Call of Duty: Warzone is bigger and better than ever, with the recent addition of a brand new map, Caldera. Caldera comes as part of the Pacific update, and there is a lot to discover. Loads of new areas to explore and memorize, different ground loot than what you’re used to, a couple of ruleset tweaks, and Caldera manages to feel like a very fresh version of Call of Duty: Warzone. Banning a lot of cheaters helps.

In this guide we’re outlining some essential tips for Caldera. These tips aren’t the basics, such as how to land faster or mounting weapons – we assume you already know all of that, and these tips are specifically aimed at the Caldera map. The lay of the land is different, and the way you should engage with enemies is different too. Read below for everything you need to know to fight on Call of Duty: Warzone‘s new Caldera map. We also have loadouts suggested by esports professionals.

Landing early and late

The new map of Caldera in the Call of Duty: Warzone Pacific update has a number of dense locations with plenty of loot dotted around the outside edges of the map. This means a lot of players will be dropping either very early, or very late, with the midsection likely having fewer players than you would expect. 

So, for example, if your drop path takes you over Capital and then Arsenal on the other side of the map, you can choose either for good loot, and the closest will likely have the most competition – and the most opportunity for kills. The same works for other locations, such as Docks and Airfield.

Loadout drops

Depending on who you ask, the ground loot on the Caldera map is disappointing. While there are definitely weapons worth using here that can carry you to the end game, it just means that using Loadout Drops is even more important than ever, allowing you to take a custom supply of weapons into battle. 

You can’t actually earn a Loadout Drop immediately in Caldera, so the early game will see all players scrambling to use whatever they can find. Nice to know you won’t be immediately out-gunned, but you should get a Loadout Drop as soon as possible.

Explosive gameplay

Call of Duty: Warzone‘s explosives are now more deadly than ever, and a stray grenade can sweep you off your feet entirely. That’s scary, but it should also terrify your foes. Equip grenades and other explosives in your loadouts, and you’ll find yourself getting far more kills with them now than you ever did before. 

You can also equip the E.O.D. perk to reduce explosive damage for yourself, just to reduce the risk of someone bombarding you with a flurry of inescapable explosives.

Shopping spree

A lovely bonus that comes as part of the third zone is a very cheap shop. A Fire Sale activates, allowing you to buy cheap UAVs and get free buybacks for your team. This can be used and abused, and it absolutely should be. Spend your time during the third zone near a Buy Station and use it as often as you possibly can to prepare for the final fight – because the enemies will.

The high ground

Caldera has peaks and valleys – literally the Peak, and the valleys around it. If the circle is closing around this area, the ones at the top will have the advantage. Climbing the mountain while bullets spray onto you from above isn’t a great idea. If you do find yourself at the bottom with the circle at your back, try to climb discreetly and sneak your way up. If you hear bullets from the peak and they’re not aimed at you, that’s your chance to run in. 

This also extends to select buildings in Caldera. Many have beams and pipes you can climb on, and if your opponents aren’t the type to look up, you will have a good chance of gunning them down before they notice where you’re hiding. Ideal if you have multiple enemies coming for you, as the elevation can help you turn the tide of battle.

Written by Dave Aubrey on behalf of GLHF.