Call of Duty Warzone 2 has received mixed feedback since its release. The loot and armor plate systems were particularly criticized. Now the developers have announced a reversal – Warzone 2 is set to return more to its predecessor.
What was criticized? Already at the announcement during the CoD: Next Event last September, many of the invited content creators expressed doubts about the systems of CoD: Warzone 2. They particularly criticized three changes compared to the old Warzone.
- Loot – With Warzone 2, the loot system in the battle royale was overhauled. Except for supply crates, loot no longer appears on the ground. Players must search backpacks and bags to get their hands on the best items. All of this takes time and slows down the gameplay.
- Armor plates – In Verdansk or Caldera, players started with 3 armor plates by default. In the new Warzone, however, players only start with 2 plates in the battle. With a bit of luck, you can find a vest that allows you to equip 3 armor plates. If you don’t find a vest, you’re at a disadvantage.
- Gulag – In Warzone 2, the developers changed the Gulag from a 1 vs. 1 match to a 2 vs. 2 match. They hoped this would create more dynamism in the battles. At the same time, this mode should familiarize players with proximity chat.
Even months after the release of Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone 2, criticism from the community persists. Apparently, this is also reflected in the numbers: Warzone 2 has already lost many players, and some streamers are turning away.
With Season 2, the developers also want to tweak the weapon balance. If you want to level a new weapon now, we have 3 tips for you:
Developers respond to criticism, promise many changes
What have the developers announced? In a post on the CoD community blog, the developers discuss all the changes they plan for Season 2. In addition to technical updates and bug fixes, there will also be numerous gameplay changes. It remains to be seen how exactly they will implement these changes; however, a clear trend is already apparent: Warzone 2 is set to become more like Warzone 1 again.
Backpacks are being removed, and loot should behave again as it did in Warzone 1. Bags and eliminated players will drop their loot on the ground. Players should spend less time organizing their inventory.
The changes aim to speed up the gameplay. Furthermore, it should prevent players from hoarding multiple field equipment and revives.
The Gulag is returning to the familiar 1 vs. 1 mode. While some players cheer this change, others are disappointed. The 2 vs. 2 mode could indeed be frustrating, but it also created unique moments. It is certain that Warzone 2 loses a unique feature with this change.
The same applies to the armor plates. In Season 2, every player starts with a 3-plate vest by default. You will no longer have to search for an upgrade. This makes battles fairer. However, it also loses another tactical element.
Have the developers mentioned any other changes? Yes! The developers are also discussing changes to the weapon balance. With the new season, there will be new meta weapons as well. The same goes for perks; you will be able to choose them freely in the future. The current strongest perk will be toned down.
The developers are also planning changes to movement, buy stations, and loadouts. The changes aim to make fights more exciting. They also want to make it easier for you to re-enter the game after a win in the Gulag.
Warzone 2 risks losing its own identity
Why could the changes become a problem? The developers are in a dilemma: the mentioned changes to BR clearly aim to win back players who did not like the systems of Warzone 2.
At the same time, these changes could lead to Warzone 2 losing its own identity. The more systems the developers adopt from the old Warzone, the less Warzone 2 appears as a standalone game. One must ask if the developers might end up alienating more players with these changes than they can potentially win back.
It is questionable who even wants these changes. Are streamers and content creators truly representative of larger parts of the community? One thing is certain: fresh wind is coming to Al Mazrah. New content and appropriate maintenance do any service game good. The changes with Season 1 and Season 1: Reloaded were already a first step in the right direction.
What do you think about the changes? Do you support the return to the systems of Warzone 1? Or do you like Warzone 2 as it is currently? What changes and content would you like to see in the upcoming seasons? Share your opinion with us and discuss with the community!
