual wielding creates more of a liability regarding range and positioning.

  • Pistols (All)
    • Dual Wield
      • Reduced movement speed by 5%.
      • Reduced strafe speed by 5%.

League Play

UI

  • Map and mode will now only be shown once all players have been found and the lobby has been locked in. Our intention is to show the map and mode that you will be playing and not to provide this info earlier to allow for "lobby shopping."

Zombies

Round-Based Maps

  • "Mauer Der Toten"
    • Gameplay
      • Added a couple of hidden surprises. ;)
    • Main Quest
      • Addressed an issue where the boss could become stuck when players quickly moved to the next arena during the Main Quest boss fight.
      • Closed an exploit that allowed infinitely charging and activating the Field Upgrade for the canister during the Main Quest.
    • Support
      • Addressed an issue where the screen was too dark when using the Cruise Missile Support, making it difficult to aim.
    • Stability
      • Fixed various stability issues related to Klaus, the Main Quest, and Ammo Caches.
    • PC
      • Addressed an issue where the dials on the safe were not legible when playing at Low or Lowest texture quality settings on PC.
  • General
    • Reduced max Essence for respawning players in round-based maps to 25,000. This will now cap out at Round 25 instead of Round 50.

Dead Ops Arcade 3

  • Bonus Map
    • Added Ikari EggXit bonus map to The Wild.

Onslaught (PlayStation)

  • Maps
    • Echelon added to Onslaught map rotation.
  • Intel
    • Added new Dark Aether story Intel to discover in Onslaught.
  • Modes
    • Onslaught maps can now be selected when playing in Local.

Season Challenges

  • 20 new Zombies Season Challenges available to be revealed and unlocked with exclusive Calling Card and XP rewards.
  • Reveal a new Challenge every 10 Season Levels. Complete all 20 Season Challenges to unlock the Season Five Zombies Master Animated Calling Card.

Blueprints

  • Addressed an issue where applying a Blueprint to a weapon that had been Pack-a-Punched to Tier II or III would reset it to Pack-a-Punch Tier I camo.
  • Addressed an issue where Blueprint weapon skins were not retained when warping to the next Region in Outbreak.
  • Addressed an issue where attachments were being removed from weapons when applying Blueprints with Mule Kick.
Operators

Three Operators will be available in this new season.

Kitsune

This Japanese self-taught cybersecurity expert and world-class thief is ready to make her presence known as a key Perseus operative in Season Five.

This Operator is available at level 0 from the paid Battle Pass.

Stryker

Stryker is an ultimate one-man army, who represents the cutting edge of US Special Forces response teams.

Stryker will be available later in the season.

Hudson

Finally, Hudson will arrive during Season 5 as a brand new Operator - arriving as part of a Store Bundle.

Warzone

New Perks

  • Combat Scout - Operators receive a burst of in-field intel, as damaging an enemy briefly highlights the foe in bright orange and automatically pings them.
  • Tempered - Changes armor values by making them heavier and reinforcing them. Players will only need two plates to be considered "Fully armoured". You will only be able to equip two plates at a time and takes away your perk 2 slot.

New POI

New Mobile Broadcast stations are popping up around Verdansk to help Stitch and Perseus bring about a new world order.

As the name suggests, these mobile stations can be placed in a variety of locations in Verdansk, differing from match-to-match to keep one area from being signal boosted by the rewards they offer. See what they’re all about by going closer to them, but be sure to keep your head and tune out the broadcast each one emits…

New Gulag

This season's Gulag will be Rush, the remastered map from Black Ops 2 that was added last season - specifically the indoor paintball arena.

What Else?

  • New mode Clash - this pits quads against each other in select parts of Verdansk in a TDM style mode (The first to 200 points wins).
  • Red Doors grow unstable and will send you to random locations
  • Weapon balancing
Zombies

New Perk

Death Perception is the ninth perk to arrives in Zombies. This will grant any gent who drinks it the ability to see obscured enemies in a bright outline.

  • Tier 1: Minimap update rate increased
  • Tier 2: Enemies give danger indicators when behind the Player
  • Tier 3: Gain 20% more looted salvage
  • Tier 4: Increase armor penetration damage by 25%
  • Tier 5: Nearby chests, resources & item drops are key lined through walls

This will be available at launch.

New Field Upgrade

Tesla Storm, upon activation, will shoot out between you and your allies, stunning and damaging normal enemies. Once upgraded, it will start to stun special and elite zombies, including squad movement boosts.

  • Base Ability - For 10 seconds, lightning connects to other players, stunning and damaging normal enemies.
  • Skill Tier I - Double the damage dealt to enemies stunned by Tesla Storm.
  • Skill Tier II - Increase the duration to 15 seconds.
  • Skill Tier III - Special enemies can be stunned and damaged by Tesla Storm.
  • Skill Tier IV - Players generating a field gain 25% increased movement speed.
  • Skill Tier V - Elite enemies can be stunned and damaged by Tesla Storm.

This will be available at launch.

New Support Weapon

The Flamethrower will arrive as an additional support Weapon to aid in Exfil situations or when you need extra firepower.

This will be available at launch.

Outbreak

  • A new region called 'Collateral' will be added at launch, set in the Algerian Desert.
  • A new vehicle-based objective has been added, tasking squads with ensuring an important drivable Requiem machine makes its way across the Outbreak Zone safely.
  • A new vehicle - the Tank.
  • A new Crafting Item the 'Grapel Gun'

What Else?

