In a surprising development for Call of Duty enthusiasts, industry insiders are reporting that the iconic Verdansk map, which served as Warzone’s opening battleground when it launched in March 2020, will be making a return in 2024.

Verdansk was the most popular map of Warzone

According to Tom Henderson of Insider Gaming, players can expect to see the return of Verdansk with the release of Call of Duty’s first season in 2024, meaning a nostalgic journey back to the roots of the hugely popular battle royale game.

The report suggests that the reintroduction of Verdansk will coincide with Call of Duty 2024’s integration into Warzone. Speculation points to the new game being called “Black Ops Gulf War”, consistent with a previous report from Windows Central that showed Treyarch was involved in its development. If true, this game is expected to be set against the backdrop of the Gulf War and fit seamlessly into the Black Ops series.

Activision had previously confirmed that Warzone’s acclaimed Resurgence maps, Rebirth Island and Fortune’s Keep, would return in 2024. With the potential return of Verdansk, players can expect a wave of nostalgia reminiscent of the surge in popularity that accompanied Fortnite’s reintroduction of the OG Chapter 1 map.

The move to bring back Verdansk appears to be a strategic decision by the developers, likely inspired by the success of Fortnite’s similar approach. The gaming community has shown a strong tendency to revisit classic maps, and the return of Verdansk could be a move to capitalize on that sentiment and rekindle the excitement of Warzone’s early days.

While players await the anticipated return of Verdansk, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone’s current season are gearing up for a winter holiday event in Season 1. The upcoming update promises holiday-themed maps, Limited Time Modes (LTMs), Undead Santa, and a seasonal event, providing additional content and events to keep the player base busy during this time.