The Call of Duty franchise is bigger than it has ever been before, as the rise of Call of Duty: Warzone has allowed the series to reach a larger audience than ever before. The free-to-play nature of the battle royale game has found incredible success, with word-of-mouth constantly spreading via fans, streamers, and celebrities. A high player count and the always-solid IW8 engine have given the mode a good foundation to build from, while unique features like the Gulag have given it personality. However, some fans still prefer Call of Duty’s first attempt at a battle royale mode.
The Call of Duty series experimented with the genre back in 2018’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, with the mode quickly gaining a loyal fan base due to its unique features and mechanics. Unfortunately, Call of Duty: Warzone’s success has seen the mode abandoned, something that feels more clear than ever before due to the recent Ural Mountains leaks. With a Blackout follow-up supposedly scrapped for Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, and a map seemingly ready to go, perhaps Activision should revisit the idea and revive the fan favorite mode.
Pro: A Brand-New Map
For some time now, players have been led to believe that Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War’s Fireteam maps would be used to forge a proper battle royale map. Not only did leaks say as much, but this is exactly what was done with the Ground War maps in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Apparently, this was the plan, with Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War meant to have a sequel to Blackout that saw players fighting through the Ural Mountains. Treyarch-specific mechanics such as swimming and water-based vehicles would supposedly be included, immediately setting the map apart from Verdansk.
Not only would the map supposedly have 250 players, but players have actually seen the mini map design for the Ural Mountains. Boasting a similar color pattern to the first Blackout mode’s map, the bright location would serve as a solid change of pace from the dark and dreary Verdansk. Further, the map leaned into a more absurd design philosophy, with cities and forests seen just a few hundred feet from snow-covered mountain tops. From ski slopes to a retreat-like Sanatorium and a detailed Zoo, the map seems to have had an impressive amount of variety. If Blackout came back, so could this scrapped map.
Con: Killing The Warzone Craze
From a business perspective, it does make sense why Activision shut down the Blackout follow-up. The company had no idea that Call of Duty: Warzone would become the success that it has, and now that it is such a massive hit, compromising that success via a similar game mode could be a mistake. If Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War fans did get a Blackout sequel, there is a chance they could stick with the mode instead of playing Call of Duty: Warzone. With the games meant to be integrated going forward, another battle royale offering that is exclusive to one title instantly gets in the way of that.
If the two battle royale games existed, it is hard to think of a scenario where both could be advertised properly and enjoy the same success. One would likely overpower the other, getting more content and frequent updates while the other stagnates. With Call of Duty: Warzone integration intended to keep the game alive for years, introducing a major roadblock for the game goes against the plan of pushing the current battle royale game. As shown with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare essentially becoming an advertisement for Call of Duty: Warzone and Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, a clear plan is in place to focus attention on the newest projects. As such, the return of Blackout could be a deathblow to Call of Duty: Warzone — something that very few fans would want to see happen.
Pro: Returning Blackout Mechanics
Part of what makes Blackout so popular is its unique mechanics, something that Activision could lean into if the mode returned. This way, it could be marketed as a completely different experience from Call of Duty: Warzone, allowing both battle royale offerings to thrive. Blackout’s use of Zombies, for example, was much more refined than Call of Duty: Warzone’s. Occasional mini boss fights, Mystery Box rewards, and Zombies-exclusive Wonder Weapons made the PvE areas feel meaningful. Players also knew exactly which areas to avoid and go to for fights with the undead, as each was themed around a specific Zombies map or area.
Beyond just Zombies, Blackout’s Specialist gear added another layer to gameplay. Players could pick up powerful killstreak weapons like the War Machine or Sparrow, while tools like the Grappling Hook and Sensor Darts allowed for crafty approaches to fights. The lack of loadouts also made the process of building up a weapon essential. Unlockable characters like Edward Richtofen and Alex Mason gave players tough missions to focus on in their games, offering far more meaningful rewards than just some XP, Calling Cards, or emblems. Further, with less weapons to manage and a dedicated studio working on the game, Blackout received consistent updates that brought balance changes and new content. The same could happen if the mode returned, with Treyarch making the new version of the mode even better due to feedback from the first Blackout release.
Con: Too Much Of The Same
Still, while Blackout and Call of Duty: Warzone do have very different styles and mechanics, they are in the same exact genre — something that instantly makes the former’s comeback less likely. There are already plenty of battle royale games available, something that could instantly lead to less interest in a Blackout comeback. While tons of gamers still love to play battle royale titles, a growing number of players is burnt out with this style of gameplay. Activision surely knows this, making its decision to axe the mode even more understandable.
With the battle royale genre oversaturated as is, throwing another mode into the mix could see it getting lost in the sea of great battle royale games. Further, assuming that it would be added to Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, there is the tough task of asking players to pay a premium price tag just to play the Blackout follow-up. With Call of Duty fans having access to Call of Duty: Warzone for free already, convincing players to buy a fully priced title just for more battle royale content seems like an uphill battle. Even if players do prefer Blackout’s gameplay loop over the juggernaut that is Call of Duty: Warzone, it is tough to beat a free-to-play game with a similar level of quality.
Call of Duty fans that were desperate for 250 player matches and a fully original map are understandably let down by the rumors about Ural Mountains being scrapped. The further news that a Blackout follow-up was also stopped in its tracks stings even more, as there are many that still love to play the original. The decision is understandable, however. Love it or hate it, Call of Duty: Warzone is the top priority for the franchise at the moment, and Blackout challenging for the game’s throne is something that Activision likely does not want to risk. As such, while it would be great to Call of Duty bring back Blackout due to its many strengths, it seems very unlikely.