  • A bonus Dead Ops Arcade 3 map, Ikari EggXit, will be added
  • New narrative intel in Outbreak and Onslaught
  • New Echelon map added to Onslaught
  • A new limited-time mode will be added to Onslaught in season
  • A new weapon Blueprint will be added to Onslaught
Weapons

EM2

The EM2 is a full-auto assault rifle with good firing control, a built in low-zoom optic to improve accuracy and a slower fire rate with reliable range

This British rifle be unlocked at tier 15 in your Battle Pass.

Tec-9

The Tec-9 is a semi-automatic weapon that was leaked not too long ago, but was also clearly seen being wielded in the recent cinematic trailer. The SMG has improved accuracy from longer ranges, with low recoil and a slower fire rate.

This will be unlocked at tier 31 in your Battle Pass.

Cane

The Cane melee weapon will be available for players to unlock at the start of the season via an unlock challenge or from a store bundle.

Marshal

The Marshal is a secondary and an interesting one at that. It's a double-barrel pistol that fires 12-gauge shells.

This will be available for players to unlock via an unlock challenge or from a store bundle.

Multiplayer Maps

New multiplayer maps are dispensed periodically in a season and this season Treyarch are going all out with FIVE maps.

Echelon (6v6)

Echelon was a map that was leaked all the way back into Season 1.

Set at Teufelsberg – also known as “Devil’s Mountain” – in Berlin, Echelon sees Operators fighting through the rain and ash in the aftermath of Perseus’ latest operation. From either infiltration point, you’ll fight to control the central control room inside the main dome, a natural hotbed for combat that gets even hotter in objective game modes.

This NATO compound was partially blown to pieces during the attack, so mind the gaps in the roofs unless you’re planning to plunge onto the plateau below.

This map will arrive at launch.

Slums (6v6)

Returning from Black Ops 2, take to the streets and fight through this tight three-lane vintage map.

Slums is set deep within Panama City, where a town square featuring a central fountain invites long-range combat across lanes and plenty of aerial Scorestreak bombardments.

Showroom (2v2, 3v3)

As for this season's Gunfight and Face Off map, Showroom is set in the cordoned off Stacks emporium within the long-abandoned mall in New Jersey, The Pines.

On this map, expect to have fast fights over and around various displays and kiosks, which provide a unique aesthetic and map structure compared to the other smaller maps in Black Ops Cold War.

This map will arrive at launch.

Drive-In (6v6)

Get your popcorn ready for the return of Drive-In, a cult classic from the original Black Ops, set in a movie drive-in out in an abandoned midwestern United States ghost town.

Remastered for the first time in honor of its 10-year anniversary as part of the Black Ops Annihilation Map Pack, Drive-In features close-quarters fights and powerful overwatch points, particularly around the big screen of the Galactic Drive-In, where snipers and other long-range weapons can shine.

Be sure to tread lightly through the mostly barren parking lot if enemies take up the big screen or the red building on the opposite side, using the alleyway flank routes to drop bad guys with a Finishing Move worthy of an action hero.

This map will arrive during the season.

Zoo (6v6)

The intense 6v6 incarnation of Zoo, from the original Black Ops, is the third remastered map in this new season.

There’s no cage that can hold you as you fight through bear pits and aquariums in Zoo, whose original version was part of Black Ops’ second DLC pack Escalation. Be sure to take a “ride” on the monorail to get an incredible vantage point on the action below, or head to the souvenir shop to dole out plenty of free pain to your enemies.

This will arrive in season.

Scorestreaks

Finally, the Flamethrower will be added as a Scorestreak - this will enter as a low-cost Scorestreak weapon.

As a ranged incendiary device, which is lost upon death, is shoots a steady stream of fire, immolating enemies within close range.

This will be available at launch and likely available the day before the new season starts.

Modes

New modes will arrive alongside new playlists.

These new playlists will likely feature a 24/7 playlist to allow players to try out the new maps.

Double Agent

Double Agent is Call of Duty's twist on the G-Mod classic Trouble in Terrorist Town.

If you're not familiar, this multiplayer mode has a team tasked with a mission and agents who are there to covertly sabotage it. Communicate, investigate, and expose the traitors – or successfully wipe out the investigating team – to win.

With ten players in the lobby, you'll be assigned one of three roles:

  • Double Agents, who must either eliminate everyone else or successfully set off explosive charges around the map.
  • The Investigator, who can use clues to target suspected Double Agents as Wanted criminals.
  • Operatives, who must work together to identify and eliminate the Double Agents before it’s too late.

This mode is available at launch.

Demolition

At long last, this classic will finally return to Cold War.

The mode operates similarly to Search And Destroy, but with respawns enabled. The attacking team will need to plant and detonate both bomb sites to win, but they're up against the clock. Time is added on should the attacking team detonate a bomb site. To make things easier, all attacking players can plant the bomb.

The defending team simply needs to stop the attacking team from destroying both sites.

This mode will arrive during the season.

Cosmetics
Vanguard Reveal

Many leakers and community members are expecting the Vanguard reveal to take place during Season 5 - 19th August is what we're expecting.

Plenty of info has been discovered as assets have been found in the game after the season 5 update.

The first is that the Japanese text in the teaser image translates to "Vanguard Coming".

Follow us for the latest updates!