Activision adds Black Ops Royale mode to Warzone next week

A free, Blackout-inspired battle royale mode is dropping into Call of Duty Warzone without loadouts, Gulags, or Buy Stations.

Black Ops Royale basics

• Black Ops Royale lands on March 13, 2026, and costs nothing to play.
• Activision pitched it as an homage to Black Ops 4's 2018 Blackout mode.
• Avalon's massive map hosts 24 rival squads per match.
• Wingsuits handle the drop-in instead of traditional deployment.

Loot and weapon systems overhauled

• Pre-built weapon archetypes pulled from Black Ops 7's arsenal are scattered around.
• Rarity-tiered attachment kits provide the upgrade path for each gun.
• Scavenging is the only way to gear up with zero loadout options.

Equipment and perks get a Blackout twist

• Players can carry two equipment pieces at once, mixing freely.
• Grapple Hooks, Sensor Darts, and Trauma Kits are all in the rotation.
• Blackout's perk system returns but ditches fixed slots entirely.
• Five swappable, consumable perk slots replace the old rigid setup.