Do I Need the Base Game to Play Warzone? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of whether you need to own the base Call of Duty game to play Warzone is a common one, especially given the game’s evolution. The answer is not a simple yes or no, as it depends on which iteration of Warzone you’re referring to. Let’s delve into the specifics and clarify the requirements for each version. The short answer is: No, you do not need to own the base game to play the current version of Warzone. However, the history of Warzone has not always been this simple. Let’s break down the nuances:
Warzone 1 vs. Warzone 2 and Beyond
The original Warzone, which launched alongside Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019), had a tricky relationship with the base game. Initially, players who didn’t own Modern Warfare could still download and play Warzone as a standalone free-to-play title. However, the game required a massive download that included the core game files of Modern Warfare, leading to concerns about storage space. This meant that even if you only wanted to play Warzone, you were still installing a large chunk of Modern Warfare. This integration was due to the fact that Warzone shared many assets and features with Modern Warfare.
The landscape changed significantly with the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022). Warzone 2.0 (now often just called Warzone) was launched as a completely separate installation. You do not need to own any of the base Call of Duty games to play Warzone. This means you can download and play Warzone completely free without having to purchase any other Call of Duty titles. This is a key difference from the earlier days of Warzone and is a significant benefit for players who are primarily interested in the battle royale experience.
Standalone Experience
The current version of Warzone is designed to be a standalone, free-to-play experience. This means:
- No Purchase Required: You don’t need to buy Modern Warfare II or any other Call of Duty game to access Warzone.
- Separate Download: Warzone is downloaded as a separate application. It does not require the files of any specific Call of Duty game.
- Independent Updates: Warzone receives updates independently of the main Call of Duty titles. This allows for faster and more focused patching.
- Crossplay and Cross-Progression: You will need to log into an Activision account to support crossplay and cross-progression across platforms.
The Evolution of Warzone and the Base Game
It is important to recognize the context of how Warzone evolved. Originally, the deep integration between Warzone and the base game was a technical necessity. The game engine, assets, and even certain gameplay mechanics were interwoven. However, as the Call of Duty franchise progressed, the developers decided to separate Warzone as a fully independent experience. This was primarily done to streamline updates, downloads, and overall player experience and was largely beneficial for players who just wanted to enjoy Warzone.
Understanding “Base Game”
The term “base game” can sometimes be confusing, so it’s crucial to define it clearly. In the context of Call of Duty:
- Base Game: Refers to the primary, standalone title in the series (e.g., Modern Warfare, Black Ops Cold War, Modern Warfare II, Modern Warfare III). It’s the full game you would typically purchase.
- Free-to-Play: This denotes content that can be accessed and played without any upfront cost, such as Warzone.
Warzone Today
Currently, Warzone is free and available to play on multiple platforms including PlayStation, Xbox and PC. This means you can download it from the respective platform stores without having to purchase the base games. The game will use the same launcher as Warzone 2, so players will simply need to update the Call of Duty platform.
Warzone Caldera is No More
It’s also important to note that Warzone Caldera, the re-released version of the original Warzone, was officially shut down on September 21, 2023. It is no longer playable. This closure of the first Warzone was done to free up resources to focus on the current Warzone and future Call of Duty titles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify any lingering questions, here are some frequently asked questions about Warzone and its relationship with the base Call of Duty games:
Is Warzone 1 still playable?
No, Warzone 1, formerly known as the original Call of Duty: Warzone and later re-released as Warzone Caldera, was shut down on September 21, 2023. It is no longer playable.
Do I need Modern Warfare 2 to play Warzone 2?
No, you do not need Modern Warfare II to play Warzone. Warzone is a standalone, free-to-play game.
How big is the Warzone 2 download?
The download size for Warzone varies by platform, but is generally around 22-62 GB. It may also require a Hi-Rez Assets Cache of up to 32GB
Is Warzone 2 free?
Yes, Warzone is completely free to play. You do not need to pay to access or play it.
Do I need an Activision account to play Warzone?
Yes, you need an Activision account to play Warzone online, primarily to support crossplay and cross-progression across different platforms.
Can I play Warzone offline?
No, Warzone is primarily an online multiplayer game and does not have a true offline mode. While it is possible to appear offline on PC via the Battle.net launcher, this does not allow for offline play.
What are the minimum PC specifications for Warzone?
The minimum PC requirements to play Warzone are: Windows 10 64-Bit, Intel Core i3-6100 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200, 8 GB of RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 or AMD Radeon RX 470 with 2GB of video memory, and up to 32GB for the Hi-Rez Assets Cache
Is Warzone still free on Xbox and PlayStation?
Yes, Warzone is completely free to play on PlayStation (PS4 and PS5) and Xbox (Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S).
What is the base game for Warzone?
There is no base game requirement for the current Warzone. It’s a standalone title. The original Warzone was initially tied to Modern Warfare, but Warzone (sometimes referred to as Warzone 2.0) is separate.
Will Warzone 1 ever return?
There are no official plans for Warzone 1 (or Warzone Caldera) to return. Activision has focused its resources on the current Warzone and other Call of Duty content.
Why did Warzone 1 shut down?
Warzone 1 was shut down to allow developers to concentrate on the current version of Warzone and future Call of Duty content.
Is there a cost to play Warzone?
No, there is no cost. Warzone is entirely free-to-play.
Is Warzone connected to Modern Warfare 3?
While Warzone and Modern Warfare III share the same launcher, Warzone remains a free-to-play standalone experience and does not require owning Modern Warfare III to play.
Where can I download Warzone?
You can download Warzone from the official store for your platform including: Steam, Battle.net, Playstation Store or Xbox Store.
How is Warzone different from other COD games?
Warzone is a free-to-play battle royale game, focusing on large-scale multiplayer matches. Other Call of Duty games usually feature single-player campaigns and more focused, smaller multiplayer modes, and are not generally free.
Conclusion
In summary, the current version of Warzone is a completely free and standalone game. You do not need to own any base Call of Duty game to download and play it. This means you can jump into the action and enjoy the battle royale experience without any purchase necessary. Remember to check the minimum specifications for your platform to ensure smooth gameplay and enjoy this free-to-play title.