In the Gobi Desert, scientists discovered two fossilized claws of a large, feathered dinosaur now calledDuonychus tsogtbaatari. Kobayashi, Yoshitsugu et al., iScience, 2025. Life reconstruction of dinosaur by Masato Hattori.Paleontologists have discovered a strange new dinosaur species that may have looked like a giant, feathered mix of a sloth and giraffe. It had only two raptor-like clawed fingers per hand, which the creature used not to maul other prey, but to snack on vegetation.Two fossilized claws, as well as parts of the dinosaurs tail, arms, ribs, hips, legs and backbone were uncovered in Mongolias Gobi Desert in 2012. Now, in a study published Tuesday in the journal iScience, paleontologists describe the new species based on these 90-million-year-old remains. They called it Duonychus tsogtbaatari in honor of Mongolian paleontologist Khishigjav Tsogtbaatar and because Duonychus means two claws in Greek.Surprisingly, the team discovered that one of the two giant bony claws has its keratin sheathcomparable to a human nailstill preserved. Normally, keratin doesnt fossilize, study lead author Yoshitsugu Kobayashi, a paleontologist at Hokkaido University in Japan, tells New Scientists James Woodford.This is by far the biggest claw preserved for a dinosaur that has that keratinous sheath on it, Darla Zelenitsky, a paleontologist at the University of Calgary in Canada and co-author of a study, tells CNNs Katie Hunt. Its close to a foot in size. The fossil also shows the claw was much longer than the internal bone beneath it.Duonychus tsogtbaatari stood around ten feet tall and weighed approximately 573 pounds. It was a member of the Therizinosaurs, a group of dinosaurs that existed in Asia and North America between 66 million and 100 million years ago. They aretypically known for their small heads, long necks, feathered bodies and bipedalism, as well as three long claws on each handa trend that Duonychus breaks. While they belong to the theropods, a subgroup of dinosaurs that includes all meat-eaters, therizinosaurs were likely herbivores.Therizinosaurs are already some of the most unusual dinosaurs out there, but Duonychus tsogtbaatari takes it to another level, Kobayashi tells Live Sciences Jess Thomson. This newly discovered species from Mongolia breaks the mold with just two fingers instead of the typical three, offering a rare glimpse into how theropod hands evolved and adapted.Its like evolution said, Lets try something totally new. And it worked, Kobayashi adds to Reuters Will Dunham. A comparison of the range of motion of the forelimb and fingers in therizinosaurs. Figure A representsSegnosaurus, D representsTherizinosaurusand the rest areDuonychus tsogtbaatari. Kobayashi, Yoshitsugu et al., iScience, 2025Duonychus tsogtbaatari is the only known therizinosaur with two claws, but other theropod dinosaurs, including the Tyrannosaurus rex, also evolved to have two fingers instead of three. Kobayashi and his colleagues suggest that the Duonychus tsogtbaatari would have used these claws and flexible wrists to pull plant and tree branches closer to munch on their vegetation, similarly to todays two-toed sloths.Three fingers might have just gotten in the way, Kobayashi explains toNew Scientist,while two provided a more precise and efficient grasp. The claws may have also helped defend the dinosaurs or provide powerful weapons in intraspecific competition, Zichuan Qin, a paleontologist at the University of Birmingham in England who was not involved in the study, tells National Geographics Riley Black.Ultimately, this is yet another example of a wonderful new dinosaur that we couldnt have dreamed ever existed if we didnt find its fossils, Steve Brusatte, a paleontologist at the University of Edinburgh who did not participate in the study, tells CNN.Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.Filed Under: Cool Finds, Dinosaurs, Discoveries, Fossils, Mongolia, Paleontologists, Paleontology

The ESA Foundation celebrated its 23rd annual Nite to Unite fundraiser for children on March 18, raising $1.25 million.Read More

User research workers at Activision unionize"It is critical that workers have a protected voice on the job to ensure they receive their fair share" News by Vikki Blake Contributor Published on March 27, 2025 User research workers at Activision have voted to unionize.In a press release, the Communications Workers of America (CWA) confirmed a supermajority of the Microsoft-owned staff voted in favor of union representation. Microsoft has recognized the union.CWA said the Activision User Research Union-CWA marks the first group of video game user researchers to form a union, joining over 2,000 workers at Microsoft-owned studios to organize under the companys neutrality agreement with CWA."We are excited to join our fellow game makers across the video game industry to show what's possible when workers can freely build solidarity in the workplace. Many of us were mobilized to do something about the layoffs in 2023 and 2024, and now we can look out for each other with a union," said organizing committee member and quantitative user researcher, Nicolaas VanMeerten.In the video game industry, user research focuses on understanding players' opinions, behaviors, and needs to deliver insights to their development teams. By hosting players in their studios, user research helps bridge the gap between those who design video games and those who play them.""A union allows workers to create an industry that works for them, which is vital in an industry that we deeply care about," added organizing committee member and user research moderator Pat Dimaandal. "Workers should not feel punished for pursuing a career that they love, and that's why we're organizing toward long-term, sustainable careers in this industry.""It is critical that workers have a protected voice on the job to ensure they receive their fair share. We are proud to welcome these workers to CWA and are looking forward to meeting Microsoft at the bargaining table to secure a fair union contract," said Maurice Washington, President of CWA Local 9400.CWA said that by being part of a union, user researchers hope to "secure significant improvements at their workplace, including higher wages, job security, and protections amid record-breaking layoffs in the video game industry, and transparency around promotions and career advancement."Last month, the Communication Workers of America (CWA) slammed former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick's claims that the numerous reports of harassment that allegedly took place when he led the firm were "fake."

