Call of Duty Update 1.61 Patch Notes (COD Warzone 1.61)

Call of Duty update 1.61 is available to download on PS4, PC, and Xbox One. According to the official COD update 1.61 patch notes, the latest update introduces new maps, modes, weapons, and operators to Black Ops 6 and Warzone. Additionally, Warzone update 1.61 also improves gameplay stability and fixes numerous map, enemy, perk, and UI issues. Highlights include Terminus and Liberty Falls map fixes, more reliable perk and GobbleGum activations, and enhanced AFK detection. Stability upgrades and graphical fixes ensure a smoother gameplay experience across all platforms.

COD Version 1.61 Patch Notes – November 14, 2024

COD Black Ops 6 update 1.61
COD Black Ops 6 update 1.61

Black Ops 6 Patch 1.61

New Multiplayer Content

Maps

  • Hideout (6v6): Medium-sized map designed for intense combat with training zones and realistic security setups.
  • Heirloom (6v6, 2v2): Luttazzi family art gallery becomes a battleground for diversion tactics.
  • Extraction (6v6): Chaos ensues after an ambush goes wrong, igniting intense firefights.

New Game Modes

  • Ransack (Season Launch): Players gather and secure gold bars scattered across maps.
  • Prop Hunt (In-Season): Iconic hide-and-seek party mode returns, with players disguising as props or hunting them.

New Weapons and Attachments

Weapons (Available in Multiplayer & Zombies)

  • Krig C – Assault Rifle: Versatile assault rifle with strong mid-range performance.
  • Saug – SMG: High-rate-of-fire SMG ideal for close-quarters combat.
  • Sirin 9mm (In-Season): Foldable special weapon with a balanced fire rate for sustained accuracy.
  • Power Drill – Melee Weapon: Fast melee weapon for rapid attacks.
COD BO6 update 1.61
COD BO6 update 1.61

Attachments

  • 12 Gauge Dragon’s Breath: Incendiary rounds for shotguns with burning effects.
  • Buffer Weight Stock (In-Season): Enhanced stability for XM4, XMG LMG, and DM-10.
  • Burst Fire Conversions: Options to enable three-round burst fire for XM4 and Kompakt 92 SMG.
COD BO6 update 1.61
COD BO6 update 1.61

New Multiplayer Perks and Scorestreaks

Perk

  • Shadow – Strategist: Avoid enemy traps and mines while navigating.

Scorestreak

  • Hand Cannon: High-powered handgun available in Multiplayer and Zombies for temporary use.

New Operators

  • Goliath (BlackCell, Launch): Mysterious operative with fire-themed skills.
  • Sevati “Sev” Dumas (Battle Pass, Launch): Key Rogue Black Ops operative with a vendetta against the Luttazzi family.
  • The Replacer (In-Season Bundle): Popular character available as a bundle.
  • CDL Home and Away Competitors: New CDL-themed Operators for the 2025 season, with team packs and skin unlocks for Warzone and Multiplayer.


Events and Zombies Mode

  • The Hit List (In-Season): Limited event with contracts for exclusive rewards.
  • Zombies Directed Mode: Guided experience to complete Liberty Falls and Terminus Main Quests with limited rounds.

Anti-Cheat and Ranked Play Enhancements

  • RICOCHET Anti-Cheat: Improved AFK detection and regional matchmaking to reduce VPN abuse.
  • Ranked Play Requirements: Players must win 50 multiplayer matches to unlock Ranked Play mode, allowing for anti-cheat vetting.

Campaign and Gameplay Improvements

Campaign

  • Improved mission intros, localized text updates, and resolved various crash issues.

Multiplayer Maps and Modes

  • Resolved flickering water issues and adjusted bomb sites in Lowtown, Protocol, and Vault.
  • Spawning adjustments across multiple maps to reduce enemy proximity spawns.
  • Fixed Hardpoint zone boundaries, icon errors, and bomb retrieval issues in Search & Destroy.

Weapon and Movement Tuning

  • Shotgun Strelok Laser and Slug Attachments rebalanced.
  • Footstep volume for Ninja perk slightly reduced.
  • Resolved movement slowdown bug when mantling.

UI, Graphics, and Stability

  • Fixed multiple UI issues, including operator unlock exploits and incorrect medal displays.
  • Addressed graphical issues, weapon effect bugs, and added stability improvements.

Zombies Mode Patch Notes

Maps

Terminus

  • Fixed defuse progress loss if interrupted during the Apocalypse Protocol Main Quest.
  • Resolved teleportation to boss arena post-Main Quest completion.
  • Fixed Pack-A-Punch machine causing inconsistent door collision after loading a saved game.
  • Prevented overlapping voice lines by adjusting Node Connector interactions.
  • Moved Ammo Cache location on Seaside Path.

