Activision Teases Upcoming Contagion Event in Warzone

Call of Duty: Warzone launched as a free-to-play, semi-standalone Battle Royale title built on the foundation of 2019's Modern Warfare. Since then, the series' first foray into the genre has been a massive success with tens of millions of players across the globe. Fast forward to March of 2021 and we've quickly approached the first annual anniversary of its release, but the focus is set to the imminent undead threat that has invaded Verdansk.

As Season Two of Black Ops Cold War continues, Warzone - and the future of Verdansk - is currently in limbo. The Vodianoy shipwreck has unleashed Zombies across the area and Stitch's plan is seemingly coming to fruition.

To compliment the ongoing events in Warzone, Activision has taken to social media to further the intensity and keep players informed.

Contagion Warnings

3/11/21: Containment Protocol Alert

On March 11th, the following alert was shared to the Activision Blog. Alongside the release of this message, the Zombie threat spread from the Shipwreck to the Gulag Prison.

By Armistice Central Command
For Immediate Release: Contagion Warning Issued for Southeastern Verdansk

Attention all Verdansk Operatives.

The Emergency Broadcast System has issued a minor contagion warning for the southeastern zone of Verdansk encompassing the miasma epicenter (“ghost ship” Vodianoy) as well as territories immediately east, including the Zordaya Prison Complex and surrounding areas. In addition, terrain reconnaissance scouts in conjunction with a multi-lateral Armistice air support squadron, have determined the existence of anomalies within this region of Kastovia. The following guidance has been approved for all military Operators working within the greater Tavorsk area:

You are recommended to exercise extreme caution: Reconnoitering within these newly confirmed anomalous zones may result in additional conflict, as speculative reports indicate secondary forces of unknown origin now residing both within the Prison Complex as well as the fully compromised Shipwreck points of interest.

Hostile forces are described as withered, exhibiting a cadaverous appearance, and lacking in contrastive cognizant function. Should you encounter these anomalous hostiles, no quarter should be given. Subsequently, a fighting withdrawal, immediate exfil and subsequent fumigation is recommended.

Alert: Containment Protocol Level has not been raised, as these threats appear to be mainly contained to the southern zone of Sector 5, and Operators in surrounding regions should proceed as normal. Computer models expect the anomalous activities to cease shortly, and a conflagration is not expected.

3/18/21: Containment Protocol Alert

On March 11th, another alert was shared to the Activision Blog. Alongside the release of this message, the Zombie threat spread to the Verdansk Hospital.

For Immediate Release: Verdansk Hospital Compromised; Field Hospital Order Issued
By Armistice Central Command on March 18, 2021

Attention all Verdansk Operatives.

The Emergency Broadcast System has issued a minor contagion warning for the Verdansk Hospital west of Downtown Tavorsk District following a critical failure in cadaver disposal routines. In addition, Operators working within the recent miasma at the Vodianoy crash site and Zordaya Prison Complex have reported contact with threats of unknown origin within the vicinity of this location.

Descriptions of the entities encountered vary by witness, but a general overview is as follows: Prior to their deaths, these hostiles experienced a severe lack of coordination, necrosis, and in some extreme cases, body capacitance well exceeding normal levels, with EMP-like effects occurring during occasional discharge. Due to numerous cases of this occurrence, the following guidance has been approved for all military Operators on duty within the greater Tavorsk area:

Continue to exercise extreme caution when conducting operations within or around the Hospital, in addition to the Zordaya Prison Complex and Shipwreck points of interest. These anomalous zones are believed to still contain the hostile forces that we have come into contact with in the prior three weeks of operations and are considered to be extremely dangerous. Order has been given to exterminate these threats on sight, in addition to any rogue Armistice Operator teams encountered within Verdansk as per the current orders in Operation: Rapid Sunder.

Furthermore, it is believed that those affected by the recent anomalies leave traces of unknown matter, which is now heavily concentrated within the Hospital. Therefore, Verdansk Hospital should no longer be used for triage nor as a permanent medical facility, effective immediately and indefinitely. All Operators must request med-evac in case of severe injury or recovery of wounded allies or civilians, with field hospitals provided by the WHP to be used for life-threatening emergencies, should the provided mobile recovery kits fail to revive Operators in the field. Operators are also ordered to reroute their exfiltration flight path to an Armistice-approved fumigation site and may be subject to additional questioning about potential contacts.

