Call of Duty: Warzone
- November 16, 2022
- Treyarch
- 120h median play time
The heights of Warzone 2’s combat and stunning map design are held down by a rocky launch rife with issues.
"Call of Duty: Warzone" is a free-to-play battle royale game set in the expansive and detailed world of modern warfare. Join forces with friends or go solo in this massive online combat experience, featuring intense gunfights, customizable loadouts, and a sprawling, ever-evolving map. Loot, survive, and dominate to be the last one standing in one of the most popular shooter games to date.
Reviews
- gameplay111 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
Gameplay reviews are mixed, with some praising the stability and fun mechanics, particularly in modes like DMZ, while others criticize the clunky movement, frequent changes to core mechanics, and issues with balance and monetization. Many players express disappointment over the campaign's brevity and the game's shift away from traditional fast-paced Call of Duty gameplay, citing a lack of innovation and an overemphasis on pay-to-win elements. Overall, while there are enjoyable aspects, significant gameplay issues and design choices detract from the experience for many players.
“What truly sets Warzone apart, however, is its remarkable commitment to gameplay balance and diversity.”
“The game's innovative 'gulag' mechanic introduces an element of second chances, adding an extra layer of intensity to each encounter.”
“Dynamic gameplay.”
“A campaign that is only 1 hour of gameplay and 2 hours of cutscenes filled with cringe and forgettable moments. I wonder how they went from having the best campaigns and a franchise that shaped multiplayer FPS games to being this mediocre.”
“This isn't Warzone 2.0... it's Warzone 0.4... this game is a pile of trash and there are so many things that need fixing. The inventory/looting system is so awful, and half the mechanics from Warzone 1 do not work the same when there was no reason to even tweak them.”
“Clunky movement, clunky looting, clunky gameplay. Poor mechanics, bad design choices, constant crashes; this game has something for everyone.”
- optimization98 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 44 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with users reporting severe performance issues, including low frame rates, stuttering, and frequent crashes, even on high-end systems. Many players express frustration over persistent bugs and poor server performance, suggesting that the game feels unpolished and unready for release. Overall, the consensus is that significant improvements are needed to enhance the game's stability and performance.
“Great game but needs to be optimized.”
“Other than that, my assessment is positive, the optimization is better compared to the previous part.”
“The game is good and Warzone 2.0 has been optimized way better than the first one!”
“The game is not optimized; it has crashed and there are a load of bugs.”
“Horribly optimized. Poorly optimized piece of garbage that can't go a game without serious fps drops, stutters, and crashes.”
“The performance is absolutely horrendous.”
- stability91 mentions
- 3 % positive mentions
- -2 % neutral mentions
- 99 % negative mentions
The game's stability is widely criticized, with players reporting frequent crashes, freezes, and a plethora of bugs that hinder gameplay, especially in multiplayer modes. Many users express frustration over persistent glitches and connectivity issues, suggesting that the game feels unfinished and poorly optimized despite its potential. While some acknowledge moments of fun, the overwhelming sentiment is that the game's stability issues significantly detract from the overall experience.
“The game runs smoothly without any major issues.”
“I haven't experienced any crashes or bugs during my playtime.”
“The performance is solid, providing a stable gaming experience.”
“Game has been plagued with glitches, bugs, weird random disconnects, and crashes for no apparent reason since the beginning, and I have seen zero effort to fix anything (for example, the lost weapon glitch in DMZ).”
“Whether it's game-breaking glitches or random game crashes, this game is completely unplayable in its current state and not worth your time.”
“This game is an unfinished, buggy, titanic mess.”
- story53 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The story aspect of the game has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players criticizing it for being bland, recycled, and lacking depth. Reviewers noted that the campaign feels short and cliché, often failing to engage players, while technical issues and bugs further detract from the experience. Overall, the narrative is seen as a missed opportunity, with many expressing disappointment in the lack of innovation and meaningful content compared to previous installments.
“The story of finding your 'son' Timmy really connected with me.”
“I will not spoil any of this amazing story, but wow, just wow... the ending left me in tears, I couldn't sleep for days... still, whenever I am going to work or biking I am always just thinking about this beautiful masterpiece named 'Warzun' (a fitting name I might add since it has a warzun?).”
“What makes a good survival game is a combination of realism; maybe cinematic, if you'd like, a detailed story; which is fitting for that detailed reality & I guess a bit of naturality to it, too, as well as a map that has a sense of adapted beauty; where it's adapted to that kind of reality in a fitting way, as well as has its own beauty.”
“Modern Warfare 2 campaign: 2/10 – bland story, recycled characters, gunplay can't save it.”
“A game that is DLC for MW2 that costs $100 (with a $10 battle pass and $30 DLC for battle pass each season)... story mode is terrible compared to the real MW3.”
“Requested a refund due to constant crashing and the lighting bugs in the single-player story making it unplayable.”
- graphics50 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 54 % neutral mentions
- 8 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising the stunning visuals and intricate details, while others criticize the performance issues, bugs, and a perceived downgrade from previous titles. Many players report significant optimization problems, leading to lag and crashes, particularly on lower-end systems, which detracts from the overall experience. Despite the graphical enhancements noted by some, the consensus suggests that the game feels unfinished and lacks the vibrant aesthetics expected from a modern title.
“The immersive environment, rife with intricate details and stunning visuals, instantly transports players into the heart of the action.”
“Amazing graphics, the best I have ever seen, and I have only encountered 1 glitch.”
“Overall rating 7.3/10 - graphics, gameplay, and customization is amazing.”
“Visuals look like shit.”
“The visuals in this game just look absolutely terrible, and please tell me who thought it was a good idea to make it so that you need to level up other guns in order to unlock attachments for a completely different gun.”
