Verdansk map remake
Verdansk was rebuilt from the ground up to be a faithful remake of the original 2020 launch map, but designed with better technology than the original version. This is meant to add better lighting, visibility, and overall graphics.
Activision describes it as the same map, with a vast majority of the structures, roadways, and scenery being a one-to-one duplication, but there are some “beneficial adjustments.” These small changes include things like extra ladders, open windows, and such to make the map flow better.
The water at Dam is no longer frozen. It’s only ankle deep, but now players will need to listen for splashes of enemy footsteps. Speaking of water, Verdansk also didn’t originally have swimming mechanics, but now that it’s a feature in this current version of Warzone, the southern combat zone has been extended out into the Kastovian Sea. This makes the coastline accessible and a small section of water is swimmable.
Lighting is adjusted even in the darker areas of the map. Activision says this should minimize the advantage of hiding in dark corners wearing a Roze skin, which is a playful reference to the all-black Roze skin that created tons of controversy for feeling pay-to-win, as the operator became very difficult to see in shadowy corners and dim stairwells.
It’s also worth noting that ascenders will arrive at a later date for standard battle royale. The ascenders to reach the rooftops weren’t originally added until Season 5 of Modern Warfare 2019, but they’ll arrive in the remake sometime in Season 3. Activision says they won’t be available all around the map at launch in standard battle royale to keep the classic feel. The only exception here is Stadium’s rooftop, which will have the ascenders available to avoid roof exploits.
However, the ascenders will be available in Plunder mode at launch.