Complete COD BO6 & Warzone Season 4 Reloaded Update Patch Notes

Call of Duty Season 4 Reloaded has officially arrived on July 2, 2025, at 9 AM PT, bringing massive content updates, weapon balance changes, and exciting new features to both Black Ops 6 and Warzone. Following the somewhat rocky launch of Season 4, this mid-season update aims to address player concerns while introducing fresh content including the return of the fan-favorite Fringe map, controversial Beavis and Butt-Head operators, and game-changing weapon attachment updates.
Quick Overview: What’s New in COD Season 4 Reloaded
| Category | Key Updates |
|---|---|
| Release Date | July 2, 2025, 9 AM PT across all platforms |
| New Maps | Fringe (reimagined), Eclipse (6v6/2v2) |
| New Weapons | Olympia shotgun, Pickaxe melee weapon |
| Special Features | Cel-shaded map variants, Beavis & Butt-Head collab |
| Warzone Modes | Havoc Royale, Resurgence Ranked Play returns |
| Major Changes | Krig C nerf, extensive attachment buffs |
| Zombies Content | Abomination Challenge, Starting Room LTMs |
COD Black Ops 6 Season 4 Reloaded Updates
New Multiplayer Maps
Fringe Returns
The beloved Black Ops 3 map Fringe makes its triumphant return in a reimagined form for Season 4 Reloaded. Deploy to the Rolling Hills distillery during its grand opening ceremony, where classic power positions like the Barn and House windows still dominate sightlines. The central Road remains a high-risk, high-reward lane, while the Loading zone maintains its reputation as the map’s most dangerous traversal point.
Eclipse – Underground Nightclub Action
Battle to the beat in Eclipse, a brand-new Strike map set in an underground Avalon nightclub. This vibrant arena features:
- Neon-lit halls and a pulsing dance floor
- DJ Booth vantage point for overwatch
- Coat Check corner for tactical positioning
- Available in both 6v6 and 2v2 modes
CODtoons Cel-Shaded Maps
In a unique twist, Call of Duty introduces cel-shaded variants of fan-favorite maps:
- Nuketown
- Babylon
- Skyline
- Stakeout
- Grind
These visually striking maps will be available in the CODtoons Moshpit playlist, offering a fresh aesthetic while maintaining the same tactical layouts players know and love.
Party Ops Limited-Time Mode
Party all night in this Free-for-All party mode featuring randomized minigames! Key features include:
- No score limit or scorestreaks
- Rotating minigames including Dance Off and Musical Zones
- Top three players win each match
- Maps: Babylon, Grind, Nuketown, and Skyline
New Weapons and Attachments
Olympia Shotgun (Event Reward)
The double-barrel Olympia returns with:
- Very high damage output
- Respectable range for a shotgun
- Frequent reloading requirement for balance
- Available through Beavis & Butt-Head event
Pickaxe Melee Weapon (Event Reward)
Strike gold with this deadly close-quarters weapon featuring:
- One-hit kill potential
- Medium attack speed
- Short range limitations
- Various attack animations including swipes and overhead strikes
Game-Changing Attachments
SVD Full Auto Mod (Event Reward)
This attachment completely transforms the SVD sniper rifle:
- Converts to full-auto with high rate of fire
- Improved handling and spread
- Stronger vertical recoil as trade-off
- Blocks Stock, Underbarrel, Barrel, and Magazine attachments
TR2 CQB Auto Conversion (CODtoons Event Reward)
Transform the TR2 marksman rifle into:
- Fully automatic weapon with unique fire rate mechanics
- Fast initial fire rate that gradually slows
- Improved handling at the cost of damage range
- Unlocks exclusive extended magazine option
COD Warzone Season 4 Reloaded Changes
Map Updates – Verdansk Train Enhancements
The train receives significant upgrades:
- New Buy Station added directly on the train
- UAV Tower installed (disabled in Battle Royale Ranked)
- Enhanced tactical options for mobile gameplay
New Game Modes
Havoc Royale – Chaos in Verdansk
This limited-time mode brings unpredictable mayhem:
- 44 players (Quads) in 15-minute matches
- Drop zones: Downtown, Airport, or Train Station
- Pre-equipped loadouts on spawn
- Rotating modifiers throughout six gas collapses
Standard Modifiers Include:
- Charge Jump: Superhuman leaps with charge mechanics
- Cranked: Enemy outlines, proximity HUD, countdown timer (explode at zero!)
