Call of Duty’s latest season brings new maps, weapons, and… Nicki Minaj?

There’s another load of new content coming to Call of Duty this week, and yes there are a few new guest-star operators too.

Worlds are colliding

Whether the new operators in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Warzone 2.0 are something you’ll enjoy is kind of up to your own sensibilities. There’s a significant segment of the gaming public who isn’t into ‘celebrities’ being playable operators in Activision’s iconic FPS series, so the revelation is probably a divisive one. Actually, it’s definitely a divisive one, as there’s been some definite derision on social media since last week’s announcement.

Not that it matters at this point, since the pack is a done deal, and will be landing in just a few days time. But even if you’re not overly enamored with the guest stars, there’s still plenty to like. Fresh additions for Modern Warfare II include Punta Mar, a map from the original Modern Warfare that’s making its return, as well as a trio of new modes to play. Warzone gets the Vondel Champions Quest, plus 2 new vehicles, and a tease for what’s yet to come this year.

There are also some cross-title additions, rounding out the chunky Season 05. And yes, that includes Snoop Dog, Nicki Minaj, and 21 Savage, for the game’s tie-in that celebrates 50 years of hip-hop.

Modern Warfare II Content:

• A Strike from the Past; Punta Mar Steps into the Present. A returning Call of Duty® 4: Modern Warfare® map and a brand-new location are the two Core maps at launch. Plus: two additional gunfight maps.
• New Core Map In-Season. Small, built for fast-flowing action, and based near Building 21, visit the DRC – Zone 1 research campus for rapid-paced chaotic core combat, coming mid-season.
• Wreak Havoc, grab the flag and Armor Up in three new Modes. A Multiplayer arena-style game mode arrives in Modern Warfare® II. Battle Maps get a Capture the Flag mode. Plus, it’s time to bring your Armor Plates, Loadouts, and Sniper Rifles to the Gunfight.

Warzone Content:

• Calling All Champions. The Vondel Champions Quest will begin in Season 05. Assemble the squad and prepare to put together a new plan for victory in Vondel.
• New Free Features in BR and DMZ. Two new vehicles across both modes; several new DMZ features, and the first details on the Reveal Event for Call of Duty 2023.
• Arriving at Reloaded: Hold Down the Fort, Prepared for Armored Royale. A section of Al Mazrah adds to the available Resurgence maps, and will be added to the existing rotation. That and the return of Armored Royale earmark the Season 05 midseason updates.

Across Both Titles:

• Task Force 141 and Shadow Company: Faction Showdown. Do your part to help TF141 or Shadow Company control the AO. Your efforts will reward you with exclusive items, including a Weapon Blueprint for challenge completion and a new Operator Skin for the winning side.
• Gear Up with Modern Weaponry. A fast-firing Assault Rifle and semi-auto Sniper Rifle sure to put a frown on the enemy’s face will be available in the Battle Pass. Plus, four more armaments throughout the season.
• Call of Duty celebrates 50 years of Hip Hop with Special Guests Snoop Dogg, Nicki Minaj, and 21 Savage. Get ready to light it up and get some free War Tracks spanning three decades of a culture that transcends music and gaming.

Season 05 arrives, bringing all of the above with it, on August 2nd, 2023. If you’d like a deeper look before it arrives, check out the official Call of Duty Blog, here.