- Join Captain Butcher and Task Force Yeti in discovering the greatest threat to the world: Nebula V
- Eradicate or harness this weapon in Warzone, prove your elite skills in Vanguard Multiplayer, or enter all-new areas in the Dark Aether to face a deceptive force in Zombies.
Get Ready for Armored War Machines
Tilted on its Axis, the world is once again threatened by this resurging nefarious power, one hell-bent on choking the life out of the Allies.
On Caldera, Captain Butcher and company uncover Axis intel on something called “Nebula V.” Among these documents, Butcher not only discovers reported locations of this chemical weapon around the island, but also a stockpile of it, located in a hidden stronghold thousands of meters above sea level in the Swiss Alps.
Forming another team in Task Force Yeti — consisting of a trio of alpine warfare and close-quarters combat experts — Butcher invades the Axis hideout to eradicate stragglers and recover more Nebula V for Allied research.
As the squad corners a surviving commander, however, they soon find out just how devastating this weapon can be if released into the world
This is Season Two of Call of Duty: Vanguard and Warzone, where armoured war machines and chemical weapons bring the global conflict to a new level.
The latest season of free and additional content within Call of Duty: Vanguard and Warzone will see its first full day of action on February 14, following updates to Vanguard and Warzone. These updates will be available to download at 9 AM PT on February 10 for Vanguard and at 9 AM PT on February 14 for Warzone, after which both updates become life. Once both updates are downloaded, you can enjoy Double XP opportunities across both games to celebrate the launch of this new season.
WARZONE FEATURES AND UPDATES
- New Features: Nebula V, Redeploy Balloons, and More. Nebula V Ammo and Bombs create new offensive tactics, while Portable Decontamination Stations offer temporary refuge. Alternatively, take to the skies with Redeploy Balloons and Bomber planes.
- Explore the Chemical Factory and underground Chemical Weapon Research Labs, Watch for Armored Transport. Fresh points of interest in Caldera are here to shake up those rotations. Axis soldiers patrol these new areas and are found around the island in vehicles. Defeat them for powerful rewards.
- Caldera Clash at Launch, Rebirth Reinforced Midseason. The massive team fight returns — rank up those weapons and fight for Caldera outside of traditional modes. Meanwhile, there are rumours of a resurgence at Rebirth Island and we’re not talking about the game mode.
This update was developed by Raven Software, High Moon Studios and Beenox.
Nebula V — Ammo and Bombs
Nebula V is meant for larger-scale armaments but can be used for small-arms ammunition and bombs, both found in extremely small quantities around Caldera.
Nebula V Ammo
Classified as a Field Upgrade in Warzone, Nebula V Ammo is no stronger than regular bullets but does have one major exception: when an Operator is downed by them, they will emit a poisonous gas cloud.
Anyone attempting to revive this Operator — or standing within a few feet of them — will face similar complications to Circle Collapse exposure: coughing, blurred vision, and a slight amount of damage over time, whether that be to a player’s health or to their Gas Mask duration. Nebula V Ammo takes up only a single clip of ammunition.
Nebula V Bombs
One of the rarest items in Warzone is the Nebula V Bomb, a locked briefcase full of deadly gas with an explosive charge.
Once activated and set down in front of an Operator, it will detonate after a fixed countdown and cannot be disarmed or destroyed. Its initial explosion deals a high amount of damage in a small radius before the gas spreads outward, where it will hurt any Operator without a Gas Mask. The gas lingers for two minutes before ultimately dispersing or feeding into the oncoming Circle Collapse.
Portable Decontamination Stations (P.D.S.)
Despite its toxicity, Nebula V can also be temporarily dispersed.
The Portable Decontamination Station, new Field Equipment in Caldera, is a portable device that filtrates air for several seconds, protecting anyone inside from the Circle Collapses or Nebula V gas.
These devices impact all Operator Tac Maps, allowing everyone to see where they are currently activated, and they can be destroyed by explosives or ballistics. With these caveats in mind, the Portable Decontamination Station is still useful in surviving both old and new chemical threats, and could likely lead to some new positioning strategies for Battle Royale modes.
