Warzone Season 3 patch notes are here, and it’s one of the biggest updates the game has seen in a while. The new season brings big map rotation alongside between Verdansk and Avalon, Grappling Hooks and Wall Jump expanding into core playlists, a revamped Iron Gauntlet, four new weapons, and sweeping balance changes across weapons, perks, equipment, and economy.
The Season 2 Reloaded update delivered Black Ops Royale, the Voyak KT-3, new perks, and a heavy round of weapon tuning. Season 3 builds on that with one of the most anticipated Warzone updates in recent memory.
Here are the full Warzone Season 3 patch notes.
Warzone Season 3 start date & time
The Warzone Season 3 update goes live on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
Warzone Season 3 patch notes
Global Events
The Lost Outpost Event
Collect Beacons dropped by eliminated Operators to progress through milestone rewards. The event runs across all modes.
Rewards include:
- Strider 300 Sniper Rifle (new weapon)
- “Southpaw” Samuels Operator Skin
- Weapon Camos
- Legendary “Vandal” Akita Shotgun Weapon Blueprint
- Emblem
- Calling Card
- Weapon Charm
- Loading Screen
- Double XP Tokens and additional rewards
General
File Management UI
The “Manage Files” screen on console has been streamlined to display a single tab per game, listing all installed content in one place for easier navigation and a clearer overview of installed packages.
Motion Sickness Reduction Preset
The “Motion Reduction Preset” has been renamed to better reflect its purpose. The updated preset now includes a Dot Grid overlay (Standard, 60% opacity, Regular), a setting shown to help reduce motion sickness symptoms for some players. Additional related settings can be adjusted for further customization.
Maps
New: Battle Royale Map Rotation (In-Season)
Big Map rotation is being introduced during Season 3, featuring both Avalon and Verdansk. Maps will rotate on a 10-minute timer, matching the existing Resurgence map rotation playlist.
New: Gulag (In-Season)
New Gulag features and layouts have been introduced to deliver a refreshed respawn experience with improved readability. Automatic doors now open based on player proximity and weapon damage, and select openings now feature non-breakable security glass to improve tactical visibility.
The following three variants are included:
- Server — A lane-centric layout set within a high-security GUILD server room
- Cryo — An asymmetrical layout featuring mirrored side lanes flanking a central Cryo workspace
- Meeting — A cat-and-mouse arena centered around a modern meeting room
New: Launch Pad Point-of-Interest (Verdansk)
The Launch Pad serves as the origin point for missile-based events that can target locations across Verdansk. Located just south of Promenade along the shoreline, the facility is composed of multiple key structures: the Control Tower, Hangar, Gantry, Depot, and Vats.
Adjusted: Terrain & Water Traversal (Avalon)
New landmasses, sandbar crossings, ziplines, and boats have been added to improve traversal options across coastal areas and increase route variety.
Adjusted: Stadium — Activate Bay Gates (Verdansk)
The number of required breakers has been reduced from 10 to 5, simplifying the completion path for this Easter Egg to improve accessibility and reduce friction during match flow.
Modes
New: Launch Squad Limited-Time Mode
Players drop into a high-stakes battle at a rocket launch facility as incoming nukes threaten the map. Squads must collect launch codes through eliminations and special events in order to initiate the launch sequence. Activating the launch sequence begins a global countdown and marks the initiating player for all squads on the map. Additional launch codes can be collected to accelerate the countdown timer and secure victory more quickly. If the activating player is eliminated, the launch sequence is canceled and must be restarted. Players must successfully complete the launch before the countdown expires or risk total elimination.