- Crouch Potato: Transform into a potato when crouching, regenerate health/armor
- Eye See You: Always-on Advanced UAV with googly eyes
- Melon Heads: Watermelon heads with explosive headshot damage
- Make It Rain: Infinite ammo reserves and abundant cash
- Unregulated Airspace: More killstreaks available simultaneously
Finale Modifiers:
- Showdown: Identical loadouts for all players
- Rising Gas: Vertical gas forces upward movement
Resurgence Casual
A more relaxed Resurgence experience featuring:
- 12 human players
- 32 AI bots
- Standard Resurgence rules apply
- Limited progression (doesn’t affect stats)
- Perfect for practice or new players
Resurgence Ranked Play Returns
Major changes to the competitive mode:
- Team-based SR system replaces individual performance tracking
- Death penalties removed to encourage aggressive play
- Separate ranking and rewards from Battle Royale Ranked
- Trios format on Rebirth Island
- Updated SR calculations for kills, placement, and division deltas
Major Weapon Balance Changes
The Controversial Krig C Nerf
The Krig C assault rifle receives significant nerfs:
- Maximum damage range reduced: 44.4m → 39.4m
- Medium damage range reduced: 55.9m → 49.5m
- ADS movement speed decreased: 3.3m/s → 3.0m/s
- Sprint to fire speed increased: 200ms → 215ms
- Bullet velocity decreased: 870m/s → 850m/s
- Flinch resistance reduced by 20%
Attachment Overhaul
Season 4 Reloaded focuses heavily on attachment tuning with portfolio-wide improvements to underused attachments:
Universally Buffed Attachments:
- Short Barrel (improved sprint-to-fire and ADS speeds)
- Lightweight Foregrip (better idle sway control)
- Precision Foregrip (enhanced stability)
- Fast Motion Laser (improved hip-fire accuracy)
- Target Laser (better ADS steadiness)
- Combat Stock (increased ADS movement speed)
LMG Improvements
All Black Ops 6 LMGs receive:
- 15% increased flinch resistance
- Improved ADS speeds across the board
- Better movement capabilities
- Enhanced viability in fast-paced combat
Zombies Mode Updates
New Limited-Time Modes
Abomination Challenge
Face off against Mo, a unique Abomination HVT with special abilities:
- Gains resistance then immunity to repeatedly used weapons
- Special charge attack with hidden mechanics
- Enhanced enemy variety including Amalgams, Doppelghasts, Elder Disciples
- Modified health system using “Zombies Snacks”
- Flow State available for skilled players
- Rewards: 15,000 XP, Hidden Power GobbleGum, exclusive Calling Card
Starting Room
A throwback to classic Zombies experiences:
- Confined to starting area only
- All doors permanently sealed
- Power automatically activated
- Map-specific features and rewards
- Different round milestones per map
- Available Maps: Liberty Falls, Terminus, Citadelle des Morts, The Tomb, Shattered Veil
King of the Dead Leaderboard Event
Compete for zombie elimination supremacy:
- Points based on elimination types
- Special, Elite, and Boss enemies worth more
- Leaderboard rankings determine rewards
- Active during Season 4 Reloaded launch period
Events and Collaborations
Beavis & Butt-Head Event
The controversial collaboration brings:
- Operator skins for both characters
- Coach Buzzcut and Todd Ianuzzi appearances
- Unlockable Olympia shotgun
- Pickaxe melee weapon
- Additional themed cosmetics
- Mixed community reception due to art style clash
CODtoons Event
Celebrate animation with:
- Cel-shaded map variants
- TR2 CQB Auto Conversion attachment
- Themed cosmetic rewards
- Limited-time playlists
Quality of Life Improvements
UI/UX Enhancements
- Helicopter Icons: Now visible at extreme altitudes
- Advanced Splash Settings: New accessibility options for notifications
- Safe Area Settings: Fixed selection issues in interface
Movement and Collision Fixes
- Improved player collision detection
- Fixed prone teammate blocking issues
- Enhanced overall movement fluidity
Bug Fixes Highlights
- MW2/MW3 attachment descriptions restored
- Stryder Burst Mod HUD text corrected
- Backcell daily challenge tracking fixed
- Gun Slinger Calling Card progression corrected
- XM4 Military Camo XP rewards normalized
- Olympia Gold Tiger camo unlock issues resolved