Armoured Transport Trucks — Ominous Nebula V Machines of Destruction
Armoured Transport Trucks are here in paradise, as the Axis deployed multiple vehicles to carry Nebula V and its derivatives around Caldera.
These unstoppable steel behemoths remotely roll on a set looping path, attacking those within its immediate vicinity with its two machine-gun turrets. Operators also need to avoid the mines it drops behind it, as well as the aerial support it calls in should it drop to low health.
Upon destruction, the Armored Transport Trucks will drop incredibly valuable items, including — in the rarest cases — an intact Nebula V Bomb.
New Points of Interest: The Chemical Factory and Chemical Weapon Research Labs
Aside from the massive stockpile in the Alps, Nebula V is located mostly in the factories and laboratories around Caldera and is heavily guarded by Axis forces.
Chemical Factory
The refinery between the Mines and Docks that once produced phosphate has been repurposed and is now a newly constructed plant spewing out Nebula V. Squads who infiltrate this highly lethal area will walk away with more valuable loot on average, which may help in the ensuing fight against both the Circle Collapse and Nebula V Bombs.
Underground Chemical Weapon Research Labs
According to current intel, the Axis operated seven research laboratories around the island, hiding them underground and guarding them with small squads of soldiers. Operators may find them thanks to several hand-drawn yellow circles on their Tac Map. Raid them for phenomenal Loadout items, which may include Gas Masks and Nebula V Ammo.
Other New Features: Bomber Planes and Redeploy Balloons
Nebula V isn’t the only new feature coming in Season Two, as Operators can take to the skies either in a new Bomber Plane or via Redeploy Balloons.
Bomber Plane
The second aerial vehicle in Vanguard modes in Warzone, the Bomber is a formidable air-to-ground striker capable of levelling infantry and vehicles.
Bombers can also destroy Loadout Drops, which can fundamentally change how Operators approach these powerful sources of weapons.
While this new aircraft can shatter Anti-Air Guns and destroy ground-level threats, it may meet its match when confronting the Fighter Plane, which continues to be available in Vanguard Royale. Alternatively, drop into a stationary or truck-mounted AA Gun and bring down these airborne behemoths with vim and vigour!
Furthermore, players can expect to see health decreases to both planes as part of this update, making them easier to shoot down should they pose a threat to you or your squad.
Redeploy Balloon
Shown on the Tac Map as a blimp icon, the Redeploy Balloon is a ticket back into the skies to reposition thousands of meters away from your set location.
Operators can ascend to the top of the balloon via a zip line tethered to the balloon, then leap off at the top and deploy their parachute to cover great distances. Planes or weaponry can destroy the Redeploy Balloon, and once the Balloon is deflated, Operators can spend a few hundred bucks to reinflate it.
This new movement option can be exceptional for repositioning across the map so long as you watch out for bogeys entering your airspace.
New Modes: Caldera Clash Kicks off Season Two, Rebirth Iron Trial Duos Set to Begin
Outside of traditional Battle Royale and Plunder modes, Season Two will feature two limited-time experiences built by High Moon Studios and Beenox:
Caldera Clash — Level Up and Conquer Major Areas in This Team Deathmatch Twist
Developed by High Moon Studios, Caldera Clash pits two teams of up to 48 Operators (divided into Quads) in a Deathmatch with wild events and power-ups.
An evolution of Clash on Verdansk ’84 — and Warzone Rumble before it — Caldera Clash allows Operators to drop in with their Custom Loadout, which can have any weapons from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare to Vanguard, and a Field Upgrade. Each kill earns their team a point, with the first team to reach a set number of points, or the team that has the most points when the time limit expires, claiming victory for their massive faction.
This model features three power-ups, Contracts, Buy Stations, the Domination Capture and High-Value Target events, and other features from the original Clash, as well as two new events: Double Point zones and Bonus Point crates. These can help a team come back from a kill deficit or run away with the victory, but with dozens of Operators per side, the name of the game is keeping that kill-to-death ratio above 1.0.
