Since the launch of Call of Duty: Warzone in 2020, we’ve been treated to several large-scale, free-to-play multiplayer maps that have each continued to deliver a stellar battle royale experience for all Call of Duty players.

We’ve also seen many features help extend the value of Call of Duty: Warzone, like the introduction of modes such as Lock Down and Payload, the squad-based Resurgence, and the treasure hunting Plunder game type, alongside new maps Ashika Island and Vondel to complement the Al Mazrah launch map from last year.

This excitement starts with the sense of discovery that the team wants players to feel when they drop into Urzikstan for the first time, like the new locations to explore, the gameplay to engage with, and perhaps some secrets to find. Two of these new features will be a drivable train as well as the introduction of horizontal ziplines.

“When we start thinking about building a new map like Urzikstan, it naturally starts with how the map and the gameplay combine into one seamless experience,” says Timmins. “As we worked on all the new movement mechanics, we wanted the gameplay to deliver too. So, making the train drivable, including it going in reverse and having a handbrake, and then adding horizontal ziplines to allow players to quickly traverse from rooftop-top-rooftop for the first time, felt like natural additions to the world.”

As the team iterated on the design of the map, something that was discovered during the playtest sessions was that there were no singular hot-drop locations — players were finding all sorts of new and interesting places to stake their claim at the start of their match. But for Timmins, he did find himself focusing on one area that became a favorite.

“If I’m not dropping on the new drivable train, you’ll find me in the Zaravan City area on the south side of the map,” he says. “I love the density, the freedom of movement across rooftops with the horizontal ziplines, and knowing it has good rotation opportunities to other locations. Once players notice that you can also vertically ascend the cranes and then use them as jump-off-points, I think it’s likely to be a popular place that’s for sure!”

“We wanted to retain the 1v1 that players love but spice it up by bringing the Public Events system to it,” explains Timmins. “This new system includes events like, Go Again (if you lose, you go back into another Gulag fight), or Locked & Loaded (fight with full armor and fully kitted weapons), Cash Drop (money in Gulag ground loot) or, one of my personal favorites, Night Vision Gulag which will launch midseason with Season 1 Reloaded.”

“Whether they have been with us since launch, are returning to experience Urzikstan, or dropping in for the first time, I would like to thank our players for their support. And of course, a big thanks to the team for whom without them all this excitement wouldn’t be possible. So, until next time, I’ll see you in Urzikstan — please don’t drop on the drivable train as it’s mine, thanks.”

You can jump in and start playing in Urzikstan on December 6, 2023. Call of Duty: Warzone is a free-to-play online multiplayer shooter that doesn’t require Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III to play.