The initial release of Call of Duty: Warzone played a pivotal role in the recent triumph of the franchise as a whole. Even though its 2022 successor has taken over, the original version continues to attract a dedicated and steadfast playerbase.
However, it has come to light that the original Call of Duty: Warzone will soon be ceasing its server operations indefinitely. Undoubtedly, this news has deeply affected the game's community. Nevertheless, fans can find solace in exploring a lesser-known Call of Duty title that has the potential to carry on the legacy left by the first iteration of Warzone.
Call of Duty: Warzone's Shutdown
The original Call of Duty: Warzone will permanently shut down on September 21, following the announcement that the newer Warzone will no longer include the 2.0 in its title. The latest release is set to completely replace its predecessor.
Despite the success of 2022's Warzone in advancing the franchise and aligning with Modern Warfare 2, many fans have opted to stick with the original 2020 version. Whether due to a lack of interest in the new game or a preference for the mechanics and overall experience of the original, the discontinuation of Warzone's servers will leave numerous players without a platform to continue playing.
Call of Duty: Warzone and Blackout
Warzone's abrupt shutdown has left players surprised, especially considering that its latest reimagining, the Caldera map, was touted as a revolutionary update for the game in late 2021. The sudden discontinuation of Warzone leaves players stranded, uncertain about what to do with their progress and purchased in-game items. As they grapple with this unexpected turn of events and potentially feel slighted by being forced to transition to the newer title, there is a hidden gem within the Call of Duty IP that can fill the void.
Blackout, the battle royale mode introduced in 2018's Black Ops 4, marked the Call of Duty franchise's venture into this popular genre. With no traditional campaign, the multiplayer-focused title aimed to compensate by offering gamers one of the most ambitious game modes in the history of Call of Duty.
Many fans of the franchise have fond memories of Blackout, as it laid the foundation for what would later become Warzone. Following the battle royale genre framework, Blackout offers standard solo, duo, and quad playlists, accommodating up to 88 players. Similar to Warzone, Blackout boasts a single expansive map, featuring iconic locations inspired by Call of Duty: Black Ops.
Blackout shares the same movement and engine as Black Ops 4, deliberately designed for multiplayer gameplay. It provides a classic and fast-paced experience, in contrast to the sometimes criticized slow gameplay of the latest Warzone installment. Despite being five years old, Blackout continues to have a dedicated playerbase, much like the original Warzone. As the Warzone playerbase will be directed to a different title in September, returning to Blackout could serve as the perfect transitional game for players.
Call of Duty: Warzone is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.