Tencent invests $1.25bn in new Ubisoft subsidiary focused on Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow SixNew subsidiary granted a "worldwide, exclusive, irrevocable, perpetual license"Image credit: Ubisoft / Tencent News by Vikki Blake Contributor Published on March 27, 2025 Ubisoft has "accelerated its transformation" by developing a new operating model and subsidiary following a $1.25bn cash "injection" from Chinese megacorp Tencent.In a bid to "rapidly" evolve its operating model, Ubisoft has created a subsidiary based upon its Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six brands, arguably the developer/publisher's tentpole franchises. Through a "formal and competitive process," Ubisoft selected Tencent to invest a minority stake of 1.16bn ($1.25bn) to focus on expanding those games' "truly evergreen and multiplatform ecosystems."The new subsidiary has been granted a "worldwide, exclusive, irrevocable, perpetual license" in respect to the IPs listed above, and includes teams developing those franchises in Montral, Quebec, Sherbrooke, Saguenay, Barcelona, and Sofia, although it will be headquartered in France and "100% owned" by Ubisoft.Ubisoft said the $1.25bn investment will be used to "strengthen Ubisofts balance sheet by significantly reducing its consolidated net debt position, accelerate the Groups transformation, and sustain growth of selected franchises.""Today Ubisoft is opening a new chapter in its history," said co-founder and CEO, Yves Guillemot. "As we accelerate the company's transformation, this is a foundational step in changing Ubisoft's operating model that will enable us to be both agile and ambitious. We are focused on building strong game ecosystems designed to become evergreen, growing high-performing brands and creating new IPs powered by cutting-edge and emerging technologies."With the creation of a dedicated subsidiary that will spearhead development for three of our largest franchises and the onboarding of Tencent as a minority investor, we are crystalizing the value of our assets, strengthening our balance sheet, and creating the best conditions for these franchises' long-term growth and success. With its dedicated and autonomous leadership team, it will focus on transforming these three brands into unique ecosystems."We are committed to building a sharper, more focused organization-one wheretalented teams will take our brands to the next level, accelerate the growth of emerging franchises, and lead innovation in next-generation technologies and services, all with the goal of delivering enriching, memorable games that exceed players' expectations, and create superior value for our shareholders and other stakeholders," Guillemot concluded.Tencent president Martin Lau added: "We are excited to extend our longstanding partnership with Ubisoft through this investment, which reflects our continued confidence in Ubisoft's creative vision and exceptional talent to drive sustained success in the industry. We see the immense potential for these franchises to evolve into long-term evergreen game platforms and create engaging new experiences for gamers."Despite a significant 51.8% decline year-on-year in net bookings for Q3, Ubisoft's most recent financial report highlighted that this was in line with its revised expectation of 300 million for the period.Ubisoft remained optimistic about its next quarter, and is expecting net bookings to increase following the release of Assassin's Creed Shadows, which released on March 20.

Obsidian Entertainment's Pentiment was one of the developer's most unorthodox role-playing games, a 2D detective story in an illustrated book set in 16th-century Bavaria. While Pentiment didn't have the massive scope of the dev's other titles like Fallout: New Vegas or the most recent Avowed, the game's director did have one particular vision for the game's storytelling that required a significant amount of convincing to get the team on boardand that was with how the fonts would look in-game.During GDC 2025, game director Joshua Sawyer (previously helming Fallout: New Vegas and Pillars of Eternity) spoke about his work conceptualizing and building Pentiment's approach to text-based storytelling and how the game's fonts needed more than static characters in speech bubbles to authentically depict an evolving game world with different cultures via a "typographic voice."Rats, horse testicles, and fontsOR: How to go the extra mile with your gameAt Sawyer's panel, titled "Justifying Absurd Expenditures on Fonts and Other Silly Features," he broke down some common struggles developers tend to fall into when trying to deliver a product. In many cases, developers tend to provide a game that is seen as a "minimum viable product," especially at first. which is a game with baseline features and nothing particularly noteworthy. Another approach is to elevate the concept go for the "maximum viable product."Related:Some examples he included were A Plague Tale's dynamic, fully animated rat swarms, which appear like a living mass to players. In another example, Sawyer brought up Red Dead Redemption 2's infamous horse testicles, which shrink when riding in cold climates. As Sawyer put it, adding these featureswhich aren't always vital for a gamedo a lot to elevate the experience into something more."What about the maximum viable product? It's way more than what's needed, you got every bell and whistleyou're inventing bells and whistles, and you're trying to elevate the experience through a type of unique maximalism that hasn't been seen [in a game]," said Sawyer.Following the above, Sawyer explained his vision for Pentiment, a 16th-century European detective game where players must read and analyze intent and meaning from character interactions to make critical choices. Inspired by games like 80 Days and Night in the Woods, Pentiment's unique approach to storytelling highlights its dynamic text presentation, featuring animated medieval-era typography that's unique for each interaction and NPC. This gives Pentiment a feeling that you're looking into a living medieval-era painting or illustrated tome that's being created as you gowhich Sawyer stated was to depict the "physicality of writing in books."Related:Depending on your choices and the protagonist Andreas's