Since its explosive launch, Call of Duty: Warzone has lured over 30 million players into the battlefield. The free-to-play battle royale offers a mix of fast-paced gunplay, smart strategy, and team-based coordination. If you’re new to the game — or tired of frequent trips to the Gulag — here’s a breakdown of key strategies that can help you survive, thrive, and maybe even grab that elusive Victory screen.
Master the Drop: Parachute Smarts and Early Strategy
Warzone features an unusual but powerful mechanic — infinite parachute redeploys. Unlike most battle royale games, this gives you flexibility in how you land. Want to cover more distance? Cut your parachute mid-air, push forward to gain momentum, and redeploy it again. This slingshot maneuver lets you reach prime loot spots far from the flight path while avoiding hot zones swarming with enemies.
If you’re diving straight down, wait until the last possible second to pull your chute. The key is balancing distance and speed — a skill that can be the difference between grabbing an early weapon and becoming someone else’s first kill.
Gear Up: Loadouts, Armor, and Weapon Strategy
Once you hit the ground, your survival depends on what you carry and how you use it. Here are a few essential gear-related tips:
Prioritize Armor
You begin with two armor plates — but you can equip a third right away. Always top up your armor early and carry extras (up to five in reserve). If a teammate is low, share the wealth. A fully-armored squad is far more likely to win encounters.
Mix Your Weapons
Avoid redundancy in your weapon selection. Don’t carry two of the same type — instead, pair a long-range weapon (sniper or marksman rifle) with a close-range option (SMG or AR). This ensures flexibility and conserves ammo by using two different types.
Pro tip: Drop the MG34 unless you have no choice. It’s slow, inaccurate, and can get you killed in early engagements.
Invest in Loadout Drops
Your custom loadouts — with preferred perks and attachments — give you a huge edge. Buy a loadout drop for $6,000 or grab one from the periodic map drops. Just make sure your loadouts are solid; if they’re not, focus on upgrading your weapons first.
Spend Wisely: Cash Is More Than Just Loot
Warzone’s in-game economy is critical, especially as the match progresses. Use cash to buy killstreaks, revives, and loadout drops — but don’t blow it on low-value gear. Here’s a smart purchase priority list:
- Squad Buyback – $4,500
- Loadout Drop Marker – $6,000
- UAV – $4,000
- Airstrikes (Precision/Cluster) – $3,000–$3,500
- Self-Revive Kit – $4,500 (situational)
- Gas Mask – $3,000 (luxury, not essential)
- Armor Bundle – $1,500 (avoid unless desperate)
Pool money early in the game — it’ll save your squad in the late game when loot is scarce. Also, pay attention to flare signals near buy stations. These indicate player revives and can be an opportunity to ambush or avoid a fight.
Play Smart: Positioning, Contracts, and Teamwork
Stick Together — But Not Too Close
Good squads move as a tight but flexible unit. If you’re too spread out, you can’t support each other. If you’re too close, one well-placed explosive can wipe the team. Maintain a tactical formation and always communicate.
Choose Contracts Based on Your Goals
Warzone features three core contracts:
- Scavenger (Magnifying Glass): Best for beginners — find loot, gear up fast.
- Recon (Flag): Gain circle info but reveals your position via flares.
- Bounty (Target): High-risk, high-reward. Only do this if you’re confident in combat.
Stick to scavengers early. They’re easy to complete and provide great returns. Avoid recon unless you’re ready to defend the location under pressure.
Be Cautious in Sniper Zones
High-rise areas like Downtown and Hospital are sniper magnets. Avoid running in the open. Hug walls, use cover, and be wary of glints from sniper scopes. If you’re the sniper, don’t linger with your scope — you’ll give away your position.
Final Tips to Stay Out of the Gulag
- Use Munitions Boxes ASAP: Don’t hoard them. Refill your ammo and free up your field upgrade slot.
- Eliminate Downed Enemies Quickly: A knocked enemy can self-revive or get revived by a teammate. If it’s safe, secure the kill.
- Watch for Ammo Crates in Police Stations: Free reloads early on — make them part of your landing strategy.
- Update Your Console or PC Before Playing: Nothing ruins a match like being locked out by system updates. Ensure your system software is current.
Conclusion
Call of Duty: Warzone is more than just fast reflexes and fancy skins — it’s a game of strategy, teamwork, and tactical spending. Whether you’re aiming for your first win or trying to improve your squad’s synergy, these tips offer a solid foundation to level up your play. Now drop in, gear up, and stay out of the Gulag.