Liberty Falls

  • Updated Mangler to consistently drop a Mangler Cannon upon arm removal.
  • Fixed missing Blanchard during certain dialogues.

Bug Fixes

  • Resolved issues with camos not applying to Zombie Builds.
  • Closed exploit that enabled players to carry three weapons.
  • Fixed Wallbuy rarity resetting on save load.
  • Corrected yellow critical hit damage numbers display with Ray Gun.

Perks

Quick Revive

  • Dying Wish Augment: Resolved activation on large falls with fall damage protection.

Elemental Pop

  • Fixed issue preventing normal Ammo Mod activations.

Jugger-Nog

  • Turtle Shell Augment: Applied damage mitigation when grabbed by an Amalgam.

PHD Flopper

  • Enabled perk activation when diving onto elevated or inclined surfaces.

GobbleGums

  • Ensured revived players keep all Perks when using Near Death Experience.

Field Upgrades

  • Updated Energy Mine description to accurately reflect damage type.
  • Increased Dark Flare damage from 25% to 40% of zombie health per tick.
  • Fixed loss of extra Field Upgrade charge on save load.

Support

  • Fixed early termination of Mutant Injection near water.
  • Addressed Sentry Turret pickup exploit during Mutant Injection use.
  • Reduced self-damage for LDBR weapon.

Save & Load

  • Closed exploit that allowed retention of save file post-load.

Enemies

General

  • Addressed an issue where zombies charmed by Brain Rot could prevent the player from completing an exfil.
  • Addressed an issue where loading a save would disable the rampage inducer if it was active.
  • Addressed an issue where zombies would throw guts at the end camera if the player leaves the match to end the game.
  • Terminus
    • Addressed an issue where rarely the round would not end after killing all zombies.
    • Addressed an issue where the Amalgam could grab the player while slowed.
    • Addressed an issue where the Amalgam could pull players into walls causing them to get stuck.
    • Addressed an issue where diving while being hit by knockback from Patient 13 could push the player further than intended.
  • Liberty Falls
    • Addressed an issue that prevented the Abomination from spawning inside Fuller’s Liberty Lanes.
    • Addressed an issue where the Abomination could fire off a beam attack before leaving a spawn closet.

Terminus

  • Fixed round-ending issues and Amalgam interaction bugs.
  • Adjusted knockback effects from Patient 13.

Liberty Falls

  • Ensured Abomination spawns correctly within Fuller’s Liberty Lanes.
  • Prevented Abomination from attacking too early when leaving a spawn closet.

Activities

  • Fixed elite spawns during exfil from Round 16 onward.
  • Updated S.A.M. Trials to show a progress bar instead of a timer for “no damage” requirements.

XP Earn Rates

  • Restricted XP award to last-used weapon in assists instead of all weapons involved.

Challenges

  • Addressed an issue where Wall Buys would not progress the Prestige 8 Challenge Value Town.
  • Addressed an issue where Legendary GobbleGums would progress the Ultra Prestige 8 Challenge Full Power instead of Ultra GobbleGums.
  • Addressed an issue where the Liberated Challenge could be completed by saving and quitting before starting the final encounter.
  • Addressed an issue that would complete the Social Distancing and Invincible Challenges by joining a game in progress.
  • Addressed an issue that would complete the Harbinger of Doom Challenge when loading into a saved game and using a Scorestreak.
  • Addressed an issue where the Prestige 5 Challenge Fire & Forget would mention needing a Bombing Run medal instead a Lethality medal.
  • Addressed an issue where the player would not complete Outrageous Challenge until Round 16 instead of Round 15.
  • Addressed an issue where loading a save past Round 25 would complete the Sticks N’ Stones Challenge.
  • Addressed an issue where the Dark Journey Challenge could show as not complete when unlocking Nebula on 33 weapons and being awarded the Calling Card.

AFK Detection

  • Improved logic to reduce false AFK kicks.
  • Added AFK Kick warning UI in Zombies mode.

UI Updates

  • Updated visuals on all GobbleGums to improve readability.
  • Addressed an issue where the Boat UI would overlap with the Map with the Central Command HUD preset.
  • Addressed an issue where the Drop Node Connecter prompt during the Terminus Main Quest would overlap with the Map with the Central Command HUD preset.
  • Addressed an issue where the Round number would initially be displayed incorrectly when loading a save.
  • Addressed an issue where the Weapon Stats on the AAR would show the loadout players started with instead of the loadout they ended with.
  • Addressed an issue where some items would show the wrong text on the Tac Map when pinged.
  • Removed Multiplayer information from Melee Weapon descriptions.
  • Added a Highest Round icon to the AAR when reaching a new personal highest round.
  • Added a timer to the scoreboard.
  • Added a notification when picking up Intel.