Returning: Iron Gauntlet [Beta] (In-Season)
Iron Gauntlet returns with significant updates based on player feedback:
- Now supports Trios and has moved to Avalon, maintaining a 150-player experience
- Base health increased from 300 to 350 to better align time-to-kill with player feedback
- Grappling Hook availability significantly increased, allowing for more frequent traversal opportunities
- Match economy heavily reduced, lowering overall cash availability and contract rewards to create more meaningful decision-making
- Loot and gameplay restrictions updated to better align with the Ranked Play ruleset and competitive environment
- Leaderboards integrated using a WSOW-style scoring system to support competitive play
- Rewards now based on placement within leaderboard brackets rather than match-by-match outcomes
Achievement Rewards
Win Streaks
Black Ops Royale now has a dedicated Win Streak track. Win Streak rewards have been updated for Season 3. Prior Season 2 rewards are no longer obtainable.
Black Ops Royale
- 10 Consecutive Wins — Blossom Anew Static Camo
- 25 Consecutive Wins — Sakura Animated Camo
Battle Royale
- 10 Consecutive Wins — Superstructure Static Camo
- 25 Consecutive Wins — Cosmic Web Animated Camo
Resurgence
- 30 Consecutive Wins — Stardust Static Camo
- 50 Consecutive Wins — Astronomic Animated Camo
Private Match
Season 3 introduces improvements to Private Match that enhance lobby control, post-match flow, and clarity for competitive and community play.
- Persistent Lobbies — Private match lobbies will no longer automatically disband after a match ends. Players can remain in the same lobby to queue into subsequent matches together.
- Match Code Visibility — Hosts can toggle the visibility of the private match join code at any time. Codes are hidden by default when a lobby is created.
- Squad Name Editing — Players can update their squad name during private matches. Updated names are reflected across the entire lobby for all participants.
- Gamertag Obscuring — Hosts can enable a setting that anonymizes player identities across the lobby. Randomized aliases will appear in both the killcam and kill feed.
- End-of-Match Scoreboard — The scoreboard has been expanded to include more detailed stat tracking. A per-squad breakdown view allows players to inspect individual performance across teams.
Ranked Play
New: Map Rotation
Haven’s Hollow and Rebirth Island now rotate evenly, with each map having an equal chance of being selected per match.
Adjusted: Restrictions
The following items have been restricted in Ranked Play:
- Akimbo Attachment
- Nembus Sticky Launcher
- Vulture Underbarrel Attachment
- Explosive Crossbow Attachment
- Bunker Buster Killstreak
- Deadeye Drone Killstreak
- Flashpoint Public Event
- Classified Weapon Public Event
Movement
New: Grappling Hook & Wall Jump
Grappling Hooks and Wall Jump are now available in Battle Royale and Resurgence. Following strong player reception in limited-time modes, these mechanics have been expanded into core playlists to offer additional traversal options and improve skill expression. Wall Jump remains disabled in the Gulag.
Adjusted: Wingsuit Keyboard & Mouse Controls
Wingsuit controls on keyboard and mouse have been updated to better match controller behavior. Forward input now allows for smoother lift and sustained glide rather than immediate velocity loss, enabling more consistent traversal.
Adjusted: Wingsuit Close Surface Behavior
When attempting to deploy a wingsuit too close to a surface, the parachute will now deploy instead. The on-screen prompt will update to “Deploy Parachute” to reflect this change.
Loot & Economy
Black Ops Royale
Exotic Weapons
New exotic weapons will begin appearing in-season and will continue to expand in future updates. Future iterations aim to be more impactful and rewarding as high-value chase items.
Ground Loot Weapons
- The Swordfish A1 has been added with Scout and Widow builds
- The MXR-17 has been replaced with the Voyak KT-3 featuring Covert and Recon builds
- The M15 MOD 0 has been replaced with the MK35 ISR with Covert and Recon builds
- The Kogot-7 has been replaced with the VST with Burner and Stalker builds
Weapon Builds
Mantis Submachine Gun builds now use the FANG HoverPoint ELO optic in place of the 2x optic.