growth, the game's approach to text will evolve and shift over the course of the game. As the game director described it, being passionate about a feature is the first step of getting your concept off the ground, but the following steps include getting your team on board with the idea and then bringing it to life in a compelling waywhich present unique challenges all their own."One of many problems is that there were [letter] character set issues, so these might have supported the languages they originally came from," said Sawyer. "For example, many of the [characters] came from German or Swiss sources; while they might have been clear, they didn't have the characters that might be needed in Polish or Spanish or French or anything else. So that was tricky. Also, if they looked authentic [to the era], they were often quite difficult to read. Yes, we wanted them to look authentic, but the difficult-to-read part is not good for a game full of text."What's in a font?Related:Sawyer described Pentiment as "not a small game, but not an 'indie' game"given that it had support from Microsoft Game Studios. With over three years in development and a team of 13 by the end of production, it was a modestly sized game, but Sawyer's ideas for using dynamic typography for its storytelling presented a wrinkle that took time to work out.What sets Pentiment apart from other reading-dense RPGs like Disco Elysium or Pillars of the Earth is how it makes the act of readingand viewing the texta part of the experience. You essentially become a medieval-era detective. This was a part of the core vision of Pentiment, in that 16th century Bavaria was a melting pot of different cultures and social classes, and protagonist Andreas must be able to navigate a diverse society with unique characters who have different philosophies and worldviews, all reflected in the font-style.To build out the whole suite of custom typography, the developers contacted Lettermatic founder Riley Cran. Working with Cran's company, they designed the game's six custom fontsPeasant, Cursive, Humanist, Printed, Textura, and Thread Puller. Creating each fontaiming for authenticity rather than total accuracy allowed the developers greater control over the text, at the cost of being time-consuming. Sawyer recommended that devs try to create their fonts to own it, but only if they have the resources and means to do so."The control you have with the fonts is unparalleled, it's fantastic," he said. "You can get exactly what you need; you can get support for any localization you want, and it's your font. You don't have to worry about ongoing licensing issues and all that sort of nonsense. We eventually released our fonts for basically free to the public, and they use it for making shit posts and memes, which is the highest point of it."Another vital resource that Obsidian Entertainment relied on was the accessibility teams at Microsoft, who helped hone the visual presentation of the text for readers of all kinds and text related to specific cultures. Sawyer cited some instances where the game touched on specific topics, and Microsoft sensitivity readers offered feedback to help refine it further.One method that Sawyer suggested to elevate the look of the text and give it a dynamic feel was the stroke-by-stroke illustration of letters in real-time, which he noted wasn't exactly met with enthusiasm from the team. "So when I brought up stroke-by-stroke rendering to the team, it wasn't that people hated the idea, but there was skepticism about it," said Sawyer. Eventually, the engineering teamopting out of his initial pitch of using different alpha channels to similar motionused his concept and built it with Adobe Illustrator, applying gradients and animation to recreate real-time illustrative pen strokes on parchment.Sell your visionSawyer concluded the talk by giving attendees tips on how to best present their concepts to their teams. For Pentiment, the dynamic text and fonts showcased a level of authenticity for the game's setting and concept of playing within a living booksomething that Sawyer admitted took effort to get right."It is not enough for you alone to believe in this missionthe team does have to believe in this vision as well," said Sawyer. "The vision also has to include a plan, which will make people feel somewhat more confident in the idea that you are giving them. If you succeed with the core features, people will be more confident and happier about the idea of doing other things related to it."The decision to go the extra mile was worth it as Pentiment is widely regarded as one of Obsidian Entertainment's best games. All it took to help the game reach its success and elevate its concept was coming up with an idea that seemed far-fetched, but ultimately worth the effort.

Ubisoft is spinning off Assassins Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancys Rainbow Six into a subsidiary backed by Tencent, according to an announcement on Thursday. The Chinese gaming giant will invest 1.16 billion (~$1.3 billion) for a 25 percent stake in the carveout, which will have a total value of about 4 billion (~$4.3 billion).Ubisoft says the new entity will include the teams working on all three franchises, along with the publishers back catalog of games and new titles currently in development. It will work to improve the quality of narrative solo experiences, as well as expand multiplayer offerings with increased frequency of content release.Last year, Bloomberg reported that Tencent, which currently has a 10 percent stake in Ubisoft, was considering a buyout of the French game publisher. Ubisoft responded by saying it regularly reviews all its strategic options. The deal is expected to close this year.With the creation of a dedicated subsidiary that will spearhead development for three of our largest franchises and the onboarding of Tencent as a minority investor, we are crystalizing the value of our assets, strengthening our balance sheet, and creating the best conditions for these franchises long-term growth and success, Ubisoft co-founder and CEO Yves Guillemot, says in the press release.Ubisoft released Assassins Creed Shadows last week, which the publisher says has reached over 3 million players and had the second highest day one sales revenue in the franchise.

