Call of Duty Warzone BO7 Season 1 Early Patch Notes (January 2026) Quick Guide

The Call of Duty franchise continues to evolve with the upcoming Black Ops 7 (BO7) Season 1, bringing significant changes to Warzone. As anticipation builds for this major release, early patch notes have begun to surface, giving players a glimpse into what to expect. This comprehensive guide covers all the confirmed changes, from weapon balancing to map updates, ensuring you’re fully prepared when the season drops.

In this article, we’ll break down everything we know about the upcoming BO7 Season 1 changes, including:

Section	Key Highlights
Weapon Changes	New weapons, balancing updates, attachment modifications
Map Updates	Terrain changes, new points of interest, revamped locations
Gameplay Mechanics	Movement adjustments, new features, system overhauls
Progression Systems	Battle Pass updates, ranking changes, new rewards
Audio & Visual	Sound improvements, graphical enhancements, UI updates

Weapon Changes

New Weapons

BO7 Season 1 introduces several new weapons to the Warzone arsenal:

1. KSV-545 SMG – A fast-firing submachine gun with excellent mobility and moderate damage
2. MCW 6.8 Battle Rifle – A high-damage, semi-automatic rifle effective at medium to long ranges
3. Stryder 922 LMG – A lightweight machine gun offering a balance between firepower and mobility
4. Karambit Melee – A fast-attacking melee weapon with increased lunge distance

Weapon Balancing Updates

Raven Software has implemented several balancing changes to existing weapons:

Assault Rifles

• ISO Hemlock: Slightly increased recoil for better balance
• Kastov 762: Reduced damage range by 5% to maintain weapon diversity
• M13B: Minor buff to upper torso damage multiplier
• TAQ-V: Increased ADS speed by 8%

Submachine Guns

• Lachmann-Sub: Improved damage range by 7%
• FSS Hurricane: Slightly increased vertical recoil
• PDSW 528: Improved bullet velocity by 15%

Sniper Rifles

• Signal 50: Increased ADS speed by 10%
• MCPR-300: Slightly reduced damage to upper torso at extreme ranges
• Victus XMR: Improved handling characteristics

Light Machine Guns

• HCR 56: Reduced reload time by 200ms
• RAAL MG: Slightly increased aim idle sway
• RPK: Improved recoil control pattern

Shotguns

• Expedite 12: Increased one-shot kill range by 1.5 meters
• Lockwood Mk2: Improved pellet spread consistency
• Bryson 890: Slightly increased fire rate

Melee Weapons

• Combat Knife: Increased lunge distance by 10%
• Riot Shield: Reduced durability when taking explosive damage

Attachment Modifications

Several attachments have been adjusted to improve weapon variety:

• Lasers: All laser attachments now provide more pronounced benefits to ADS speed with appropriate visibility trade-offs
• Barrels: Extended barrel attachments now provide more significant range benefits but with greater mobility penalties
• Magazines: Extended magazines now have more balanced capacity increases versus reload time penalties
• Stocks: Stock attachments now provide more distinct handling profiles to allow for more specialized builds
• Underbarrel: Improved vertical recoil control across most underbarrel options

Map Updates

Rebirth Island Changes

Rebirth Island receives significant updates in BO7 Season 1:

1. New Point of Interest: “Decontamination Zone”

• Located in the western portion of the island
• Features a multi-level laboratory building with rare loot
• Contains a new gas-based environmental hazard that cycles on and off

1. Bioweapon Research Facility Expansion

• Added additional underground tunnels connecting to the main facility
• New rooftop access points with ziplines
• Improved interior layouts with more cover options

1. Harbor Modifications

• Added several new shipping containers creating additional cover
• Implemented new vertical gameplay opportunities with stacked containers
• Improved sightlines from the southern approach

1. Terrain Adjustments

• Smoother terrain around the Prison Block for better movement
• Added new vegetation in the eastern section for additional cover
• Improved water interaction mechanics around the island’s perimeter

New Map: “Chemical Complex”

A brand-new medium-sized map joins the rotation:

• Setting: A sprawling industrial chemical processing facility in Eastern Europe
• Size: Medium, designed for approximately 80 players
• Key Features:
• Multiple processing buildings with distinct layouts
• Above-ground pipeline system for unique traversal opportunities
• Underground tunnel network connecting key locations
• Hazardous chemical zones that cycle on and off throughout the match
• Diverse verticality with multiple rooftops and elevated positions

Caldera Updates

The popular Caldera map receives several quality-of-life improvements:

1. Revised Resupply Points

• More evenly distributed across the map
• Improved loot quality at peripheral locations
• Added additional buy stations in less populated areas

