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

Activision shut down the original Warzone on September 21, 2023, moving all players to Warzone 2.0. If you played the first version, you cannot return to it — the servers are offline. Warzone 2.0 is free-to-play on PC (Battle.net), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. You need a free Activision account to play, and on console you need an active PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass subscription to access online multiplayer.

The game runs on the same engine as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022), which means the map, weapons, and mechanics are built around that game's systems. If you own Modern Warfare II, you can use your operators and some weapons across both games. If you do not own it, you still play Warzone 2.0 for free, but you start with fewer cosmetic options.

Key Takeaways

  • Warzone 2.0 replaced the original Warzone in September 2023 and is the only version available now.
  • The game is free on all platforms but requires a console subscription (PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass) to play online on PlayStation or Xbox.
  • The map, Al Mazrah, is larger than the original Verdansk and includes a DMZ mode alongside the standard battle royale.
  • Your progress from the original Warzone does not carry over, but cosmetics you purchased may transfer if you link your Activision account.
  • Updates and new seasons release on a regular schedule tied to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II's seasonal calendar.

What happened to the original Warzone

The original Warzone launched in March 2020 as a free companion to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019). It ran on that game's engine and used the Verdansk map. In November 2022, Activision released Warzone 2.0 as a separate client built on the Modern Warfare II engine, and players could run both versions side by side for a transition period.

On September 21, 2023, Activision permanently shut down the original Warzone servers. You cannot log in or play it anymore. All progression, cosmetics, and battle pass progress from the original game is gone unless you purchased cosmetics with real money — those may appear in your Warzone 2.0 account if you link the same Activision ID, though the transfer is not automatic and sometimes requires support tickets.

How to read and start playing

On PC, go to Battle.net, search for Warzone 2.0, and read it directly. The install is roughly 130 to 150 GB depending on your platform and whether you own Modern Warfare II. On PlayStation or Xbox, search your console's store for "Warzone" and read the free version. Do not read "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II" by mistake — that is a separate paid game.

When you launch the game, you will be asked to create or log into an Activision account. Use the same account across all platforms if you want your progress to sync. On PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S, the game supports 120 frames per second if your TV or monitor supports it; on older consoles and PC, frame rates depend on your hardware.

The map, modes, and what is different from the original

Warzone 2.0 uses a single map called Al Mazrah, which is roughly 30 percent larger than Verdansk. It includes named locations like Taraq, Zarqwa Hydroelectric, and Rig, with more verticality and interior spaces than the original map. The battle royale mode works the same way — 150 players, last one standing wins — but the circle closes faster and the gas damage is higher, so matches end more quickly.

A second mode called DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) is exclusive to Warzone 2.0. It is a squad-based extraction mode where you drop into a smaller section of Al Mazrah, complete objectives, and leave through a helicopter or exfil point before the zone closes. You keep loot you extract but lose it if you die. DMZ does not count toward battle royale stats and has its own progression system.

Loadout drops and loadout selection work differently than the original. You no longer buy loadouts from a buy station; instead, you earn them by opening caches or completing contracts. The gulag (a one-on-one fight to redeploy) is gone. Instead, you get a second chance through a buy station or by completing a contract.

Seasonal updates and when new content arrives

Warzone 2.0 follows the same seasonal calendar as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II. New seasons typically launch every six weeks and include new weapons, operators, cosmetics, and sometimes map changes. Seasons are free — you do not pay to access new weapons or map areas. A battle pass is available for purchase (around $10 USD) and grants cosmetics and some free currency back, but it is not required to play or to access new weapons.

You can check the current season and the date of the next season launch by opening the game and looking at the main menu. Activision announces upcoming seasons on their official Call of Duty website and social media accounts. Patch notes are posted before each update, detailing weapon balance changes, bug fixes, and new features.

System requirements and performance

On PC, minimum specs are an Intel Core i5-4440 or AMD Ryzen 5 1600, 8 GB RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 or AMD Radeon RX 470. Recommended specs are an Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 7 2700X, 16 GB RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 or AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT. These are rough guidelines; actual performance depends on your monitor's resolution and refresh rate.

On PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, the game runs at 1080p to 1440p at 60 frames per second. On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, you can choose between a "Performance" mode (1440p at 120 fps) or a "Quality" mode (4K at 60 fps). Console versions require an active online subscription to play multiplayer.

Cosmetics, the battle pass, and what carries over from the original

Cosmetics you purchased in the original Warzone with real money may transfer to Warzone 2.0 if you link the same Activision account. The transfer is not may provide — some older cosmetics are not compatible with the new engine — but most operator skins, weapon blueprints, and finishing moves do carry over. Check your cosmetics inventory in-game to see what arrived.

The battle pass is optional. Each season has a free track and a paid track. The free track grants some cosmetics and in-game currency; the paid track (around $10 USD) grants more cosmetics and usually enough currency to buy the next season's pass if you complete it. Weapons are added to the free pool after each season ends, so you do not need to pay to use new guns eventually.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. Warzone 2.0 is free-to-play on all platforms. Owning Modern Warfare II gives you access to more operator skins and weapon blueprints, but you can play the full game without it. You will have fewer cosmetic options at the start, but you unlock more as you level up.

Can I play Warzone 2.0 offline or with bots?

No. Warzone 2.0 requires an internet connection and an Activision account. There is no offline campaign or bot-only mode. On console, you also need an active PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass subscription to play online multiplayer.

What happens to my stats and cosmetics from the original Warzone?

Battle pass progress and cosmetics purchased with in-game currency are lost. Cosmetics purchased with real money may transfer if you link your Activision account, but the transfer is not automatic. Contact Activision support if cosmetics you paid for do not appear after linking your account.

How much storage space does Warzone 2.0 take up?

The install is roughly 130 to 150 GB depending on your platform. On console, you may need to uninstall other games to make room. On PC, you can install it on any drive with enough free space, though an SSD is recommended for faster load times.

Is Warzone 2.0 still being updated?

Yes. Activision releases seasonal updates every six weeks with new weapons, cosmetics, and balance changes. The game is actively maintained, though the frequency and size of updates may change over time.