With frustration over Warzone’s current state still simmering, the long-rumoured return of Verdansk has only intensified concerns that Season 3 could lean too heavily into the free-to-play battle royale at the expense of Black Ops 6’s multiplayer experience.
But, that may not be the case. According to a prolific leaker, who goes by the moniker TheGhostOfHope on X, Season 3 will be the “biggest” update to the latest Call of Duty yet, catering to fans of all three modes (including Zombies).
Specifically, Multiplayer will get four 6v6 maps as part of the imminent content drop, just shy of the five maps released in two batches across the entirety of season 2.
At least one of the maps will be a remaster, the leaker revealed, with fans speculating it could be “Dig”, a bullet-strewn archaeological site that originally appeared in World at War.
Here’s what we know about Call of Duty’s next big update.
Black Ops 6 and Warzone Season 3 release date
Black Ops 6 and Warzone Season 3 is scheduled to arrive on April 3, after Activision pushed the update back two weeks from its original launch date of March 20.
The in-game Battle Pass timer has been revised to reflect the change. Conversely, players have two extra weeks to grind out any season two rewards they’ve yet to unlock.
In an announcement shared on X, the official Call of Duty account described the upcoming season as a “big moment”. It added: We’re taking the time to deliver a great experience.”
The account also promised to share more following Warzone’s fifth anniversary on March 10.
Season 03 is a big moment for Call of Duty: Warzone and Black Ops 6, and we’re taking the time to deliver a great experience starting on April 3.
— Call of Duty (@CallofDuty) March 3, 2025
More to come following Call of Duty: Warzone’s 5th anniversary next week… pic.twitter.com/TmPJnoYBZS
Black Ops 6 and Warzone Season 3 leaks and rumours
It looks like Verdansk is finally coming back to Call of Duty: Warzone. Activision previously confirmed the fan-favourite battle royale map would return in spring 2025, setting the stage for its launch in Season 3.
According to leaker TheGhostOfHope, the revived Verdansk will be "pretty much" the same as its original version. However, this time, the Stadium’s interior will be fully accessible, inevitably resulting in new firefights inside. The train that circles the map will reportedly return, but the subway fast-travel system won't be included.
EXCLUSIVE Details on the return of Verdansk:
— Hope (@TheGhostOfHope) February 23, 2025
- Will launch with Season 3 of BO6
- It is pretty much the OG March 2020 version
- Train Station interior will be closed
- Interior of Stadium will be open BUT roof will be closed
- The Train returns
- No fast travel subway system pic.twitter.com/69aAy79RLS
Verdansk launched with Warzone in 2020 and quickly became one of Call of Duty’s most renowned battlefields. Arriving at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the sprawling terrain attracted millions of players. It evolved with updates that radically changed its layout and introduced new locations. Fans have been clamouring for its return since its removal in late 2021.
‼️🚨 BREAKING: KILO 141 + AMAX RETURN 🚨‼️
— Warzone Meta (@WZStatsGG) February 24, 2025
The ‘Kilo 141’ & ‘CR-56 Amax’ ARs are rumored to return to #Warzone in Season 3!
List of rumored returning guns with Verdansk:
✅ Grau 5.56
✅ Kilo 141
✅ CR-56 Amax
✅ HDR
Via: @TheGhostOfHope pic.twitter.com/SUdaT4qrSK
Warzone could see other major changes beyond the map’s comeback. The Call of Duty news site, CharlieIntel, reported that long-range weapons, including the Grau and HDR sniper, may be added to counter the current SMG-heavy meta. Other guns on the cards include the Kilo 141 and CR-56 assault rifles.
Meanwhile, rumours suggest a new Zombies map, reportedly named Mansion, could also be on the way, with up to three new Operators (Hudson, Roze, and Mace).
Black Ops 6 and Warzone controversy explained
Black Ops 6 has been mired in controversy following a rocky launch last year. Things worsened when players criticised the integration of Warzone over what they perceived as inferior movement and unbalanced weapons. Not to mention the ongoing scourge of cheaters.
Though developer Treyarch moved quickly to patch major issues, the backlash has intensified — this time over aggressive monetisation. Introducing separate event passes on top of the standard Battle Pass (and its premium Blackcell tier) prompted accusations of needless cash-grabbing.
Then, just days ago, Treyarch faced fresh criticism after admitting to using AI-generated assets in-game, confirming fan suspicions and fuelling claims of corner-cutting and laziness.
With so much at stake, it remains to be seen if the new season of Black Ops 6 and Warzone can turn things around.