Rebirth Iron Trials — Prove Your Presence Later This Season
Developed by Beenox based on Raven Software’s Iron Trials ’84, Rebirth Iron Trials is a Battle Royale variant custom-made for highly competitive players.
Featuring its own set of weaponry (from Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War) and numerous rule changes to increase time-to-kill (TTK), this model is built for the most hardcore members of our community. However, players of all skill levels who want a change of pace within Warzone should participate!
Those who can’t wait to learn more about this mode needn’t worry: this is a Duos mode — 20 squads of 2, for 40 Operators total — and uses a similar Circle Collapse size and speed. You can read up on the Iron Trials rule set, as well as strategies for surviving match, here.
Claim victory and receive a unique Animated Calling Card, a true sign of mastery over the Iron Trials.
Expect more information to come later this month when these Iron Trials are expected to begin in Warzone.
Stay Tuned for Patch Notes, Rebirth Island Midseason Update
As Caldera’s secrets come to light, something lurks within Rebirth Island’s shadows. Expect substantial changes to the prison island during the midseason update.
Expect more intel about the reinforcements to come midseason, as well as other important updates from lead studio Raven Software via Patch Notes on the Call of Duty Blog and their social media account.
Season Two will include a number of quality-of-life changes, including having the Gas Mask animation no longer interrupting Operators who are aiming down sights, so look out for everything coming with this update over the next week.
VANGUARD MULTIPLAYER
- Prove yourself in Ranked Play. Launching alongside the 2022 Call of the Duty League season, expect to begin your Ranked journey and play like the pros.
- Two new Multiplayer maps. Duck through the busy streets of Casablanca or partake in some ski-shooting in Gondola, two midsized maps ready to be mastered.
- Free Perks, Killstreak, and Equipment in Battle Pass. Prepare to switch up those Loadouts and shoot for a 12-Killstreak — the Season Two Battle Pass is stocked with free Multiplayer content for all to use.
Ranked Play Beta Kicks Off During Call of Duty League Season
Recently, Toronto Ultra bested 11 other elite professional squads at the Call of Duty League’s Kickoff Classic.
As the league continues its regular 2022 season schedule following an exciting Opening Weekend, Vanguard will offer a bespoke Multiplayer Ranked Play mode (launching in Beta next week) featuring league-approved rules, visible Skill Ratings, and new competitive rewards among other innovations from Treyarch and Sledgehammer Games.
Stay tuned later this week for more information about this fourth pillar of Vanguard in a dedicated Ranked Play Roundtable broadcast and from the Call of Duty League and Treyarch blog during the match pre-show on February 11th.
Two New Core Maps: Explore Casablanca, Watch Your Step on Gondola
From North African deserts to the European mountains, Season Two is serving up two traditional Multiplayer maps at launch, as well as the largest locale in Vanguard yet during the season.
Casablanca (Launch)
A shining jewel of Morocco, Casablanca is a medium-sized, three-lane-style map within a bustling marketplace. With several buildings to explore and climb upon, expect a variety of vertical engagements that invite a variety of close- to long-range tactics.
Gondola (Launch)
Don’t look down on this medium-sized, three-lane-style map. Take a trip on the Gondola to travel above a large gulch and fire watchtower, but hop off before it rides off the cliff! Operators can also take advantage of the long sightline this gondola route provides, or head through the power plant and caves for more close-quarters battle.
Two Perks, Lethal Grenade, and Killstreak — Free in Battle Pass
Some free rewards are just too good to keep under wraps until the dedicated Battle Pass blog drops in this channel in the next few days.
Ball Turret Gunner — Killstreak
Call of Duty: WWII fans know the Ball Turret’s power well.
Beginning the Season Two Battle Pass with a bang — or multiple across 30 seconds — the Ball Turret Gunner can be activated after achieving a 12 Killstreak, just like the Attack Dogs.
This Killstreak is hard to earn but rewarding to use, so prepare for potential carnage if you place it within one of three available slots.
