Call Of Duty: Warzone - Patch Notes, Solo Mode, How To Download, Cross-Play, And More

After a handful of hints and rumours that Modern Warfare would be getting a battle royale mode, Activision has announced Call Of Duty: Warzone, a standalone battle royale game set for imminent release. Here's everything we know about Warzone so far, which is out now for both those who own Modern Warfare and those who do not--everyone can download it for free on PS4, Xbox One, and PC. You can check out the patch notes for the latest update--released on March 17--for a look at what's new, but the big addition is a solo queue.

If you're wondering whether it's worth trying out, you have nothing to lose, given it's a free download. But from what we've played, we dig the respawn system and how personal it makes things feel despite the 150-player count. And as players dig in further, they're discovering strange keypads and telephones on the map.

Warzone Release Date And Time

Despite a few leaks ahead of time, Warzone was intended to drop as a surprise release just like Apex Legends.

The new Call of Duty battle royale game dropped on March 10. Modern Warfare owners will get access first, at 8 AM PT, giving them a four-hour head start on the public release at 12PM PT.

• Download on PS4
• Download on Xbox One
• Download on PC

Platforms, Cross-Play, And Cross-Progression

Warzone will be releasing on the PS4, Xbox One and PC, and will support cross-play between all three platforms. Similarly, it also supports cross-progression with Modern Warfare, letting you carry unlocks between MW and Warzone.

PS4 players will get an exclusive bonus "Warzone Combat Pack" from the PlayStation Store. Get more details on Warzone's PS4 exclusive here.

PS4 players also have the advantage of not requiring a PlayStation Plus account to play Warzone's battle royale.

There is no word yet on whether Warzone will eventually be released for the Nintendo Switch, or if it'll get a mobile version like other popular battle royale games.

Warzone Is A Big Download

With no preloading, you'll be able to start downloading Warzone at the times listed above.

Again, Modern Warfare owners will get more of a head start, only having to download a 15-22 GB update depending on the platform. Warzone will be unlocked in the game menu where "Classified" is currently displayed.

Those who are downloading the game from scratch can expect a hefty 83 to 101 GB file size to download.

Modern Warfare has been discounted since the Warzone announcement, you can pick it up for $45 on consoles or $55 on PC if you want to get a head start.

What To Expect From The Gameplay

Warzone's battle royale looks to play out similarly to other games in the genre. Players will work in squads of three on an expansive map, aiming to be the last survivors as a circle of lethal gas is used to shrink the battlefield. You can see what a full game looks like here.

As with other games of the genre, you loot weapons of which there are primary, secondary, and special weapons. Loadouts are available through drop pods which are scattered on the map and purchasable through the in-match currency system. Special weapons can only be found as loot, designated as Legendary gear. Attachments can only be found on higher-tier weapons and are not separate items to loot.

While the battle royale mode is the most hyped part of Warzone, the Call of Duty spinoff will include a second game mode called 'Plunder'. The aim of Plunder is to collect the most cash, through looting, stealing and completing objectives. Both modes revolve around three-player squads, but you can jump in solo or with one other friend as a duo, though it's not recommended since you'll be going up against full squads regardless.

Warzone's New Map

Both game modes will take place on a large map called Verdansk, featuring mountains, an ocean or lake shore, a stadium, a lumber yard, an airport, and even a graveyard. Like other popular battle royale games, the play area will shrink as the game progresses. You can check out more of Verdansk in these screenshots.

What Happens When You Die

If you're taken out in Warzone, the game gives you a few different ways to get back in the action. Upon dying, players will be taken to The Gulag, where one on one gladiatorial style matches (basically Gunfight mode) will let players fight their way back into the game. Even if you fail in The Gulag, your teammates can bring you back with in-game currency.

What Happens When You Win

The message that displays when you and your team win a match (even if you died along the way) is very on brand for Call of Duty. Check here to see what it says, or you can leave it a surprise for your first win.

With Call Of Duty: Warzone releasing soon we'll have plenty of updates on how the game works, and some of the details that are yet to be revealed by Activision. Check back to make sure you're up to speed with all things Warzone.