Graphics

  • Addressed an issue on PS4 where some effects would stop rendering at higher rounds.
  • Addressed an issue where some effects for the Mutant Injection were not working when Sprinting.
  • Addressed an issue where the character effects from Brutus would be present during Mutant Injection.
  • Liberty Falls
    • Addressed an issue where some damaged vehicles would not have smoke effects.

Stability

  • Resolved crashes when starting solo matches after splitscreen.
  • Fixed “game failed to save” error when attempting to Save & Quit.
  • Various stability improvements added.

Warzone 1.61

This update focuses on enhanced anti-cheat measures, introducing Ranked Play access requirements, new Warzone content, and map improvements. Players can enjoy new modes, events, and an expanded Battle Pass. The addition of the Armory offers access to legacy content, while updated AFK detection and leaderboard resets reflect the game’s progression with Black Ops 6.

RICOCHET Anti-Cheat Enhancements

Improved Detection and Region-Locking

  • AFK Detection: Updated systems to flag inactive players, helping reduce account boosting.
  • Region-Locked Matchmaking: Adjusted ping thresholds to encourage regional play, reducing VPN abuse.

Ranked Play Access Requirements

  • Unlock Requirements: Players must win 50 multiplayer matches to access Ranked Play in Black Ops 6.
  • Replay Investigation Tool: #TeamRICOCHET monitors top players’ replays for anti-cheat analysis.
  • Initial Data Collection: Detection systems will activate in Season 01 to flag suspicious accounts.

Events

The Hit List (Launch Window)

  • Contract-Based Event: Players complete a set of contracts with a “take-no-prisoners” mission.
  • Exclusive Rewards: Completing the contract board grants players unique items and loot.

Battle Pass

Reward Tiers and Options

  • 100+ Rewards: Includes free weapons, operator skins, and weapon blueprints.
  • Free and Premium Options:
    • Free Rewards: Access to 20+ items.
    • Premium Battle Pass: Includes up to 1,100 COD Points.
    • BlackCell Bundle: Premium operator skins, weapon blueprints, COD Points, and more.

Warzone Map Updates

New Map: Area 99

  • Map Overview: Inspired by Nuketown, set in Nevada’s Echo Ridge Weapons Station, offering a tactical combat experience.
  • Key Points of Interest:
    • Reactor and Cooling Towers: Central drop zone with heavy action.
    • Loading Bay: Features a crane holding a Nuketown house for dynamic gameplay.
    • Additional POIs: Bunker, Test Site, Warehouse, Mannequin Assembly, and more.

Returning Maps with Updates

  • Urzikstan: Original map with early landmarks, revamped for Black Ops 6 features.
  • Rebirth Island: Available with enhanced mechanics like Omnimovement and updated weaponry.

Game Modes

Returning Modes

  • Battle Royale: Classic mode with a 120-player count on Urzikstan.
  • Resurgence: Revamped mode on Area 99 and Rebirth Island; players can respawn while one squad member remains active.
  • Plunder: Cash-based mode on Urzikstan, where teams collect valuables to secure victory.
  • Bootcamp: Training-focused mode with limited XP progression and bot inclusion.

Mode Adjustments

  • Resurgence Mode: 25% discount on redeployment when Resurgence timer is active.
  • Playlist Update: Area 99 exclusive Resurgence map on launch weekend, with Rebirth Island returning after.

General Updates

Leaderboards and Stats

  • Leaderboard Reset: Warzone Leaderboard statistics reset to accommodate new Black Ops 6 integrations.

Armory (Beta)

  • Legacy Content Access: Players can unlock items from previous titles, starting at Player Level 24.
  • Unlock Pathway: Players can earn missed loadout content from past games, with some attachments to be implemented in future updates.

AFK Detection Update

  • Enhanced AFK Detection: Improved logic to identify inactive players during matches.

Progression System

  • Extensive Progression: 55 levels with 10 Prestige levels, culminating in a Prestige Mastery tier with 1,000 levels.
  • Unlockables: Weapons, killstreaks, perks, and exclusive Calling Cards.
  • Weapon Camos: 9 Military Camos, 2 Special Camos, and 4 Mastery Camos, including animated designs like Gold Tiger and Abyss.

Weapon Camo System Overhaul

  • Warzone Mastery Camo: Introducing Abyss, a Mastery Camo exclusively for Warzone.
  • Expanded Camo Challenges: Significant increase in progression steps and camo unlocks.

Combat Enhancements

New Features

  • Body Shield Mechanic: Use enemies as shields by double-tapping melee; ideal for strategic advantage.
  • Dedicated Melee Weapon: Loadouts now include a separate melee weapon, usable with unlimited tactical sprint.
  • Shootable Doors: Doors can be shot open for more tactical options.

Adjustments

  • Self-Revive Auto Pickup: Automatically loot nearby Self-Revive kits while downed.
  • Ping & Armor Adjustments: Live ping duration reduced; faster armor plate replacement.
  • Deaths Door Adjustments: Health threshold for Death’s Door state adjusted to improve situational awareness.