- Essex Model 07 ADS alignment fixed
Perks and Equipment Changes
Perk Adjustments
Buffs
- Reactive Armor: Full armor regeneration over 35 seconds
- Grenadier: Faster equipment deployment, reduced explosive regen delay (5s → 3s)
- Bomb Squad: 45% explosive damage reduction (up from 30%), includes self-damage
Nerfs
- Tracker: Reduced to single target marking, shorter duration at all ranges
- Restock: Equipment regeneration increased to 60 seconds
- Scavenger: Cash drop reduced to $1,000
- Reflexes: Explosive delay increased to 1.6 seconds
New Perk: Loot Master
Available in Resurgence and Plunder:
- Additional items from supply caches
- Higher chance for Tacticals, Lethals, and cash
- Increased Field Upgrade and Killstreak drops
- Enhanced tier gear acquisition
Competitive and Ranked Play Updates
Ranked Play Map Pool Additions
- CDL Hardpoint: Fringe added
- CDL Search & Destroy: Fringe, Vault, Skyline added
- CDL Control: Rewind rotation
New Restrictions
- Experimental Gas Grenades
- Neurogas Mines
- Shock Charges
- Impact Grenades
Contract and Economy Changes
Battle Royale Adjustments
- Most Wanted contracts delayed until after first circle
- No new contracts spawn after 4th circle ends
- Doubled monetary payout for Most Wanted eliminations
Care Package Updates
Rare items now include:
- Specialist perk
- Hand Cannon
- Bunker Buster
- Armor Satchel
- Self-Revive
- Door Barricade
- Ammunition/Armor Boxes
Detailed Weapon Attachment Changes by Category
Assault Rifle Attachment Buffs
The attachment overhaul for assault rifles represents one of the most comprehensive balance passes in recent COD history. Here are the specific improvements for popular weapons:
XM4 Attachment Improvements
- Recoil Springs: Vertical/Horizontal improvement increased from 15% to 18%
- Tactical Laser: Tactical Stance Spread improvement boosted from 67% to 72%, plus 0.25m/s ADS movement speed bonus
- Infiltrator Stock: ADS movement speed improvement increased by 0.13m/s
- Steady Aim Laser: Hip Fire Spread improvement jumped from 23% to 33%
AK-74 Rapid Fire Changes
- Fire Rate: Increased from 5% to 9% improvement
- Vertical Recoil Penalty: Reduced from 25% to 15%
- Horizontal Recoil Penalty: Reduced from 30% to 20%
- Combat Stock: Now provides 0.08m/s ADS movement speed boost with 35% flinch resistance
Model L Full Auto Capabilities
- CHF Barrel: Headshot multiplier increased from 1.5x to 1.55x
- Fast Mag I: Sprint to fire improvement doubled from 10ms to 20ms
- Infiltrator Stock: Massive ADS movement speed increase of 0.17m/s
- Heavy Stock: Flinch resistance improved from 60% to 65%
SMG Attachment Revolution
C9 Tactical Dominance
- Tactical Laser: Unprecedented 75% Tactical Stance Spread improvement (up from 60%)
- Tactical Stance ADS Speed: Improved from 29% to 59%
- Combat Stock: Flinch resistance increased from 45% to 50%
PP-919 Range Extension
- Long Barrel: Range improvement increased from 35% to 45%
- Reinforced Barrel: Range improvement boosted from 20% to 30%
- Compensator: Vertical recoil improvement up from 30% to 35%
LMG Transformation Details
All Black Ops 6 LMGs receive comprehensive buffs:
- Universal Flinch Infliction: 15% increase across all LMGs
- ADS Speed Improvements:
- Feng 82: 370ms → 350ms
- GPMG-7: 400ms → 360ms
- PU-21: 400ms → 370ms
- XMG: 420ms → 380ms
World Series of Warzone 2025: Complete Breakdown
$1 Million Prize Pool Distribution
The World Series of Warzone 2025 represents the pinnacle of competitive Warzone, with qualification beginning June 20th via the In-Game Open. Here’s the complete tournament structure:
Qualification Process
- In-Game Open (June 20-22)
- Open to all players in NA and EMEA
- Top 10 scores count toward team total
- Top 100 trios advance to Group Play Gauntlet
- Group Play Gauntlet
- Four groups compete in five-drop matchups
- Teams face every other group
- Top performers advance to Regional Finals
- Regional Finals
- 21 WSOW Global Final spots per region
- Broadcast dates:
- July 22: NA Lower Round 2 (Elimination Finals)
- July 23: EMEA Lower Round 2 (Elimination Finals)
Expansion Regions (Non-Broadcast)
- APAC, LATAM North, and LATAM South
