When Call of Duty: Warzone debuted in March 2020, it marked a pivotal moment in the gaming industry. While Call of Duty had experimented with battle royale modes before, such as Black Ops 4’s Blackout, Warzone’s standalone, free-to-play model and expansive map Verdansk revolutionized the franchise. Launching during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the game became a cultural phenomenon, with players spending countless hours in its sprawling battle arena.
Though Verdansk was eventually replaced by newer maps, fan demand for its return has remained unwavering. Now, Verdansk is set to return to Call of Duty: Warzone in 2025, offering a chance to revisit the map that started it all. But for this revival to truly succeed, it must be more than just a fleeting hit of nostalgia.
Why Verdansk Is So Iconic
The Launch of Verdansk
Verdansk wasn’t just a map; it was a cultural moment. With its diverse locations ranging from dense urban centers to wide-open countryside, the map became synonymous with Warzone’s meteoric rise. For nearly two years, it was the battleground for countless epic moments, fostering a deep emotional connection among fans.
Evolving Through Time
As with all live-service games, change was inevitable. In 2021, Verdansk was replaced by Caldera, a WWII-themed map, which itself gave way to Al Mazrah in 2022 and Urzikstan in 2023. While these newer maps brought fresh gameplay opportunities, many players yearned for the familiarity of Verdansk.
Lessons from Fortnite’s OG Revival
To ensure Verdansk’s comeback resonates, Call of Duty: Warzone could take inspiration from Fortnite’s OG revival in late 2023. Epic Games reintroduced the original Fortnite map as a permanent side mode, allowing fans to relive the game’s early days while gradually reintroducing content at a faster pace.
How Fortnite Set the Bar
- Authenticity: Fortnite OG launched with the original map, loot pool, and mechanics, delivering a faithful recreation of the game’s early days.
- Evolution Over Time: Epic Games plans to reintroduce updates from Fortnite’s history, evolving the OG map at a faster rate to keep the experience fresh.
- Permanent Side Mode: By making the OG map a separate mode, Fortnite ensures fans can enjoy it alongside the main game’s newer content.
How Verdansk Can Follow Suit
For Verdansk’s return to be meaningful, it needs to balance nostalgia with innovation. Here’s how:
Start with the Original
- March 2020 Layout: Verdansk should return exactly as it was during its original launch. This includes:
- The same map layout.
- Original vehicle placements.
- Classic Gulag mechanics.
- The initial weapon pool that fans loved.
- Authentic Throwback: Give players the chance to relive their favorite moments without changes or updates—at least initially.
Gradual Updates
Over time, Verdansk could reintroduce updates from its original lifecycle, such as:
- The 1984 redesign tied to Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War.
- Seasonal events like the Haunting of Verdansk, which introduced chilling horror elements.
New Content Without Losing Identity
To keep Verdansk relevant, developers could introduce new content that complements its core design:
- New Points of Interest (POIs): Add locations that fit seamlessly into Verdansk’s geography.
- Modern Events: Host seasonal events or limited-time modes to keep the map engaging.
- Updated Vehicles and Weapons: Introduce fresh gameplay options without straying too far from Verdansk’s original feel.
Verdansk in 2025: A Permanent Revival or Limited-Time Event?
It’s still unclear whether Verdansk’s return will be a permanent addition or a limited-time event. If Epic Games’ Fortnite OG strategy is any indication, a permanent side mode could offer the best of both worlds, letting players enjoy Verdansk while keeping Warzone’s main content pipeline intact.
What Fans Want from Verdansk’s Comeback
The community has voiced clear expectations for Verdansk’s return:
- Authenticity First: Fans want to experience the map as they remember it, with no significant changes.
- Balanced Updates: While new content is welcome, it shouldn’t detract from what made Verdansk special.
- Permanent Access: Many players hope Verdansk will remain a permanent option in Warzone’s map rotation.
Verdansk in the Context of Warzone’s Evolution
Warzone Mobile and Verdansk
Interestingly, Verdansk has remained playable in Warzone Mobile since March 2024, offering mobile players a nostalgic trip through the original map. Its popularity on mobile platforms reinforces the demand for Verdansk’s return to the main game.
Warzone’s Map Rotation
With the inclusion of maps like Urzikstan, Rebirth Island, and Fortune’s Keep, Verdansk’s return could enrich Warzone’s map pool, providing greater variety for players.
The Future of Call of Duty: Warzone
Verdansk’s return represents an opportunity for Warzone to both honor its past and build a dynamic future. By blending nostalgic elements with modern innovations, Verdansk could become a staple of Warzone for years to come.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer curious about Verdansk’s legacy, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Call of Duty: Warzone.
