Can I Play Warzone 1 on Steam? The Definitive Answer
The short, direct, and perhaps disappointing answer is: No, you cannot play the original Call of Duty: Warzone (often referred to as Warzone 1 or Warzone Caldera) on Steam. While Call of Duty: Warzone as a franchise does exist on Steam, it is the newer iteration, commonly known as Warzone 2.0 (now simply Call of Duty: Warzone again), and its associated maps, that you’ll find available there. The original Warzone, along with its Caldera map, has been officially shut down and is no longer accessible.
Let’s delve deeper into why this is the case, the history of the different Warzone iterations, and what options are available for players looking to engage in the Call of Duty battle royale experience today.
The Rise and Fall of Warzone 1 (Caldera)
The original Call of Duty: Warzone launched in 2020 as a free-to-play battle royale experience connected to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019). It quickly became a phenomenon, drawing in tens of millions of players with its massive maps like Verdansk, its large player counts, and the exciting gameplay loop.
Over time, content was added, maps were updated, and the game evolved. However, when Call of Duty: Vanguard was released, the game transitioned to a new map known as Caldera, and was rebranded as Warzone Caldera. It was this version, using Vanguard’s assets, that ultimately became known as Warzone 1. Despite the content transition, it retained the core gameplay and progression systems.
The Transition to Warzone 2.0
In November 2022, Activision launched Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0, a brand new battle royale game built with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II as its base. This new experience featured a different game engine, new mechanics, and a new map: Al Mazrah.
While Warzone 2.0 was launched, the original Warzone (Caldera) was initially kept online to allow players to use their progression and cosmetics earned there. This coexistence, however, was not meant to be permanent.
The End of Warzone 1 (Caldera)
Activision announced that Warzone Caldera servers would shut down on September 21, 2023. The decision was made to focus on future content for Warzone 2.0. This shut down is significant, as it means the original Warzone experience and all its associated maps, including Verdansk and Caldera, are no longer accessible. Players cannot launch Warzone Caldera, and all data associated with it is now unavailable.
Why Can’t I Play It On Steam?
The reason Warzone 1 isn’t on Steam is simple: it doesn’t exist anymore. The game has been officially shut down. The Call of Duty: Warzone that you see on Steam is the newer version of the game, which is completely separate from the original Warzone experience.
Warzone 1 was available via the Battle.net launcher and was part of the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare install (2019). Even those who owned Modern Warfare were not able to play Warzone Caldera through the Steam client, as the content resided on Battle.net.
What About my Warzone 1 Progression and Cosmetics?
- Warzone 1 progress and cosmetics do not transfer to the new Warzone on Steam. The move to the new game was a clean slate.
- Any items you unlocked, purchased, or earned in Warzone 1 (Caldera) are no longer available for use. They are tied specifically to that version of the game, which no longer exists.
The Current State of Warzone on Steam
The Call of Duty: Warzone you’ll find on Steam is the current iteration of the battle royale experience. It’s a free-to-play game that’s designed to be constantly updated and evolving. The current version features maps like Al Mazrah, Ashika Island, and Vondel. It has its own progression system, its own battle passes, and its own store.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Warzone 1 and Steam
To further clarify and address common queries, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. Was Warzone 1 ever available on Steam?
No. The original Warzone was always launched through the Battle.net launcher, even if you owned Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) on Steam. The Steam version currently available is only for the modern iteration of Call of Duty: Warzone.
2. Is Warzone Caldera the same as Warzone 1?
Yes. Warzone Caldera was the official name of the original Warzone after the transition to the Caldera map with Call of Duty: Vanguard. Both terms refer to the same game that shut down on September 21, 2023.
3. Can I download Warzone 1 on Battle.net?
No. While Warzone 1 was launched through Battle.net, the game has been officially shut down, making it no longer available for download or play from any platform, including Battle.net.
4. Why did Warzone 1 shut down?
Activision shut down Warzone 1 (Caldera) to focus on future content for Warzone 2.0 (now simply Call of Duty: Warzone again). This move allows developers to consolidate resources and focus on the current iteration of the battle royale experience.
5. Is the current Warzone on Steam free to play?
Yes, the current version of Call of Duty: Warzone on Steam is entirely free-to-play. You can download and play it without any initial purchase.
6. How large is the current version of Warzone on PC?
The download size of Call of Duty: Warzone on PC can vary depending on the content installed, but it often ranges between 40-100GB.
7. Can I play Verdansk in 2023 or beyond?
No. Verdansk, one of the original maps from Warzone 1, is no longer available as it was part of the original Warzone, which has been shut down. You can only play the current map rotations.
8. Did my Warzone 1 cosmetics transfer to Warzone 2.0?
No. Progress and cosmetic items earned in Warzone 1 do not carry over to Warzone 2.0 (the current Call of Duty: Warzone). It is a fresh start in the new version of the game.
9. Is Warzone 2.0 going to shut down?
There are no current announcements suggesting that Warzone 2.0 (the current Call of Duty: Warzone) will shut down. Activision continues to support the game with new content, patches, and updates.
10. Is the Warzone game on Steam the same as on consoles?
Yes. The Call of Duty: Warzone on Steam is the same game as is available on PlayStation and Xbox consoles, with cross-platform play enabled.
11. What are the main differences between Warzone 1 and the current Warzone?
Warzone 1 (Caldera) used a different game engine and assets from Call of Duty: Vanguard. The current Call of Duty: Warzone is built on a new engine and integrates more closely with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III.
12. Where can I download the current Warzone?
You can download the current version of Call of Duty: Warzone from Steam, Battle.net, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Marketplace.
13. Was Warzone 1 ever re-released?
Yes, Warzone 1 was re-released as Warzone Caldera after the release of Call of Duty: Vanguard. This version was the last iteration of Warzone 1 before it was shut down.
14. Is there any way to play Warzone 1 unofficially?
No, there are no legitimate ways to unofficially play Warzone 1. The servers were shut down, and the game is not accessible through official means or fan-made modifications.
15. Does Steam have other Call of Duty games?
Yes, Steam currently features Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and the current version of Call of Duty: Warzone. Previous Call of Duty titles are not usually available on Steam.
Conclusion
While the nostalgia for the original Call of Duty: Warzone (including Verdansk and Caldera) is strong, the game is no longer available. The Call of Duty: Warzone on Steam today is the current iteration of the free-to-play battle royale. While it’s a different experience with new maps and mechanics, it remains a popular option for players looking to jump into a Call of Duty battle royale. Understanding the differences between Warzone 1 and the current Warzone is essential for managing expectations and enjoying the latest iteration of the game.