Facebook is trying to go back to its roots with a new Friends tab that filters out the algorithmic recommendations that have taken over its main feed. The new tab is rolling out in the US and Canada, and will show your friends stories, reels, posts, and birthdays.In a blog post announcing the feature, the company says, Over the years, Facebook evolved to meet changing needs and created best-in-class experiences across Groups, Video, Marketplace and more, but the magic of friends has fallen away.Facebook previously housed friend requests and friend suggestions within the Friends tab, but now its been replaced by a dedicated friends-only feed. Im not sure Ill find many recent posts there, but it might be a reprieve from the sponsored content and random group posts that have drowned out all other content on my home feed. Last year, Facebook announced that its adding new Local and Explore tabs with even more content recommendations.You can access the Friends tab from the navigation bar in the Facebook app. You can also pin it to your navigation bar by selecting the apps three-bar icon and then selecting the settings icon.From there, choose Settings > Tab bar, and choose the tabs you want to pin.The platform says it will add several OG Facebook experiences throughout the year as part of CEO Mark Zuckerbergs plan to make the platform more like it was back in the day.

SummaryRetro-inspired 2D action-platformer filled with secrets and danger.Explore mysterious corridors, upgrade your gear, and battle powerful enemies.Coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PC.Hi, Im Pavel Kalinichenko, CEO of Stamina Zero, and Im excited to introduce you to Little Droid, a handcrafted pixel art Metroidvania coming to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One on April 10, 2025.In Little Droid, you take control of a small but determined droid, navigating a mysterious world filled with danger, puzzles, and secrets. Every move counts as you manage your energy, battle relentless enemies, and overcome tricky platforming challenges.Exploration is keyeach ability you unlock, from double-jumping to dashing, opens new paths to hidden upgrades and secret areas. The environments, from forgotten ruins to flickering machinery, are handcrafted with care, bringing a unique atmosphere to every part of the world.Combat is fast and rewarding. Enemies wont go easy on you, so youll need quick reflexes and smart decision-making to survive. But its not just about fightingyoull need to explore carefully, solve environmental puzzles, and manage your energy wisely.For the console release, we worked hard to optimize performance, refine visuals, and introduce an optional easier difficulty modemaking sure Little Droid remains true to its challenging metroidvania roots while being accessible to more players.If you love uncovering hidden paths, facing tough challenges, and exploring richly detailed pixel art worlds, Little Droid is for you.Little Droid launches on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One on April 10, 2025. Pre-order today for $5.99 on the Microsoft Store.Little DroidStamina Zero LLC$5.99Pre-orderLittle Droid is an adventure platformer that takes you to a world of mysteries, tough enemies, and hidden dangers. The journey is packed with challenges, requiring careful battery management to keep the droid energized at crucial moments. Explore a richly detailed environment, collect weapons to overcome various obstacles, and uncover secrets as you pursue the source of a mysterious signal.Game Features: Metroidvania-style exploration, unlocking new areas with each gained ability. A high difficulty level designed for players who seek a rewarding challenge. Beautiful, hand-crafted 2D pixel art that brings the atmosphere to life with intricate details.

Conflict and Chaos: Black Ops 6 Season 03 is Here!In a video recorded before his death, Special Agent Jason Hudson warns of the Pantheon moles who have been working in the shadows for decades ever since Vietnam. Theyve managed to avoid detection throughout the years, using conflict and chaos to cover their tracks. With some new leads in play, however, their secrecy is no longer certain. Time to pick up the trail.Hudson left you to finish the job that he started, beginning with a file of codenames and documents leading you back in time to help solve the mystery at its roots.Turn the tide on the Pantheon spies with this massive offering of free and premium content coming to Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 when Season 03 launches on April 2 at 9AM PT across all platforms, with Call of Duty: Warzone going dark for 24 hours before Verdansk comes online April 3 at 9AM PT.Note: Consult the following blogs prior to the launch of Season 03:Read This Now:Return to Verdansk Call of Duty: Warzone ContentRead This Now: Tour of VerdanskRead This Now: Verdansk Tac-AtlasMarch 28: Updates to Ricochet: Anti-Cheat and security updatesApril 2: Battle Pass, BlackCell and Store Bundles BlogMULTIPLAYER CONTENT SUMMARYFive Maps and a Variant:Head to the front lines in Barrage and Nomad, two new maps arriving alongside a remaster of the timeless Firing Range at Season 03 launch. Expand your deployment options in the mid-season with Haven and Signal plus a special Nuketown map variant.Returning Modes:Test your skills across two classic game modes returning forBlack Ops 6. Display your mastery of weapons in Sharpshooter and bomb the enemy team in Demolition.Additional Equipment:Rapidly deploy your Dedicated Melee weapon using the new Close Shave Perk and blast enemies to pieces with the glorious return of the Death Machine Scorestreak. In the mid-season, get