Battle Royale & Resurgence
Loot Pool Changes
The following items have been removed from the loot pool:
- Concussion Grenade
- Thermite
- Recon Drone
- Care Package
The following items have been added:
- Grappling Hook
- Molotov
- Deployable Buy Station
- RC-XD
Weapon Spawn Rates
- Light Machine Gun spawn rates reduced by 7%
- Assault Rifle, Submachine Gun, and Sniper spawn rates each increased by 2%
- Shotgun spawn rates increased by 1%
Weapon Pool
The Shadow SK has been replaced by the VS Recon.
Buy Station
- Smoke Bombardment added for $4,000
- Grappling Hook added for $500
High Value Loot Zones
Verdansk: Launch Pad, Stadium, Quarry
Avalon: High Value Loot Zones are now randomized each match. One POI from each of the following pools is selected per match:
- Trinity Stadium, Fort, or Casino
- Car Factory, Heliport, or Old Arsenal
- Winery, Colosseum, or Resorts
Death Tax
| Keep | Dropped on Death | Tax | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battle Royale | 50% | 40% | 10% |
| Resurgence | 50% | 30% | 20% |
Previously, players would keep 50% and drop 50% of their Cash across both modes.
Contract Multiplier
- Each contract completion now grants 20%, reduced from 30%
- The maximum bonus has been reduced from 150% to 100%
Public Events
New: Flashpoint (Battle Royale)
A missile will launch from the Launchpad POI toward a random location within the safe zone. A countdown begins before impact, allowing players time to reposition. The strike eliminates all players within the target area, and a temporary gas cloud forms after impact preventing access for a limited time.
New: Classified Weapon (Battle Royale)
A single crate containing a powerful weapon will spawn once per match. The weapon grants Specialist and a persistent UAV effect while equipped. The holder’s position is revealed globally, with visibility increasing as eliminations are earned. The Classified Weapon public event is designed to create a high-impact opportunity that encourages engagements while maintaining counterplay through constant vulnerability.
Equipment
EMP Grenade (In-Season)
The EMP Grenade, which was originally announced for Season 3 launch, has been delayed and will be introduced later in the season.
New: Counters
Concussion and Flashbang grenades now temporarily disable a wide range of placed equipment, including mines, drones, and deployables. Items affected include:
- C4
- Point Turret
- Needle Drone
- Decoy Grenade
- Shock Charge
- Proximity Mine
- Claymore
- Echo Unit
Perks
Berserker
Subtle visual and audio feedback has been added when the perk is active.
Momentum
- Jump ADS speed reduced by 30%
- Slide ADS speed reduced by 30%
Hunter
Activating a UAV now reveals enemy heading direction to squadmates.
New Weapons
MK35 ISR Assault Rifle
A full-auto assault rifle with low recoil, offering strong accuracy and reliable handling in mid-range engagements.
- Unlock: Battle Pass HVT Pages 3 and 12
- Prestige Attachment: 19″ MFS Nightfall Suppressed Barrel — features an integrated suppressor that removes firing signature from the minimap; improves damage range and hipfire spread
VST Submachine Gun
A lightweight submachine gun designed for high mobility and flexible caliber configurations.
- Unlock: Battle Pass HVT Pages 6 and 15
- Prestige Attachment: MFS 5.56 MINSAS Conversion — converts the weapon to 5.56x30mm ammunition for improved damage and range; improves recoil control while reducing fire rate, mobility, and handling
Strider 300 Sniper Rifle (In-Season)
A bolt-action sniper rifle with fast handling and one-shot headshot potential within a defined range.
- Unlock: The Lost Outpost Event
- Prestige Attachment: MFS Ballast Guard Stabilizer — significantly reduces idle sway and improves aiming stability; removes the ability to hold breath; reduces handling and flinch resistance
1911 Pistol (In-Season)
A semi-automatic pistol with manageable recoil and moderate magazine capacity.
- Unlock: Weekly Challenges
- Prestige Attachment: MFS Overdrive Auto-Brake — converts the weapon to full-auto with a significantly increased fire rate; reduces hipfire accuracy
New Attachments
VAS Convergence Foregrip
An underbarrel foregrip that improves recoil stabilization and bullet deviation for a more predictable firing pattern. Unlockable via Battle Pass Page 7.
