The MW4 Season 1 release date is Friday, November 6, 2026. It brings three new multiplayer maps, new modes, a 100-tier battle pass and the first Warzone update built on Modern Warfare 4. The details below come from PCGamesN's breakdown of the Season 1 roadmap, which cites the official Call of Duty blog.
MW4 Season 1 release date and launch content
| Content | At launch (Nov 6) | Mid-season Reloaded |
|---|---|---|
| Maps | Backstab, Canyon, Shoot House | Ministry, Overflow |
| Modes | Grind, Drop Zone, Gauntlet 1v1 | Counter Attack |
| Operators | XERO and Blix (DMZ) | Not detailed |
Shoot House is set in North Korea. Shipment is already live. Crash also gets "Kill Block", a variant with three static slabs.
Battle pass changes
- The Season 1 battle pass has 100 tiers.
- A new catch-up system guarantees at least 50 premium rewards for anyone who buys it.
- Wager Match rewards include weapon attachments.
A mode called Joint Fire is also teased. It gives a large XP bonus for playing with a squad.
What changes in Warzone Season 1
Season 1 is the first time Warzone runs on Modern Warfare 4 content. Two new maps arrive, and two favourites come back.
- New: Hajin and Zodiac.
- Returning: Verdansk and Rebirth Island.
Activision said a full Warzone mode rundown would follow on November 2. Check the Call of Duty blog for the exact map rotation, because it can change during the season.
Halloween events before Season 1
Two limited modes run in the build-up: Possession from October 29 and Infected from October 30. Play them now if you want their rewards, because seasonal events rotate out.
Before you play on November 6
- Leave space for a large update on consoles and PC.
- Finish any Halloween challenges first.
- Check whether your platform is still supported in Warzone. Several outlets report that last-generation consoles lose support around Season 1, but we could not confirm this on the official blog.
What we could not confirm
- The exact start time in each region.
- The names of the new weapons in Season 1.
- The date of the mid-season Reloaded update.
New MW4 Season 1 maps and modes explained
- Grind: a mode built around collecting and banking objectives.
- Drop Zone: teams fight to hold a moving zone that drops rewards.
- Gauntlet 1v1: one-on-one duels for players who want pure gunfights.
- Counter Attack: arrives with the mid-season update.
These descriptions follow how the modes have worked in past Call of Duty games. Activision may change the rules in Modern Warfare 4, so read the in-game description before you queue.
How to make the most of the battle pass
- Play the Halloween modes before November 6 to bank XP and rewards.
- Squad up once Joint Fire arrives, since it gives a large XP bonus for group play.
- Use Wager Matches if you want weapon attachments early.
- Do not panic if you start late. The catch-up system guarantees at least 50 premium rewards for buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the MW4 Season 1 Reloaded update?
Activision has not given a date. It is the mid-season update that adds Ministry, Overflow and Counter Attack.
When does MW4 Season 1 start?
Friday, November 6, 2026, for both Modern Warfare 4 and Warzone.
What maps come in MW4 Season 1?
Backstab, Canyon and Shoot House at launch, then Ministry and Overflow in the mid-season update.
What maps are in Warzone Season 1?
Hajin and Zodiac are new. Verdansk and Rebirth Island return.
How many tiers does the Season 1 battle pass have?
100 tiers, with at least 50 premium rewards guaranteed for buyers.
Summary
MW4 Season 1 starts on November 6 with Backstab, Canyon and Shoot House, three new modes and a 100-tier battle pass. Warzone moves to MW4 content with Hajin and Zodiac, while Verdansk and Rebirth Island return.
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