even with help from the Vendetta Perk.Season 03 Ranked Play:Get wins, climb the Ranks, and beat out the competition in a new season of Multiplayer Ranked Play bringing all-new rewards to earn.Barrage (Launch)Brand-New, Core, 6v6, Medium-SizedRevisit 1968 Vietnam as you follow Hudsons clues surrounding one Summit Watch at the front lines of battle. The trees have been cleared and the landscape flattened to make room for this base housing an artillery battery in active combat. The area has taken hits with large chunks blown off buildings including the Command Center and Barracks, the damage opening new pathways through the map.Watch for sharpshooters trading shots near the base of the Watchtower, from Overlook, and through the second floor of the Command Center. Move quickly down the dirt roads to get out of sight or push out to the wings, battling around the artillery pieces in the Gun Pits and the Tree Crusher facing the Hill.Nomad (Launch)Brand-New, Strike, 6v6/2v2, Small-SizedThe Pantheon moles were in Afghanistan, too, when Woods fought there in 1986. Fight in the ruins of a fortified settlement commandeered for the ensuing battle, a parked missile carrier facing out over the valley where a convoy lies in ruins on the narrow road leading up to the map. Navigate the crumbled archways and walls as you engage enemies in the open, the only accessible building being the Tower standing over the middle. A zipline offers fast access up and down from the coveted position, promising frequent skirmishes for control of its views.Firing Range (Launch)Remaster, Core, 6v6, Medium-SizedFiring Range makes its glorious return in Black Ops 6 in a faithful remaster of the fan-favorite map. Watch for crossfire down the long center Road as Operators fight for control of the vantage points in the Tower and the upper levels of the Shoot House and Garage. Shooting targets move back and forth on their tracks behind the Office and several other spots adding a useful diversion while preparing for the next fight. Avoid the center chaos by branching off to the Dirt Road, keeping your guard up against ambush as you pass the Storage unit along the way.Haven (Mid-Season)Brand-New, Core, 6v6, Medium-SizedEnter a KGB safehouse in 1991. This once opulent compound now sits in a dilapidated state of disrepair, overgrown and cracking apart at the seams. Its current owners, however, are less interested in aesthetics and more interested in the sites former use.A crystal chandelier lies smashed on top of a sculpture in the Foyer while reams of cable connect running generators to the armory in the Hall, the command center set up in the Ballroom, and out to the Entrance where parked vehicles monitor the surroundings and deliver vital supplies. The indoor and outdoor spaces are tightly intertwined here, spilling the battle through the estate halls and past scenic areas of contemplation like the Gardens and Bath.Signal (Mid-Season)Brand-New, Strike, 6v6/2v2, Small-SizedTaking Operators back to 1968, this site connects the moles to activity surrounding the infamous numbers station. Flashing lights and alarms sound in the Control room of an ocean rig numbers station, flames erupting along the upper wing. Starting from opposing submarine bays, Operators can funnel straight down the middle into the Broadcast station or fire down on the action from the Communications landing. Take an alternate path through the Control room, its flooded hall giving access to the water below. Jump in and swim underneath the structure to access either submarine bay, providing the means to jump out of the water and flank the enemy team.Blazetown at Mid-SeasonPlus, light up the competition in a special Nuketown variant joining the map pool for a limited time later this season!Get in some intense gaming sessions as two classic modes with a rich history in the Black Ops series arrive in Season 03. Adapt to cycling weapons in Sharpshooter and throw yourself at two bombsites in Demolition.Sharpshooter (Launch)Flex your skills in this classic Black Ops free for all party mode where every Operator is assigned the same Loadout which changes every 45 seconds. Each cycle introduces a new Primary and Secondary Weapon from scoped Sniper Rifles to akimbo Pistols, plus a new Dedicated Melee weapon and Tactical and Lethal Equipment.Use everything at your disposal to eliminate enemies while unlocking bonus abilities for going on a streak:1st Elimination: Increased movement speed.2nd Elimination: Increased reload speed.3rd Elimination: Increased sprint recovery speed.4th Elimination: Increased ADS speed.5th Elimination: Earn double score for eliminating enemies.Keep the streak going to unlock double score and make a run for the top three. When youre taken out, respawn and build up those bonuses again. A short countdown precedes each weapon swap. Adapt and win.Demolition (Launch Window)Alternate between attacking and defending two bomb sites. The attacking team must destroy both bomb sites to win the round, gaining a time bonus after detonating the first site. All attacking Operators spawn with a bomb and respawns are active for both teams throughout the match.Defense is all about running down the clock. Defuse planted bombs right away, as the match timer pauses whenever a bomb site is in active countdown. If one of the sites is destroyed, regroup and throw everything you have into defending the last one.The first team to win two rounds wins the match. If the score reaches 1-1, enter a tie-breaking final round where both teams race to detonate a single neutral bomb site.Joint Operations: New Limited-Time Mode (Mid-Season)Leave the enemy up in smoke in this Limited Time Mode that tests