Shadow SK 12-Gauge Masterkey (In-Season)
A semi-automatic underbarrel shotgun attachment designed for close-range engagements. Improves recoil control and flinch resistance while reducing overall weapon handling. Unlockable via Weekly Challenges.
X9 Maverick Javelin Assembly (In-Season)
Launches a high-speed projectile capable of piercing enemies. Unlockable via Weekly Challenges.
Weapon Adjustments
Assault Rifles
DS20 Mirage
| Damage Range | Pre-Patch Damage | Pre-Patch Range | Post-Patch Damage | Post-Patch Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum | 38 | 0 – 30m | 38 | 0 – 36m ↑ |
| Medium | 30 | 30 – 55m | 30 | 36 – 60m ↑ |
| Minimum | 27 | >55m | 27 | >60m ↑ |
Additional Adjustments (All Modes):
- Arm and Hand multipliers increased from 1x to 1.2x
- Aim Down Sight speed improved from 240ms to 230ms
Attachment Adjustments (BR/RES):
- Griffon Reserve Extended II: Reload Speed improved by 10%
- 18.9″ Westerlies Barrel: Mid 1 Damage Range benefit improved from 35% to 40%
M15 MOD 0
View Kick and Gun Kick strength and deviation increased by approximately 5%.
MXR-17
| Damage Range | Pre-Patch Damage | Pre-Patch Range | Post-Patch Damage | Post-Patch Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum | 48 | 0 – 35m | 48 | 0 – 40m ↑ |
| Medium | 41 | 35 – 52m | 42 ↑ | 40 – 55m ↑ |
| Minimum | 38 | >52m | 38 | >55m ↑ |
Additional Adjustments:
- Lower Arm and Hand multipliers increased from 1x to 1.07x
- Aim Down Sight speed improved from 245ms to 235ms
Attachment Adjustments:
- Rhodes Drum Mag: Reload Speed improved by 10%
- MXR-17 ANVL Conversion: Final (slowest) Fire Rate improved from 333 RPM to 400 RPM; number of bullets to reach final Fire Rate increased from 18 to 22; time for Fire Rate to fully reset improved from 370ms to 240ms
Voyak KT-3
| Damage Range | Pre-Patch Damage | Pre-Patch Range | Post-Patch Damage | Post-Patch Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum | 40 | 0 – 40m | 38 ↓ | 0 – 40m |
| Medium | 34 | 40 – 55m | 34 | 40 – 55m |
| Minimum | 30 | >55m | 30 | >55m |
Additional Adjustments (All Modes):
- Bullet Velocity reduced from 915m/s to 890m/s
- Horizontal Recoil increased by 8%
Attachment Adjustments (BR/RES):
- 17.6″ LTI Grav-4 Barrel: Recoil Control benefit reduced from 20% to 15%
- V-Last Control Pad: Recoil Control benefit reduced from 30% to 20%
- Contorso Pad: Recoil Control benefit reduced from 25% to 15%
X9 Maverick
Additional Adjustments (All Modes):
- Aim Down Sight speed improved from 245ms to 235ms
Attachment Adjustments (BR/RES):
- 14.9″ Tourville Sprint Barrel: Mid 1 Damage Range benefit improved from 35% to 40%
- Monolithic Suppressor: Bullet Velocity benefit improved from 20% to 25%; Damage Range benefit improved from 12% to 18%
- Bolt Carrier: Now also improves Burst Fire Cooldown by 6%; Recoil penalties increased
Submachine Guns
Carbon 57
Attachment Adjustments:
- Hammer Platoon Pad: Aim Down Sight movement speed benefit improved from 19% to 25%
- Oberon Tactical Pad: Aim Down Sight speed benefit improved from 12% to 18%
- 8.5″ VAS Radiant Barrel: Aim Down Sight speed benefit improved from 14% to 20%
- 8.6″ Orbital Light Barrel: Aim Down Sight speed benefit improved from 14% to 22%
Dravec 57
Horizontal recoil increased by approximately 5% (BR/RES).