1. Terrain Optimization

• Smoother terrain in previously problematic movement areas
• Improved collision detection on rocky surfaces
• Reduced visual clutter in high-density areas

1. New Strategic Locations

• Added a small communications outpost on the western ridge
• Implemented a crashed aircraft site with high-tier loot
• Created additional defensive positions around the Resort

Gameplay Mechanics

Movement System Updates

The movement system receives several refinements:

1. Sliding Mechanics

• Reduced slide cancel effectiveness by 15%
• Improved slide-to-stand transition smoothness
• Added slight momentum preservation when transitioning from slide to tactical sprint

1. Mantling Adjustments

• Improved mantle detection reliability on uneven surfaces
• Slightly increased mantle speed for low objects
• Reduced mantle speed for very tall objects to prevent unrealistic movement

1. Diving Changes

• Increased prone transition time after diving by 100ms
• Improved hitbox accuracy during the diving animation
• Reduced bullet spread when firing immediately after diving

1. Tactical Sprint Updates

• Increased tactical sprint duration by 0.5 seconds
• Improved tactical sprint-to-sprint transition smoothness
• Added slight audio cue when reaching maximum tactical sprint speed

New Gameplay Features

BO7 Season 1 introduces several new gameplay elements:

1. Enhanced Ping System

• Added contextual pings for specific loot types
• Implemented directional danger pings
• Created ping history system showing last 5 pings from teammates

1. Improved Gulag System

• New random weapon pool updated monthly
• Added environmental hazards that activate periodically
• Implemented overtime mechanic if both players survive the standard round time

1. Field Upgrade System Overhaul

• Added two new field upgrades:
  • Recon Drone: Deployable drone that marks enemies in a small radius
  • Tactical Insertion: Allows players to select their next respawn location (limited uses)
• Reduced cooldowns on existing field upgrades by 10-20%
• Improved field upgrade inventory management

1. Revive System Enhancements

• Added self-revive capability when using specific armor plates
• Improved revive protection timing
• Added visual indicators for revive progress to all teammates

Audio Improvements

Several audio enhancements improve the gameplay experience:

1. Footstep Audio Overhaul

• Improved footstep audio differentiation between surfaces
• Enhanced directional accuracy for enemy footsteps
• Added subtle audio cues for different movement states

1. Weapon Sound Updates

• Improved audio fidelity for all weapon sounds
• Added distinct audio signatures for suppressed weapons at different distances
• Enhanced audio feedback for hitting enemies

1. Environmental Audio Enhancements

• Improved spatial audio for better situational awareness
• Added more dynamic environmental sounds that react to player actions
• Enhanced audio clarity during intense firefights

Progression Systems

Battle Pass Updates

The BO7 Season 1 Battle Pass introduces several improvements:

1. Streamlined Progression

• Reduced total tiers from 1000 to 100
• Increased XP per tier to maintain similar overall progression time
• Added bonus XP events throughout the season

1. New Reward Structure

• More frequent rewards at every tier
• Added blueprint rewards at tiers 5, 15, 30, 50, 75, and 100
• Implemented new cosmetic categories: weapon charms, player cards, and loading screens

1. Free Tier Improvements

• Added more content to the free track
• Included two new weapons in the free track (unlocked at tiers 15 and 40)
• Added additional COD Points at tiers 25, 50, 75, and 100

Ranking System Overhaul

The competitive ranking system receives significant changes:

1. New Skill-Based Matchmaking Algorithm

• Improved performance tracking across multiple metrics
• Added dynamic adjustment based on recent performance
• Implemented team-based skill balancing for solos, duos, and trios

1. Rank Division Updates

• Added new “Champion” division above Master
• Revised rank point requirements for all divisions
• Implemented protection periods after rank promotion

1. Ranked Rewards

• Added unique cosmetic rewards for each division achieved
• Implemented end-of-season rewards based on highest rank achieved
• Added exclusive weapon blueprints for top-ranked players

New Weapon Progression System

Weapons now feature an enhanced progression system:

1. Platform Mastery System

• Added weapon platform levels that unlock universal attachments
• Implemented platform-specific challenges for additional XP
• Added platform-based camouflage systems

1. Attachment Unlock Restructure

• Reduced total attachment unlocks per weapon
• Improved attachment progression flow
• Added alternative unlock methods for difficult attachments

1. Weapon Calibration System

• New system allowing fine-tuning of weapon characteristics
• Adjustable recoil patterns, damage profiles, and handling characteristics
• Preset system for saving preferred configurations

Audio & Visual Updates

Graphical Enhancements

BO7 Season 1 brings several visual improvements:

1. Lighting System Overhaul

• Improved global illumination for more realistic lighting
• Enhanced shadow quality and accuracy
• Added dynamic weather lighting effects

