Warzone Season 1 Patch Notes: Major SBMM & Aim Assist Changes
▼ Summary
– Warzone Season 1 launches on December 4 with a major update integrating Black Ops 7, including overhauls to movement, perks, loadouts, and matchmaking.
– A new anti-cheat system is introduced, requiring TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot on PC and offering email verification rewards for enhanced security.
– A brand-new Resurgence map called Haven’s Hollow is added, featuring a small-town Appalachia setting with redesigned locations and classic, fast-paced gameplay.
– Significant gameplay changes include the removal of Tactical Sprint as a default ability, the introduction of Combat Roll via a perk, and new limited-time modes each weekend.
– The update revises equipment and loot, adding new tactical items like the Phantom Signal and rotating seasonal loot while removing older weapons and random attachments.
The launch of Warzone Season 1 brings a massive integration with Black Ops 7, delivering a transformative update that reshapes the entire experience. This new season introduces a brand-new Resurgence map, major gameplay adjustments, and significant changes to Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) and Aim Assist. Players can expect a refined sandbox with overhauled movement, perks, equipment, and a refreshed Verdansk, all designed to create a more balanced and dynamic battle royale.
Season 1 goes live on Thursday, December 4, at 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET / 5 PM GMT. The update is available for preload now, so players should check for a substantial download via the Call of Duty app. The comprehensive patch notes detail everything from anti-cheat enhancements to new weapons and map rotations.
A critical focus for this season is strengthening fair play. The Ricochet Anti-Cheat system is receiving upgraded protections and stronger detection tools for both Black Ops 7 and Warzone. This includes improved methods to catch unfair progression boosting. Notably, TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are now mandatory requirements to play Warzone starting with Season 01. Players who verify their email for added account security will unlock exclusive rewards, including the “Veiled Aurora” Universal Weapon Camo and several double XP tokens.
The new Haven’s Hollow map offers a fresh Resurgence experience set in an Appalachian-inspired landscape. It features vibrant lighting, strong visibility, and a pacing slightly larger than Rebirth Island while maintaining high-intensity action. Key locations include Coal Depot, Lumbermill, Main Street, and a reimagined Mansion, all designed for tight, grounded combat with limited vehicles.
Verdansk receives notable changes with the introduction of Signal Station, a new landmark near the Military Base where players can complete a side quest to earn a portable Tactical Heat Map. The Factory also returns near Superstore as a remastered version of the fan-favorite Verdansk ’84 location, now with added environmental dangers.
A major shift comes to matchmaking with the introduction of Open Matchmaking for all non-Casual modes, where skill is minimally considered. This aims to provide a wider variety of gameplay experiences. The playlist for Week 1 features Battle Royale and Resurgence on both Verdansk and the new map rotation, alongside the returning Buyback Battle Royale Limited Time Mode.
Gameplay mechanics see substantial tuning. Aim Assist has been adjusted at short and long ranges with refined activation requirements to better balance engagements between controller and keyboard & mouse players. Core movement is altered with the removal of Tactical Sprint as a standard ability; it is now exclusively available through the Sprinter Perk, while base sprint speeds have been increased. The new Combat Roll is accessible via the Mountaineer Perk.
Loadouts have been streamlined. Wildcards are removed entirely, and Overkill is now available to all players by default. Weapons are limited to 5 attachment slots, and several equipment options are now only found as in-match loot. The loot pool itself is refreshed with seasonal rotations, introducing select Black Ops 7 weapons and static, hand-curated builds while removing most pre-BO7 weapons.
A vast array of new and adjusted equipment enters the fray. New lethals include the Needle Drone and Point Turret, while new tacticals feature the Phantom Signal, Pinpoint Grenade, and Psych Grenade. The Stim Shot now instantly clears flash and concussion effects, and Smoke Grenades can extinguish Molotov flames.
The perk system is expanded with lootable perks added to Battle Royale, creating dynamic power spikes. Perk categories have been reworked with new and adjusted options. Key changes include the new Adaptive perk in the yellow slot and adjustments to Ghost, Survivor, and Tracker.
Weapon attachment functionality has evolved to support more viable build paths. Suppressors now reduce visual recoil, and new Warzone-tuned barrel options like the Mid-range and Control barrels offer specialized benefits. For skilled close-quarters play, shotgun slugs from Black Ops 7 pump-actions can now secure a one-shot headshot within maximum damage range.
New features improve quality of life. Players can now share custom weapon builds using unique share codes. The new Warzone Armory allows players to unlock any weapon from current or past titles by completing specific challenges. Weekly Challenges offer a path to earn new rewards like the Ballistic Knife for Week 1, with progress carrying over throughout the season.
The update also brings visual improvements to the HUD, front-end menus, and loading screens, alongside a new reward feed and dedicated button to exit the Firing Range. The Polaris UTV and ATV return with updated Black Ops 7-themed visuals across all maps.
(Source: Dexerto)
