Loadouts are back in Warzone 2.0

Thanks to new information, we now have a lot of new details about the upcoming Warzone 2.0 to munch on while we wait for the free game to launch next week.

The evolution of Call of Duty’s battle royale mode is bringing back certain familiar features, but it’s also revamping and drastically changing many others.

While most details on Warzone 2.0 will be revealed sometime before its release, the Call of Duty blog posted a summary of the most basic and high-level changes.

The post began with the confirmation that custom player loadouts will not be removed. While many gamers never expected them to go, Warzone 2.0’s gameplay debut at Call of Duty Next in September left its fate in doubt. At the time, Infinity Ward showed off a more detailed inventory system and fewer ways for players to get their custom gear.

This is not necessarily the case in the release version. While cargo deliveries are gone, players will still be able to purchase their custom cargo from shops (buy station). There is also the option to acquire only the main weapon, without information about the advantages.

Loadout drops are still in the game, but are now part of a server-wide event where players will need to fight for them. With the addition of AI enemies, clearing a Fortress or Black Site, two AI-protected locations, will also net you a charge in the early stages.

Fortresses are available during each match. The first team to complete one will be tasked with defusing a bomb. Doing so will earn you a key, which will unlock a black site (and grant all of your equipment). Black Sites are essentially tougher Strongholds, and have high-tier gear and permanent blueprint unlocks.

While only the first team gets a key to a black site, other teams can continue to attack Strongholds to get their gear.

The Gulag is also different this time. It is now a 2v2 fight where players will be paired up randomly and loadouts will be the same for everyone. The Gulag now also includes AI, in the form of the Jailer, who appears in the middle of the match.

All four players can team up to defeat the Jailer and win a comeback for all, or they can continue with the standard setup. If everyone waits and the Jailer is not killed, all four will die. There will also be more powerful weapons to pick up in the center of the map.

Outside of the new circle collapse system that creates multiple random safe zones, and new vehicle and refueling mechanics, players will also be able to interrogate downed enemies for the location of their teammates.

In DMZ and certain BR playlists, you will also be able to form larger squads with players you come across in the match.

Warzone 2.0 arrives with the first season of Modern Warfare 2 on Wednesday, November 16.