Movement System Overhaul

Omnimovement System

  • 360-degree Movement: Includes Sprint, Slide, Dive, and 180-degree Combat Dives.
  • Combat Supine: Drop prone with 360-degree view for stealth and tactical advantage.

Intelligent Movement Settings

  • Customizable: Options for sprint assist, mantle assist, and crouch assist for optimized control.
  • Unlimited Tactical Sprint: Available through Sprinter Perk or by wielding melee weapon.
  • Mantle Protection: Prevents accidental falls by adjusting mantle behavior on ledges.

Adjustments

  • Extended Tac Sprint: Duration increased from 2 to 4 seconds.
  • Landing Impact Tuning: Reduced shock duration after near-death falls for smoother movement transitions.

Inventory and Perks

Streamlined Inventory System

  • Classic Layout: Backpack removed, returning to a simplified layout covering essentials like cash, armor, and ammo.

Perks Adjustments

  • Lootable Perks: Ground Loot now includes Perks, adding effects on top of the primary “Pick-3” Loadout Perks.
  • Specialist Perk Package: Grants all 18 Pick-3 Perks and ground loot perks but disappears upon elimination.
  • Pre-Match Perk Editing: Perks can be customized in the pre-match lobby.

Key Perks by Slot

  • Slot 1: Veteran, Grenadier, Dexterity, Scavenger, Survivor
  • Slot 2: Quartermaster, Bomb Squad, Tracker, Sprinter, Cold-Blooded, Quick Fix
  • Slot 3: Gung-Ho, Resolute, Ghost, Birdseye, Tempered, Alertness

New Lootable Perks

  • Shrouded: Drops a smoke grenade when downed.
  • Irradiated: Enhanced movement and gas resistance within gas zones or from equipment effects.

Wildcards in Warzone

Wildcards are single-use perks that enhance loadout customization. Each offers specific gameplay benefits to diversify player strategies.

Available Wildcards

  • Bandolier
    • Grants a Munitions Satchel.
    • Exclusive to Warzone.
    • Unlocks at Level 15.
  • Overkill
    • Equip two Primary or Secondary weapons.
    • Unlocks at Level 24.
  • Gunfighter
    • Adds 3 attachment slots to Black Ops 6 weapons.
    • Unlocks at Level 33.
  • Battle Ready
    • Provides a UAV and Utility Box.
    • Exclusive to Warzone.
    • Unlocks at Level 38.

Satchels

New Satchels increase item storage capacity, enhancing inventory management.

Available Satchels

  • Armor Satchel
    • Boosts Armor Plate capacity from 6 to 12.
  • Munitions Satchel
    • Increases ammunition and equipment capacity.

Equipment Enhancements

A wide range of lethal and tactical equipment is available, with several new additions to support diverse playstyles.

Lethal Equipment

  • Frag Grenade: Cookable explosive; unlocks at Level 1.
  • NEW Spring Mine: Proximity explosive; launches upon trigger. Unlocks at Level 1.
  • Semtex: Sticky grenade with fuse; unlocks at Level 9.
  • C4: Sticky explosive; unlocks at Level 14.
  • Thermo Grenade: Updated to Black Ops 6 version; unlocks at Level 21.
  • NEW Impact Grenade: Explodes on impact; unlocks at Level 26.
  • Molotov Cocktail: Creates incendiary damage; unlocks at Level 32.
  • Throwing Knife: Lethal retrievable knife; unlocks at Level 36.
  • NEW Blast Trap: Detonates upon enemy proximity; unlocks at Level 41.
  • Drill Charge: Burrowing explosive; unlocks at Level 50.
  • NEW Combat Axe: Retrievable axe; unlocks at Level 53.

Tactical Equipment

  • NEW Prox Alarm: Signals and marks nearby enemies on allied minimaps; available via ground loot.
  • Concussion: Slows enemy movement; unlocks at Level 1.
  • Flashbang: Blinds enemies temporarily; unlocks at Level 6.
  • NEW Spy Camera: Marks enemies and equipment; unlocks at Level 12.
  • Smoke Grenade: Deploys smoke screen; unlocks at Level 17.
  • Experimental Gas: Releases damaging gas; unlocks at Level 27.
  • Stim Shot: Heals and boosts speed; unlocks at Level 30.
  • Decoy Grenade: Simulates sounds to distract enemies; unlocks at Level 35.
  • Shock Charge: Electrocutes and stuns enemies; unlocks at Level 42.
  • NEW Neurogas Mine: Emits disorienting gas; unlocks at Level 48.

Equipment Adjustments

Updated equipment capacities and adjusted damage values for refined gameplay balance.