- Top 8 trios from each region qualify for Global Final
- Separate qualification track from main regions
Match Point Format
- Teams must reach 150 points to achieve “Match Point” status
- Once on Match Point, must win a game to secure victory
- Points system:
- 1 point per elimination
- Placement multipliers: 1st (2.0x), 2nd-5th (1.8x), 6th-10th (1.6x)
The Solo BR Controversy: Complete Timeline
Initial Removal (May 29, 2025)
Battle Royale Solos was experimentally replaced with Battle Royale Casual Solos, marking a significant shift in Warzone’s playlist philosophy. The decision stemmed from several factors:
- Player Engagement Data: Standard Solos consistently ranked at the bottom among 20+ playlist options
- Casual Mode Success: BR Casual Quads became one of the most popular modes since Season 3
- Bot Integration: 28 real players + 120 bots = 148 total participants
Community Backlash
The removal sparked immediate controversy:
- Players called the decision “absolutely terrible”
- Solo players forced to use Squad Fill or play with bots
- Competitive integrity concerns raised
- #BringBackSolos trended on social media
Reversal (June 26, 2025)
After four weeks of community feedback, Activision temporarily restored standard BR Solos:
- Announcement came via playlist update
- Both Casual and Standard Solos available simultaneously
- Developers committed to monitoring engagement metrics
- Future of the mode remains uncertain
Battle Royale Casual Explained
For those unfamiliar, BR Casual features:
- Bot Behavior: Clearly identifiable AI opponents
- Skill Development: Ideal for learning Verdansk layout
- Reduced Intensity: Perfect for warming up or casual sessions
- Final Circles: Only real players remain in endgame
Performance and Stability Improvements
Critical Bug Fixes
Season 4 Reloaded addresses numerous stability issues that plagued the early season:
Multiplayer Fixes
- Resolved hitching/stuttering in matches
- Fixed collision exploits allowing under-map access
- Corrected SR calculation errors in Ranked matches
- Addressed Gunsmith menu stability issues
- Fixed attachment compatibility display errors
- Resolved Essex Model 07 ADS misalignment
Warzone-Specific Fixes
- Buy Station interaction fixed (180-degree bug resolved)
- Search & Destroy contract UI properly displays for allies
- Bomb location indicators now expire correctly
- Loadout weapon spawn issues after buyback resolved
- Helicopter icons now visible at extreme altitudes
- Gulag armor implementation (1 plate on spawn)
Zombies Stability
- Fixed Doppelghast clipping through map geometry
- Resolved Tentacle Trap/Dark Flare interaction bug
- Corrected Power-Up spawn prioritization
- Fixed Mystery Box weapon UI display
- Addressed various crash scenarios
Movement and Collision Overhaul
Additional improvements to player collision address long-standing issues:
- Prone teammate blocking significantly reduced
- Sliding collision detection enhanced
- Improved interaction with environmental objects
- Better handling of multiple player collisions
New Game Mode Deep Dives
Havoc Royale Modifier Strategies
Understanding each modifier is crucial for success:
Charge Jump Mastery
- Mechanics: Hold jump button to charge height
- Movement Velocity: Affects horizontal distance
- Strategy: Use for unexpected flanking routes
- Counter: Watch elevated positions more carefully
Cranked Survival
- Timer Management: Open caches for time extensions
- Elimination Reset: Full timer refresh on kills
- Enhanced Abilities: Faster reloads, plating, weapon switching
- Risk/Reward: Aggressive play mandatory
Crouch Potato Tactics
- Regeneration: Health and armor recover while crouched
- Movement: Maintain mobility as a potato
- Visual: Comedic appearance disrupts enemy aim
- Best Use: Healing in unconventional locations
Party Ops Minigame Breakdown
The Free-for-All party mode features rotating challenges:
- Dance Off
- Designated dance zones appear
- Points for time spent dancing
- Vulnerability while dancing creates risk
- Musical Zones (Coming Later)
- Multiple capture points initially
- Points dwindle to single location
- Sprint management crucial
- Classic Condensed Modes
