Rebirth Island is Gone for Good – But Warzone 2 Resurgence Rises from the Ashes

As a passionate Call of Duty expert and commentator, I have to confirm that yes, the legendary Black Ops Cold War map Rebirth Island has permanently left Warzone matchmaking. This comes after Fortune‘s Keep was also removed in preparation for Warzone 2.0‘s launch on November 16, 2022.

Millions of Resurgence mode fans hoping to drop into the Alcatraz-inspired island were devastated to find it wiped from the servers. However, Activision surprise-released the new Japanese-inspired Ashika Island map last week, featuring 6v6v6v6 Resurgence quad gameplay for the next era.

Today I‘ll break down exactly what happened to Rebirth Island after two years as a staple Warzone experience, how players have reacted, whether it could ever return, and what Ashika means for Resurgence squads going forward.

The Death of Rebirth Island – Outcry from Heartbroken Fans

Rebirth Island first introduced Resurgence mechanics to Warzone in December 2020, with the ability to respawn as long as at least one squadmate survived.

The close-quarters Alcatraz setting, intense gunfights, and high kill record potential made it a standout success compared to the slower, more tactical battles on maps like Caldera or Fortune‘s Keep.

Over time, Rebirth became widely regarded as the quintessential Resurgence experience. Even after Fortune‘s Keep was introduced in June 2022, Rebirth retained higher player counts and pick rates.

However, both maps vanished overnight on November 16 – replaced by Warzone 2.0 and the vast new Al Mazrah playspace.

Veteran squads who had mastered Rebirth Island to grind camo challenges, high-kill games or even casual fun were outraged. The tight community surrounding Rebirth felt betrayed, having their home taken away.

Longtime players flooded social media declaring they may quit Warzone outright without their favorite adrenaline fix.

What Does This Mean for a Rebirth Island Return?

Unfortunately, Activision statements indicate Rebirth Island will remain relegated to the history books for good:

"Rebirth Island and Fortune’s Keep will still be playable for those remaining on the original version of Warzone. However, for Battle Royale in Warzone 2.0, we are focusing on new maps and gameplay experiences rather than bringing older content into the new Warzone."

Ouch. Consider that an official nail in the coffin for veterans hoping to see Rebirth remastered or revived. The team is clearly focused solely on crafting new small maps like Ashika tailored to Warzone 2‘s mechanics.

While many community members are still in denial, refusing to accept the loss of their favorite drop point, everything suggests Rebirth will stay dead and buried.

Could Player Retention Issues Force a Comeback?

However, there are rumors that Warzone 2.0 has faced player retention problems since launch:

• Stricter SBMM frustrating normally-skilled players
• Overly complex inventory/looting mechanics
• Removal of popular movement mechanics

If these issues continue harming long-term enjoyment and engagement, perhaps Activision could reintroduce Rebirth Island as an olive branch to disgruntled Resurgence fans.

But I‘d speculate the probability is extremely low. It would undermine their stance on focusing development on new content.

The vocal Rebirth loyalist holdouts may simply have to accept that this iconic locale has entered Call of Duty heaven.

Ashika Island – The Next Evolution of Resurgence?

While Rebirth Island enjoys its peaceful slumber, Warzone 2.0 finally revived Resurgence last week with the release of Ashika Island for Season 2.

This colorful, seaside Japanese village may seem poised to directly replace fan-favorite Rebirth by offering:

• Equally condensed map size
• Identical respawn mechanics
• Exclusive squad sizes (no solos)

However, initial reception to Ashika has been mixed across the Call of Duty sphere.

Some applaud the visual style, fluid sightlines, and strategy required to control the central mountain. Others argue the non-standard layout causes overly chaotic respawn patterns compared to Rebirth‘s structure.

Only time will tell if Ashika Island can attract the same fervent following Rebirth built over years. But it does prove Activision hears community demands for smaller maps catering to respawn modes.

Perhaps we‘ll see additional options and rotational playlists added to Warzone 2 as development continues. Fortunes Keep may be gone, but fast-paced 6v6v6v6 squad warfare seems here to stay evolve thanks to Ashika…even if Rebirth Island stays locked away for good.