Call of Duty Warzone is bringing back the map that started it all: Verdansk.
Activision confirmed the return of what might be the most beloved open-world map in Warzone history as part of COD: Next, today, celebrating the news with a special post that made its way to X/Twitter. The announcement marks the end of rumors that the map would be making a comeback for months.
Now we know that Verdansk – along with iconic points of interest like Stadium, the Train Station, and Superstore – will finally return in spring 2025. It’s unclear if it will be altered in any way or if it will be just as players remember it when it eventually drops in Warzone. A specific release date has also not yet been revealed.
Run it back. Verdansk will return to Call of Duty #Warzone in 2025 #CODNext pic.twitter.com/Y70gnYl2If
— Call of Duty (@CallofDuty) August 28, 2024
Verdansk first debuted alongside the launch of Call of Duty Warzone in March 2020. It was a momentous occasion for Call of Duty players that coincided with COVID-19 lockdowns, giving fans ample time to fully explore the map in what has evolved into a worthy standalone battle royale mode. However, as Activision continued to release additional installments in its first-person shooter series, Verdansk was phased out in 2021 in favor of new maps like Urzikstan, Vondel, and Al Mazrah. While fresh maps shook up gameplay with new areas to fight through, many have argued that no Warzone map has come close to matching Verdansk’s highs.
The location did eventually return as a playable map in Call of Duty Warzone Mobile, but those on console have been without it since 2021. That will change early next year. News that Activision is bringing back the first Warzone map has players excited, with many taking to X to celebrate what might be the mode's biggest reveal in years.
I just fell to my knees in the GameStop parking lot ??????
— JaredFPS (@JaredFPS) August 28, 2024
We're returning home! ❤️
— ??' -Hotel Six- ?? (@ModenasHD) August 28, 2024
— Nick - Toxic (@TOXICYTT) August 28, 2024
Meanwhile, COD: Next has featured a crate full of other announcements related to Warzone, zombies, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 in general. One reveal showed off another new Warzone map known as Area 99, the birthplace of the iconic multiplayer map, Nuketown. This new Resurgence location will arrive alongside Season 1.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will help with the wait for Verdansk when it launches October 25, 2024. A closed multiplayer beta will take place this weekend, with an open beta set to follow in early September.
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.
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