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Dot Esports
Dot Esports
Jeremiah Sevilla

What is Hot Pursuit in Warzone? Release date and gameplay explained

Hot Pursuit is one of the newest limited-time modes arriving in Call of Duty: Warzone Season 3 Reloaded. It’s a vehicle-focused twist on the Black Ops Royale mode, pitting Police squads against Thieves.

We break down all you need to know about the Warzone Hot Pursuit mode, including its release timing, core mechanics, and how the mode actually plays out.

Table of contents

Warzone Hot Pursuit release date and time

The Hot Pursuit LTM drops with Warzone Season 3 Reloaded patch, which releases on Thursday, April 30 at 11am CT / 9am PT / 12pm ET / 5pm BST.

Warzone Hot Pursuit mode overview

Hunt down the bad guys. Image via Activision
  • Map: Avalon (Black Ops Royale)
  • Player count: 100 players, squad-based
  • Win condition: Last squad standing
  • Respawn mechanic: Similar to Resurgence
  • Match duration: Around 20 minutes

Hot Pursuit mode rules and gameplay explained

The mode is designed around fast-paced, vehicle-heavy gameplay where squads are split into two opposing roles, Police and Thieves, each with distinct tools and playstyles. Instead of relying purely on traditional gunfights, Hot Pursuit emphasizes constant movement and vehicle combat, with an increased vehicle spawn rate across the map ensuring that players are rarely on foot for long.

This LTM uses Resurgence rules for redeployment instead of Gulag, meaning eliminated players can respawn as long as at least one teammate remains alive, which keeps squads in the fight for most of the match and encourages aggressive play.

Thieves escaping from Police in Hot Pursuit mode in Warzone Season 3 Reloaded
Don’t get caught by the cops. Image via Activision

Police squads focus on hunting down Thieves using specialized vehicles such as ATVs, JLTVs, and Light Helicopters. Police vehicles have abilities like siren-activated radar pulses that reveal nearby enemies on the mini-map and expanded aerial tracking in helicopters. You can also see enemy vehicles through walls when riding a Police vehicle.

Thieves, on the other hand, rely on speed and evasion using vehicles like the UTV with speed boost and Dirt Bike with Active Camo and smoke deployment for breaking sightlines. Both Thieves’ vehicles also provide guidance toward high-value loot caches.

Ultimately, matches revolve around survival through pursuit and escape, with the last remaining squad claiming victory.

Aside from the Hot Pursuit LTM, also part of the Warzone Season 3 Reloaded content is the Call of Duty x RoboCop collaboration. Be sure to check our RoboCop Event Pass guide to unlock all the rewards.


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