Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 introduces two new gameplay mechanics, Strongholds and Black Sites, that bring a fresh dynamic to the game's battle royale matches. Warzone 2, which serves as a standalone sequel to Call of Duty: Warzone Caldera, is bringing sweeping changes to Warzone gameplay, from player communication to social features. Included on Warzone 2's massive new game map are Strongholds and Black Sites, which give players brand-new ways to earn loot and blueprints. The new features are sure to attract new players to the free-to-play battle royale, and current players to the in-game map.
Strongholds and Black Sites continue the trend of successful map and gameplay changes to Warzone by bringing randomly generated Strongholds to Al Mazrah, the sizeable gameplay area in Warzone 2. These areas are populated by AI-controlled enemies who, when defeated, drop key supplies and, potentially, keys to a Black Site. Black Sites serve as more heavily fortified Strongholds, that yield even more rewards and permanent upgrades for the players that survive enemy Strongholds (and, of course, other enemy squads vying for the same loot). Strongholds and Black Sites add an interesting variety to matches, and new ways to succeed in Call of Duty: Warzone 2.
Warzone 2.0's Strongholds & Black Sites Are Randomly Generated, AI-Controlled Zones
Strongholds appear in Call of Duty: Warzone 2 after the first circle collapse and players are alerted that Strongholds are available to capture. Warzone 2's Al Mazrah map is bigger than Warzone Caldera's map, and includes a swathe of POI for players to explore. This includes the new Stronghold mechanic, which spawn three random Stronghold areas scattered throughout Al Mazrah at various POI. Once Strongholds are available, players must race to be the first to infiltrate one of the three Strongholds and disarm a bomb within a time limit.
This particular feature adds an exciting element to the beginning of Warzone 2 matches. When Strongholds spawn, players are then tasked with deciding between standard looting and hunkering down, or seeking out a Stronghold and picking a fight with AI-controlled enemies and (undoubtedly) other enemy squads. Completing a Stronghold will also give players access to their custom Warzone 2 loadout, as well as activating a temporary UAV. Giving players more combat and gameplay choices is giving Warzone 2 the advantage in the battle royale wars, and Strongholds do a great job of improving both. The first squad to defuse the bomb and complete a Stronghold reap big loot rewards, and a chance to enter a Black Site.
Early Stronghold Victories Award Black Site Keys For Bigger, Harder Fights In Warzone 2.0
Black Sites in Call of Duty: Warzone 2 are bigger, badder versions of Strongholds. AI-controlled enemies have more firepower, more armor plating, and rightly so dish out more loot rewards. Black Sites become available after the first squad completes a Stronghold and earns a Black Site key, and its location is appropriately marked with a skull. Enemy squads that complete Strongholds after the first squad, however, are not awarded with Black Site keys, making a dash for the first available Stronghold in a match that much more valuable.
Players attract a lot of attention by taking down Strongholds, lighting up Tac-Maps with enemy fire as well as alerting players through Warzone 2's proximity chat if they're communicating. Black Site location information is also shared with enemy players, making the trek to a Black Site just as perilous as taking it down. But where there is great risk, there are great rewards in Call of Duty: Warzone 2's Black Sites.
Black Site Victories Award Big Loot Advantages And Permanent Blueprints In Warzone 2.0
Successful completion of a Black Site in Call of Duty: Warzone 2 can not only turn the tide in a battle royale match, but reward players with rare, permanent upgrades to exclusive rewards. Upon activation, swarms of deadly AI-controlled enemies will attack players entering the Black Site. After enough enemies have been taken out, a Juggernaut will spawn and continue the assault. Dropping the Juggernaut will give players the best opportunity to earn the best possible loadout in Call of Duty: Warzone, including improved backpacks, self-revives, and an advanced UAV that remains active until players are pushed outside of its range by impending circles.
One of the biggest draws to completing a Black Site, however, is that completing a Black Site for the first time grants players permanent weapon blueprints. This is key to players' long-term successes in Call of Duty: Warzone, as rare weapon blueprints can make or break custom loadouts in future matches, and make tackling future Black Sites easier. For players willing to face off against advanced AI, predatory enemy squads, and a constantly closing circle, Black Sites represent the ultimate challenge in Call of Duty: Warzone 2.
Call of Duty: Warzone 2 and Call of Duty: Warzone (renamed Warzone Caldera after Warzone 2 was announced) are currently live, and both versions of the immensely popular battle royale game have not been without their own criticisms. Warzone 2's proximity chat is a novel concept, but doesn't scale according to distance and is set at a consistent volume. The feature has led to a handful of wholesome moments between enemy players, but (in true Call of Duty fashion) has also opened the door for new forms of in-game toxicity. And, not unlike any other new-to-market video game, Warzone 2 has a litany of bugs that still need to be worked out.
Despite this, Call of Duty: Warzone 2 has managed to avoid many of the original Warzone's mistakes, and the addition of Strongholds and Black Sites are another prime example of the new game's improvements. The new AI-infested target zones represent a series of daunting challenges for players to champion, while making spitfire tactical decisions with teammates on drop zones, POI, and enemy tracking. Upping the stakes with Black Sites doubles down on the conceit of Strongholds, and provides meaningful, game-changing rewards for the hardiest squads. Along with other new features like proximity chat and the Assimilation feature, Strongholds and Black Sites are a compelling argument for Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 becoming the next biggest battle royale game.
Editor’s Note: A lawsuit has been filed against Activision Blizzard by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, which alleges the company has engaged in abuse, discrimination, and retaliation against its female employees. Activision Blizzard has denied the allegations. The full details of the Activision Blizzard lawsuit (content warning: rape, suicide, abuse, harassment) are being updated as new information becomes available.