Deployment and Damage Adjustments

  • Maximum Deployment: Increased to 3 for both lethal and tactical equipment.
  • Frag Grenade: Outer damage reduced; middle damage increased; inner damage slightly reduced.
  • Semtex: Explosion radius reduced; outer and inner damage decreased.
  • Throwing Knife: Damage reduced.
  • Drill Charge: Outer damage reduced.
  • Molotov Cocktail: Burn stage damage decreased.
  • Smoke Grenade: Updated visual effects.
  • Experimental Gas: Deals 10 damage per tick.
  • Snapshot Grenade: Radius expanded to 15m; marks snapped targets for 5 seconds.

Killstreaks

New Killstreaks

  • Care Package: Drops random items including other killstreaks, high-level weapons, perks, and upgrades.
  • Napalm Strike: Unleashes a targeted napalm carpet bomb.
  • SAM Turret: Automated turret targeting aerial vehicles within range.
  • Sentry Turret: Targets nearby enemies in a forward-facing arc.

Existing Killstreaks

  • UAV: Reveals enemies in a large area.
  • Advanced UAV: Reveals enemies across the entire map.
  • Bunker Buster: Missile strike with gas deployment; now detonates mid-air if intercepted by a Trophy System, reducing explosion damage.
  • Cluster Strike: Missile bombardment in a targeted area.
  • Counter UAV: Scrambles enemy mini-maps.
  • Precision Airstrike: Twin jets perform a precise airstrike.

Field Upgrades

New Field Upgrades

  • Scrambler: Disrupts enemy equipment, killstreaks, and minimaps within range.
  • War Cry: Boosts nearby allies’ movement and health regeneration.

Key Field Upgrade Adjustments

  • Heartbeat Sensor: Now highlights enemies in red within 15 meters.
  • Munitions Box: Supplies 3 clips of all ammo types.
  • Trophy System: Now destroys up to 5 nearby projectiles.
  • Personal Redeploy Drone: 50% faster deployment and allows firing while in use.

Weapons

Black Ops 6 Weapon Integration

  • Added new Black Ops 6 weapons, tuned specifically for Warzone with adjusted damage profiles, recoil, and handling.

Modern Warfare II & III Weapons

  • Visual Recoil Reduction: Improved shooting stability.

New Attachments

These attachments are new to Season 01 and were not part of the original launch of Black Ops 6 in October 2024.

  • 12 Gauge Dragon’s Breath
    • Add some heat to your Shotgun blasts with incendiary rounds comprised of magnesium sparks that stick to and burn enemies over time. Equipping the 12 Gauge Dragon’s Breath Fire Mod prevents using Barrel Attachments, but the tradeoff is well worth it when seeking a fiery finish.
    • Compatible with Shotguns
    • Acquired via Battle Pass Page 7 Reward
  • Buffer Weight Stock(In-Season)
    • The heavier Buffer Weight Stock provides significantly smoother action through the additional resistance met by the bolt carrier group. The improvement results in more manageable recoil through sustained fire, ideal for staying on target though at the expense of ADS Speed and Aim Walk Movement Speed.
    • Compatible with XM4 Assault Rifle, XMG LMG, DM-10 Marksman Rifle
    • Acquired via Event Reward
  • Burst Fire Conversion(In-Season)
    • Convert the XM4 Assault Rifle’s primary firing mode into a three-round burst to help conserve ammo and stay on target. There’s an impressive lack of recoil too, so it’s still possible to pump out consistent damage when facing heavy threats.
    • Compatible with XM4 Assault Rifle
    • Acquired via Event Reward
  • Burst Fire Conversion(In-Season)
    • Convert the Kompakt 92 SMG’s primary firing mode into an exceptionally rapid three-round burst. Equipping the Burst Fire Conversion Fire Mod locks the Underbarrel and Barrel Attachment slots. When you need to fire quickly in close quarters, hold down the trigger to automatically cycle through burst shots.
    • Compatible with Kompakt 92 SMG
    • Acquired via Event Reward

Weapon Adjustments

The following weapon adjustments are strictly limited to Modern Warfare II and III weapons. It’s a lot.

Future patch notes for Black Ops 6 weapons will follow the table format introduced with the launch of Black Ops 6.