teams with a gauntlet of five Core mode variants in a single match: Head Stash (TDM), Inhalation (Domination), Hotbox (Hardpoint), Very High Target (HVT), and Munchies (Kill Confirmed).Cycle through all five modes under a variety of changing effects, including double health, low gravity, visual hallucinations, and third-person POV.Unleash powerful melee attacks with ease, get vengeance on the Operator who eliminated you, and mow down everything in sight with two new Perks and a Scorestreak.New PerksClose Shave (Launch, Event Reward)Perk Slot: 1Type: EnforcerAutomatically use your Dedicated Melee attack when you perform a weapon butt attack. Simply tap the Melee button to attack. Like the old days!Vendetta (Mid-Season, Event Reward)Perk Slot: 2Type: ReconOn respawn, mark your killers last known position for a short duration. Get a bonus score for eliminating that enemy. The Vigilance Perk counters being marked by Vendetta.New ScorestreakScorestreak: Death Machine (Event Reward)Type:LethalScore:825Mastery Badges: YesHeavy minigun with a fast fire rate, high penetration, and a large ammunition capacity.Wield the infamous Death Machine, a powerful weapon with a single large magazine that fires high impact rounds at a blistering rate of fire. Score earned while using the Death Machine contributes to your current Scorestreak progress, making this a great tool for bumping up to the next streak.Season 03 Ranked Play OverviewFind out what youre really made of by dropping into competitive Multiplayer matches using the same settings, maps, modes, and weapon restrictions used by the Call of Duty League. Win matches to earn SR (Skill Rating) and progress through the Ranks while earning career rewards like Rank Skins and Win Challenge rewards.Get wins and progress through the Ranks throughout Season 03 to earn new seasonal rewards like a new Pro Issue Weapon Blueprint, Rank-themed Calling Cards, and more:Season 03 Ranked Play RewardsGet 10 Wins: Pro Issue AMES 85 Weapon BlueprintGet 100 Wins: 100 Season 3 Wins Large DecalSilver: Ranked Season 3 Silver Calling CardGold: Ranked Season 3 Gold Calling CardPlatinum: Ranked Season 3 Platinum Calling CardDiamond: Ranked Season 3 Diamond Calling CardCrimson: Ranked Season 3 Crimson Calling CardIridescent: Ranked Season 3 Iridescent Calling CardTop 250: Ranked Season 3 Top 250 Champion Calling CardSeason 03 Ranked Play Weapon BlueprintsPlayers will also earn themed Weapon Blueprints for the Jackal PDW SMG representing the Rank achieved in Season 03 Black Ops 6 Ranked Play:Gold: Start in/above or reach Gold at any point in Season 03Platinum: Start in/above or reach Platinum at any point in Season 03Diamond: Start in/above or reach Diamond at any point in Season 03Crimson: Start in/above or reach Crimson at any point in Season 03Iridescent: Start in/above or reach Iridescent at any point in Season 03Top 250: Finish Season 03 in the Top 250Retroactive SR AdjustmentsTo help reverse the impact cheaters have on the Ranked Play SR system, retroactive SR adjustments will be made starting in Season 03. When a Ranked Play cheater is banned, anyone they've recently beaten will receive a SR refund for those matches. Players who we detect playing with cheaters may have SR for those wins taken away.Rejoin in ProgressNow a feature coming with Season 03, players will be able to rejoin Ranked matches if they disconnect. Players will have five minutes to rejoin, and teammates will receive a reduced SR Loss if a matchmade teammate rejoins and they lose the match.ZOMBIES CONTENT SUMMARYShattered Veil:Move into the heart of an Appalachian apocalypse as the crew descends on Colton Hall, a diabolical mansion that holds the key to saving Agent Maxis.Additional Gameplay Content:Boost your fire rate with the Double Tap Perk-a-Cola, enjoy the effects of three new GobbleGums, and wield the Death Machine.New Enemy Types, Wonder Weapons, and More:Battle the Elder Disciple and its empowered minions, take on the new Toxic Zombies in special rounds, disintegrate enemies with the Ray Gun Mark II and its variants, as well as the classic Wunderwaffe DG-2 Wonder Weapon, and heat up the undead leftovers with the Microwave Trap.Team Cranked:Power up and keep slaying with friends to replenish the countdown timer and stay in the game as Team Cranked debuts with fresh rewards in Season 03.With the Sentinel Artifact in hand, the crew heads to the remote wooded hills above Liberty Falls to meet with S.A.M. at an old mansion in the forest which has been retrofitted to[[REDACTED]]Only with the aid of S.A.M.s synthetic mind can the team hope to unlock the ancient artifacts mysteries and bring back Agent Maxis. What could possibly go wrong?Brave the horrors of Colton Hall and confront a tyrant in the next chapter of the Black Ops 6 Zombies narrative, launching at the start of Season 03 on April 2 at 9AM PT.I hope it was worth dragging the Sentinel Artifact halfway around the globe.- Sergei RavenovS.A.M. leads comms in anticipation of receiving the Sentinel Artifact once the team successfully enters Colton Hall. Further guided by Ravenov, Peck, and Strauss with exfil assistance from Raptor One, the crew must approach the synthetic mind promising the imminent return of Agent Maxis.Shattered Veil: Initial Recon TourVenture into the mist-laden grounds of this tumbledown mansion that rivals the size of Citadelle des Morts, searching the Conservatory for [[REDACTED]] [[REDACTED]] the scene of fierce fighting at the Grand Foyer [[REDACTED]].