The rumors have swirled, the whispers have echoed through the online gaming community, and now it’s official: prepare for a nostalgic trip back to where it all began. This Thursday, April 3rd, the iconic map of Verdansk will once again be the battleground for millions of Call of Duty: Warzone players. After years of pleading, speculation, and the occasional hopeful leak, Activision is finally delivering on fan demand, bringing back the sprawling cityscape and its surrounding locales that defined the early days of the popular battle royale.1
Mark your calendars and set your alarms, because the return isn’t far off. Players can expect Verdansk to go live at 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET / 5 PM GMT. However, be prepared for a brief hiatus before the triumphant return. Call of Duty: Warzone will be undergoing a 24-hour downtime leading up to the launch, starting on Wednesday, April 2nd. While the servers are offline, Activision is surprisingly offering players free access to all premium content in the upcoming Black Ops 6, a generous move to soften the blow of being temporarily unable to drop into Caldera or Fortune’s Keep.
But what can veterans and newcomers alike expect from this resurrected Verdansk? According to early information, this isn’t just a straight port. While the core layout and familiar landmarks will be instantly recognizable – think dropping into Superstore, navigating the tight corners of Downtown, or holding down the high ground at the Airport – the returning map is described as being 95% a faithful recreation of the original 2020 iteration. The remaining 5% will consist of subtle adjustments and quality-of-life improvements. This means those Metro Station entrances that were introduced later in Verdansk’s initial run will be present from the get-go, offering familiar underground pathways for tactical rotations.
Gameplay on the returning map will largely mirror the classic Verdansk experience. Battle Royale matches will support the traditional 150-player count at launch, ensuring those large-scale, chaotic engagements that made the map so beloved. And for those who relish a second chance (or a first chance to prove their mettle), the original Gulag is making a comeback, complete with its classic Capture The Flag-style overtime mechanic. Adding a new dimension to early-game survivability, players will now be able to shoot while free-falling onto the map, potentially leading to some intense aerial skirmishes right from the jump.
To celebrate the return, a special “Return to Verdansk” event will run until April 15th, offering a slew of free rewards, including the fan-favorite Kilo 141 Assault Rifle and a selection of new operator skins.2 The event will also feature 12 exclusive zones scattered across Verdansk where players can complete challenges and earn even more unique cosmetic items. Activision is also rewarding loyal players who experienced the original Verdansk with special commemorative items like the “Blue Legacy” Contrail, “Coming Home” Parachute, and the aptly named “Like We Never Left” Gunscreen.3
At launch, players can dive into classic Battle Royale (along with a more casual version), the objective-based Plunder Quads, and the introductory Warzone Bootcamp mode on Verdansk. For those itching to climb the competitive ladder, Ranked Play on Verdansk is slated to arrive later in the season.
The update bringing Verdansk back isn’t just about the map. Season 3 will also introduce a batch of six new weapons, many of which will be instantly familiar to veterans, including the reliable Kilo 141, the hard-hitting CR-56 AMAX, and the long-range dominance of the HDR.
Beyond content additions, expect some tweaks to player movement. While crouch movement speed and sprint movement speed will be slightly reduced, crouch-to-stand speed will see an increase, potentially shifting the close-quarters combat meta. The iconic Double Tap Perk, known for its dramatic fire rate increase, is also making a welcome return.
Finally, a series of quality-of-life improvements are aimed at smoothing out some of the original map’s rough edges.4 Expect to see shorter telephone and electrical poles to improve visibility, the addition of more ladders for vertical traversal, adjustments to rooftop pathways for better flow, and the implementation of double-hinged doors for more tactical entry options.5
The return of Verdansk marks a significant moment for Call of Duty: Warzone. It’s a chance for veterans to relive cherished memories and for new players to experience the map that captivated a global audience. With a blend of nostalgia and thoughtful improvements, April 3rd can’t come soon enough. Get your squads ready, practice your drops, and prepare to once again fight for survival in the streets and fields of Verdansk. The legend is back.