- Gun Game variants
- Sticks and Stones adaptations
- One in the Chamber possibilities
Store Bundles and Cosmetics
Beavis & Butt-Head Premium Content
Premium Track (1,100 COD Points)
- “Beavis” Operator Skin
- “Dumbass” Weapon Blueprint
- Exclusive voice lines and quips
- Themed finishing moves
- Additional cosmetic items
Free Track Rewards
- “Todd” and “Coach Buzzcut” Operators
- Olympia Special unlock
- Pickaxe Melee weapon
- SVD Full Auto Mod attachment
- Basic themed cosmetics
CODtoons Visual Overhaul
The cel-shaded aesthetic applies to:
- Maps: Nuketown, Babylon, Skyline, Stakeout, Grind
- Weapons: Special visual effects on equipped guns
- Characters: Cartoon-style operator rendering
- Effects: Comic book-style hit markers and explosions
Zombies Mode Comprehensive Changes
Grief Mode Evolution
Season 4 Reloaded brings substantial improvements:
Modifier Adjustments
- Ammo Drain: Now affects Field Upgrade charge after ammo depletion (60-second duration)
- Frozen: Complete initial freeze transitioning to 50% movement speed
- Damage Nerf: Extended to 60-second duration
- Weapon Carousel: Manual pickup disabled during grief effect
Competitive Balance
- Player interactions no longer interrupt health regeneration
- Zombie spawn acceleration after Capture Zone completion
- GobbleGum restrictions: Near Death Experience, Phoenix Up, Nowhere But There
- New rewards: 2 Whimsical GobbleGums for winners, 1 for defeated teams
Abomination Challenge Details
The twisted Liberty Falls variant features:
- Mo’s Abilities: Weapon resistance building to immunity
- Enemy Variety: Amalgams, Doppelghasts, Elder Disciples, Shock Mimics, Toxic Zombies
- Modified Health System: “Zombies Snacks” mechanic
- Round Acceleration: Cranked/Rampage Inducer spawn rates
- Disabled Features: Save/Quit, Main Quest, Easter Eggs, Exit Strategy
Starting Room Map Specifics
Each map offers unique challenges:
Liberty Falls (Medium Difficulty)
- Available Areas: Rooftop, Pump & Pay, Motor Lodge, East Main Street start
- Key Features: Mystery Box, Dark Aether Field Generator
- Round Milestone: Survive to Round 30
The Tomb (Large Difficulty)
- Available Areas: Dig Site, Roman Mausoleum
- Unique Advantage: Pack-a-Punch Machine available
- Key Features: PHD Flopper, Arsenal, Level II Armor
- Round Milestone: Survive to Round 25
Technical Specifications and Requirements
Update Size by Platform
- PlayStation 5: Approximately 18.2 GB
- Xbox Series X/S: Approximately 17.8 GB
- PC (Battle.net): Approximately 19.1 GB
- Last-Gen Consoles: Approximately 15.5 GB
Performance Optimizations
- Improved texture streaming on all platforms
- Reduced VRAM usage on PC
- Enhanced LOD transitions
- Better CPU thread utilization
- Smoother frame pacing in 120Hz modes
Community Events Timeline
King of the Dead (July 2-9)
- Points based on zombie type eliminated
- Leaderboard placement determines rewards
- Special challenges unlock bonus multipliers
- Top 1% receive exclusive animated calling card
Master of Grief (July 10-17)
- Essence collection in Grief mode
- Team-based leaderboard competition
- Unique rewards for top performers
- Double XP weekends integrated
Pro Player and Content Creator Reactions
The competitive community has voiced strong opinions:
Positive Reception
- Attachment buffs praised for increasing build diversity
- LMG improvements welcomed by tactical players
- Resurgence Ranked return highly anticipated
- Party Ops seen as refreshing casual content
Ongoing Concerns
- Krig C nerf considered excessive by some pros
- Solo BR situation remains contentious
- Performance issues on certain maps persist
- Beavis & Butt-Head aesthetic clash debated
Hidden Features and Easter Eggs
Season 4 Reloaded includes several unannounced additions:
- Secret Weapon Inspect Animations: Certain weapons have unique inspect sequences
- Map Interactive Elements: New destructible objects in Fringe
- Audio Cues: Classic Black Ops 3 sound effects in remastered areas
- Achievement Unlocks: Hidden challenges for dedicated players
Competitive Meta Predictions
Based on the patch notes, expect these shifts:
Assault Rifle Meta
- FFAR 1 dominance likely due to fire rate
