Call of Duty: Warzone is bringing back the beloved Verdansk map, but not as you remember it.  This isn't just a reintroduction; it's a complete remastering for 2025, boasting significant updates and improvements to the iconic battle royale landscape. The revamped Verdansk is set to launch with Season 3, marking its return almost four years after its initial debut in March 2020.

The return of Verdansk was initially confirmed during the COD Next event in August 2024, where Activision outlined the future of their free-to-play juggernaut.  While details were scarce at the time, Activision promised the map would be based on the original 2020 version developed by Infinity Ward, the studio behind Modern Warfare (2019). Now, the Call of Duty team has revealed a 2025 Verdansk featuring a range of modifications to refine and enhance the overall experience.

In a recent video released on Call of Duty's social media channels, the developers showcased the upcoming changes.  While the core layout remains faithful to the original, the Beenox development team highlighted the improved detail and higher definition of the 2025 version.  This visual upgrade is attributed to new technology enabling better rendering and higher quality textures. The collaborative effort between Beenox, Raven Software, and High Moon Studios ensured meticulous attention to detail, preserving the spirit of Infinity Ward's original design.

The developers have also rebuilt the map’s global lighting system to create a more realistic environment without sacrificing the nostalgic atmosphere.  This includes a new high-resolution sky, improved light map accuracy, enhanced reflections and bounces, and better transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.  Depth backlighting and shadows have also been significantly improved, thanks to reworked materials that allow light to interact with the environment more naturally. Leaked information also suggests that certain areas of the map will offer increased cover, providing players with more tactical options during rotations.

While some purists might have preferred a completely unaltered return, the developers' commitment to enhancing Verdansk with modern technology is commendable.  These updates bring a new level of visual fidelity to the map while preserving the familiar layout that players have come to love.  By understanding these key changes beforehand, players can better prepare for Season 3 and take full advantage of the strategic modifications.