Beginner’s Handbook to Verdansk for Call of Duty: Warzone Season 03

Verdansk is making a grand return to Call of Duty: Warzone, and this time, it’s been crafted to offer a thrilling Battle Royale experience for up to 150 players. The game will blend the intense combat mechanics of Black Ops 6 with the familiar movement patterns from the original Warzone. Mark your calendars, as Season 03 of Call of Duty: Warzone arrives on April 3, 2025.

Back in 2020, Verdansk was the go-to map where players convened online, creating unforgettable moments during a time when many craved connection. Now, as it makes its comeback, it feels almost like a nostalgic homecoming for many veteran players. If you’re new, like me, it’s a chance to dive into what made this map so beloved. Come April 3, 2025, during the launch of Season 03, we’ll be able to explore Verdansk’s corners, assessing why it holds such a special place in the hearts of countless gamers.

For those who weren’t around the first time, I’ll break down some essential areas to explore in Verdansk, the game modes you can expect, and introduce a selection of new quality of life improvements coming with Season 03.

What’s the Big Deal?

Verdansk, with its rich tapestry of gunplay experiences, promises an exhilarating combat arena for fans old and new. Guided by the official Call of Duty Blog, first-time visitors might want to acquaint themselves with landmarks like the Lumber, Military Base, and Train Station due to their dynamic combat encounters. Whether you’re sneaking between timber piles or strategizing above train tracks, these locations offer a diverse array of opportunities. Be sure to explore the complete guide to Verdansk’s points of interest for an optimal approach to these zones.

As a newcomer, navigating these well-known spots might be tough, especially with seasoned players having a strong foothold. Even so, trying out areas like the Train Station or Lumberyard is tempting—I’m determined to stake out my own preferred hideaways and routes.

Fan-favorites like drops on the Dam, Hospital rooftop, and the high-intensity Superstore are making a return. These are suggested spots for those who relish rapid, intense skirmishes. Still, if you’re someone who, like me, prefers a cautious approach, you might catch me plundering the less-trafficked peripheries until I’m more accustomed to the map’s layout. Feel free to explore these zones further on CallofDuty.com’s interactive Tac-Map for detailed insights.

Movement mechanics have been fine-tuned to echo early Warzone days, scaling back some of the speed from the Omnimovement system introduced in Black Ops 6. Additionally, you can expect certain circle dynamics and loadout mechanisms to mirror original mechanics, ensuring both seasoned veterans and fresh recruits have access to those nostalgic vibes.

A Retro Refresh

If you’ve noticed items floating above the ground, relax—it’s a nod to the original loot dynamics of Warzone, offering a "retro refresh" that many will recognize. Here’s a selection of what players can expect in terms of equipment:

Field Upgrades: Munitions Box, Heartbeat Sensor, Decontamination Station, Trophy System, Loadout Drop Marker, and a variety more.

Killstreaks: UAV, Advanced UAV, Precision Airstrike, Cluster Strike, and Bunker Buster feature a diverse tactical landscape.

Expect more gear and updates as the season progresses. Dive into CallofDuty.com to see more equipment specifics.

Attend Bootcamp

New players can hone their skills in a revamped Bootcamp feature. Here, you can gather XP quickly by completing missions and taking on bots across a miniature map section like the Karst River Quarry.

This training experience won’t affect your official stats but provides a great zone to build confidence while accumulating valuable XP and rewards. I’ve earmarked this as a must-do upon Verdansk’s release.

New Game Modes

Fresh modes abound in the new season, catering to varied playing styles:

Battle Royale Casual: Engages 148 players, 28 humans, and 120 bots—a perfect start if you’re warming up.

Battle Royale Ranked Play: Released mid-season, this competitive trio mode will challenge even die-hard players.

Plunder Quads: Set for fast-paced, money-themed matches, incorporating 100 players in brief skirmishes.

Call of Duty: Warzone Bootcamp: Specifically tailored for new players or those sharpening skills, this training ground blends human and AI combat encounters.

Additional modes are on the horizon mid-season, promising even more gameplay diversity.

Additional Quality of Life Improvements

Beyond Verdansk, several enhancements are coming to the game, all detailed within the Patch Notes. Highlights include:

• Squad Redeploy at Buy Stations: With "Redeploy All," you can bring back multiple squad members instantly, depending on your finances. One by one alternatives are available for those on a tighter budget.
• Weapon Inspect: This inspect feature now allows players to see weapon attachments when picking armory from various sources.
• Favorite Loadout Priority: Ensure your favorite loadout isn’t just efficient but right at your fingertips.
• Tac Map Adjustments: New options within “Map Assist” offer tailored map experiences.

These are just a few of the quality-of-life improvements awaiting players in Season 03.

Play the Return to Verdansk Event

Starting April 3, 2025, the Return to Verdansk Event offers intriguing rewards like the Kali Sticks Melee Weapon. Players might even unlock a special Verdansk-themed Operator Skin—a notable prize! Additionally, there are six fresh weapons to experiment with this season, including Verdansk-era classics like the Kilo 141 Assault Rifle.

Ultimately, as we gear up for Verdansk’s grand return, a host of quality-of-life updates await in Call of Duty: Warzone, ranging from Squad Redeploys and attachment insights to detailed gameplay recaps and HUD indicators for loadout availability. Discover new secrets, unravel Easter eggs, and explore Verdansk’s hidden nooks when it launches on April 3, 2025, across Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and with Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta).