Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Season 3 Patch Notes
The Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Season 3 patch notes have arrived, bringing a slew of significant updates and enhancements across Multiplayer, Zombies, and Warzone. The highlight of this season is the triumphant return of Verdansk, a fan-favorite map that's set to reignite the excitement in Warzone.
Activision has released a comprehensive breakdown of all the changes and additions coming to players on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. This update, launching on Wednesday, April 2, at 9am PT, promises to deliver an extensive array of tweaks and new content that will reshape the gameplay experience across all modes of Black Ops 6.
One of the key features in the Season 3 patch notes is the introduction of more granular crossplay settings for console players. This allows players to adjust their player pool options in both ranked and non-ranked modes. While this could potentially increase matchmaking queue times for those who disable crossplay, it provides greater flexibility for tailoring your gaming experience.
Shotgun enthusiasts will be thrilled with the Season 3 update, as this weapon class is receiving a comprehensive buff across the board. This includes improvements to damage, range, and rate of fire for nearly all shotguns, making them a more viable choice in combat. Alongside these enhancements, players can look forward to new content, such as the classic Multiplayer map Firing Range, the return of the Kilo 141 assault rifle, and the iconic Death Machine Scorestreak.
For Zombies mode, the new map Shattered Veil is a major addition, bringing fresh challenges and gameplay opportunities. The Raygun Mark II is back with three new variants, and the fan-favorite Perk-A-Cola, Double Tap, makes its return. Both Multiplayer and Zombies modes will also benefit from numerous bug fixes and gameplay adjustments to ensure a smoother experience upon launch.
Warzone's Season 3 update is centered around the return of Verdansk, launching on April 3. This update aims to bring back the nostalgic feel of the map's original 2020 version, with certain features reverting to their launch state. Modern Call of Duty features like Omnimovement are integrated to enhance the gameplay, while elements like the vertical UI design for Buy Stations and the removal of the Precision Airstrike’s mini-map notification add a mix of old and new.
With the launch of Season 3 just days away, players can prepare by reading up on Activision's latest anti-cheat update and exploring the limited-time mode and exclusive rewards that will welcome them back to Verdansk. Below, you'll find the full Season 3 patch notes for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.
WELCOME TO SEASON 03
"Did Hudson figure out the Pantheon silver bullet all the way back in 89?" - Frank Woods
In a video recorded before his death, Special Agent Jason Hudson warns of the Pantheon moles who have been working in the shadows since Vietnam. With new leads emerging, their secrecy is at risk. Season 03 launches tomorrow, promising new content and gameplay improvements across Multiplayer, Zombies, and Warzone.
New Multiplayer Maps
Firing Range (6v6): Firing Range makes a glorious return in Black Ops 6, remastered faithfully for fans. Watch for crossfire on the central Road, control vantage points in the Tower, and navigate through the Shoot House and Garage. Moving targets add a diversion while you prepare for the next fight.
Barrage (6v6): Revisit 1968 Vietnam as you follow Hudson's clues. The map features a flattened landscape with an artillery battery in active combat. Damaged buildings offer new pathways for strategic gameplay.
Nomad (6v6, 2v2): Fight in the ruins of a fortified settlement in Afghanistan, where Woods once battled. Navigate the map's narrow roads and ruins, using the environment to your advantage.
New Multiplayer Modes
Sharpshooter: Flex your skills in this classic Black Ops free-for-all mode. Every Operator gets the same Loadout, which changes every 45 seconds, introducing new Primary and Secondary Weapons, Melee, and Equipment. Unlock bonuses for eliminations, and keep the streak going for double scores.
Demolition: Alternate between attacking and defending two bomb sites. Attackers must destroy both sites to win, with a time bonus after the first detonation. All attackers spawn with a bomb, and respawns are active throughout the match.
New Weapons (Multiplayer & Zombies)
Kilo 141 - Assault Rifle (Call of Duty: Warzone Login Reward): This fully automatic rifle, known for its smooth handling and manageable recoil, is back and ready to dominate in Multiplayer and Warzone.
CR-56 - Assault Rifle (Battle Pass): A lightweight, powerful assault rifle perfect for mid-range combat. Its high-damage hits and fast fire rate make it a formidable weapon.
HDR - Sniper Rifle (Battle Pass): This anti-material sniper rifle is devastating at long ranges. Ideal for sharpshooters, it's a favorite for its reach and damage.
Kali Sticks - Melee (Event Reward): The Kali Sticks return with rapid swings for quick kills. Use them with the Close Shave Perk for swift melee attacks.
Nail Gun - Special (In-Season): A full-auto Nail Gun with high damage at close range. Perfect for sticking it to your enemies during the Black Ops Tribute Event.
New Attachments
Monolithic Suppressor (Battle Pass): Provides superior sound suppression and increased range, ideal for big maps like Verdansk.
SWAT 5.56 Grau Conversion (Battle Pass): Convert the SWAT 5.56 into a fully automatic weapon with improved accuracy and handling.
C9 10mm Auto 30-Round Mags (In-Season): Use higher caliber 10mm Auto ammunition for increased stopping power, despite increased recoil.
New Multiplayer Perks
Close Shave - Enforcer (Event Reward): Automatically use your Dedicated Melee attack when performing a weapon butt attack, just like the old days.
New Scorestreak (Multiplayer & Zombies)
Death Machine (In-Season): Wield the powerful Death Machine minigun, which contributes to your Scorestreak progress while in use.
New Zombies Map: Shattered Veil
With the Sentinel Artifact in hand, the crew heads to the remote wooded hills above Liberty Falls to meet S.A.M. at an old mansion. Unlock the artifact's mysteries and bring back Agent Maxis, but be prepared for what might go wrong.
New Zombies Perk-A-Cola
Double Tap: The classic rapid-fire Perk returns, dramatically increasing your weapon's fire rate. Enhance it for an even faster rate and double damage.
New Zombies Wonder Weapons
Ray Gun Mark II (+ 3 Variants): Drop multiple zombies with the upgraded Ray Gun Mark II, recovered from the Dark Aether. Experiment with three new variants for varied gameplay.
Wunderwaffe DG-2: Strike down hordes with chain-lightning blasts, stunning crowds and delivering terminal damage.
New Zombies Enemies
Elder Disciple: These powerful, floating enemies empower zombies and summon more undead. Eliminate them quickly to prevent their forces from growing too strong.
Toxic Zombies: These zombies sprint toward you before exploding, leaving a damaging pool of acid. Listen for their shriek and take them down before they close in.
New GobbleGums
Tactical Diffusion (Rare): Disables the next Nuke Power-Up explosion and gives everyone 2,000 Essence instead.
Support Group (Legendary): Acquire the ARC-XD, Mangler Cannon, Sentry Gun, and Mutant Injection Support items.
Die Pitched (Whimsical): Zombies have high-pitched voices for three minutes.
New Features
Camo Hub: A new Camo Hub will be added shortly after launch, providing comprehensive Camo information and assisting players in their quest for Dark Matter and Nebula.
New Operators
R0-Z3 (BlackCell, Crimson One, Launch): A top BlackCell operative ready to take down enemies in Verdansk.
Hudson (Battle Pass, Rogue Black Ops, Launch): Special Agent Jason Hudson, CIA operative, and handler to Alex Mason.
Mace (Battle Pass, Crimson One, Launch): The Special Forces Army Ranger turned PMC, ready to inflict damage in Verdansk.
John Black Ops (Event Reward for Black Ops 6 owners, In-Season): A mysterious Operator clad in a gray jumpsuit, sporting tactical goggles and a helmet.
New Events
Black Ops Tribute (In-Season): A legendary tribute to Black Ops, offering rewards that honor the series' history. Earn XP in any mode to progress and unlock themed rewards.
GLOBAL
RICOCHET Anti-Cheat: This season focuses on taking down cheat makers, banning bad actors, and ensuring a great player experience. Check out the latest anti-cheat update for more details.
Console Cross-Play Settings: Console players now have more granular options to adjust crossplay settings in Multiplayer and Warzone. Be aware that disabling crossplay may impact matchmaking queue times.
UI/UX: Improvements to shader pre-loading and the addition of a new menu widget to track shader compilation progress. The PC Benchmark tool remains available for optimizing graphics settings.
Challenges: BlackCell owners can complete an additional Daily Challenge for extra XP, contributing to the Daily Challenge Bonus XP.
Weapons: Season 3 focuses on enabling more gameplay variety with buffs to weapon attachments and semi-auto weapons. Shotguns receive significant buffs to their alternate ammo types, enhancing their viability in the meta.
Movement Updates: Increased crouch to stand speeds and directional sprint animation blend speeds for improved fluidity.
Multiplayer
Maps: New maps like Barrage and Nomad, alongside the remastered Firing Range, offer diverse environments for strategic play.
Modes: Sharpshooter and Demolition modes add new dynamics to the gameplay, encouraging different strategies and playstyles.
General Playlist Updates: Play respawn modes on new Season 03 maps or enjoy Firing Range 24/7.
Spawns: Addressed an issue where players could spawn at active Shock Charge placements.
Perks: The Close Shave Perk allows for automatic melee attacks, adding a nostalgic touch to the gameplay.
Scorestreaks: The Death Machine Scorestreak returns, offering a powerful tool for advancing your streak.
Movement Updates: Reduced slide speeds to balance gameplay dynamics.
Ranked Play: Retroactive SR adjustments and the ability to rejoin matches in progress enhance competitive integrity.
Zombies
Maps: The new Shattered Veil map offers a fresh challenge, while existing maps receive various fixes and improvements.
Modes: Team Cranked mode introduces shared Cranked timers and new abilities for intense gameplay.
Wonder Weapons: The Ray Gun Mark II and its variants, along with the Wunderwaffe DG-2, bring powerful options for dealing with zombie hordes.
Perk-A-Colas: Double Tap returns with new augments to enhance your fire rate and damage.
Ammo Mods: Various fixes to ensure ammo mods function as intended.
Field Upgrades: Addressed issues with Tesla Storm to improve its effectiveness.
GobbleGums: Fixed issues with using GobbleGums post-Prestige.
Power-Ups: Ensured Max Ammo power-ups refill ammo correctly.
Enemies: Addressed issues with Mangler attacks and Toxic Zombie behavior.
Challenges: Adjusted requirements for various Military Camos and other challenges to enhance progression.
UI: Various fixes to improve UI clarity and functionality.
Graphics: Addressed visual issues with certain weapons and gameplay elements.
Audio: Fixed issues with sound effects during interactions.
Stability: Addressed various stability issues to ensure a smoother experience.
Warzone
GLOBAL: Continued focus on anti-cheat measures and new Battle Pass content, including the return of Verdansk and new Operators.
CONSOLE CROSS-PLAY: More granular options for console players to adjust crossplay settings, impacting matchmaking queue times.
UI/UX/TECH: Improvements to shader pre-loading and the addition of a new menu widget to track shader compilation progress.
CUSTOMIZATION: Customize any Black Ops 6 base weapon or Blueprint with unlocked or purchased skins across all modes.
CHALLENGES: BlackCell owners can complete an additional Daily Challenge for extra XP, contributing to the Daily Challenge Bonus XP.
WARZONE: Celebrate Verdansk's return with a limited-time mode and exclusive rewards. Explore the classic map with nostalgic features and modern enhancements.
MAPS: Verdansk returns with classic and improved features, while Rebirth Island remains part of the Season 03 offering.
MODES: New modes like Battle Royale Casual and High Trip, alongside returning favorites like Plunder and Resurgence, offer varied gameplay experiences.
PLAYLIST: Check the Call of Duty: Warzone Trello Board for upcoming playlists.
RANKED PLAY: Temporarily offline during the first half of Season 03, with a full reset to Bronze upon its return.
GENERAL: Increased player count to 150 in Battle Royale, restored freefall shooting, and adjusted end-game circle pacing to reflect the original Verdansk experience.
GAMEPLAY: Classic features like Ascenders and Gulag loadouts return, with adjustments to improve variety and balance.
LOOT & ECONOMY: Refined loot distribution to align with the classic Verdansk experience, with adjustments to ground loot and Supply Boxes.
BUY STATIONS: A vertical redesign and new features like the Redeploy All button enhance the buying experience.
MOVEMENT: Fine-tuned the Black Ops 6 omni-movement system to balance fluidity and responsiveness for Warzone.
CONTRACTS: Classic contracts like Recon and Supply Run return, with adjustments to spawn rates and payouts.
EQUIPMENT: Thermite returns as an anti-vehicle tool, with adjustments to lethality and availability.
ARMOR: Reduced default armor plate capacity to match the classic experience, with adjustments to armor drops and satchels.
FIELD UPGRADES: Increased Heartbeat Sensor battery life and added visual cues for reclaimable upgrades.
KILLSTREAKS: Removed the Precision Airstrike mini-map notification to return to the original surprise element.
PERKS: Removed lootable perks from Battle Royale to enhance the classic Verdansk feel.
WEAPONS: Buffs to weapon damage across the Black Ops 6 catalogue aim to increase the lethality of encounters and reinvigorate overlooked weapon classes.
VEHICLES: Classic vehicles return with adjustments to movement, health, and damage resistance to reflect the original Verdansk experience.
UI/UX: Classic UI elements like the Victory Screen and Tac Map icons return, alongside new features like detailed Death Recap and weapon inspect information.
AUDIO: Classic audio elements like Infil and Gulag sounds return, with improvements to occlusion, reverb, and sound modifiers for a more immersive experience.
BUG FIXES: Numerous fixes across all modes to address issues with gameplay, UI, and stability.