CLICK HERE TO SHOW/HIDE INFO

LOOT

  • Ground & Supply Box Loot
    • Added Black Ops 6 items including:
      • Weapons
      • Field Equipment: War Cry, Scrambler
      • Killstreaks: Napalm Strike, Sentry Gun, SAM Turret, Care Package
      • Lethals: Throwing Axe, Blast Trap, Impact Grenade, Spring Mine
      • Tacticals: Neurogas Mine, Prox Alarm, Spy Camera
      • Perks: Grenadier, Combat Tracker, Dexterity, Cold-Blooded, Irradiated, Shrouded
      • Satchels: Armor Satchel, Munitions Satchel
    • Removal of the following:
      • Killstreaks: Cluster Mine, Mosquito Drone, Guardian, Bomb Drone
      • Lethals: Proxy Mine, Claymore, Thermite, Breacher Drone
      • Tacticals: Tracker Grenade, Scatter Mine
      • Redeploy tokens
  • Loot Distribution
    • The loot distribution system will now create further space for larger items as they are dropped to the ground to avoid overlapping loot.
    • The loot distribution system will now purposely avoid dropping items near objects in close proximity such as Buy Stations.
  • Medical CabinetsQuality of Life
    • Loot that drops out of medical cabinets now drops within closer proximity of its origin.
  • Buy Stations
    • Buy Station inventory and prices have had slight adjustments with the Black Ops 6 integration.
  • Weapon OutlinesQuality of Life
    • Weapons now have rarity outlines to help players better evaluate the options at their disposal throughout a match.

CONTRACTS

Available Contracts

Below is a summary of each contract type to help both new and returning players quickly grasp how each one functions with the integration of Black Ops 6. These summaries cover key objectives, mechanics, and rewards, making it easier for players to jump in and engage with contracts confidently.

Bounty

When you pick up a Bounty contract, a nearby player will be selected as your target. A circle will appear on your tac map, periodically updating to show the target’s location. The target will be somewhere within this circle each time it updates, and the circle gradually shrinks as you move closer. The target can also see an indicator on their HUD showing how close the closest player from your hunting team is; this is displayed as a three-level “threat indicator.” Completing the contract by killing the target rewards cash, XP, and a singular ping from the bounty target’s body. If another team kills the target, your contract ends with a “poached” outcome, offering a lesser reward. Allowing the timer to run out or losing your team will fail the contract.

Big Game Bounty

This contract works similarly to the base Bounty but with a few twists. It only spawns after Circle 2 closes and prioritizes teams with the highest cumulative kills, provided they’re not already bounty targets. If you complete this contract by eliminating the target, you’ll earn an immediate advanced UAV ping along with extra cash and XP, offering greater rewards than a standard Bounty.

Scavenger

Upon picking up a Scavenger contract, three scavenger caches will spawn near the pickup spot. You’ll be directed to each cache one at a time, with the next cache revealed only after you open the previous one. Opening a cache adds 45 seconds to the contract timer. These caches contain slightly better loot than usual, and each will drop a lootable perk. Opening the third and final cache completes the contract, rewarding your team with cash, XP, and an armor satchel from the last cache. Failing to open all caches before time runs out, or having your team wiped, will fail the contract.

Intel

When you accept an Intel contract, a nearby upload station will be marked for your team to upload sensitive intel. Reaching the station and interacting with it initiates an “upload” phase where one team member must remain near the station until the upload is complete. If multiple players are in this radius, the upload speed can increase by up to 200%. Completing the upload rewards cash, XP, and a peek at the next circle’s location. Failure occurs if the timer expires or if your team is wiped.

Most Wanted

By picking up the Most Wanted contract, you or the team member who picked it up becomes visible on the map for all players. Opponents who kill the Most Wanted target receive cash and XP, while the Most Wanted team can reduce their contract time by obtaining kills and opening loot caches (10-second reduction per cache, 25-second reduction per kill). If the Most Wanted target survives the full contract duration, the contract is completed, and the team earns cash, XP, and revives any dead squad members. Whether the contract ends in success or failure, a “VIP reward crate” appears near the VIP’s location, containing ammo, plates, a killstreak, a weapon, a Gulag token, and cash.

Signals Intelligence

This contract directs your team to hack nearby contracts for rewards. The nearest contract will be marked for hacking, although you can hack any contract. The number of contracts required depends on team size: solos and duos hack one, while trios and quads hack two. Hacking all required contracts completes the mission, rewarding your team with XP and ten periodic cash payments. Letting time run out or losing your team results in failure.

Spy Drone

This contract spawns multiple drones in a circle formation near your team. The number of drones varies with team size—solos face five, duos six, trios seven, and quads eight. Destroy all drones to complete the contract and earn cash, XP, a UAV, and redeploy drone beacon from the last drone. Failure results if time expires or your team is wiped out.

Elite Contracts

These are tougher versions of existing contracts, offering higher rewards. Elite Contracts reduce the contract time by 45% and reward an additional 1,500 cash on completion. Completing an Elite Contract also drops a reward crate with items, including an ammo pile, armor plate, ultra-rare weapon, and one of several rare items such as a UAV, redeploy drone beacon, deployable kiosk, or, with low probability, a Specialist or Foresight. Note that Most Wanted contracts cannot become Elite, although other contracts might turn Elite as the match progresses.

