Call of Duty: Warzone, the popular free-to-play battle royale game, is set to receive a major update on January 17, 2024, as part of the Season 1 Reloaded content drop. However, not all fans are happy with the new features that are coming to the game, especially the controversial Covert Exfil feature that would allow players to escape the match early and earn a win.
The Covert Exfil feature was announced by Raven Software, the developer of Warzone, on January 10, 2024, as a new way for players to win a match. According to the announcement, players would be able to find a Weapon Case in the map that would contain a rare weapon and a Covert Exfil Device. The device would allow players to call in a helicopter and leave the match at any time, as long as they have at least one teammate alive and they are not in the gas.
The Covert Exfil feature was met with criticism and backlash from many Warzone fans, who felt that it would ruin the game’s intense atmosphere and competitive spirit. Some of the main complaints were:
- The Covert Exfil feature would encourage camping and hiding, as players would try to avoid fights and wait for the helicopter to arrive.
- The Covert Exfil feature would devalue the skill and effort required to win a match, as players could simply escape without eliminating the other teams.
- The Covert Exfil feature would create an unfair advantage for players who find the Weapon Case, as they would have access to a rare weapon and an easy way out.
- The Covert Exfil feature would disrupt the balance and pacing of the game, as players would have to deal with the threat of the helicopter and the Weapon Case users.
How did Raven Software respond to the backlash?
Raven Software, the developer of Warzone, was quick to respond to the feedback and backlash from the Covert Exfil feature. On January 12, 2024, the studio announced on X (formerly Twitter) that they have decided not to launch the Covert Exfil feature in the standard Battle Royale mode with Season 1 Reloaded. Instead, they said that they would implement the Covert Exfil and the Weapon Case features in a dedicated mode, where players who are interested in the new gameplay loop can try it out.
Raven Software also explained that they believe that the Covert Exfil and the Weapon Case features would make for an exciting addition to Warzone, as they would provide a new path to earn rewards and create a new engagement honeypot for mid-game pacing. They also thanked the fans for their feedback and support, and promised to keep working on improving the game.
What are the other features coming to Warzone Season 1 Reloaded?
The Covert Exfil feature was not the only new feature that was planned for Warzone Season 1 Reloaded. The update will also bring two new weapons to the game: the G36C assault rifle and the MP7A1 submachine gun. These weapons will be available for free to all players, and can be unlocked by completing in-game challenges or by purchasing bundles from the store.
The update will also introduce a new limited-time mode called Hardcore, which will offer a more realistic and challenging experience for Warzone players. In Hardcore mode, players will have no HUD, no minimap, no health regeneration, friendly fire enabled, and reduced health and armor. The mode will also feature a smaller circle and faster gas movement, making the matches more intense and shorter.
Additionally, the update will bring a ranked mode to Modern Warfare 3’s multiplayer, which will allow players to compete in a skill-based matchmaking system and earn rewards based on their performance. The ranked mode will have six tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Master. Players will have to play 10 placement matches to determine their initial rank, and then they will be able to climb or fall depending on their wins and losses.
Warzone Season 1 Reloaded is expected to be a huge update for the game, with new features, weapons, modes, and more. However, not all fans are happy with the changes, especially the Covert Exfil feature that would allow players to escape the match early and earn a win. Raven Software has listened to the feedback and decided to delay the feature and move it to a dedicated mode, where players can try it out separately. The update is scheduled to launch on January 17, 2024, and will be available for free to all Warzone players.
