Important Notes
Important Notes for Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0
Warnings & Pitfalls
- Account Bans – Activision enforces strict anti-cheat measures via the RICOCHET system. Any detected cheat software, macros, or even unofficial overlays can result in a permanent account or hardware ban. Avoid tampering with game files or using third-party programs that interact with the game process.
- Hardware Bans – In severe cases, Activision may issue a hardware ID ban, preventing you from playing on that PC ever again. This can occur even for accidentally running suspicious software. To avoid this, close all unnecessary background applications before launching Warzone.
- Account Linking – Your Activision account can be linked to only one platform per email. If you buy a battle pass or store bundle on one platform, it does not transfer to another platform’s account even under the same Activision ID. Double-check before purchasing cosmetics.
- Privacy Settings – By default, your streamer mode is off. If you do not want strangers to see your real name or location, enable privacy options in Settings > Account & Network > Privacy.
- Communication Risks – In-game proximity chat is on by default. Opponents can hear you if you are nearby. If you say something that violates the code of conduct (e.g., hate speech), your account can be muted or banned if reported. Keep chat civil.
- Prestige System – When you reach level 55 in a season, you can activate Prestige to reset your rank for a new icon and extra XP. Once you prestige, you cannot revert. However, all unlocked weapons, operators, and cosmetics remain. Only your level resets. Think before you prestige if you care about your current rank number.
- Weapon Tuning – Tuning attachments (e.g., changing barrel length) is permanent for that specific weapon build. You cannot undo a tuning without deleting the saved blueprint or re-crafting from scratch. Always create a backup blueprint before tuning heavily.
- Blueprint Attachment Removal – When you attach a blueprint’s skin to a custom mod, removing any attachment from that blueprint will remove the skin effect from that slot. You cannot get that specific skin back unless you re-equip the original blueprint. Use blueprints as base rather than cherry-picking parts.
- Operator Skins Purchase – Skins bought with Call of Duty Points (CP) in the store are non-refundable. If you buy a skin, you cannot trade it or get a refund unless there’s a verified technical issue. Try on the skin using the preview feature before buying.
- Limited-Time Events – Warzone frequently runs events (e.g., Haunting of Verdansk, Festive Fervor) that grant exclusive weapon blueprints, calling cards, and operator skins. If you miss the event window, those items may never be obtainable again. Check the active events tab daily.
- Battle Pass Tiers – The Battle Pass is seasonal. Once the season ends, all unclaimed tiers are lost forever. You cannot unlock previous season’s items unless they are sold in a future store bundle (often for high CP cost). Focus on completing the pass before the season ends.
- Seasonal Challenges – Every season has challenges that reward unique items (e.g., special camos, emblems). These challenges expire at the end of the season. If you are close to completing one, prioritize it.
- Exclusive Rewards – Some rewards are only available by purchasing the Vault Edition or pre-ordering a CoD title (e.g., Ghost skin for Vanguard). These are not obtainable later. Check your account’s redemption history.
- Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) – Warzone uses strong SBMM. The better you play, the harder your lobbies become. If you dominate a few matches, expect to face pro-level players. Queue with lower-skilled friends to average the lobby difficulty.
- High-Tier Lobbies – Once you reach a certain K/D ratio (e.g., 1.5+), you will consistently face very coordinated teams. Be prepared to adapt: use strong comms, stick together, and prioritize repositioning over direct fights.
- Resurgence vs. Battle Royale – Resurgence modes allow infinite respawns as long as one teammate is alive. If you die in standard Battle Royale (non-resurgence), you are out for the round until a buyback. The learning curve is steeper in Battle Royale because mistakes are punished harder.
- Warzone Ranked Play – Ranked mode features stricter rules (e.g., no killstreaks, limited loadout drops) and much harder opponents. You will lose SR quickly if you are not at a high skill level. Practice in unranked modes first.
- XP Boost Duration – Double XP tokens from Battle Pass or promotions are often timed. If you pop a double XP token and then the game crashes or you exit, the token is wasted. Only redeem tokens when you have a guaranteed session of uninterrupted play.
- Daily Challenges – Completing daily challenges gives small XP. But they often require specific weapons (e.g., get 20 kills with a pistol). This can ruin your team’s synergy if you selfishly focus on the challenge. Alternatively, stack challenges that align with your playstyle.