Sticky Bomb— Lethal Equipment
A familiar sight for veteran players, the Sticky Bomb is a direct rival to the Frag Grenade and Gammon Bomb as a throwable explosive equipment piece.
Consider it the perfect choice for those stuck between a Frag and a Gammon Bomb.
Armoury — Perk 1
A direct counter-Perk to Engineer, Armory is ideal for Operators who use more than just their weaponry in combat, namely placeable Demolition Charges, concussion mines, and placeable Field Equipment pieces.
Mechanic — Perk 3
Mechanic provides a reasonable buff to Field Upgrade charge time, making it a must-have for completing challenges related to them or for Operators who love using them.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Vanguard
Don’t have an IRL Duo for Season Two launch day? Vanguard will feature Valentine’s Day-themed experience with some Double XP opportunities and thematic changes for dropping in around this time.
No love is needed to enjoy it; just invite some friends and prepare to fight for a true King of Hearts.
Coming in Season: Arms Race and Vehicles — Launch Patch Notes to Drop in the Coming Days
An Arms Race with Armored War Machines is bigger than infantry combat — it’s piloting Motorcycles, Squad Transport Vehicles, and Tanks en route to destroying enemy bases.
This and other features are expected to arrive during Season Two. Sledgehammer Games will release their initial Patch Notes next week, including weapon balance changes.
VANGUARD ZOMBIES
- Dimensions shift and the Dark Aether opens. The undead assault heats up in Egypt’s Eastern Desert, where a portal to the Dark Aether opens alongside other new arenas.
- A new Artifact gives you the strength to conquer the Deceiver. Vercanna the Last joins the fight to tend to your squad’s wounds with Healing Aura and aid against the three-faced Zaballa the Deceiver.
- Wonder Weapons to aid with new Objective & Story Quest. Wield the Ray Gun and Decimator Shield alongside new armaments as you partake in Sacrifice and uncover the secret to defeating Kortifex.
New Hub Map and Arenas — “Terra Maledicta”
“Der Anfang” was only the beginning. As the undead army prepares to invade a new front, Krafft and company take the fight to Von List in “Terra Maledicta,” a new Zombie experience set in Egypt’s Eastern Desert and abroad.
Gateways to new arenas will open, including the Dark Aether itself in an entirely new location for Vanguard Zombies. Professor Krafft and his Special Forces fighters have established a “beachhead” within the Dark Aether in the fight against Von List, where they’ll risk everything to obtain a lost page from the Tome of Rituals.
New Ally and Foe: Vercanna the Last and Zaballa the Deceiver
The Dark Aether entities continue a supernatural war through the mortal world as a new ally appears and a powerful enemy makes her presence known.
New Artifact Power from Vercanna the Last: Healing Aura
Vercanna the Last is the latest Dark Aether entity to lend her powers to the battle against Von List and Kortifex. A newcomer to our world, Vercanna seeks revenge on Kortifex for wiping out her entire clan. She is the Last of her kind and joins Krafft’s allies at a crucial moment in the war on the undead.
Her elemental command of Life Energy through her Artifact, the Wand of the Wilds, grants the player the Healing Aura ability that can be crucial in combat. By default, activating her Artifact will send beams of light down on all Operators, instantly bringing them back to full health.
Healing Aura’s base ability and upgrade tiers include:
- Tier I (Base): The Wand of the Wilds summons Vercanna’s Life Energy to instantly heal yourself and your allies to full health.
- Tier II: Knockdown normal enemies and stun Special enemies near each player.
- Tier III: Revive all downed allies.
- Tier IV: Revived allies have their lost Perks returned.
- Tier V: The Life Energy persists at each player’s location for 10 seconds and continues to heal and revive players.
Zaballa the Deceiver — A Cunning and Shifty Trickster
Those brave enough to survive in “Der Anfang” or “Terra Maledicta” for multiple rounds will come across Zaballa the Deceiver, a powerful enforcer from the Dark Aether unleashed upon the world by Kortifex. For thousands of years, she served Kortifex as one of his “Sisters of Agony,” and her deep history with the existing Dark Aether entities means they all have scores to settle with her.
