Is Warzone Removed From PS5? Understanding the Current Situation
The short answer is: No, Warzone has not been entirely removed from PS5. However, the situation is nuanced, and it’s crucial to understand which version of Warzone is being discussed. The original Call of Duty: Warzone, also known as Warzone Caldera, which launched with 2019’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, was shut down on September 21, 2023. This shutdown was specific to the original Warzone. The current free-to-play battle royale experience that remains available is Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0, often referred to simply as Warzone. This version is still available on PS5, as well as PS4, PC, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One.
Therefore, to clarify, while the first iteration of Warzone is no longer playable, a newer version of Warzone is still alive and well on PS5. This article will delve deeper into why the original was removed, the nature of the current Warzone experience, and address common questions players might have about the transition.
The Demise of Warzone Caldera
The decision to shut down Warzone Caldera was made to allow Activision to focus its development efforts on future Call of Duty content. The move consolidated resources towards supporting Warzone 2.0, the evolving battle royale title that was released alongside Modern Warfare II in 2022. This version offered significant improvements and enhancements over the original, making the transition to focusing solely on Warzone 2.0 a logical step for the franchise.
While the servers for Warzone Caldera are now offline, and the game is no longer accessible, the core gameplay and many of its features are incorporated within Warzone 2.0 and subsequent updates. Players who loved the original Warzone should find many familiar elements, while also enjoying a more refined battle royale experience.
What Happened to Your Progress in Warzone Caldera?
It’s worth noting that your progress in the original Warzone was specific to that game. This means that your unlocks, levels, and progression did not carry over to Warzone 2.0. This is because the new version is a separate game with its own progression system and content. While there may be a sense of loss for some players, the reset allowed everyone to begin anew in the updated battle royale environment.
The Current Warzone Experience on PS5
The Warzone experience currently available on PS5 is Warzone 2.0 and its associated content, which includes new maps, modes, weapons, and gameplay mechanics. The game benefits from the PS5’s powerful hardware, offering enhanced graphics and improved performance compared to the PS4. Players can expect smooth gameplay, with support for up to 120Hz refresh rate on compatible displays.
Warzone 2.0 also continues the cross-platform play capability, allowing friends on different consoles to play together. This crossplay feature is a key aspect of the Warzone experience and remains a significant draw for players. The game also benefits from the latest Call of Duty engine technology, leading to a more detailed and immersive battle royale experience.
Downloading and Playing Warzone on PS5
If you’re a PS5 owner who hasn’t yet played Warzone, you can easily download it via the PlayStation Store. The game is a free-to-play title, meaning you don’t need to purchase a base game to enjoy it. Simply search for Call of Duty: Warzone on the PlayStation Store, download it, and you’re ready to jump into the action.
Remember, the game will be the current iteration of Warzone, not the now-defunct Warzone Caldera. Make sure your console has enough storage space as the game does have a substantial file size.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Warzone and PS5
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify any confusion surrounding Warzone on the PS5:
1. Is Call of Duty being removed from PlayStation?
No, Call of Duty will not be removed from PlayStation. A legally binding agreement between Microsoft and Sony ensures Call of Duty will remain on PlayStation for at least the next ten years.
2. Can PS5 players still play Warzone?
Yes, PS5 players can still play Warzone 2.0, the current version of the game. Warzone Caldera, the original version, is no longer available.
3. Why was the original Warzone shut down?
The original Warzone, also known as Warzone Caldera, was shut down so that Activision could focus its resources on Warzone 2.0 and other future Call of Duty titles.
4. Is Warzone 2 available on PS5?
Yes, Warzone 2.0, the current iteration of Warzone, is available on PS5.
5. Can I download the original Warzone (Warzone Caldera) on PS5?
No, Warzone Caldera is no longer available for download or play. The servers have been shut down, and the game is inaccessible.
6. Does Warzone on PS5 have crossplay?
Yes, Warzone 2.0 on PS5 features crossplay, allowing you to play with friends on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One.
7. How do I download Warzone on PS5?
You can download Warzone 2.0 for free from the PlayStation Store on your PS5.
8. Is Warzone on PS5 free?
Yes, Warzone 2.0 is a free-to-play game on PS5.
9. Can I play Warzone at 120 FPS on PS5?
Yes, Warzone 2.0 supports up to 120 FPS on PS5, provided your display supports it.
10. Will Warzone ever leave PlayStation?
No, under the agreement between Microsoft and Sony, Call of Duty, including Warzone, will remain on PlayStation for at least the next ten years.
11. Did my progress from the original Warzone transfer to Warzone 2?
No, progress from Warzone Caldera did not transfer to Warzone 2.0. The new version has its own separate progression system.
12. Is Warzone the same as Call of Duty?
Warzone is a free-to-play battle royale title that is part of the Call of Duty franchise. It is not the same as the core Call of Duty games, which often have a single-player campaign and multiplayer modes.
13. What is the latest version of Warzone?
The latest version of Warzone is Warzone 2.0, which is constantly updated with new content and features.
14. Will there be another Warzone shutting down?
There is no indication that Warzone 2.0 will be shut down any time soon. Activision is focusing their efforts on this current version of the game.
15. Is there any other way to play the original Warzone?
No, the original Warzone, specifically Warzone Caldera, is no longer playable. Its servers have been shut down permanently.
Conclusion
While the removal of the original Warzone might have been disappointing to some players, it has paved the way for a more polished and comprehensive experience with Warzone 2.0. PS5 owners can rest assured that they can still enjoy the latest version of the game with improved performance and graphics. The important thing to remember is that Warzone itself is not gone from PS5. Only the original iteration is. So, download the current Warzone and jump back into the action.