“Damage is so inconsistent it is clearly buggy, and graphically is a downgrade compared to MW 2019. The textures, characters, animations—everything is off, giving this ominous feeling of an unfinished game, especially considering that they recycle most things from previous CODs.”
- monetization33 mentions
- 9 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 48 % negative mentions
The monetization in Warzone has been widely criticized for being aggressive and predatory, with numerous microtransactions and a focus on pay-to-win elements that detract from the overall gaming experience. Players report intrusive advertisements for battle passes and cosmetics, which feel out of place and diminish immersion, leading many to label the game as a cash grab. Overall, the monetization practices have significantly impacted player enjoyment, with many reviewers expressing frustration over the prioritization of profit over gameplay quality.
“Cod, at least when Advanced Warfare began, used to have cosmetics that, while microtransactions, fit very well into the feel of Call of Duty.”
“Business practices score: 4/10 (not terrible, but exclusive content on PlayStation, microtransactions & a FOMO-inducing battle pass do knock this game down a few notches).”
“Sure, Warzone is 'free,' but it fuels an economy where even players fall victim to the allure of microtransactions.”
“Warzone: 1/10 – buggy, frustrating, predatory monetization.”
“Game feels like a cash grab for skins and bullshit battle passes using the COD name.”
“The monetization is so intrusive that it significantly diminishes the game's fun.”
- humor17 mentions
- 94 % positive mentions
- -12 % neutral mentions
- 18 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is largely driven by the unpredictability of interactions, particularly through proximity chat, which fosters comedic moments and camaraderie among players. While some find the overall experience unfunny and lacking in excitement, many highlight the joy of shared adventures and funny encounters, especially when playing with friends. Overall, the game offers a mix of hilarious moments, though opinions vary on its comedic effectiveness.
“Just run around knifing; it annoys players and is hilarious.”
“It's not unusual to hear opposing players call a truce, share funny stories, or even join forces to take down a common enemy.”
“The combination of unpredictability, humor, and camaraderie that proximity chat introduces has transformed Warzone 2 into a comedic masterpiece.”
“Unfunny, boring, no movement, no FPS, TTK is a big issue. Warzone 1 had more funny moments than Warzone 2. Verdict: Warzone 2 is unfunny.”
“The humor in this game falls flat and feels forced, making it hard to enjoy the experience.”
“I expected some laughs, but the jokes are stale and the comedic timing is off.”
- music13 mentions
- 69 % positive mentions
- 8 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received positive feedback, with users appreciating the quality and absence of low-quality tracks or offensive content in proximity chat. Additionally, the trailer features a standout song that many consider to be "the greatest song in the world," highlighting its memorable and impactful presence in the game.
“This is the greatest and best song in the world...”
“The best song in the world”
“It was the greatest song in the world”
“This is not the greatest song in the world, no.”
“Whats the song in the video”
“The song we sang on that fateful night”
- grinding9 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 22 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Players express significant frustration with the grinding aspect of the game, citing excessive time requirements and tedious mechanics that detract from the overall enjoyment. Many feel that the changes to gameplay dynamics, such as increased time-to-kill and the lack of meaningful progression systems, make grinding feel pointless and overly burdensome. Overall, the consensus is that the grinding experience is not only time-consuming but also lacks the rewarding elements that would justify the effort.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“I really tried to enjoy some casual play, but after 250 hours of grinding, I have to get to work and have other things in life.”
“Guess slower is good to attract more casual gamers, but without skill-based matchmaking or ranked gameplay, what are you grinding for?”
“I think the leveling system is a bit too grindy.”
- emotional7 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional response from users reflects deep disappointment and frustration, particularly from long-time fans of the Call of Duty series. Many express a sense of betrayal and anger over perceived declines in quality, leading to a strong resolve to abandon the franchise altogether.
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -300 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is described as barren and isolated due to players adopting a reserved playstyle, primarily camping or remaining stationary to avoid the punishing consequences of death. This creates a stark contrast to the potential for chaotic, team-based gameplay that could be experienced in the expansive maps.
“The atmosphere of the game is incredibly immersive, making you feel the weight of every decision you make.”
“The sound design and visual effects create a haunting ambiance that keeps you on edge throughout your gameplay.”
“The vast, open environments contribute to a sense of isolation and tension, enhancing the overall experience.”
“It was my first battle royale experience, but it seemed like because of how punishing the nature of the game is - given what happens when you die - everyone was playing too reservedly; either they were camping or not moving that much. The whole atmosphere of the massive levels became barren and isolated after a while. I kept thinking I just wanted to play something like Ground War but in those huge maps, playing something like a team game with 150 players, vehicles everywhere, tons of chaos. That's what I wanted out of this.”
- replayability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Users express that "Initial D the Arcade" offers significantly more replayability compared to the criticized game, which is deemed to have a poor roadmap and battle pass system that detracts from its overall value.
“Initial D the Arcade has more replay value than this game, which has the worst roadmap and battle pass.”
“The lack of meaningful content makes it hard to justify playing this game more than once.”
“Once you've completed the main story, there's little incentive to return.”
Critic Reviews
Call of Duty: Warzone 2 review
The heights of Warzone 2’s combat and stunning map design are held down by a rocky launch rife with issues.
80%"A steady march toward a new horizon for Call of Duty"
Warzone 2 isn't a battle royale revolution, but rather a steady march toward a new horizon for Call of Duty. Al Mazrah is a real victory, and the action contained within this impressive map is often unpredictable and challenging in a way that the original Warzone wasn't.
80%Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 Review – Battle Royale In A DMZ
Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0’s battle royale is an iterative upgrade. If you enjoyed the original Warzone, you’ll enjoy the new one. The DMZ mode, on the other hand, is new, and a lot of fun thanks to the fact that you’re never sure if you’re going to run into another player as you try and complete your own objectives.
70%