A chaotic evil charlatan with a devious sense of humour, Zaballa’s true face hides behind three masks. These give her the strength to hover away from Operators, striking beneath the surface with electrical eruptions at a moment’s notice.
Although she is resistant to many forms of attack, that which gives her energy could also be her greatest weakness…
Wonder Weapons Return, Both Old and New
Our Special Forces Operators already have access to dozens of ballistic-based weapons, as well as some melee tools, to fend off the undead. But in Season Two, the four new weapons across Vanguard and Warzone are just the beginning of what Zombies fans can expect in their arsenals.
Through a bit of exploration, elite skill, and perhaps some divine intervention, Operators can wield two Wonder Weapons: energy-based arms with mysterious origins and herculean effects in battle.
Explore “Terra Maledicta” to discover the Decimator Shield, an all-new Wonder Weapon offering superior protection and the mighty Decimation Blast ability. With a unique personality of its own, the Decimator is only too happy to help Krafft’s freedom fighters take down Von List’s undead army.
The other Wonder Weapon is one that veterans will be familiar with: the classic Ray Gun returns to Zombies! The gold — or rather, bright red — standard for Wonder Weapons since Call of Duty: World at War, the Ray Gun fires circular enemy beams that can tear zombies apart in just one shot. Look for it in the Mystery Box, or as a lucky loot drop during a match.
New Sacrifice Objective, Story Quest, and Side Easter Eggs
Vanguard Zombies’ sixth Objective calls upon players to disrupt a gruesome Dark Aether blood-magic ceremony. Grotesque structures known as Syphoncores will suck the essence out of the surrounding undead. Once they feed, the Syphoncores will spawn more zombies than they consumed, unleashing the horde upon the world. Prevent the zombies from filling all three, and the dark ceremony will be thwarted.
“Terra Maledicta” also presents players with a special Story Quest that introduces Vercanna the Last to the action and gives players access to the mighty Decimator Shield. A series of special tasks and narrative revelations will advance the Dark Aether saga, as players search for a missing page from the Tome of Rituals that may be the key to defeating Von List and Kortifex.
In addition, side Easter Eggs are returning in Vanguard Zombies, this time inspired by the classic “Origins” map from Black Ops II. Pick up a shovel and find loot hidden throughout the Eastern Desert, and dig even deeper to uncover all the secrets “Terra Maledicta” has to offer.
New Covenant: Artifact Ward
A new ability joins the Altar of Covenants with three tiers of rarity. Equip Artifact Ward for a chance to trigger your Artifact for free when hit by a melee attack from the rear, which can come in clutch when your squad’s in trouble during higher rounds.
Artefact Ward’s three rarities are as follows:
- Rare: Being hit by a melee attack on the back has a chance to trigger your Artifact
- Epic: Being hit by a melee attack on the back has a higher chance to trigger your Artifact.
- Legendary: Being hit by a melee attack anywhere has a higher chance to trigger your Artifact.
VANGUARD AND WARZONE OVERVIEW
- S.O.T.F. 007 reports for duty. Task Force Yeti is the first line of defence against Nebula V. Start Season Two strong with Anna Drake, available in the Battle Pass.
- Four New Weapons. Two midrange tools can be found in the Battle Pass, while the Ice Axe and a hard-hitting SMG are slated to drop during the season.
Introducing S.O.T.F. Yeti — Three New Operators Available in Battle Pass and Bundles During Season Two
An elite trio who joined Butcher in a high-risk — and even higher-altitude — raid for Nebula V, Task Force Yeti is the seventh Special Operations group out of Vanguard’s forerunners for tactical warfare.
Each brings its own favoured weapon and background to the front lines, with Austrian assaulter Anna Drake leading the pack via Season Two’s Battle Pass.
Anna Drake (Launch)
This soldier takes justice into her own hands.
Anna fights for vengeance and plans to release her fury on those who murdered all she loved. She protects the vulnerable, taking on their trauma to fuel and direct her rage.
Her expertise in the Alps is built on years of hunting and defending her people, making her a prime leader for Butcher’s latest task force.