Alert: Containment Protocol Level has not been raised, as it is still believed that these anomalous activities will still be confined to the southern zone of Sector 5 and the Hospital. Computer models still expect the anomalous activities to cease shortly, and a conflagration continues to be a low-risk concern.

3/25/21: Containment Protocol Alert

For Immediate Release: Acropolis National Bank Contaminated; Containment Protocol Officially Engaged
By Armistice Central Command on March 25, 2021

Attention all Verdansk Operatives.

The Emergency Broadcast System has issued a minor contagion warning for the Acropolis National Bank within Downtown Tavorsk’s Financial District, effective immediately. Although the origin of this current outbreak is unknown, Armistice researchers have settled on three theories:

The leading explanation, based on tracking data across Operators, suggests that Armistice members taking part in operations within previously contaminated points of interest that have since been fumigated – the Shipwreck, Zordaya Prison Complex, and Verdansk Hospital – travelled to this central bank for extraction via the helipad. This would explain the prevalence of all three deadly mutations found within hostile forces occupying the bank interior.

An alternative report displayed recent evidence of contaminated matter within the vault’s safety deposit boxes, which were left open for an unknown time period following Operation Strongbox.

The third, which has been rejected for a lack of tangible evidence, claims that these hostile creatures have a natural attraction for fiat currency, although this is the only explanation that aligns with unusual reports of “several hundred dollars, ammunition, and other miscellaneous items” extracted from them following engagements.

Regardless of the exact origins of this new contaminated zone, the following guidance has been approved for all military Operators on duty within the greater Tavorsk area:

Continue to exercise extreme caution when conducting operations within or around the Financial District point of interest. Hostile forces are considered to be extremely dangerous and contain numerous mutations within their ranks previously only seen in other anomalous zones.

Alert: Containment Protocol Engaged

Following the past month of unusual activity around Southern Verdansk and to reduce further spread of aforementioned phenomena, Armistice is officially instating a Containment Protocol across the entire region of Verdansk.

As outlined in the Armistice Code of Operations, stage one of this protocol – monitoring and assessing current crises – is in effect. Data indicating current outbreak spread will be transmitted to secure areas within the region.

Furthermore, Operators are to assist with containment efforts by neutralizing these threats on sight, in addition to the main objectives of Operation Rapid Sunder. Following exfiltration, Operators are to immediately report to Armistice-approved fumigation sites, complete required questioning about potential contacts, and present optional proof of complete hostile eradication for commendations, although this elective step may be performed within Verdansk at the Operator’s own peril.

Up until the date of this issuance, infestation levels remain steady, given the lack of severe outbreak outside of individual areas within Southern Verdansk. These levels will be subject to change based on current outbreak conditions.

Memorabilia

Influencers in the Call of Duty community have begun to receive various memorabilia with short excerpts attached. Although these items do not align with any perceivable in-game updates, it's clear that the they are custom-made for this marketing campaign and intended to add to the narrative.

Captain's Hat

On February 26th, Influencers received a hat which seemingly belonged to the Captain of the Vodianoy. Blood stains can be found on the hat, indicating that there were likely no survivors.

This month was meant to be smooth sailing. Now? Oh buoy. After a year of smooth sailing, prepare for an assailment like no other.

Prisoner Pants

On March 10th, the One Year anniversary of Warzone, Influencers received a package containing orange sweat pants which belonged to a Prisoner of the Gulag.

There are no second chances after losing a battle here. The outer prison is a hostile-rich environment. You're safer in the ghoul-ag.

Hospital Gown

On March 16th, Influencers received a hospital gown with the same V logo which is found on the previous two articles of clothing. It's suspected that the Zombies will soon invade the Verdansk General Hospital, although this has not been confirmed at this time.

The latest diagnosis? It's looking grim in Verdansk. Escape while you still can. I'd say, "take two of these and I'll see you in the morning." But you won't last until morning.

Piggy Bank

On March 23rd, influencers received the first non-clothing item of the campaign - a piggy bank. Although there were no funds within, the item presents the stylized V logo seen on the previous memorabilia. Along with the attached note, it's expected that Zombies will soon populate the Verdansk Bank.

Acropolis National Bank has been operating as a zombie institution for years, but nobody thought their assets would end up six feet under... Hope you have Diamond Hands, Operator.

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