- Krig C usage will plummet significantly
- AK-74 could emerge as dark horse pick
- Model L viable with new attachments
SMG Landscape
- C9 with Tactical Laser becomes S-tier
- PP-919 range builds gain viability
- LC10 maintains strong position
- Tanto .22 remains niche pick
Long-Range Evolution
- LMGs finally competitive at range
- Sniper usage may decrease
- Marksman rifles with auto-mods surge
- Traditional sniping requires adaptation
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Season 5
The extensive changes in Season 4 Reloaded set the stage for future updates. With cross-platform play continuing to unite the community and major attachment overhauls improving weapon diversity, the meta is shifting significantly. The controversial Krig C nerf and LMG buffs suggest developers are committed to shaking up established playstyles.
Season 5, delayed to August 7, 2025, will likely continue this trend of aggressive balance changes. The success of Party Ops and cel-shaded variants may inspire more creative content directions. Meanwhile, the Solo BR controversy highlights the delicate balance between innovation and preserving core experiences that players expect.
Final Thoughts: Navigating Season 4 Reloaded
Season 4 Reloaded represents both triumph and controversy for Call of Duty. The sheer volume of content, from weapon attachments to new modes, demonstrates Activision’s commitment to keeping the game fresh. However, decisions like the Solo BR removal show that not all changes resonate with the community.
For players jumping into the update, focus on:
- Experimenting with newly buffed attachments
- Trying LMGs in long-range engagements
- Exploring Party Ops for casual fun
- Participating in limited-time events for exclusive rewards
- Providing feedback on controversial changes
The meta will undoubtedly evolve over the coming weeks as players discover optimal loadouts and strategies. Stay tuned for our upcoming guides on the best weapon builds post-patch and strategies for succeeding in the new game modes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Season 4 Reloaded go live?
Season 4 Reloaded launches on July 2, 2025, at 9 AM PT across all platforms including PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
How do I unlock the new Olympia shotgun?
The Olympia is available as a reward through the Beavis & Butt-Head event by earning XP in Multiplayer, Zombies, or Warzone.
Will the cel-shaded maps be permanent?
The CODtoons cel-shaded map variants are currently listed as limited-time content, though player reception may influence their future availability.
Is Resurgence Ranked Play separate from Battle Royale Ranked?
Yes, Resurgence Ranked Play features its own ranking system, rewards, and progression separate from Battle Royale Ranked.
What’s the biggest weapon change in this update?
The Krig C nerf is the most significant, with major reductions to range, movement speed, and overall effectiveness, while attachment buffs across all weapons aim to increase build diversity.
Are the Zombies LTMs permanent additions?
The Abomination Challenge and Starting Room modes are currently limited-time offerings, though Starting Room’s classic appeal may lead to future returns.
How does the new team-based SR work in Resurgence Ranked?
Players now earn SR collectively for all team kills and assists rather than individually, promoting teamwork over kill-stealing.
Will more cross-platform features be added?
While cross-play is fully supported, cross-progression between platforms remains unavailable for Black Ops 6 and Warzone.
Remember, adaptation is key in any major update. Take time to experiment with the buffed attachments, explore the new content, and find what works best for your playstyle. Season 4 Reloaded offers unprecedented variety in both casual and competitive experiences, ensuring every type of player has something to enjoy.
As the community continues to provide feedback and the meta evolves, we’ll keep this guide updated with the latest strategies and discoveries. Until then, see you in Verdansk, on the reimagined Fringe, or perhaps as a potato in Havoc Royale!
