Plunder’s Past, Present, and Future: Is It Returning to Modern Warfare 2?

Yes, Plunder did return to Warzone 2, which is part of the Modern Warfare 2 ecosystem, on April 26th, 2023, with the Season Three update. However, its journey has been anything but smooth, with temporary removals and ongoing discussions about its permanent place in the Call of Duty landscape. Let’s dive into the details of Plunder’s on-again, off-again relationship with Warzone 2 and what the future might hold for this fan-favorite game mode.

Plunder: A History of High Stakes and Big Heists

Plunder is a game type that debuted in the original Call of Duty: Warzone. Unlike the traditional Battle Royale format, Plunder focuses on accumulating as much cash as possible within a 30-minute timeframe. Players achieve this by looting, completing contracts, and eliminating opponents. A key difference from Battle Royale is the ability to respawn with your own loadouts, fostering a more aggressive and less punishing gameplay style. This made it a popular choice for players looking to level up weapons, practice with different loadouts, or simply enjoy a more fast-paced experience.

When Warzone 2.0 launched, the initial absence of Plunder was met with disappointment from many players. Its eventual return in Season Three was celebrated, but the celebration was short-lived.

The Great Plunder Removal of August 2023

In August 2023, Plunder, along with another game mode called Lockdown, was temporarily removed from Warzone 2 due to an unspecified issue. This was announced via the official Call of Duty Updates Twitter account and acknowledged on the official Warzone Trello board. The removal was frustrating for players who enjoyed the mode, leaving them wondering about its future.

Plunder’s MW3 Integration

The good news is that Plunder will be part of the Warzone integration with Modern Warfare 3 (MW3) at launch. This means that when MW3 drops, Warzone will be updated with new content from the game, including maps and game modes. According to reports, MW3’s Warzone integration will feature the battle royale, resurgence, and Plunder modes across three maps. This ensures that Plunder fans will have a way to play the mode even after MW3‘s release.

Al Mazrah’s Replacement

A significant change coming with the MW3 Warzone integration is the introduction of a new primary map: Urzikstan. Urzikstan will replace Al Mazrah as the main map, though smaller Resurgence maps like Ashika Island and Vondel will remain.

Plunder FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the current status of Plunder and its future in the Call of Duty ecosystem:

1. Is Plunder currently available in Warzone 2?

   No, as of late 2023, Plunder is temporarily unavailable in Warzone 2. It was removed due to an issue that developers are investigating. However, it is expected to return with the Modern Warfare 3 integration.

2. Why was Plunder removed from Warzone 2 in August 2023?

   The exact reason for the removal was not explicitly stated, but Call of Duty mentioned they were investigating a “certain issue.”

3. When is Plunder expected to return to Warzone?

   Plunder is slated to return with the Modern Warfare 3 integration into Warzone. This integration is expected at the start of Season 1 in December 2023.

4. Will Plunder be available in Modern Warfare 3?

   No. Plunder is a Warzone game mode, and while MW3 content will integrate into Warzone, Plunder itself is not part of the MW3 core game modes.

5. What is the objective of Plunder?

   The main objective in Plunder is to accumulate the most cash within the time limit (usually 30 minutes). Players earn cash by looting, completing contracts, and eliminating other players.

6. Does Plunder have respawns?

   Yes, unlike Battle Royale, Plunder allows players to respawn with their own loadouts, encouraging a more aggressive playstyle.

7. Is Plunder a quads mode?

   Yes, Plunder is typically played in quads, with teams of four competing to collect the most cash.

8. Will Al Mazrah still be available in Warzone after MW3 integration?

   No, Urzikstan will replace Al Mazrah as the primary map in Warzone with the MW3 integration.

9. What are Resurgence maps?

   Resurgence maps are smaller maps like Ashika Island and Vondel that feature the Resurgence game mode, where players can respawn as long as a teammate is still alive.

10. What is Urzikstan?

    Urzikstan is the new large-scale map coming to Warzone with the Modern Warfare 3 integration, replacing Al Mazrah.

11. Will my Modern Warfare 2 content carry over to Modern Warfare 3?

    Yes, players can transfer content from Modern Warfare 2 to Modern Warfare 3, allowing them to use their unlocked weapons, operators, and other items.

12. What is the Shadow Siege event in Warzone?

    The Shadow Siege event was a limited-time event in Warzone 2 that provided players with a first look at Modern Warfare 3.

13. What is the Games Learning Society?

    The Games Learning Society is a community of scholars, educators, and game developers who are interested in the educational potential of games. Their work explores how games can be used to promote learning, engagement, and social change. Learn more at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

14. What other game modes are available in Warzone besides Battle Royale and Plunder?

    Other game modes available in Warzone include Resurgence, Lockdown (which was also temporarily removed alongside Plunder), and various limited-time modes.

15. Is Verdansk returning to Warzone?

    While there has been speculation about the return of Verdansk, there has not been confirmation.

The Future of Plunder: Staying Hopeful

The story of Plunder in Warzone 2 is a roller coaster. While its temporary removal was disappointing, the confirmation that it will be part of the MW3 Warzone integration offers hope to fans of the mode. The introduction of Urzikstan as the new primary map, along with the return of Plunder, promises a fresh and exciting experience for Warzone players. As always, keeping an eye on official Call of Duty announcements and patch notes will be crucial for staying updated on any further changes or developments regarding Plunder and its place in the ever-evolving Warzone landscape.