October 27, 2025
Call of Duty: Warzone Set to Test Grappling Hooks, Wall Jumping, and Major Map Changes in 2026 Raven Software outlines its bold new direction for Warzone — including large map rotations, experimental movement mechanics, and the long-awaited Blackout return
As Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 nears launch, Raven Software has unveiled its roadmap for Warzone’s biggest year yet. The studio confirmed that 2026 will bring sweeping gameplay innovations, including experimental mechanics, a large map rotation system, and a new take on Blackout, the original battle royale experience from Treyarch’s Black Ops 4.
The plan marks one of the most ambitious updates in Warzone’s history — signaling that Activision’s battle royale isn’t afraid to evolve.
🗺️ Large Map Rotation Arriving in Early 2026
One of the biggest changes on the horizon is large map rotation for Warzone’s core Battle Royale mode.
Raven revealed that technical limitations previously prevented multiple large maps from being live simultaneously, but those barriers have now been lifted. The feature won’t launch alongside Black Ops 7, but it’s slated for early 2026, allowing players to experience a rotating selection of full-scale maps for the first time.
This move mirrors the map variety seen in other live-service shooters — and should keep gameplay feeling fresh throughout the year.
🔁 Resurgence Mode Gets a Full Refresh
Resurgence, one of Warzone’s most popular and fast-paced modes, is also getting a serious overhaul. Raven acknowledged that the mode had “started to feel a bit stale,” prompting a full refresh in Season 01.
Key updates include:
- A brand-new Resurgence map called Haven’s Hollow, launching in Season 01
- Map rotation support coming shortly after launch
- The return of fan-favorite maps like Rebirth Island and Fortune’s Keep (with updated layouts and visuals)
Raven also confirmed that Rebirth Island will get a major visual and structural refresh in Season 02, addressing long-standing player feedback.
🌑 The Blackout Experience Returns on Avalon
Perhaps the most exciting announcement for longtime fans is the return of Blackout, the original Call of Duty battle royale mode that debuted in Black Ops 4.
Raven describes the new Blackout experience as a “bold but intentional risk,” designed to capture the tactical gameplay and nostalgic atmosphere of the original while integrating modern Warzone systems.
The new version will take place on Avalon, a brand-new map debuting in Season 02. Players can expect a slower-paced, survival-driven experience — one that blends Warzone’s fluid movement with the strategy and tension of classic Blackout.
🧗 Experimental Mechanics: Grappling Hooks and Wall Jumping
To keep the gameplay fresh, Raven is introducing experimental mechanics through upcoming limited-time modes.
Among the new features being tested:
- Grappling Hooks, allowing players to quickly traverse vertical spaces and reposition mid-fight
- Wall Jumping, adding fluidity and momentum-based mobility similar to classic arena shooters
These tests will help the studio gauge community feedback before deciding whether to implement them permanently in the main Warzone sandbox.
Players can also look forward to more limited-time events, unique gameplay modifiers, and returning fan-favorite modes throughout 2026.
⚙️ Ongoing Support and Balance Updates
Raven reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Warzone’s live-service model. The team plans to roll out more frequent balance updates, ensuring weapons, perks, and mechanics stay competitive and well-tuned as new features roll out.
The studio emphasized its goal of keeping Warzone dynamic, experimental, and fun, with a stronger focus on community-driven evolution.
🏁 Final Thoughts
From grappling hooks and wall jumping to Blackout’s comeback and rotating large maps, Raven Software is signaling a bold new era for Call of Duty: Warzone.
The developer is clearly willing to experiment — blending nostalgia with innovation to keep the experience exciting for veterans and newcomers alike.
With the first wave of updates arriving alongside Black Ops 7 Season 01, and even bigger changes planned for early 2026, Warzone fans have plenty to look forward to in the year ahead.