Warzone 2.0 released on November 16, 2022, and replaced the original Warzone entirely

Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 went live on November 16, 2022, on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through Battle.net. Activision shut down the original Warzone on September 21, 2023, so if you want to play the battle royale mode, you are playing Warzone 2.0. There is no separate "new" version coming — this is the current game.

The original Warzone ran from March 2020 to September 2023. During that time it received seasonal updates, new weapons, and map changes, but Warzone 2.0 is a complete rebuild using the Modern Warfare II engine. If you played the first version, the second one will feel different in how it controls, how the map works, and how looting functions.

Warzone 2.0 is free to read and play on all platforms. You do not need to own Modern Warfare II to play it, though owning the campaign gives you cosmetics and early access to new weapons before they appear in Warzone.

Key Takeaways

  • Warzone 2.0 launched November 16, 2022, and is the only version of Warzone currently playable — the original shut down in September 2023.
  • The game runs on the Modern Warfare II engine, so movement, gunplay, and map design work differently than the original Warzone.
  • You can read Warzone 2.0 for free on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC without owning any Call of Duty campaign.
  • Seasonal updates arrive roughly every six weeks and add new weapons, map changes, and limited-time modes.

What's Different in Warzone 2.0 Compared to the Original

The map is completely new. The original Warzone used Verdansk, a fictional Eastern European city. Warzone 2.0 uses Al Mazrah, a larger map set in the Middle East with different landmarks, buildings, and terrain. Looting works differently too — instead of picking up weapons and attachments from the ground, you find weapon blueprints and build your loadout at buy stations or from your custom classes.

Movement feels faster and more responsive because Warzone 2.0 uses the Modern Warfare II engine. Sliding, jumping, and climbing work differently, and the time-to-kill (how fast you die in gunfights) is generally slower than the original. This means fights last longer and positioning matters more than raw aim.

The gulag — the 1v1 fight that determines who gets a second chance after dying early — now uses random weapons instead of letting you pick. This removes some of the strategy but makes every gulag feel different.

How to read Warzone 2.0 on Your Device

On PlayStation 4 or 5: Open the PlayStation Store, search for "Warzone," and select Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0. Press read. The game is roughly 130 GB, so it takes an hour or more depending on your internet speed. You need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play online, but the game itself is free.

On Xbox One or Series X|S: Open the Microsoft Store, search for "Warzone," and select Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0. Press Install. The file size is similar to PlayStation. You need Xbox Game Pass or Xbox Live Gold to play online.

On PC: Go to Battle.net, log in or create a free account, search for Warzone 2.0, and click Install. The PC version is around 150 GB. You do not need a subscription to play online on PC, but you do need a free Battle.net account.

After read finishes, the game will prompt you to create or link a Call of Duty account. This account tracks your progress across all platforms, so if you play on PlayStation and later try PC, your rank and cosmetics follow you.

When New Seasons and Updates Release

Warzone 2.0 receives seasonal updates roughly every six weeks. Each season brings new weapons, map changes, balance adjustments, and limited-time modes. Activision announces the exact date for each season on their official Call of Duty website and in-game before it launches.

Seasons typically start on a Wednesday morning in the United States. The game will be offline for a few hours while the update installs, so you cannot play during that window. Plan around this if you want to play on season launch day.

Between seasons, the game receives smaller patches that fix bugs, adjust weapon balance, and address exploits. These patches are smaller and do not require downtime.

Seasonal Content and Battle Pass Structure

Each season includes a free battle pass and a paid battle pass. The free version gives you cosmetics, weapon blueprints, and some currency back if you complete it. The paid battle pass costs 1,000 COD Points (roughly $10) and gives you more cosmetics, operator skins, and weapon blueprints spread across 100 tiers.

You unlock battle pass tiers by playing matches and completing challenges. Completing the entire free battle pass takes roughly 20 to 30 hours of play. The paid pass gives you the same cosmetics plus additional ones, but you do not need it to play competitively — it is purely cosmetic.

Limited-time modes rotate in and out during each season. These are special rule sets like "Resurgence" (where you respawn with your squad) or "Plunder" (where you collect cash instead of fighting to the last player). Not all modes are available at all times.

Cross-Platform Play and Account Linking

Warzone 2.0 supports cross-platform play, meaning you can squad up with friends on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC in the same match. You can also play solo against mixed-platform opponents.

To play with friends on other platforms, you need to link your Call of Duty account to theirs. Both of you create or log into your Call of Duty account, then add each other by username. After that, you can invite each other to squads regardless of which console or PC you own.

Your rank, cosmetics, and progress sync across all platforms once your account is linked. If you play on PlayStation one day and PC the next, you keep the same level and unlocked items.

System Requirements and Performance

Warzone 2.0 runs on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. On last-generation consoles (PS4 and Xbox One), the game runs at 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second. On current-generation consoles (PS5 and Xbox Series X|S), it runs at up to 4K resolution and 120 frames per second if your TV supports it.

On PC, performance depends on your graphics card and processor. The game recommends an RTX 3070 or RTX 4080 for high settings at 1440p and 120 frames per second. Lower-end graphics cards can still run the game at lower settings and frame rates, but you will notice a difference in how smooth it feels.

The game requires a stable internet connection. Activision recommends at least 35 Mbps read speed for smooth online play. If your connection is slower, you may experience lag or disconnections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still play the original Warzone?

No. Activision shut down the original Warzone servers on September 21, 2023. If you try to launch it, you will see a message directing you to Warzone 2.0. The only playable version is Warzone 2.0.

Do I need to buy Modern Warfare II to play Warzone 2.0?

No. Warzone 2.0 is free and standalone. Owning Modern Warfare II gives you cosmetics and early access to new weapons, but you can play the full game without it.

How much storage space does Warzone 2.0 take up?

The game is roughly 130 to 150 GB depending on your platform. Make sure you have at least that much free space before downloading. After installation, updates add a few more gigabytes over time.

What happens to my progress if I switch from PlayStation to PC?

Your rank, cosmetics, and unlocked weapons follow you if your Call of Duty account is linked. Log into the same account on PC and your progress appears when ready.

Is Warzone 2.0 still receiving updates?

Yes. Activision releases seasonal updates every six weeks with new weapons, map changes, and modes. The game is actively maintained and receives balance patches regularly.