Newcomers to the battle royale genre might encounter difficulties with certain game mechanics, and we’re here to assist!

A week has passed since the release of Call of Duty: Warzone, which is available for free to those who own Modern Warfare, as well as to anyone with an Xbox One, PS4, or PC. If you’re eager to dive in or have already started but are uncertain about your next steps, here are 10 essential battle royale tips for newcomers.

The Sphere

The most lethal aspect of Warzone isn’t the combatants or the firearms; it’s the shrinking circle.

Source: Activision

As the game advances, a gas circle will gradually decrease in size, forcing all players to converge into increasingly tighter safe zones.

Strategies for Navigating the Gas Circle in Warzone:

  • Being caught in the gas can lead to deadly consequences. Although you won’t be incapacitated immediately, you will experience ongoing damage. As the match progresses, the gas may advance rapidly, inflicting significant harm, so it’s crucial to remain vigilant about its presence at all times.
  • Make sure to carefully map out your paths. If you notice the danger approaching, chart a safe route, steering clear of any barriers and adversaries.
  • More seasoned players might find comfort at the perimeter of circles, as there’s less chance of being approached from behind. Yet, the gas in Warzone advances faster than one might expect. You might believe you’re in a secure position, only to find yourself gradually being consumed by the gas. It’s a frustrating experience, but remember, everyone else is also trying to escape it.
  • If you find yourself in a secure area, that’s excellent! Keep an eye out for individuals rushing to find safety, as they will be focused on escaping and may not be aware of any threats around them.

Master of Arms

Prepare yourself and get ready!

A hand grips a firearm, directing its aim towards a prominent rifle lying on the ground. An overlay on the screen reveals a rifle along with a count of 28 out of 30 rounds. At the bottom, a directional pad icon is visible, accompanied by a label.

Source: Activision

In Warzone, you begin armed only with a pistol and your bare hands. The majority of firearms you encounter will lack any modifications, but with a bit of luck, you might discover a ‘named’ weapon that could come fully equipped with attachments, depending on its rarity.

Advice for weapons in Warzone:

  • Search for supply crates to find superior firearms by paying attention to their humming sound.
  • Frequently, you can discover superior weapons from fallen foes.
  • You can also consider purchasing a loadout drop to get your preferred weapons!

A soldier kneels beside an open supply crate, which contains a red box and two devices featuring screens.

Source: Activision

Purchasing goods and generating funds:

Throughout Verdansk, you’ll come across various buy stations where you can acquire gear to aid you in your quest for triumph. To locate these stations on the map, simply search for the shopping cart symbol.

  • Purchase the essential items – Browse the shop to discover armor plates, field enhancements, killstreak rewards, gas masks, and loadout drops!
  • Funds for the shop can be acquired by scavenging throughout the area, defeating foes, and fulfilling contracts.
  • Additionally, you have the option to revive your teammates for $4500 each if they were unable to escape the gulag.
  • When you’re ready to buy something, aim to be efficient. Go to the station with a clear idea of what you need to ensure a swift exit; remember, there are always adversaries keeping an eye on you!

The Significance of Armor

It might determine whether one succumbs to a few bullets or to a whole set of magazines!

A perspective from within a dimly lit room. An armor plate floats just above the floor, accompanied by a text box displaying

Sure! Please provide the text you would like me to rephrase.

You will start with a default health of 100 HP, which will recover after a specific duration. Equipping armor can mean the difference between being taken out with a few bullets or enduring an entire magazine.

Suggestions for utilizing armor effectively in Warzone:

  • Every armor plate you equip adds an extra 50 HP to your total. With a maximum of three plates, your overall HP can reach up to 250.
  • In contrast to health, armor does not replenish automatically and must be collected throughout the map as plates, or you can buy a pack of five at the in-game buy station for $1500.
  • Remember that you can only carry a maximum of 5 at once, so if you plan to purchase more at the shop, consider sharing any surplus with your teammates!
  • While engaging enemies, you’ll receive a notification indicating whether you’ve successfully hit them or damaged their armor. This feedback will help you decide if it’s the right moment to advance.

Break a few plates, allow them to attempt a rearrangement, and then spring into action!

Distribute the Prosperity

Caring means sharing!

Three soldiers are positioned with their rifles lowered, gazing at two stacks of cash and a duffle bag brimming with money. A logo is displayed.

Source: Activision

Similar to other titles in the battle royale category, players have the ability to share ammunition with their teammates. However, with the introduction of the buy station system, there are times when your allies might find themselves lacking.

  • If you have plenty of money, consider sharing some with your teammates so they can buy enhancements from the buy station, particularly if you have all the gear you need.
  • Winning a game solo can be quite challenging, so consider collaborating with others to combine your resources, such as ammunition, currency, and shields, to enhance your chances of success.

Engage in Clear Communication

Aim to surpass what exists “over there.”

A soldier adorned with numerous tattoos peers through binoculars over a barrier, observing the chaos of battle unfolding beneath him, complete with gunfire and a helicopter, all set against the backdrop of a castle.

Source: Activision

Effective communication is crucial in any battle royale game. During intense moments of combat, it can be challenging to assess the situation and relay that information to your teammates. However, it is essential to convey important details promptly and clearly to ensure everyone is aligned.