1. Texture Updates

• Higher resolution textures for key environmental elements
• Improved material rendering for more realistic surfaces
• Enhanced texture streaming for reduced pop-in

1. Particle Effects Improvements

• More detailed explosion and impact effects
• Improved smoke and fire rendering
• Enhanced weather particle effects

User Interface Enhancements

The user interface receives several quality-of-life improvements:

1. Main Menu Redesign

• Simplified navigation structure
• Added quick access buttons for frequently used modes
• Improved social menu functionality

1. In-Game HUD Updates

• Cleaner, less intrusive design
• Improved readability in all lighting conditions
• Customizable HUD element positioning

1. Loot Menu Improvements

• Enhanced item comparison tools
• Improved inventory management options
• Added favorite system for prioritizing certain items

Performance Optimizations

Several performance improvements enhance the gameplay experience:

1. Reduced Input Latency

• Improved controller response time by approximately 15%
• Enhanced mouse input precision for PC players
• Reduced input lag during intense gameplay moments

1. Frame Rate Stability

• Improved frame pacing for smoother gameplay
• Reduced frame drops during high-action moments
• Optimized rendering pipeline for better performance

1. Memory Usage Optimization

• Reduced memory footprint by approximately 10%
• Improved texture streaming efficiency
• Enhanced garbage collection to prevent performance degradation

Platform-Specific Updates

PC-Specific Changes

PC players receive several platform-specific improvements:

1. Enhanced Graphics Options

• Added new DLSS 3.0 support for compatible NVIDIA cards
• Improved FSR 2.1 implementation for AMD cards
• Added additional ultrawide monitor support

1. Input System Improvements

• Enhanced mouse and keyboard customization options
• Improved controller support with additional deadzone options
• Added hybrid input support allowing simultaneous use of M&K and controller

1. UI Scaling Options

• Added more granular UI scaling options
• Improved text readability at various resolutions
• Enhanced HUD element customization

Console-Specific Updates

Console players receive several platform-specific enhancements:

1. Performance Mode Options

• Added 120Hz support for PS5 and Xbox Series X
• Improved performance mode stability on all platforms
• Added customizable graphics/performance balance options

1. Load Time Improvements

• Reduced initial game load times by approximately 20%
• Improved map loading speeds between matches
• Enhanced texture streaming to reduce pop-in

1. Controller Enhancements

• Added additional controller vibration customization
• Improved trigger feedback for compatible controllers
• Enhanced audio output options for different audio setups

FAQ

When will BO7 Season 1 be released?

Based on previous Call of Duty release patterns, BO7 Season 1 is expected to launch in January 2026, though an exact date has not been officially announced by Activision or Raven Software.

Will my progress from Modern Warfare 2 carry over to BO7?

Yes, Activision has confirmed that certain progress elements will carry forward, including:

• COD Points balance
• Battle Pass tier progression
• Some weapon camos and calling cards
• Some operator skins

However, weapon levels and attachments will need to be re-earned in BO7.

Will there be a new map in BO7 Season 1?

Yes, BO7 Season 1 will introduce a new medium-sized map called “Chemical Complex” alongside significant updates to existing maps like Rebirth Island and Caldera.

What are the major weapon changes in BO7 Season 1?

The major weapon changes include:

• Four new weapons (KSV-545 SMG, MCW 6.8 Battle Rifle, Stryder 922 LMG, and Karambit Melee)
• Balancing updates to existing weapons across all categories
• Attachment modifications to improve weapon variety
• New weapon progression and calibration systems

Will Warzone remain free-to-play with BO7?

Yes, Warzone will continue to be free-to-play with the release of BO7. The premium BO7 experience is separate from the free Warzone offering.

What are the system requirements for BO7 on PC?

While official system requirements haven’t been released, they are expected to be similar to Modern Warfare 2 with potential slight increases due to graphical enhancements. We’ll update this section once official requirements are announced.

Will there be cross-play in BO7?

Yes, cross-play will continue to be supported in BO7, allowing players on different platforms to play together. The system will function similarly to the current implementation in Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone.

What anti-cheat measures will be implemented in BO7?

BO7 will continue to use Ricochet Anti-Cheat with enhancements to detect and prevent cheating. The system will include both server-side detection and client-side kernel-level drivers for PC players.

Will there be changes to the gulag system in BO7?

Yes, the gulag system has been overhauled with a new random weapon pool that will be updated monthly, environmental hazards that activate periodically, and an overtime mechanic if both players survive the standard round time.

Can I transfer my account from PlayStation to Xbox or PC with BO7?

Yes, Activision’s cross-progression system will continue to support account linking across platforms, allowing you to maintain your progress regardless of which platform you play on.