[[ALL EXPLORATORY CONTENTS HAVE BEEN REDACTED BY REQUEST OF PROJECT JANUS]]Strange, floating apparitions have been seen flitting about the sprawling gardens and rambling mansion estate. Known to some as Elder Disciples, these powerful enemies likely spell trouble for the crew.Elder Disciples gain strength as they empower the zombies around them while summoning more undead to join the battle. Using their dark magic, these fetid, floating carcasses can force their allies to evolve more quickly, allowing a lowly zombie to more rapidly transform into a Doppelghast or some other sinister form.Eliminate the Elder Disciple before their forces grow too powerful, keeping it at a distance to avoid the scream it lets loose against players who draw too close. The deadly enemy grows more agitated as it takes damage, so try to get the job done fast.Other Entities of Shattered VeilBeware the Toxic Zombie!As a sickly yellow fog descends across the mansion, expect the inhabitants to take on an even-more revolting pallor. Easily identifiable due to their greenish hue and more skeletal exterior, Toxic Zombies appear to have lost all but their base perambulatory functions and seem intent on sprinting toward their prey before exploding, leaving a damaging pool of acid in their wake. Listen for their telltale shriek and get the jump on them before they can close the distance.These glowing ghouls are joined by a variety of Project Janus scientists and military personnel-turned zombies caught up in the nearby outbreak, along with an unhealthy horde of other ghastly entities, the Elder Disciple standsor perhaps floatsready to speed them through their evolutionary journey.Face the enemies of Shattered Veil with two time-honored Wonder Weapons ideally suited to clearing out more than just the musty halls of an old mansion.Drop multiple zombies at once with the upgraded and modestly unstable Ray Gun Mark II. Recovered from the Dark Aether by Project Janus, this powerful laser armament delivers three-round bursts of energy, can be Pack-a-Punched, and doubles as a bludgeoning instrument if youre running low on ammunition.Then theres the three new variants.Provided youve [[REDACTED]], you can experiment with an additional three variants of the Ray Gun Mark II: Ray Gun Mark II-W: Offering similar bullet patterns to a submachine gun, this also has a random chance to ignite enemies. Ray Gun Mark II-P: Shooting ammunition like a shotgun, with a chance to spawn a sigil with the ability to grant invulnerability to the player standing on it for a limited time. Ray Gun Mark II-R: Dropping zombies with a Marksman Rifle-like discharge, expect a chance to spread a plague infection that can inflict area-of-effect damage.New Wonder Weapon: Wunderwaffe DG-2Take a more electrifying approach to your undead denizen disposal with the original Wonder Weapon: The Wunderwaffe DG-2.Capable of striking down hordes with chain-lightning blasts, this has the bonus effect of stunning crowds of zombies, usually resulting in additional, and eventually terminal damage. The only real drawback to the weapon that users have experienced is the stench of electrified undead.Main Quest and Quest Rewards: The Main Quest for Shattered Veil goes live when the map releases with Season 03 on April 2. Complete the Main Quest to earn the PhDeadly Operator Skin for Carver (shown above), an animated Calling Card, and 5,000 XP. Players who complete the Main Quest before Directed Mode arrives for Shattered Veil will also earn a unique Calling Card variant.Microwave Trap: Burst zombies with microwaves for a mere 750 Essence. Get a horde of followers on your tail and then flip the switch.Dark Aether Field Generator: Dissolve zombies with Dark Aether energy in a static field that zaps anything that passes through. Circle the trap to entice enemies into the center of it.Lore and Intel:Dig deeper into the history of Colton Hall and other lore related to Shattered Veil with Intel in the form of Audio Logs, Documents, and Artifacts discovered throughout the map.New Gameplay ContentAccess the following new content within Shattered Veil as well as The Tomb, Citadelle des Morts, Terminus, and Liberty Falls.Available: In-Game at Perk MachineThe classic rapid-fire Perk returns for the first time in nearly a decade, dramatically increasing your weapons fire rate to chew through enemy hordes in record time. Research the iconic Perk for powerful enhancements like an even faster fire rate and the chance to inflict double damage.Double Tap is available in Shattered Veil along with the other previously accessible Zombies Perks. Note that some of these Perk-a-Colas are only available via the Der Wunderfizz machine.Double Tap is available on The Tomb, Citadelle des Morts, Liberty Falls and Terminus maps via the Der Wunderfizz machine.Double Tap: Major AugmentsResearch the following Augments to further customize the Perk.Double JeopardyNormal zombies at low health have a chance to die immediately when shot.Double ImpactDouble hits on the same target in quick succession deal more damage.Double StandardAll non-critical shots do double damage. Only applies to normal bullet weapons.Double Tap: Minor AugmentsDouble TimeIncreases fire rate bonus.Double or NothingWeapons have a chance to do double damage but also have a chance to do zero damage.Double PlayKilling two enemies in quick succession has a chance to return two rounds to your magazine. Only applies to normal bullet weapons.New GobbleGumsEnjoy three new GobbleGums available across all maps once acquired and equipped in your GobbleGum Loadout Pack.Tactical Diffusion (Rare): Disables the next Nuke Power-Up explosion you activate and gives everyone 2,000 Essence instead.Support Group (Legendary): Gobble up this tasty GobbleGum to acquire the ARC-XD, Mangler Cannon, Sentry Gun and Mutant Injection Support items.Die Pitched (Whimsical): Zombies