Black Ops 6 Warzone Season 5 release date and patch notes, featuring new maps and weapons

Call of Duty enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting more content to enhance their Black Ops 6 and Warzone gaming experience, and fortunately, the next significant content drop is just around the corner.

The wait has seemed endless as players have navigated through a sea of whimsical cel-shaded skins and disappointing content updates in both Black Ops 6 and Warzone. However, it appears we're finally shifting gears with the arrival of a new Call of Duty season. The Black Ops 6 and Warzone Season 5 release date is fast approaching, promising new POI changes, map additions and the conclusion to this year's Zombies narrative in the much-anticipated new map, Reckoning. It's fair to say, it's about time. With the Battlefield 6 Multiplayer reveal countdown officially underway, it's crucial that the game steps up its game as the classic shooter franchise makes a comeback, potentially threatening Call of Duty's top spot in the genre.

Gamers are certainly ready for more content to keep them entertained until the launch of Black Ops 7, which was unveiled during this year's summer showcase season. The introduction of the Combat Bow, Boxing Gloves and the return of some classic maps are set to do just that. So, when exactly can we expect the Black Ops 6 and Warzone Season 5 release date? Here's what you need to know.

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Black Ops 6 and Warzone Season 5 release date

The release date for Black Ops 6 and Warzone Season 5 is scheduled for Thursday, August 7 at 9am PDT / 12pm EDT / 5pm BST, as officially announced in the latest Call of Duty blog post.

Gamers are in for a treat as new content is set to launch, following a period where players felt neglected with only American dad and Beavis and Butthead characters for company. The introduction of Reckoning is expected to cause quite a stir within the Zombies community, promising an exhilarating experience.

Black Ops 6 and Warzone Season 5 patch notes

In a recent Call of Duty blog post, we've been given a sneak peek at what's to come, revealing a plethora of additions and changes that players can eagerly anticipate. Here's the lowdown on the upcoming content:

Multiplayer maps Runway (Launch)

Brand-New, Core, 6v6, Medium-Sized

A Pantheon mole attempts their escape via the Arzak Provincial Airport. All hell breaks loose as the Rogue Black Ops team pursues one of their final targets. Wreckage and luggage litter the tarmac, flames licking the sides of the terminal and black smoke rising from the fire in the airport control tower.

Traverse the destroyed aircraft, its fuselage blasted to bits, the Plane’s nose poking through the Food Court inside. The damage extends into shipping and receiving, a parked Tank threatening movement on the ground. In the center, battle erupts around the Baggage Claim. Watch out for enemies coming in through the moving conveyor belt.

Exchange (Launch)

Brand-New, Strike, 6v6/2v2, Small-Sized

Rogue Black Ops pursues a mole attempting to strike a deal in a vibrant Avalon marketplace. Crash the party and unleash havoc on this small-sized three-lane map centered around the Deli, its roof adorned with a marble statue of a mythic sea god.

Get behind the counters of the Deli, Bar, and Fruit Stall for added defense when engaging enemies down the middle. To avoid the center, take the south path through the Seafood market and Butcher or step up to the northern Terrace. Both paths feature a shortcut to the middle at their halfway point, keeping the action moving fast throughout the match.

World Motor Dynasty (W.M.D.) (Launch)

Remaster, Core, 6v6, Medium-Sized

From its inception as a Nova 6 processing laboratory first introduced in the original Call of Duty: Black Ops, W.M.D. returns in a reimagined form as an Italian luxury car manufacturer in Avalon. Trade the snow of the original map for an overcast day around the Autofiorno plant, using your memories of the prior map to help navigate the larger area of operations.

The grounds include the Paint Shop, Administration, Car Parts, Showroom, Design, and Assembly, with the wide outer Road circling around the buildings. Seek out upper vantage points to get above the action, including the infamous Silos where sharpshooters vie for their view over the east side of the map.

Jackpot (Mid-Season)

Inspired by Black Ops 4, Core, 6v6, Medium-Sized

Deploy to the Casino Luttazzi and slot yourself into a power position for a chance to win big. Using elements of the original “Casino” map from Black Ops 4, Beenox has extensively reworked the map with new layout sections and artistic direction, partially inspired by the “High Rollers” mission from the Black Ops 6 Campaign.

The central Bar offers refreshments and cover plus a prime view of the Stage. Get some fresh air on the Gazebo with views over the water or bask in the shade of the Terrace. With opulence at every turn, this newly reopened Avalon Casino is sure to attract a huge amount of wealth. Bet on the win with all you’ve got when the map arrives at mid-season.

Multiplayer modes

Compete across a variety of new and returning modes, including the new Aim High game mode, Snipers Only, and Cranked Moshpit throughout the season’s first half, followed by Cranked Demolition, Ransack, and Blueprint Gunfight mid-season.

Aim High (Launch)

New Mode (Modifier)

Aim high to survive across a variety of game modes—including Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, and Kill Confirmed— where headshots land instant eliminations while full body armor minimizes damage dealt anywhere below the neck. As a bonus, this headshot training is likely to hone your talents when unlocking Weapon Camos, as well as increasing the damage output against the undead when you jump over to Zombies.

Snipers Only (In-Season) Returning Mode

Hardscope? Quickscope? Lucky shot? Take your pick in the Snipers Only playlist. Regardless of the game mode, all Operators spawn with a Sniper Rifle and only a Sniper Rifle. Equipment, Secondary Weapons, Field Upgrades, Scorestreaks, and your Dedicated Melee Weapon are restricted. You still get your pick of Perks, so choose wisely and hone your marksman skills to perfection.

Cranked Moshpit (In-Season)

Returning Mode

Crank up the adrenaline in this Moshpit where eliminations give you speed Perks and activate a bomb countdown on your Operator. Chain eliminations to refresh the bomb timer and earn twice the score for your team. If you do get taken out, start the process again and keep slaying to maintain your momentum.

Cranked Demolition (Mid-Season)

New Mode (LTM)

Make Demolition even more explosive with Cranked mechanics thrown into the mix! Alternate between attacking and defending two bomb sites while managing your Cranked timer and chaining eliminations to stay alive.

Ransack (Mid-Season)

Returning Mode

Get rich quick or die trying as Ransack returns in the mid-season. Score points by looting gold bars from piles around the map and off fallen enemies. Fill your inventory and then deposit the gold in your team’s deposit box before the enemy can take you out and nab your riches.

Blueprint Gunfight (Mid-Season)

Returning Mode

Bring some style to your Gunfight matches in the mid-season Blueprint Gunfight playlist, giving players the chance to try out a variety of new Weapon Blueprints while gunning for victory.

Additional Gameplay Content

The Combat Bow makes an explosive appearance, a low-cost Scorestreak last seen in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, capable of inflicting rapid and accurate high damage projectile hits.

New Scorestreak (MP, ZM, Mid-Season)

Scorestreak: Combat Bow (Launch)

Type: Lethal

Score: 500

Mastery Badges: Yes

Step out of the jungle and become a lone action hero, firing single-shot, explosive-tipped arrows that explode on impact, dealing incendiary damage to all enemies caught in its trajectory and leaving a trail of fire in its wake.

Ranked Season 05 Ranked Play Rewards

• Get 10 Wins: “Pro Reissue Jackal PDW” Weapon Blueprint
• Get 100 Wins: “Ranked Season 5 – 100 Wins” Large Decal
• Silver: “Ranked Season 5 – Silver” Calling Card
• Gold: “Ranked Season 5 – Gold” Calling Card and Charm
• Platinum: “Ranked Season 5 – Platinum” Calling Card and Weapon Camo
• Diamond: “Ranked Season 5 – Diamond” Calling Card and Weapon Camo
• Crimson: “Ranked Season 5 – Crimson” Calling Card and Weapon Camo
• Iridescent: “Ranked Season 5 – Iridescent” Calling Card and Weapon Camo
• Top 250: “Ranked Season 5 – Top 250” Calling Card and Weapon Camo
• Season 05 Champion: “Ranked Season 5 – Top 250 Champion” Calling Card

Zombies

Looming over the once-sleepy settlement of Liberty Falls, the Project Janus Headquarters—three edifices known locally as Janus Towers— now teeters on the verge of collapse. Constructed between [redacted] and [redacted], this vast and vertical facility is separated into [redacted], with Aetherium slowly being released into [redacted], enormous reactors [redacted] limitless power, but at a price.

The towers’ systems appear to be critically damaged, and total failure is imminent. Stabilizing the Aether Reactors seems to be the initial overriding goal, before even greater threats must be faced.

Prepare to confront cosmic chaos in the last chapter of the Black Ops 6 Zombies narrative, launching at the start of Season 05 on August 7 at 9AM PST.

Assuming no comms interference, expect Peck, Ravenov, and Strauss to provide valuable support, with Raptor One always skybound to exfil should the situation go even more sideways. But what of Dr. Pericles Panos, who sacrificed Alpha Team to return himself from the Dark Aether? And Security Chief John Blanchard, last seen pursuing Panos into the Towers? Then there’s both S.A.M. and Director Richtofen…

Reckoning

From the moment you step into the now debris-strewn lobby, it soon becomes clear that the towers have seen better days. Laboratories, computing and research, offices, and more secretive chambers may be accessed by more novel means of transportation, [redacted] parachutes, [redacted] anti-gravity personnel launchers to redacted] Aether vents [redacted] with low gravity [redacted] robot assembly [redacted] attunement accelerator [redacted].

[[FURTHER EXPLORATORY CONTENTS HAVE BEEN LOST VIA AN UNANTICIPATED DATA INTRUSION, AND ALL TOWER BLUEPRINT RECORDS EXPUNGED]]

Automaton Alert: New Elite Enemy: Uber Klaus

The secret Research and Development program of Project Janus appears to have been more evolved than originally thought, developing many more robots in the Klaus Assembly Lab than first anticipated. The greatest of these threats is the Uber Klaus – a murderous automaton encased in a toughened, bulky exoskeleton – that maintains a cocky attitude, lethal efficiency, and super strength, all directed at newly-programmed threats.

Enemy takedown tactics are unknown at this point, though combat is likely to be focused on disrupting the Uber Klaus form’s heavy shielding and avoiding its melee attacks. Once the exoskeleton is broken, the Uber Klaus Core will eject, revealing its second deadly form.

The Uber Klaus Core increases in agility, sacrificing defenses for less lumbering locomotion and flying capabilities thanks to rocket-powered hover boots. It continues to employ energy-based, arm-mounted launchers (avoid at all costs), while its defensive, tesla-coil shield can prevent your incoming attacks.

Other Entities: Red Mist Descends, Robots Dispatched

Emergency enforcement protocols may have already been triggered across all three towers, resulting in periodic robot battalions—known as Kommando Klaus— homing in on perceived intruders. Preceded by a strange red mist, these automated enemies have had their higher functions disconnected and self-destruct sequences activated and should be dispatched with swift and focused aggression.

Mechanical threats are only one of the expected adversaries; reports of zombified Project Janus security and administrative personnel, the remains of scientists, hazmat crews, and even experimental mutations are confirmed to be active within the towers.

New Wonder Weapon: Gorgofex

Latest intel all but confirms Janus Towers may be hiding a new and grotesquely potent Wonder Weapon known as the Gorgofex. Partly charred experimentation notes discovered on microfiche indicate the existence of a “bio-aetheric” armament.

Combining fungal, floral, and insectile traits to deliver precise impact damage and gravity-defying disruption in close quarters, glowing membranes on the weapon show hints of motion and circulation under the surface. The weapon seems to pulse and breathe, with a beating central heart-like organ that “pumps” energy through the weapon. Due to the saturation of Dark Aether and other unknown energies, the weapon is said to emit faint psychic vibrations.

But how does it work?

The Gorgofex fires what appears to be a slug of Aether-based energy.

• On impact, this inflicts a dense area of direct damage with a tight area of effect. The damage of the impact varies depending on whether the user charges the attack before release.
• Shortly after impact, energy from a fully charged blast dissipates outward, inflicting damage in a wide area.
• The dissipation seems to cause a focused temporary gravitational anomaly, catching and incapacitating enemies to float at just above head height.
• More research is required, but it appears two additional variations have been uncovered...

Additional content

Main Quest and Quest Rewards: The assault on Janus Towers and the Reckoning Main Quest go live at the start of Season 05 on Thursday, August 7 at 9AM PST. Ensure you complete the Main Quest to obtain the “Blood, Sweat, an’ Gears” Operator Skin for Grey (shown above), an intriguing Weapon Charm, multiple Calling Cards, and sizable XP rewards. Players who complete the Main Quest prior to the mid-season Directed Mode will earn a unique Calling Card variant.

Unstable Gravity: Due to experiments conducted in the , this chamber may experience fluctuating gravity, with projectile weaponry and movement affected during these intermittent gravitic anomalies.

Rapid Transportation: Teleporters: Using failsafe experimentation with Aetheric energy, Project Janus scientists have developed a means of instantly transporting organic and inorganic material between points with almost no fatalities reported. These devices work in attuned pairs, one acting as a transmitter and the other a receiver.

Rapid Transportation: Anti-Gravity Personnel Launchers: A novel and likely completely safe means of transport. Used in pairs, the launchers create a focused tunnel of gravity allowing the user the illusion of flight, and the ability to “jump” from one location (such as a tower balcony or overlook) to another.

C.A.S.T.E.R. Turret: The Cognitive (and) Adaptive System (for) Target Elimination (and) Reinforcement Turret with armament and control panel components is a joint venture between the Project Janus Cognitive Science and Security Technology divisions. This wall-mounted automated cannon unleashes devastatingly powerful barrages of aetheric energy in quick bursts to neutralize threats. Update the turret with [redacted] nano-energy technology and [redacted].

Lore and Intel: Now in the epicenter of what could be a cataclysmic Dark Aether event, there’s no time like the present to gather lore related to Reckoning in the form of Audio Logs, Documents, and Artifacts discovered throughout the map.

Additional gameplay content Grief Mode: Reckoning (In-Season)

Outlast the undead... and your rivals as new Grief Arenas arrive in Reckoning. It’s the 4v4 Zombies combat you know: two teams face the same zombified threat, but only one walks away.

Reckoning: Directed Mode (Mid-Season)

Let the in-game objectives guide you as Directed Mode arrives mid-season for Reckoning. As before, this version features guided progression with visible objectives to help you stay focused on the Main Quest with a unique Calling Card variant to earn! An official walkthrough of Reckoning Directed Mode — made by the same crew as our exhaustive GobbleGum Guide— will be available at mid-season to help you dig deeper into the culmination of the story and complete every objective, whether you're exploring solo or as a squad.

Returning LTM: Team Cranked (Mid-Season)

The fan-favorite Team Cranked mode returns in Season 05 with refreshed rewards! Your entire squad is tied to a single shared timer, and the moment any player takes down a zombie, the team enters the Cranked state, boosting abilities and starting a 30-second countdown that only zombie eliminations can refill. Survive a round, and that max time drops by one second, pushing the pace faster with every wave. Wall weapons? Gone. The Mystery Box is your sole supplier, but boosted Essence earnings while Cranked mean you’ll have plenty of chances to swap Essence for random gear.

Every player is loaded out with the Time Stopper Field Upgrade, capable of pausing the team timer in a pinch, and there’s a rare Time Extended Power-Up that increases the timer. Main Quests and Easter Eggs are active, offering deeper objectives alongside the relentless timer countdown.

New Support Scorestreak: Combat Bow (MP, ZM, Mid-Season)

Step away from the workbench and become a lone survivor, firing single-shot, explosive-tipped arrows that erupt on contact, scorching rotting flesh and igniting a blaze that immolates any stragglers too slow to shamble clear of its fiery trail.

Additional Field Upgrade: Mister Peeks (In-Season)

Available: Event Reward

Summon Mister Peeks to our reality to create chaos, as the deadly and distracting bunny busts out the moves and bashes undead brains to a raving disco beat.

Once Mister Peeks arrives in your hands, throw this hairy helper into the fray, and he gleefully attracts normal and Special enemies and attacks any undead within his wandering radius, savaging foes until they explode in a shower of bright confetti.

Mister Peeks: Major Augments

Research the following Augments to further customize this Field Upgrade.

• Dance Party: Mister Peeks becomes the life of the party, attracting nearby zombies to him, before he detonates an Aether Pulse to thin out the crowd considerably.
• Arcane Fury: Mister Peeks has become a master of the elements, enhancing his regular damage with a random Ammo Mod (with an Augment from that Ammo Mod).
• Apex Hunter: Mister Peeks focuses all attacks on the strongest nearby enemy other than bosses. For example, Uber Klaus would be targeted over regular foes, with increased damage inflicted.

Mister Peeks: Minor Augments

• Social Butterfly: Increase Mister Peeks’ attraction radius.
• Peeks’ Favor: Mister Peeks is good to have around Mystery Box locations. Get a free box spin if you’re near one during activation!
• Party Animal: Increase Mister Peeks dance duration.

Warzone Eyes on the Skies: Abyss Protocol Activated: Stadium Compromised

Recent intelligence indicates a massive disruption across Verdansk is imminent, as recon teams have confirmed the existence of a clandestine military base hidden within the sealed walls of the National Acropolis Arena. The extent of the threat remains unclear, though a weapon capable of large-scale destruction is expected to be unearthed within the vicinity.

All squads are recommended to assemble and begin explorations in preparation for a possible Stadium breach!

New Contract: Satellite Hijack (Launch Window, Week One)

Battle Royale, Battle Royale Casual Modes

Breach the stadium in possibly the most impressively explosive way possible as you and other enemy squads attempt race to complete the multi-step Satellite Hijack Contract. Infiltrate the Stadium by any means necessary, confirming the nefarious operations and hidden compound within.

This contract is only available during the first full week of the season, so don’t miss your chance to engage in this important event! Secure the [redacted] to obtain a special reward; the [redacted], available to every member of your squad and usable during the rest of the match as well as permanently placed in your Gunsmith. Further Comms to follow.

Additional reports appear to indicate further and increasingly alarming [redacted], recommending additional attention to [redacted] as the [redacted] progresses.

Stadium Resurgence LTM (In-Season, Week Two)

36 players, 12-minute matches

Should Operators visit Verdansk during the second full week of Season 05, they may find entry to the Stadium is now viable, thanks to some light orbital remodeling, along with unlocked ground level entrances allowing full exploration into the clandestine compound. With all the recent explosive activity, the action is heating up again and the Stadium receives a focused Resurgence battle with a seven-circle collapse, along with Public Events and loot assembled for this rapid action mode.

Normal Resurgence rules apply: Maintain pressure, secure objectives, and gather resources — every action contributes to squad redeployment. Prioritize Contracts, eliminate hostiles, and stay mobile to accelerate the return of downed teammates.

Deadline LTM (Mid-Season)

Quads, 100 players, Players and AI

A deadline looms in this new Limited Time Mode where more than just eliminations keep you in the match! Jump in with your squad and amass as many points as you can between each Circle Collapse. Naturally, racking up eliminations—by dispatching both human and Bot Hostile Agents— is a key method of increasing your points total, but you’re also rewarded with points by completing Contracts, looting supplies, and spending cash at Buy Stations.

Keep those points flowing: Though there are unlimited respawns for you and your team, as each Circle Collapse occurs, the lowest scoring squads are eliminated from the match, and there’s an increase in the presence of Hostile Agents. Be prepared to fight for your spot! With each new gas circle, all scores are reset, so there’s no resting on your early match laurels here; you need to constantly prove yourself by staying active and climbing up the score ranks again!

Remember in Deadline, it’s not only about getting eliminations; every player can contribute to victory.

Ranked rewards

• First Season Win: Weapon Charm
• Get 25 Eliminations: Elimination Sticker
• Get 100 Eliminations: Elimination Weapon Camo
• Get 250 Eliminations: Elimination SWAT 5.56 Weapon Blueprint
• Silver: “Ranked Season 5 – Silver” Emblem
• Gold: “Ranked Season 5 – Gold” Emblem and Calling Card
• Platinum: “Ranked Season 5 – Platinum” Emblem and Calling Card
• Diamond: “Ranked Season 5 – Diamond” Emblem and Calling Card
• Crimson: “Ranked Season 5 – Crimson” Emblem and Calling Card
• Iridescent: “Ranked Season 5 – Iridescent” Emblem and Calling Card
• Top 250: “Ranked Season 5 – Top 250” Emblem and Calling Card
• Season 05 Champion: “Ranked Season 5 – Top 250 Champion” Emblem

Playlist Update: Solos Moving into Season 05

In the Season 04 Reloaded blog, we shared initial results from our Call of Duty: Warzone Battle Royale Solos playlist test – where Casual Solos replaced Core Solos – to better understand how players engage with each experience. Our initial test was conducted to identify if Casual Solos could increase the waning popularity of the Core Solos experience. The test showed Casual Solos outperformed Core Solos by more than 3 to 1, with improvements in matchmaking quality, ping stability, and overall match health.

We have since completed a second phase of testing, running both Casual Solos and Core Solos side-by-side, which has allowed us to gather deeper regional data and assess how playlists affect the player experience across a global population.

Our second test showed similar results, with Casual Solos receiving 3X the number of daily users than Core Solos. The data also reveals that players who heavily favored the Core Solos playlist in Season 03 (before Casual Solos was added) significantly reduced their time in the mode when it returned in Season 04 Reloaded – spending just 25% of their total playtime in Core Solos.

Our teams continue to examine how playlist offerings work regionally. Here’s how playlists will shift when Season 05 launches, in consideration of the data we’ve seen:

• Both Core Solos and Casual Solos will be available globally on day one of the season
• Within 48 hours playlists will be updated:
• Core Solos will remain active in North America (NA) and Europe (EU) only
• Casual Solos will continue to be available in all regions

In North America and Europe, Core Solos was marginally more sustainable than other regions in both phases of testing; however, the mode still suffered from match quality concerns (connection, match times) due to players preferring other available playlists. In other regions, Core Solos was unable to deliver acceptable match quality.

Casual Solos has proven itself to be the more approachable and globally sustainable mode. Keeping this mode live worldwide ensures that solo players everywhere have a healthy, high-quality match experience.

By tailoring playlists based on regional data, we’re ensuring that every Call of Duty: Warzone player gets the best possible experience, regardless of location. This is the next step in refining how we build playlists that serve all Call of Duty: Warzone players. We’ll continue to evaluate performance and feedback as Season 05 rolls out.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6: General Content (MP, ZM, WZ) Weapons detail

• Primary Weapon: PML 5.56 [Launch, LMG]
• Primary Weapon: ABR A1 [Launch, Assault Rifle]
• Melee Weapon: Boxing Gloves [In-Season]
• Secondary Weapon: Gravemark .357 Revolver [Mid-Season, Pistol]

Weapons attachments

• 9mm PM Skull Splitter [Launch]
• PPSh-41 Helical Magazine [In-Season]

Season 5 events Event: ’90s Action Heroes (MP, ZM, WZ) (In-Season)

Total Rewards: 13, including the Boxing Gloves Melee Weapon and the Mister Peeks Zombies Field Upgrade

Take it over the top and be the leading hero you’re meant to be in this Event that pays homage to action flicks. Earn the new Boxing Gloves melee weapon, a BlackCell Boxing Gloves weapon variant if you own BlackCell, plus other great rewards.

Event: Operation: Hell Ride (MP, ZM, WZ) (Mid-Season)

Rewards Include: Gravemark .357 Revolver

Don’t get your wires crossed in this Event challenging Operators to save the day from a ticking timebomb.

Event: Atomic Block Party (MP, ZM, WZ) (Mid-Season)

It’s time to commemorate everyone’s favorite chaotic battleground! Engage in a Nuketown-inspired event full of rewards.

Event: The Reckoning Leaderboard Event (ZM)

Play a Zombies match to get entered into Season 05’s The Reckoning Leaderboard Event. Eliminate the undead on the Reckoning Zombies map to earn Leaderboard Points, with Special, Elite, and Boss enemies awarding the most Points. Complete Event Challenges along the way to unlock rewards when completed and reach the highest placement you can for a bigger payout at the end of the event.

That's everything, sans a loaded Battle Pass, that you can expect from Call of Duty this season! Strap in, because you've got a lot of work ahead of you.