Thomas Bolt (In-Season)
He would rather live in the past than the present and insist that everyone else should do the same.
Thomas Bolt is a strict man with a passion for following the rules and serving his country.
He believes he’s fighting for a better world, and underneath his hard exterior, he’s promised himself he’ll finally get married after the war.
A true gunner who saw action in both World Wars, Thomas is not afraid to dig his heels into the harsh winter ground and rid the world of evil one last time.
Gustavo Dos Santos (In-Season)
After receiving confidential intelligence about Germany’s plans for Brazil from members of the resistance, Gustavo returned home to protect his family and deliver this intelligence.
He was then immediately conscripted into the Brazilian Expeditionary Force — “the Smoking Cobras” — leading his unit in taking Monte Castello and breaking the last German line in Northern Italy.
As part of Task Force Yeti, Gustavo is unafraid to engage up close, with his preferred weapon being an SMG he grew attached to while performing his World War II heroics.
Four New Weapons
Operators will get their hands on several classic armaments to bolster their Loadouts across Multiplayer, Zombies, and Warzone.
Unlock the KG M40 Assault Rifle and Whitley LMG on day one through the Battle Pass; then prepare to add the Ice Axe and a prototypical SMG as you settle into Season Two.
KG M40: Assault Rifle (Launch)
“Workhorse assault rifle, naturally steady and accurate.”
Adopted across several Scandinavian armies during the war, and also the preferred weapon of Anna Drake, the KG M40 is a high-calibre fully automatic weapon that rivals the first three Assault Rifles unlocked in Vanguard.
Boasting the second-highest damage per shot in its category, a similar effective range to the NZ-41, and a fire rate above 600 RPM, this weapon can be a strong contender in mid-to long-distance engagements. Its strengths can be fully unlocked when an Operator can control its recoil, a mix of horizontal and vertical kicks like the Cooper Carbine, but with slightly better centring speed.
Whitley: LMG (Launch)
“Heavy long-range machine gun, cumbersome but consistent.”
The Whitley represents one of the first machine guns ever used in warfare, rivalling its Battle Pass brother for a strong mid-to long-range tool across all three game modes.
Despite its age, this LMG is highly customizable, and even in its base form provides a niche role with the best damage per shot compared to its four Vanguard competitors.
This weapon may have great potential across Vanguard and Warzone, but if you have skills like Thomas Bolt, the Whitley may soon become your favoured weapon.
Ice Axe (In-Season)
A handy climbing implement that has combat use as both a melee and thrown weapon.
In the Alps, an Ice Axe is sharp enough to stick through rocky mountainsides or a hard target.
This strong melee tool is fit for snowy conditions, although it is deadly enough to be a one-hit kill no matter where in the world it is swung.
Armaguerra 43: SMG (In-Season)
Very high rate-of-fire SMG. Effective at short to medium range engagements.
Only produced in small quantities, this advanced submachine gun gave insight into how modern CQB armaments could function, even though its design was never built upon in the decades to follow.
Due to its prototypical nature, more research is needed on its available attachments and effectiveness in live-fire scenarios.
The Armaguerra 43 can be unlocked in one of two ways: through an SMG-based challenge or via Store Bundle to be released later this season, which features a Weapon Blueprint from this weapon’s family.
Stay Tuned for Battle Pass Intel, Guides, and More
This is only the beginning of what’s in store for Season Two.
In the coming days, the Call of Duty blog will take a deeper look at Task Force Yeti, the Season Two Battle Pass, the key additions to Warzone, and the initially available new Multiplayer maps. Forthcoming blogs and wider communications will also feature notes from all three main studios — Sledgehammer Games, Treyarch, and Raven Software — about everything Season Two will bring at launch, including important bug fixes, general updates, and file sizes.
These studios, in addition to Beenox, High Moon Studios, and Toys for Bob, are focused on continuously improving your game experience while providing new ways to have fun across Vanguard and Warzone, and we greatly value the community’s detailed and attentive feedback through this season and beyond.
Rise on every front.
