When Does the New Season of COD Start? Everything You Need to Know
The new Call of Duty season launch dates vary across different games, but generally, players can expect a new season of Call of Duty: Warzone and Modern Warfare III to start on May 29, 2024, bringing fresh content, new weapons, maps, and Operators.
Understanding the Call of Duty Seasonal Structure
The Call of Duty franchise operates on a seasonal content model. This means that every few months, Activision, the game’s publisher, releases a massive update packed with new features and content. This seasonal structure is designed to keep the game fresh, engaging, and to provide a constantly evolving experience for players. Understanding this cycle is crucial to knowing when to expect the next big drop of content.
Benefits of the Seasonal Model
The seasonal model in Call of Duty offers several benefits for both the developers and the players:
- Keeps the Game Fresh: Regular updates prevent the game from becoming stale and repetitive.
- Introduces New Content: Each season brings new maps, weapons, game modes, Operators, and cosmetic items.
- Balancing Changes: Seasonal updates allow developers to fine-tune the game by adjusting weapon stats and addressing balance issues.
- Story Progression: The seasonal format often incorporates ongoing narrative elements, revealing more of the game’s story as seasons progress.
- Engagement and Retention: The promise of new content encourages players to return to the game and stay engaged.
The Season Launch Process
The launch of a new Call of Duty season is a significant event. Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens:
- Teasers and Announcements: Activision usually begins teasing the upcoming season weeks in advance through trailers, blog posts, and social media updates.
- Patch Notes: A few days before the launch, detailed patch notes are released, outlining all the changes, additions, and fixes included in the new season.
- Pre-Load (Sometimes): Depending on the size of the update, players may be able to pre-load the new season files, allowing them to jump into the game immediately upon release.
- Launch Day: On the designated launch day, the update goes live. Players download the update and can then access all the new content.
- Early Access (Sometimes): Some promotions or bundles might include early access to content.
Factors Affecting Season Start Dates
Several factors can influence the exact start date of a new Call of Duty season:
- Previous Season Length: The duration of the previous season is a key factor. Seasons typically last around two to three months.
- Holidays and Events: Activision sometimes aligns season launches with major holidays or in-game events to maximize player engagement.
- Development Schedule: Unforeseen development issues or delays can sometimes push back the release date of a new season.
- Marketing Strategy: The timing of the season launch may also be influenced by Activision’s overall marketing strategy for the game.
Common Mistakes Players Make Regarding Season Starts
Players often make a few common mistakes when anticipating the start of a new season:
- Believing Unconfirmed Rumors: Relying on unverified leaks and rumors can lead to disappointment when the actual launch date is different. Always check official sources for accurate information.
- Not Updating the Game: Forgetting to update the game on launch day will prevent access to the new content. Make sure auto-updates are enabled or manually check for updates.
- Not Checking Patch Notes: Skipping the patch notes can result in confusion about the new features and changes. Take the time to read them.
- Ignoring Server Issues: Launch days can often be plagued by server issues due to high player traffic. Be patient and allow time for the servers to stabilize.
The Latest on Call of Duty: Warzone and Modern Warfare III Season Launches
Season 4 of Call of Duty: Warzone and Modern Warfare III is expected to launch on May 29, 2024. This date aligns with the approximate end date of Season 3’s battle pass and is supported by various industry sources and data miners. Players should follow official Call of Duty channels for official confirmation and updates closer to the date.
| Game | Current Season | Expected Season 4 Start Date | Confirmed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Warzone | Season 3 | May 29, 2024 | No |
| Modern Warfare III | Season 3 | May 29, 2024 | No |
Preparing for a New Season
Here’s what you can do to prepare for the upcoming season:
- Complete Current Battle Pass: Maximize your rewards by completing the current season’s battle pass before it expires.
- Clear Storage Space: New seasons often require significant download sizes, so ensure you have ample storage space on your device.
- Stay Updated: Follow official Call of Duty social media accounts and websites for the latest news and announcements.
- Plan Your Playtime: Decide which new content you want to experience first and plan your playtime accordingly.
- Check for Double XP Events: Often there are double XP events leading up to the new season launch. Take advantage of these to level up your weapons and rank.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Call of Duty Seasons
What is a Call of Duty season?
A Call of Duty season is a time-limited period, typically lasting around two to three months, during which Activision releases significant new content, including maps, weapons, Operators, game modes, and battle passes. These seasons are designed to keep the game fresh and engaging for players.
How long does a Call of Duty season typically last?
Typically, a Call of Duty season lasts for approximately two to three months. However, this can sometimes vary depending on factors like development schedules, holiday events, or marketing strategies.
How do I know when the next season is starting?
The best way to find out when the next season is starting is to follow the official Call of Duty social media channels (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube) and the Activision blog. They usually announce the date a few weeks in advance.
Will my progress reset when the new season starts?
No, your overall player level and unlocked content will not reset. However, seasonal progress, such as battle pass tiers, and seasonal challenges will reset at the beginning of each new season.
What is a Battle Pass?
The Battle Pass is a tiered reward system that allows players to earn cosmetic items, weapon blueprints, and other in-game rewards by progressing through the tiers. It is usually purchased using COD Points, the game’s premium currency.
What happens to the current Battle Pass when a new season starts?
The current Battle Pass expires at the start of the new season. Any unlocked but unclaimed rewards are automatically granted, but you cannot earn new progress on the old Battle Pass.
Do I need to buy the Battle Pass?
No, purchasing the Battle Pass is optional. You can still play the game and enjoy the new content without buying it. However, buying the Battle Pass gives you access to additional rewards as you play.
How much does the Battle Pass cost?
The standard Battle Pass typically costs 1,100 COD Points. There’s also often a Battle Pass Bundle that includes tier skips, allowing you to advance faster.
What if I don’t finish the Battle Pass before the season ends?
If you don’t finish the Battle Pass before the season ends, you will not be able to unlock the remaining rewards. Any rewards you’ve already earned will remain in your inventory.
Will my unlocked weapons transfer to the new season?
Yes, all of the weapons you’ve unlocked in previous seasons will transfer to the new season. You can continue to use them.
Are the season start times the same for all platforms?
Typically, the season start times are the same across all platforms (PC, PlayStation, Xbox). However, there might be minor variations due to time zone differences.
Where can I find the patch notes for the new season?
The patch notes are usually posted on the official Call of Duty website and social media channels a few days before the season launch. Reading them is essential for understanding the new content and changes.