- Weapon Leveling – Leveling weapons in Battle Royale is slow because you may die early. Instead, go to Plunder, DMZ, or the new MWIII Multiplayer (if you own it). Contracts, strongholds, and AI kills in DMZ give massive weapon XP.
- Battle Pass Tiers – Buying tiers with CP is extremely expensive. A single tier costs 150 CP, which is ~$1.50 USD. Grinding tiers through gameplay is much more cost-efficient. Do not buy tiers unless you are desperate at season end.
- Communication & Teamwork – Use push-to-talk (recommended) or open mic with care. Ping enemies, loot, and locations rather than relying only on voice. If you take loot from a teammate’s kill without asking, expect toxicity. Share cash for buybacks.
- Team Killing Penalties – Intentionally killing or downing a teammate multiple times can result in a temporary or permanent matchmaking ban. If you accidentally team kill, say sorry and avoid further incidents.
- Report System – If you suspect a cheater (e.g., obvious aimbot, wallhacks), report them from the deathcam or scoreboard. Do not spam reports; false reports can get you banned for abuse. Use the report system only for clear violations.
- RICOCHET Anti-Cheat – Warzone uses a kernel-level driver that runs at boot. Some programs like certain overclocking tools, RGB software, or memory cleaners may trigger a false positive. If you get an error about anti-cheat, try uninstalling suspicious software or updating drivers.
- VPN Use – Using a VPN to get into easier lobbies (e.g., connecting to a different region) is considered a violation of the Terms of Service. Activision has banned accounts for this. Avoid VPNs while playing.
- Macros & Scripts – Any automated input (e.g., recoil macros, auto-firing scripts) is forbidden and detectable. Even if you think they are subtle, RICOCHET will eventually ban you.
- Cloud Saves – On PC (Battle.net or Steam), settings and saved blueprints are stored in the cloud automatically. However, if you play on multiple devices, settings may not sync perfectly. Local files are located in `Documents/Call of Duty/players` (install-specific).
- Manual Backup – You can back up your `config.cfg`, `controls.cfg`, and `options.cfg` files. This is useful if you reinstall the game or if updates reset your settings. Copy these files to a separate folder before any major update.
- Settings Reset After Updates – Major season updates sometimes reset graphics, audio, and keybind settings. Expect this and save your config before the update. After update, load your backed-up config or re-apply settings manually.
- No Save Game Files – Since Warzone is an online-only game, there is no manual save for progress. All stats, unlocks, and battle pass progress are stored on Activision servers. As long as you log into the same account, your progress is safe.
- Armor Plates Stack – You can carry up to 5 armor plates beyond the 3 you can wear. Always loot plates fully before moving. When damaged, quickly plate up; a full 3-plate vest reduces time to plate.
- Self-Revive Usage – A self-revive kit takes ~7 seconds to use. Do not use it in open areas or immediately after being downed if enemies are near. Wait for a safe moment or until your teammates can cover you.
- Buy Station Locations – Buy stations are scattered across the map, but they are often contested. Memorize a few safe stations (e.g., in small towns) for loadout drops. Use the map ping to find the nearest one.
- Cash Importance – Cash is not only for the loadout. Use it to buy UAVs, self-revives, gas masks, and armor plates. Do not hoard cash if you are about to engage in a fight; spend it at buy stations.
- Contracts Give Cash – Completing contracts (Bounty, Intel, Safe Cracker) gives immediate cash and XP. They also reveal the next zone. Do contracts early for early loadout cash.
- UAV vs. Heartbeat Sensor – The UAV shows exact enemy position but is loud and can be shot down. The heartbeat sensor is silent but only detects close enemies. Use UAV for area denial, heartbeat for clearing buildings.
- Proximity Chat Tips – You can bait enemies by pretending to be friendly over proximity chat. But if you reveal your position, they may push you. Use chat sparingly.
- Gas Mask Delay – When the gas expands, you have time to pop the mask automatically. Do not waste a full gas mask if you are just passing through a small pocket. Mask durability is precious.
- Redploy Drones – In Al Mazrah, redeploy drones allow you to fly to a location for a quick escape or rotation. They are not infinite; each drone has limited uses. Use them to cross open areas or to loot high-value positions.