Contract Adjustments

  • Bounty
    • Completing the contract now includes finishing downed targets you didn’t down yourself.
    • Bounty contracts should no longer start without a valid target.
    • “Poached” end state now counts as a contract failure for challenge tracking.
  • Most Wanted
    • Removed the redeploy token from the Most Wanted reward crate in solos.
  • Scavenger
    • The primary reward in Battle Royale and Resurgence is now an armor plate carrier.

PUBLIC EVENTS

Battle Royale & Resurgence

  • Firesale
    • All items in the buy station are discounted at 50% for a limited time.
  • Restock
    • All Supply Boxes close and are refilled with items.
  • Jailbreak
    • All operators in gulag and eliminated operators are redeployed at the end of a timer.
  • Fly Buy
    • A series of drones drop a number of deployable buy stations across the warzone.
  • Recon Flyover
    • Avoid the detection of overhead drones to prevent your location from being broadcast.
  • Squad Loadout Drop
    • Loadout drops that are only accessible by their assigned team.

Battle Royale

  • Contested Loadout Drop
    • Limited number of loadout drops that are accessible by any team.
  • Cash Drop
    • A number of crates are dropped across the field that, when captured, drop a bounty of cash.
  • Contractor
    • All contracts pay out more when completed within a timer.
  • Rogue Signal
    • All teams compete on a random task — the top teams get access to a reward with exclusive loot.

Resurgence

  • Bounty Royale
    • All teams are automatically assigned a Bounty contract.
  • High Stakes
    • A number of crates are dropped across the warzone that, when captured, double the XP earn in the current match for the team while also drop high tier loot.

Plunder

  • Blood Money
    • For the duration of the event, operators that are eliminated drop significantly more money.
  • Attack Choppers
    • Once the match enters overtime, attack choppers enter the warzone. Take them down for a large payout.

Gulag

  • Locked & Loaded
    • Start the match with full armor and upgraded guns.
  • Go Again
    • Get another chance at gulag if you lose your fight.
  • Cash Drop
    • The ground loot is replaced with all cash.
  • Climb & Punishment
    • Ladder’s drop in the center of the Gulag. Choose to leave together or perhaps betrayal?

OPERATORS

New Operators

Warzone is now home to all of the operators that were introduced with the launch of Black Ops 6 in addition to a few newcomers introduced in Season 01.

  • Goliath
    • Solidify your fiery combat mastery as the molten man of fire himself, Goliath! All biographical information for this Operator has been redacted.
    • Acquirable via BlackCell Bundle
  • Sevati “Sev” Dumas
    • A main player in the Rogue Team after the conclusion of the Campaign, Sev is ready to make a deal with the untrustworthy French Syndicate and is gearing up to take down the rival Luttazzi family to prove it.
    • Acquirable via BlackCell Bundle
  • The Replacer
    • There’s no substitute for greatness. The Replacer has concluded his whirlwind Black Ops 6 takeover tour and has freed up some time to appear in-game, available as a Store Bundle shortly after Launch.
    • Acquirable via Store Bundle
  • Competitor CDL Home and Away Operators
    • Two new Operators arrive just in time for the 2025 Call of Duty League® season.
    • Acquirable via CDL Store Bundle

VEHICLES

All new vehicle physics tech leveraged from the Treyarch engine and Infinity Ward engine. Our goal is to bring more fun to driving with enhanced maneuverability and natural physics that is easy to use but can also be mastered. Towards this goal, we have removed flat tires, vehicle repairing and fuel.

In addition to the aforementioned changes, we’ve included a number of additional improvements listed below:

  • Updated models
  • Improved Natural Physics
  • Improved Camera
  • Procedural Character Leaning
  • Improved VFX – Vehicle lights, exhaust
  • Dynamic vehicle death and explosion reactions
  • New helicopter simulation and audio
  • Support for Aim-Based controls

FIRING RANGE

  • Damage SummaryQuality of Life
    • The Firing Range now provides the total amount of damage done with the currently equipped gun.
  • Default Armor PlatesQuality of Life
    • The firing range will default to 3 armor plates per target dummy.
  • Default HealthQuality of Life
    • The firing range will default to 150 health per target dummy.
  • Default PerksQuality of Life
    • The firing range will now default to Warzone perk settings.
  • Reset Speed
    • The target dummies will now “respawn” or reset to their active position faster than before.
    • Removed the delay that prevented target dummies from receiving damage as soon as they reset.
  • Hit LocationsQuality of Life
    • Target dummies will now have the same hit location modifiers as actual players to more accurately reflect damage dealt to opponents in a match.
  • Movable Target DummyQuality of Life
    • A new target dummy is now available that can be moved to various damage ranges based on the currently equipped weapon.
    • The moveable dummy cycles between damage ranges as soon as it’s eliminated.
  • Target Collision
    • Target dummy collision has been improved so that bullets register more precisely.
  • Line-of-SightQuality of Life
    • Removed vertical walls that previously broke aim assist when testing weapon strafing.

