Call of Duty Warzone receives a new map called “Urzikistan” that conveys Verdansk vibes. Additionally, two popular Resurgence maps will return in 2024.
What kind of new map is this? Warzone will receive a new map called Urzikistan after the release of Modern Warfare 3, which will be released as part of Season 1 in December 2023.
Urzikistan is supposed to be a metropolis in Western Asia adjacent to the Black Sea and stylistically reminiscent of a Russian city. The map also features 11 different districts and POIs (Points of Interest):
Urzikistan is also a city map characterized mainly by a variety of buildings, streets, and some waterways.
What are players saying about the new map? On social media, some CoD fans are already saying that Urzikistan conveys a Verdansk feeling.
Verdansk was the first map with which Warzone launched in 2020 and was very well received by players. Nevertheless, the map was gradually removed from the Warzone map pool and replaced by Caldera.
Overall, Urzikistan seems to be leaving a solid first impression on players:
- “I love the Verdansk feeling with the classic CoD maps scattered here and there. This game could actually save the franchise (via YouTube).”
- “Looks good! The POIs are much more densely built than all previous Warzone maps (via Reddit).”
- “Looks much smaller than Al Mazrah? Which I think is a plus (via Reddit).”
- “Looks good… better than Caldera/Almaz, has Verdansk vibes (via Reddit).”
- “Finally a large map that isn’t a desert! I can’t wait to play it! It looks like it has a lot of verticality (via YouTube)!”
Whether Urzikistan really reminds one of Verdansk, you can see in the Map Overview Trailer:
Fan-Favorite Maps return to Warzone in 2024
Which maps are returning? To the delight of some Warzone fans, Activision announced that the maps Rebirth Island and Fortune’s Keep will return in 2024 for the Resurgence mode in Warzone.
- Rebirth Island is expected to return in early 2024
- Fortune’s Keep is coming “later” in 2024
Rebirth Island and Fortune’s Keep are both relatively small maps, where the combat distance is shorter and the pace is faster than on the larger maps. Thus, together with Vondel and Ashika Island, the Resurgence map pool will grow to four maps over the course of the coming year.
How are players reacting to the return of the maps? While there are isolated players who criticize the “recycling” of old maps (via Reddit), many players are pleased about the return of the maps.
A post sharing the comeback of Rebirth Island and Fortune’s Keep on Reddit gathered over 600 upvotes within a day (as of October 6). Especially Resurgence players seem to be looking forward to the maps:
- “Honestly, the Resurgence rotation is going to be insane. Together with Ashika and Vondel, four maps will be available. A great time to be a Resurgence player (via Reddit).”
- “That’s fantastic. Fortune’s Keep was amazing (via Reddit).”
- “They listen to their player base (via Reddit).”
- “Rebirth Island is the best news I’ve heard (via Reddit)!”
Overall, though, it must be said that the mood in the CoD community remains divided. Some enjoy the Verdansk feeling of the new map and the return of the Resurgence maps, while others express sharp criticism.
Even before the “CoD Next” event on October 5 and the start of the open beta, there were isolated pros and streamers speaking of a successful return of the popular shooter series:
