How to Download Warzone 1 on Xbox in 2023: A Comprehensive Guide

The question of how to download Warzone 1 on Xbox in 2023 is a bit complex, given the game’s journey and the changes it has undergone. The simple answer is: you can’t download or play the standalone version of “Warzone Caldera” anymore. Activision shut down the servers for Warzone Caldera on September 21, 2023, effectively ending access to this version of the game. However, this does not mean all your progress and content are completely lost. Let’s delve deeper into what happened and what options you have.

What Happened to Warzone 1?

The original Call of Duty: Warzone, often referred to as Warzone 1, was a huge success. It was later rebranded as Warzone Caldera to differentiate it from the newer Warzone 2.0 (now just known as Warzone). However, with the focus shifting to newer iterations of the game, Activision decided to end support for Warzone Caldera in September 2023. This means the servers were shut down, making the game inaccessible. While the standalone download is no longer available, any purchased content you had within Warzone Caldera, like bundles and blueprints, can still be accessed in Modern Warfare (2019), Black Ops Cold War, and Vanguard multiplayer modes, assuming you own these games.

The Illusion of Playability

Despite some misinformation circulating, it is important to reiterate that you cannot play Warzone Caldera as a separate, standalone game anymore. Videos or articles claiming Verdansk, the map associated with the original Warzone, is back in 2023 are often referring to modded versions or fan-made projects, not official Activision releases. The servers that supported the game are offline, preventing any form of official access.

No Standalone Download

Therefore, searching for a standalone download of Warzone Caldera on the Xbox store will yield no results. The game was available as a free-to-play component, but it has been removed from all stores as a separate entity. The only version of Warzone currently available is the current version, which was originally Warzone 2.0, simply known as Warzone.

What Options Are Left?

While you can no longer download or play the original Warzone Caldera directly, it’s important to know that your progress is tied to your Call of Duty account. Here’s a summary of what you can still do:

• Access Purchased Content: If you owned Modern Warfare (2019), Black Ops Cold War, or Vanguard, you can still access your cosmetic items, blueprints, and progression earned from Warzone Caldera in these games’ multiplayer modes.
• Play the Current Warzone: The current free-to-play Warzone experience is still fully active and can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store. This version features new maps like Al Mazrah, Ashika Island, and Vondel.
• Wait for Potential Map Returns: There’s the possibility that popular maps like Rebirth Island and Fortune’s Keep could return to the current Warzone in 2024, as suggested by reports.

Steps to Install The Current Warzone (Not Warzone Caldera)

To get the current free-to-play Warzone on your Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Xbox Home Screen: Start by navigating to the main menu on your console.
2. Open the Microsoft Store: Find and select the Microsoft Store app.
3. Use the Search Function: Click on the search icon and type “Call of Duty Warzone”.
4. Select the Correct Game: The game title will usually be just “Call of Duty: Warzone”. Do not confuse it with any other listings.
5. Download: Select the “Install” or “Download” button to begin the process.
6. Launch the Game: Once the download is complete, launch Warzone and begin playing.

A Note on File Size

Be aware that Warzone has a significant file size, roughly around 92GB on Xbox, and it may be larger if you opt to download any associated campaigns or multiplayer modes from other Call of Duty titles. Make sure you have sufficient storage space and a stable internet connection.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions about Warzone 1 and its availability on Xbox in 2023:

1. Can I still download Warzone 1? No, the standalone version of Warzone 1, known as Warzone Caldera, is no longer available for download due to server shutdowns.
2. Is Warzone 1 the same as Warzone Caldera? Yes, Warzone 1 was rebranded as Warzone Caldera when Warzone 2.0 (now simply Warzone) was released.
3. Are Warzone Caldera servers still up? No, Warzone Caldera servers were shut down on September 21, 2023.
4. Where can I download Warzone now? You can download the current version of Warzone from the Microsoft Store (Xbox), PlayStation Store (PlayStation), Battle.net (PC), and Steam (PC).
5. Is Warzone free on Xbox? Yes, the current version of Warzone is free-to-play and can be downloaded from the Microsoft Store.
6. Do I need Xbox Live Gold to play Warzone? Yes, you will need an Xbox Live Gold subscription to play online multiplayer games like Warzone on your Xbox console.
7. Can I play Verdansk in 2023? No, the original Verdansk map from Warzone 1 is not officially available in the current game. Any references to playing Verdansk are usually unofficial mods or fan projects.
8. What happened to my purchased bundles and blueprints from Warzone 1? These are still accessible in Modern Warfare (2019), Black Ops Cold War, and Vanguard multiplayer modes if you own these games.
9. Will Rebirth Island and Fortune’s Keep return? There are reports that these maps may be coming back to the current version of Warzone in 2024.
10. What is the file size for the current Warzone on Xbox? The current base download size for Warzone is around 92 GB.
11. How do I access my content from Warzone Caldera? Launch Modern Warfare (2019), Black Ops Cold War, or Vanguard and your content should be available in the appropriate multiplayer modes.
12. Why was Warzone Caldera shut down? Activision shut down Warzone Caldera servers to focus on developing new content, specifically for the current version of Warzone and other Call of Duty games.
13. Is Warzone 2.0 now simply called Warzone? Yes, the game initially known as Warzone 2.0 is now officially just called Warzone.
14. Can I transfer my progress from Warzone 1 to the current Warzone? No, progression does not transfer between Warzone Caldera and the current Warzone, although your purchased content is accessible in the associated older titles.
15. Who developed Call of Duty: Warzone? The game was primarily developed by Raven Software and Infinity Ward, and published by Activision.

Conclusion

In summary, while the beloved Warzone Caldera is no longer accessible, the Call of Duty universe is still alive and well with the current free-to-play version of Warzone. While you may mourn the loss of Verdansk and Warzone 1, the current Warzone provides a brand new experience. Always make sure you are downloading the official title from the Xbox store to ensure a legitimate and secure experience. And remember, your content from Warzone Caldera isn’t gone, it’s simply waiting for you in the correct Call of Duty title.