Kogot-7
Attachment Adjustments:
- Cinder Stock: Aim Down Sight speed benefit improved from 11% to 18%
- EMT3 Radix Stock: Aim Down Sight speed penalty reduced from 19% to 6%; Aim Down Sight movement speed penalty reduced from 12% to 5%
- Malaise-64 Stock: Aim Down Sight speed penalty reduced from 13% to 5%
- 11.7″ Cinerous Barrel: Aim Down Sight speed benefit improved from 10% to 16%; Aim Down Sight movement speed penalty reduced from 6% to 4%
- Balter Control Grip: Vertical and Horizontal Recoil Control benefit reduced from 8% to 6%; First Shot Recoil Control benefit reduced from 60% to 55%
- 3mW Motion Laser: Recoil Stabilization reduced by approximately 5%
- EAM Steady-90 Grip: Horizontal Recoil Control benefit reduced from 20% to 15%
- VAS Drift Lock Foregrip: Horizontal Recoil Control benefit reduced from 30% to 24%
- Vitalize Handstop: Horizontal Recoil Control benefit reduced from 20% to 17%
Razor 9mm
| Damage Range | Pre-Patch Damage | Pre-Patch Range | Post-Patch Damage | Post-Patch Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum | 31 | 0 – 13m | 31 | 0 – 12.2m ↓ |
| Medium | 27 | 13 – 21m | 25 ↓ | 12.2 – 21m ↓ |
| Minimum | 20 | >21m | 20 | >21m |
Additional Adjustments (All Modes):
- Slide to Fire time improved from 360ms to 350ms
- Dive to Fire time improved from 440ms to 430ms
Attachment Adjustments (BR/RES):
- Wildfire: Now reduces Hip Spread while sprinting by 15%
RK-9
Additional Adjustments (All Modes):
- Slide to Fire time improved from 320ms to 310ms
- Dive to Fire time improved from 400ms to 390ms
Attachment Adjustments (BR/RES):
- Enhanced Cycle System: Damage Range penalty reduced from 20% to 10%; Vertical Recoil penalty reduced from 20% to 10%; Horizontal Recoil penalty reduced from 25% to 12%
Ryden 45K
Additional Adjustments (All Modes):
- Headshot multiplier decreased from 1.18x to 1.14x
- Upper Torso multiplier decreased from 0.95x to 0.92x
- Lower Torso multiplier decreased from 0.95x to 0.88x
- Slide to Fire time improved from 340ms to 330ms
- Dive to Fire time improved from 420ms to 410ms
Additional Adjustments (BR/RES):
- Horizontal Recoil increased by 8%
Shotguns
Echo 12
Attachment Adjustments:
- Echo 12 Backlash: Detonation delay after bounce reduced from 200ms to 150ms
Light Machine Guns
Handling and mobility have been improved across all BO7 LMGs to help them better compete with other weapon classes and feel less restrictive.
