Call of Duty: Warzone – Area 99
At the Call of Duty: NEXT event in Washington DC, I got some hands-on time with the upcoming Resurgence map for Call of Duty: Warzone, set to launch in Season 1 later this year. Developed by Treyarch, this map (Area 99) is rooted in the Call of Duty: Black Ops universe and crafted with specific attention to movement flow, visibility, and narrative direction. Aside from getting a few kills here and there, I really struggled on the new map but this isn’t the map’s fault, I am just not that good at Warzone. I don’t play it nearly enough, but that’ll all change in the coming months. So instead of giving you my usual impressions-type article, here’s everything you can expect from Area 99, a map set in the Nevada desert at the Echo Ridge Weapons Station.
Area 99: New Warzone Map Overview
Area 99 is a larger, more expansive evolution of the iconic Nuketown map, designed to accommodate Warzone’s gameplay mechanics while staying true to the fast-paced, tactical feel that fans love. The map is filled with nods to Nuketown, but it’s been expanded significantly to include a variety of points of interest and ensure engaging gameplay.
Setting
Area 99 is set against the backdrop of the Nevada desert, just miles away from the original Nuketown testing site. This top-secret government facility, built in the 1950s, was intended to push the boundaries of radiation testing. However, following a reactor leak, the site was abandoned, leaving behind a sprawling, decaying military compound now repurposed for intense Warzone battles.
Points of Interest (POIs)
Area 99 features a variety of POIs that offer unique gameplay opportunities and are steeped in the lore of the Black Ops universe.
1. Mannequin Assembly
A massive, abandoned mannequin plant dominates the northern part of the map. The plant, which has been operating unsupervised since the site’s abandonment, is filled with piles of mannequin parts, creating a maze-like environment. In this area, you can expect close-quarters combat in the dilapidated assembly buildings, where rusting machinery and conveyor belts add to the eerie atmosphere. It was my go-to location every time I jumped into a match.
2. Test Site and Bunker
Located in the center of the map, the Test Site is a highly fortified area with both above-ground and subterranean elements. The surface features a helipad and a former live-fire test site, while below ground, you’ll find a maze of bunkers, armories, and a war room filled with secrets. This area offers a mix of vertical and close-quarters combat, making it ideal for aggressive players.
3. Reactor and Cooling Towers
The Reactor is the central landmark of Area 99 and serves as the bullseye for operators dropping into the action. The cracked reactor has been leaking radiation for decades, adding a dangerous element to the gameplay. Surrounding the reactor are several radial buildings that offer cover and opportunities for intense firefights. The nearby cooling towers are also decaying, providing both cover and strategic vantage points.
4. Factory: Warehouse and Manufacturing
In the southern part of Area 99, you’ll find a factory complex where the components of Nuketown houses were once constructed. This area is filled with opportunities for parkour and exploration, with conveyor belts, shipping warehouses, and factory floor corridors providing ample cover and traversal options.
5. Loading Bay
The Loading Bay features a gigantic crane that still holds an entire Nuketown house suspended in the air. This area is likely to be a power position, with plenty of traversal points and opportunities for ambushes.
6. Nuketown Shipping
Along the eastern edge of the map, you’ll find a collection of abandoned Nuketown houses awaiting transport. These buildings are partially buried in the sand, creating a boneyard environment perfect for ambushes and close-quarters combat.
7. Pods
These retro-futuristic pod dwellings served as housing for the workers at Echo Ridge Weapons Station. Though now in a state of decay, the pods offer long-range sniping opportunities as well as intense close-quarters battles within their compact living spaces.
Integrated Innovations and Gameplay Enhancements
With the introduction of Area 99, the development team is bringing several innovations and integrations to Call of Duty: Warzone, tied closely to the launch of Black Ops 6.
New Gameplay Mechanics
- Omnimovement: A new movement system that allows you to seamlessly chain combat maneuvers like sprinting, sliding, diving, and supine prone, with a full 360-degree range of motion.
- Black Ops Ordnance: All weapons from Black Ops 6 will be available in Warzone, including a variety of new equipment and field upgrades.
- Dedicated Melee: A new system allows you to carry a dedicated melee weapon in addition to your primary and secondary weapons, adding a new layer to close-quarters combat.
- Global Weapon Builds: Customize and carry your weapon builds across all modes, including Black Ops 6, Zombies, and Warzone.
Classic Features and New Additions - Pick-3 Perks: Customize your loadout by selecting three perks and an additional wildcard to enhance your gameplay.
- Lootable Perks: Find valuable perks during a match to augment your loadout, with rotating perks keeping the gameplay fresh.
- Weapon Mastery Camos: Earn mastery camos for each Black Ops 6 weapon, with challenges specific to Warzone.
- Reticle Challenges: Unlock customizable reticles for any weapon with an optic sight.
- Dark Ops Calling Card Challenges: Complete classified challenges to earn exclusive calling cards.
Simplified Inventory System
Raven has reintroduced a simplified inventory system, doing away with backpacks and returning to a more straightforward inventory layout. Satchels are back, allowing you to increase your storage capacity for armor plates, ammunition, and other essentials.
The Resurgence Map: Area 99 is set to be a thrilling addition to Call of Duty: Warzone. With its rich lore, unique points of interest, and integration of Black Ops 6 gameplay mechanics, it promises to deliver a fast-paced, tactical experience that fans of the franchise will love. Get ready to drop into the Nevada desert and uncover the secrets of Area 99 when it launches later this year.
SOURCE: Call of Duty Blog