Call of Duty: Warzone 2 emerges as a compelling, albeit somewhat divisive, successor to the 2020 free-to-play sensation. This sub-franchise has undeniably reshaped the Call of Duty landscape, and its sequel seeks to solidify its identity with a distinct tactical approach. Mirroring Modern Warfare 2 (2022), Warzone 2 dials back the frenetic pace in favor of more strategic gameplay. While retaining the core Warzone DNA, this iteration feels more purposeful and refined, addressing the somewhat aimless feel of its predecessor. The original Warzone, at times, felt like a game adapting on the fly to its unexpected success. This sequel, however, exudes a clear vision of its intended experience.
This shift may not resonate with hardcore fans accustomed to the breakneck speed and mechanics like slide-canceling. Yet, for some, myself included, the changes translate to a deeply enjoyable and rewarding experience, even if some elements don’t fully coalesce.
One of the most contentious changes revolves around loadout acquisition. In the original, loadouts were readily available via purchased boxes, often within minutes of a match starting. This led to a repetitive cycle of contract grinding and mimicking popular loadout builds.
Warzone 2 dramatically alters this dynamic. While your primary weapon can be purchased for $5,000 at a buy station, acquiring a full loadout requires completing strongholds or surviving until late-game loadout drops. These drops, now accessible to all squads, become contested hotspots, transforming loadouts from readily available tools into hard-earned rewards. Even armor vests are limited to two plates unless a special three-plate vest is found. Coupled with the rapid time-to-kill, gunfights are swift and brutal, demanding precision and teamwork. While potentially polarizing, this system fosters a sense of equality and emphasizes strategic gameplay.
The buy stations themselves have also been revamped. Each station offers a unique inventory with limited stock. While common items remain prevalent, rarer items become purchasable at select stations, adding a layer of unpredictability. The ability to spam-buy items like UAVs has been removed, promoting more judicious use of resources.
Equipping your squad is streamlined with a new backpack system. Players can store killstreaks, self-revives, grenades, ammunition, and even extra weapons, depending on backpack size. This encourages proactive planning and allows players to support their team by carrying essential supplies.
This strategic focus permeates every aspect of Warzone 2. Slower movement and fast gunfights demand quick reflexes and accuracy. Strategic thinking triumphs over rote loadout builds and frantic movement exploits.
The sandbox gameplay fosters creativity. Players can leverage drill charges, manipulate AI encounters, and even utilize proximity chat for psychological warfare or unexpected alliances. The emphasis on strategic thinking creates opportunities for outsmarting opponents rather than relying solely on mechanical skill.
Al Mazrah, the new map, builds upon the best elements of Verdansk, incorporating familiar areas while introducing fresh and dense environments. Buildings feature multiple levels and unique designs, while the layered terrain offers diverse navigation options, including new vehicles and elevators. The vast, explorable landscape encourages strategic movement and discovery.
Looting feels more intuitive, with items logically placed within the environment. Medical supplies are found in first aid boxes and bathrooms, tactical gear in police stations, and so on. This contextualized approach adds depth to the looting experience.
Beyond player-versus-player combat, Warzone 2 offers engaging activities like strongholds and Black Sites, challenging AI-controlled areas that reward players with valuable loot. These encounters provide dynamic gameplay and rewarding diversions during matches.
However, not all changes are successful. The 2v2 gulag, with its AI juggernaut twist, feels forced and flawed, particularly in solo modes. The reliance on teamwork in the gulag, while conceptually interesting, often falls flat due to communication limitations.
Furthermore, inconsistent footstep audio hinders tactical awareness, impacting both the gulag and general gameplay. While sound design is generally impressive, the inability to pinpoint enemy locations accurately creates frustration.
DMZ, the new extraction-based mode, shows potential but currently feels underdeveloped. While inspired by Escape from Tarkov, DMZ lacks the loot-centric depth and rewarding gameplay loop of its inspiration. Limited rewards and repetitive missions diminish long-term engagement.
Despite its shortcomings, Call of Duty: Warzone 2 justifies its existence as a sequel. It delivers a refined and rewarding battle royale experience, prioritizing strategic gameplay and dynamic encounters. While the long-term success hinges on continued support and refinement, Warzone 2 demonstrates significant potential.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Call of Duty: Warzone 2 is available now for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. Activision provided a code for 2,400 CoD Points on Xbox Series X during the review period.