MK.78
Additional Adjustments (All Modes):
- Sprinting Speed increased from 6.8m/s to 7m/s
- Firing ADS movement speed penalty reduced from 30% to 25%
Additional Adjustments (BR/RES):
- Reload Speed improved by 12%
Sokol 545
Additional Adjustments (All Modes):
- Sprinting Speed increased from 6.8m/s to 7m/s
- Firing ADS movement speed penalty reduced from 20% to 17.5%
Additional Adjustments (BR/RES):
- Reload Speed improved by 12%
Marksman Rifles
M34 Novaline
Attachment Adjustments:
- Fire Rate within the burst improved from 600 RPM to 750 RPM
M8A1
Attachment Adjustments:
- Bolt Carrier: Now improves Burst Fire Delay by 6%
Swordfish A1
Additional Adjustments (All Modes):
- Sprint to Fire time increased from 230ms to 240ms
- Tac Sprint to Fire time increased from 360ms to 270ms
- Slide to Fire time increased from 430ms to 440ms
- Dive to Fire time increased from 510ms to 520ms
Attachment Adjustments (BR/RES):
- Adept Skiff Stock: Movement Speed improvement slightly reduced; Crouch Movement Speed improvement reduced; Sprinting Movement Speed improvement slightly reduced
- Modus-R Underbarrel: Sprinting Movement Speed improvement slightly reduced
Launchers
A.R.C. M1
Attachment Adjustments:
- Assault Frame: Aim Down Sight movement speed benefit increased from 50 to 70; Charge Time reduced from 0.5s to 0.45s
Gulag Weapons
- Sturmwolf 45 replaces the Dravec 45
- VST replaces the Kogot-7
Default Loadout Adjustments
Enforcer
- MK35 ISR replaces the Voyak KT-3
- VST replaces the REV-46
Infiltrator
- Voyak KT-3 replaces the Maddox RFB
Bug Fixes
Gameplay
- Fixed an issue where the final squad in a Casual playlist was unable to win because a bot was not properly removed from the match
- Fixed an issue where the match would not end after the final player was eliminated
- Fixed an issue that caused the Berserker Perk reload speed bonus to not apply correctly
- Fixed an issue where players could receive placement credit without meeting requirements
- Fixed an issue where players could remain outside the combat area without dying on Haven’s Hollow
- Fixed an issue where players could become stuck when sliding into specific geometry on Rebirth Island
- Fixed an issue where the JOKR launcher missile would disappear before impact, causing inconsistent visuals and damage feedback
- Fixed an issue where players could move Loadout Drop crates using a Breacher Drone
- Fixed an issue where players could spawn as an unintended character (Rhino) instead of their selected Operator
- Fixed an issue where the spectator camera could move underneath the map after elimination
Weapons
- Fixed an issue where weapon attachments would not apply in-game after prestiging a weapon
- Fixed an issue where a restricted Conversion Kit attachment could be removed while its associated magazine remained equipped, causing visual and gameplay inconsistencies
- Fixed an issue where weapon loot cards could display incorrect icons (e.g., fists instead of the weapon type)
Contracts & Progression
- Fixed an issue where Scavenger Contracts did not reward an Armor Satchel upon completion in Resurgence matches
- Fixed an issue where Scavenger Contract crates could spawn in unreachable locations, preventing completion
- Fixed an issue where the ‘Thermal Breach’ camo challenge did not properly track completion requirements
- Fixed an issue where Progress Hub Easter Egg rewards were not granted despite checklist completion
UI / UX
- Fixed an issue where the After Action Report (AAR) could display 0 XP earned incorrectly
- Fixed an issue where players could be kicked from the Loadout menu when rapidly switching weapon categories
- Fixed an issue where the map information widget displayed blank or overlapping elements when hovering certain playlists
- Fixed an issue where exotic weapon splash notifications were missing proper UI icons
- Fixed an issue where weapon upgrade path UI did not display correctly when inspecting certain weapons
- Fixed an issue where the Last Stand UI displayed incorrect health values in Black Ops Royale
- Fixed an issue where a Trauma Kit incorrectly displayed as already equipped
- Fixed an issue where the enemy UAV minimap border appeared with lower-than-intended opacity
Audio
- Fixed an issue where pickup audio would repeatedly play during Resurgence infil
- Fixed an issue where the Smoke Screen killstreak VO could be heard at unintended distances across the map
- Fixed an issue where contract audio could play during the exfil cutscene
Maps & Environment
- Fixed an issue where Easter Egg bunker monitors appeared blank on Rebirth Island
- Fixed an issue where map geometry allowed players to access unintended areas or become stuck
End-of-Match / Flow
- Fixed an issue where the Winner’s Circle could display a black screen or fail to show Operators after a match
- Fixed an issue where the Final Killcam did not display correctly when the final elimination involved a vehicle
If you’re looking for the Black Ops 7 & Zombies patch notes, they’re here.