  • If you’re unfamiliar with the names of the locations on the map, you can use any form of descriptive communication, along with the in-game ping system (press it twice to signal danger!).

For instance, if you spotted an individual far away, you could notify them and inform your teammates of the cardinal direction (north, west, etc.) to provide them with a clearer alert. Anything is preferable to simply saying, “they’re over there.”

Supply Drops

Look for or purchase equipment to enhance your advantage.

Two soldiers are positioned in a field, their rifles held high, beside a billowing column of red smoke. On the ground, a supply crate is present, while another is in the process of being lowered to their location.

Source: Activision

In the game, loadout drops can be discovered either randomly or purchased at the in-game buy station for $6,000. When activated, these drops descend via parachute, granting you the opportunity to select from a free pre-configured loadout (available for free account users) or to utilize one of your personalized custom classes, complete with perks, from Modern Warfare.

  • Make your selection carefully, since each loadout drop can only be used once.
  • If you own Modern Warfare, it’s essential to create a dedicated class for Warzone. Typically, a combination of an assault rifle and a sniper rifle (hint: opt for thermal) works well, but ultimately, it depends on your individual playstyle.

These loadout drops are a game changer. There’s nothing quite like traversing Verdansk equipped with your personalized gear, particularly because the weapons you come across come with specific attachments that you may find appealing or not.

Vehicles

Exciting yet risky.

A soldier donning a skull mask navigates an ATV across a frozen lake nestled in the forest. Behind him, a soldier covered in tattoos is firing at a pursuing helicopter. Two paratroopers are outlined against the sky. Suddenly, a massive explosion occurs, and a soldier is thrown into the chaos.

Source: Activision

Across Verdansk, you’ll find various vehicles available for transporting your team. Here’s a ranking from the most secure options to the most perilous.

  • The helicopter accommodates four passengers, offers limited protection, and is capable of flight. Instead of landing, passengers can also choose to eject and descend using a parachute.
  • The Cargo Truck accommodates four individuals and begins with a sluggish pace, yet it offers superior protection. Team members can enter the rear and lie down for added safety.
  • The SUV accommodates four passengers, offers solid safety features, and has a moderate speed.
  • The Tactical Rover accommodates four passengers, offers minimal protection, and is perfectly suited for off-road adventures.
  • The ATV accommodates just two passengers, yet it boasts impressive speed and excels in off-road conditions.

Remember that vehicles that are in use will appear on the map, so stay alert for anyone who might take notice of you!

Contracts

What they are and how to fulfill them.

A woman in military attire kneels beside a floating black container marked with a yellow flag emblem.

Source: Activision

Contracts are a fascinating new feature that Warzone has introduced to the battle royale genre. Essentially, these are in-game tasks that can be discovered throughout the map. Players can hold only one contract at a time, so it’s important to make a strategic choice!

There are three categories of contracts, each designed to serve a distinct purpose:

  • Bounty – When you take on a bounty contract, your task will be to eliminate a specific player, marked by a crosshair on your minimap. Keep in mind, you might not be the only one targeting this player, so proceed with caution!

Conversely, you might find yourself targeted with a bounty. Fortunately, a “Threat Indicator” located on the left side of the screen will inform you of the proximity of your pursuer. If you manage to evade capture, you will receive a rewarding bonus.

  • Scavenger – In a scavenger contract, your task is to locate and unlock three distinct supply boxes within a specified region. Upon successfully retrieving all three, the contract is fulfilled, and you will receive a monetary reward.
  • Recon – Upon taking on a recon assignment, you will need to secure a designated location on the map. Once you arrive, a flare will be launched into the air, signaling to nearby individuals that you have arrived.

In a manner similar to domination, your objective is to stay close to the flag and secure it. If you manage to stay alive, you will earn a pile of cash, enabling you to purchase a wide range of items from the buy station!

Gulag

Death is merely a transition, my dear companion.

Two soldiers face off in a barren shower room, ready to engage in combat. A logo is displayed.

Source: Activision

The gulag introduces an innovative twist to the battle royale genre in Call of Duty. Unlike other games such as Fortnite and Apex Legends, where players are revived via a van or a beacon, Warzone offers the opportunity to reclaim your life through a direct combat challenge.

  • Upon entering the gulag, you might find that you don’t have an immediate adversary. A timer will be displayed in the upper left corner, indicating when it’s your turn. While you wait, you can watch the ongoing gulag fights and toss rocks at, well, whoever you choose.
  • Each player is granted a single opportunity to visit the gulag during a match. If you emerge victorious, you can rejoin the fight equipped with armor and cash.
  • In a manner akin to the Gunfight mode found in Modern Warfare, players will be given a selection of random weapons and gear. Additionally, health will not replenish, and if the match extends beyond 40 seconds, overtime will be initiated. During this overtime, the objective will be to seize a flag located at the center of the map before your rival. If the overtime period concludes, the player with the most health remaining will be declared the winner!
  • If you and your teammates are eliminated together, you could benefit if you all end up in the same Gulag. In that case, you’re in a fortunate position! You can watch each other and provide valuable information about the positions of your adversaries.

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