Is Warzone 2 replacing Warzone? Yes, but Warzone 1 will still be playable
As a passionate gamer and someone who analyzes industry trends, the question of whether Warzone 2 is replacing Warzone 1 is complex. The short answer is yes, Warzone 2 is positioned to be the new flagship Warzone game moving forward. However, the original Warzone game will continue to be playable for the foreseeable future as Warzone Caldera, allowing players to access previously earned content and progression.
Let‘s dig deeper into the differences between the two games and what the future looks like.
Warzone 2 Offers a Next-Gen Warzone Experience
Infinity Ward marketed Warzone 2 as a "new era" for the free-to-play experience, built on a brand new engine to allow for cutting edge gameplay. Based on everything we‘ve seen so far from early access gameplay, it delivers on that promise.
Some key upgrades Warzone 2 brings include:
- A massive new map, Al Mazrah, which is filled with points of interest and is over 15% larger than Verdansk based on early analysis.
- Updated movement, weapons, mechanics, graphics powered by an upgraded engine.
- New innovations like interrogation, proximity chat, underwater combat, vehicles, AI enemies, and revamped 2.0 Gulag.
By rebuilding Warzone utilizing new technology, it allows the developers to introduce complex new systems that wouldn‘t have been possible in the original iteration. This essentially provides a next-gen, elevated Warzone 2.0 experience that strategically positions the franchise for the future.
The table below shows some key differences between the original Warzone and Warzone 2 at launch:
| Warzone 1 | Warzone 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Maps at Launch | Verdansk, Rebirth Island | Al Mazrah |
| Player Count | 150 players | 150 players |
| Gulag | 1v1, added special events | All new 2.0 Gulag with modes like 2v2 |
| Engine Version | Original Modern Warfare Engine | Upgraded MW2 Engine |
| Eras Represented | Modern, Cold War, WWII | Next-gen experience |
Warzone Caldera Allows Players to Access Existing Content
Of course, the downside is that switch to an all new Warzone 2 game means previous progression does not carry over. This means unlocked weapons, skins, camos, Blueprints and other content stays on Warzone Caldera.
Luckily, Activision has confirmed that Warzone Caldera will continue to be online and playable. This allows players to access their previously earned content if they choose.
However, only the Caldera map remains playable in Warzone 1. Rebirth Island and Fortune‘s Keep have been removed. And of course, Warzone Caldera will no longer receive major content updates or integration with new Call of Duty titles.
Still, players have invested hundreds of hours and potentially money unlocking items in the original Warzone games. So the ability to continue accessing unlocks is vital, even if Warzone 2 clearly represents the series‘ focus moving forward.
The Bottom Line
Warzone 2 is a visual, mechanical and technical upgrade poised to displace the original Warzone as the main free Call of Duty experience. But rather than completely sunset the original, Activision is allowing Warzone Caldera to remain online so players don‘t lose everything they had previously unlocked.
This strategic choice attempts to balance appealing to next-gen console capabilities with not alienating longtime fans who are attached to existing content.
Only time will tell just how much staying power Warzone Caldera has once Warzone 2 takes over the spotlight. But at least for now, consider Warzone 2 as an upgraded replacement to Warzone, not an outright replacement erasing what came before.
As someone passionate about gaming, I‘m thrilled to experience Warzone 2 while still having the ability to revisit the original. This coexistence speaks to Call of Duty‘s efforts to respect players‘ time while ambitiously evolving.