have high-pitched voices. Lasts three minutes.Additional Support Scorestreak: Death MachineAvailable: Event RewardSalvage: 1,750Head to the Support tab at the Crafting Table to piece together the Death Machine, a powerful machine gun with a fast fire rate, high penetration, and a large magazine. Mow through multiple zombies with an all-time favorite, once you unlock this heavy weapon during the Black Ops Tribute Event.For adventures seeking extra guidance in completing the Main Quest on Shattered Veil, jump into Directed Mode arriving at the Mid-Season, as well as the following additional Modes:Team Cranked (Launch Window)Following the awesome collaboration that introduced Cranked to Black Ops 6 in the last season, the high-octane mode returns for more in Season 03 with a team-focused twist: now the Cranked Timer is shared across the whole team and any kill from any team member fills it! Eliminate a zombie to activate the Cranked state, powering up your Operator with improved abilities and setting a countdown timer that can only be replenished by eliminating more enemies.The rules are simple:The Cranked Timer starts when the first enemy is eliminated.The timer starts at 30 seconds. Each enemy eliminated replenishes the timer to its current maximum, and every round survived causes the maximum timer to be reduced by 1 second.Essence earned by eliminating zombies is increased compared to Standard/Directed.The Time Stopper Field Upgrade replaces your loadouts Field Upgrade.Main Quests and Easter Eggs are enabled.Use the following abilities to keep the timer from hitting zero:Time Stopper: Temporarily pause the Cranked timer for all teammates. All Operators begin the match with the Time Stopper Field Upgrade equipped.Time Extended:Grab this rare power-up to add a small amount to the maximum time allowed.Wall Buys are disabled in this mode, so the Mystery Box is your source for new weapons in Team Cranked. Because Operators gain increased Essence while Cranked, youll have plenty of chances to spin the Box for high-powered weapons! Good luck.Team Cranked also delivers some tantalizing rewards for players who can survive past Round 50 on each map while this limited-time mode is available:A custom selection of six GobbleGums per map.Each contains one high-rarity and five GobbleGums of other rarities.15,000 XP per map, or a total of 75,000 XP across all maps.New LTM and Field Upgrade (Mid-Season)Plus, whet your appetite with the Zombie Snacks Limited-Time Mode arriving later in the season, and put a chill on the undead using the Frost Blast Field Upgrade!GENERAL CONTENT SUMMARYReturn to Verdansk:Deploy to the big map that started it all as Verdansk returns to Call of Duty: Warzone. Consult the associated Blogs for more details.Weapons Detail:Earn six new weapons throughout Season 03, including four available at launch and revealed here: the Kilo 141 and CR-56 AMAX Assault Rifles, the HDR Sniper Rifle, and the Kali Sticks Melee Weapon. Customize your weapons with the Monolithic Suppressor other attachments. Plus, unlock the Nail Gun and the new Ladra SMG later in the season.Battle Pass and BlackCell:The Season 03 Battle Pass brings new Weapon Blueprints, Operator Skins, Calling Cards, Finishing Moves, Emotes, and more in a mix of free and premium tiers. Free tiers include two new base weapons and two attachments, including the Monolithic Suppressor.Season 03 Operators:R0-Z3, Hudson & Mace answer the call to Verdansk as headliners for BlackCell and the Battle Pass, respectively. Plus, Jay and Silent Bob as well as Bluntman and Chronic deploy to the Store along with other Bundles you dont want to miss.Free Trial, AMD Graphics Card Update:Play Black Ops 6 for free on April 2! And for PC players using the AMD Radeon RX 9070/9070XT, prepare for enhanced visuals and improved performance with the FSR 4 update.The Battle Royale Map that started it all is back! Get all the details about Call of Duty: Warzones original Big Map, including a recon of this massive Big Map, the features, original gameplay modes, the new coastal POIs, plus details on the huge launch Event with 20 free rewards by the following blogs:Read This Now: Return to Verdansk Call of Duty: Warzone ContentRead This Now: Tour of VerdanskRead This Now: Verdansk Tac-AtlasEquip your Kilo 141, CR-56 AMAX and HDR, and drop in on April 3 at 9AM, one day after the launch of Black Ops 6 Season 03 on April 2! Check further down the blog on the launch schedule.Primary Weapon: Kilo 141 (Launch)Assault Rifle, Call of Duty: Warzone Login RewardLevels: 42MAGS: 3MAG SIZE: 30Mastery Badges: YesAttachments: Optic, Muzzle, Barrel, Underbarrel, Magazine, Rear Grip, Stock, Laser, Fire ModsCustomize Options: Skins, Camos and Reticle Unlocks (MP, ZM, WZ), Accessories (1), Decals (1), Stickers (3).Fully automatic assault rifle with an ergonomic design that improves handling, and a steady fire rate helps stay on target.The Kilo 141 is back and ready to tear it up across Multiplayer and Call of Duty: Warzone. The weapons smooth handling, manageable recoil, and steady fire rate give it room to shine in a variety of combat situations, leaving no doubt as to why the Kilo 141 was a favorite in Verdansk. Now that the location is back, its time to relive the glory days with this hard-hitting Primary Weapon.Players will automatically unlock the Kilo 141 for use in Black Ops 6Call of Duty: Warzone after logging in to Call of Duty: Warzone at the launch of Season 03.Primary Weapon: CR-56 AMAX (Launch)Assault Rifle, Battle Pass Page 6 HVT Tier Reward, Completion Page Battle Pass BlueprintLevels: 42MAGS: 3MAG SIZE: 30Mastery Badges: YesAttachments: Optic, Muzzle, Barrel, Underbarrel, