The hype surrounding Call of Duty: Warzone’s Season 3 is real, mostly due to the highly anticipated return of Verdansk, the iconic map that launched Activision’s battle royale phenomenon in back in 2020 during the height of the global COVID-19 pandemic. This update is crucial for another reason; it could be Activision’s last chance to win back players who have abandoned Call of Duty: Warzone in recent years.
One of the biggest reasons for this exodus of players is the persistent cheating problems that have plagued the game mode for a long time, frustrating both casual and more hardcore players too. Activision has a job on its hands; it must address these issues in way that feels significant in order to restore faith in a game that once dominated the battle royale scene.
Why the 24-Hour Downtime for Call of Duty: Warzone?
There is one drawback in this nostalgic homecoming; a 24-hour downtime taking place today, April 2nd 2025, as the new update rolls out. During this 24-hour period, Call of Duty: Warzone servers will be offline and the Verdansk map itself won’t be accessible until tomorrow, April 3rd. This downtime is necessary to implement the massive Season 3 update, which includes not only Verdansk’s return but also a slew of enhancements and new features.
According to the latest patch notes and blog, Activision is using this time to ensure a seamless launch, having rebuilt Verdansk from the ground up with improved visuals, lighting adjustments, and quality-of-life changes. The delay might feel frustrating, but it is a small price to pay for the polished experience players are hopefully about to receive.
The Silver Lining: A Rebuilt Verdansk
What makes the wait worthwhile is the sheer volume of exciting updates coming with Call of Duty: Warzone Season 3. Verdansk isn’t just making a comeback, it has been meticulously recreated to feel both familiar and fresh simultaneously. Players can expect enhanced draw distances, better access to steep slopes and buildings, and new combat zones like the Kastovian Coast.
The patch also introduces classic weapons like the Kilo 141, CR-56 AMAX, and HDR, alongside a 24-hour free trial of the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 multiplayer suite, giving players a chance to level up their loadout of choice before dropping back into Verdansk.
A significant change in this update is the option to disable the crossplay option on consoles, a move aimed at banishing cheaters on PC who have been ruining the experience for console players. While this is a win for console gamers, it unfortunately leaves non-cheating PC players in a tough spot. In the end, the 24-hour downtime is a minor drawback compared to the content awaiting returning Call of Duty: Warzone players.
For more Thumb Wars Gaming coverage, check out how Ubisoft is ready to fight back against Assassin’s Creed Shadows harassment, or how Microsoft could be playing the long game with Xbox Steam rumors pointing to one conclusion.
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Daniel Boyd is the former Co-Lead of Gaming at FandomWire, where he helped build the gaming team from the ground up and successfully managed a team of 30+ writers. Experienced in SEO optimization and content strategy, he has a keen eye for detail and a deep passion for pop culture. Hailing from Glasgow, Scotland, Daniel has worked with companies worldwide, crafting high-quality, engaging content that resonates with audiences across the globe.