EMOTES & SPRAYS

Adding to the personalization of your Operators are the return of Emotes and Sprays (iconography you primarily daub on walls, either to tag them or to tactically flag a location for your teammates). Emotes are accessible anywhere you have control over your character.

EXFIL

  • Winner’s Circle
    • The winning squad in a match receives their own Winners’ Circle showcase, with some of their statistical competence on display for all to see. This is also a location where you can celebrate your prowess more individually by employing a favorite Emote, too!
  • End-of-Game Flow
    • The exfil sequence duration has been reduced with a larger focus on the winning squad.
    • Players can now swap between their own squad and the winning squad showing off accolades & player stats.
    • There is a new progression overview screen, focused on player choice experience.

UI/UX

The upcoming Season 01 update for Call of Duty: Warzone introduces a revamped, fully integrated user interface. The primary game tiles on the Home tab will feature Black Ops 6 and Warzone, allowing for instant access to gameplay. The Store and Battle Pass tabs will direct players to their respective sections in either Black Ops 6 or Warzone, depending on what is installed. Warzone will also get its own unique UI with enhancements similar to Black Ops 6.

  • Customize Menu
    • The customize menu now includes a legacy tab to equip your unlocked MWII and MWIII Calling Cards, Emblems, and Loading Screens.
  • Legacy Content Filtering
    • Similarly, brand new quick filtering for Black Ops 6 and other legacy titles helps filter content organized by game in the gunsmith, operator select, and barracks.
  • Tac Map Icon Layout
    • Cleaner Interface: We’ve streamlined the interface by hiding the icon prompts on the right side of the screen.
    • Reorganized Contracts: Contracts have been moved to the left side of the map for easier access and a more intuitive layout.
  • Minimap TypeQuality of Life
    • Added the ability to change minimap type and compass type without impacting your Multiplayer settings.
  • Munitions Satchel Ammo CountQuality of Life
    • Added an icon next to your ammo count when a munitions satchel is equipped to indicate if your weapon has room to carry more ammo.
  • Classic Squad Widget
    • We brought back many elements from Warzone’s original release including equipment icons, the shape of armor plate icons and more.
  • Loot Cards
    • Loot cards have been updated with overall layout treatment for improved visuals.
  • Squad Wipe Kill Feed
    • The messaging that appears in the kill feed when a squad is wiped has been updated as follows:
      • Battle Royale: the message will now display “Sent to Gulag” if the defeated team has one or more members going to the Gulag.
      • Plunder: the message has now been reworded to “Squad Repositioning”.
  • Kill Feed Calling Cards
    • Eliminating an enemy player now displays their calling card in the bottom center of the UI.
  • Aim Assist Settings
    • Numerous aim assist settings have been changed including but not limited to the addition of:
      • Minimum aim assist distance
      • Max turn clamp speed
  • Loot Ping Distance
    • Loot can no longer be pinged from more than 40 meters away for improved legibility during combat.
  • Live Ping VisibilityQuality of Life
    • Live Pings and Danger Pings have received position and scaling adjustments to prevent blocking or covering enemies upper bodies.
  • In-Game Splash FrequencyQuality of Life
    • We have reduced the overall clutter of in-game splashes by reducing frequency and associated noise.
  • Weapon Attachment HUDQuality of Life
    • The weapon attachments show on the HUD with a blue color for better visibility and clarity on which part of the weapon has an attachment attached.
  • Playlist Navigation
    • The menu for playlists have been improved – it now includes a vertical list with sub menus for each squad size and a map preview window for a complimentary view of maps offered for each game mode.
  • Buy Station Redeploy PingQuality of Life
    • An eliminated Player who pings a Buy Station for a Redeploy, will show a unique Redeploy icon on the Buy Station to better inform their Squad of the buy-back request.

AUDIO

  • Enhanced Headphone Mode
    • We’re excited to introduce our best-in-class audio experience to Warzone with the introduction of HRTF (Head-Related Transfer Function) via Universal Profile in Enhanced Headphone Mode, which is available to all players for free.
  • Armor Plate Break Audio
    • New audio has been added to indicate that armor plates have been destroyed.
  • Proximity Chat
    • Proximity chat radius has been reduced from 55 meters to 45.
  • Stacking Hit Markers & Sound EffectsQuality of Life
    • Enables displaying both a wall bang, hitting a player in water and pairing of new audio per marker.
  • Bounty Contract Sound CuesQuality of Life
      • Added sound cues for when the bounty threat level increases or decreases.

Previously, a major Modern Warfare 3 patch 1.35 added new weapons, map changes and quality of life improvements. Unfortunately, players are still experiencing several issues. Today’s Call of Duty version 1.61 will address a few of these issues.

Download free COD patch 1.61 on PS4, PC, and Xbox One.

Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson mainly writes about game-related news and updates. He is a passionate gamer, music lover, and traveler.
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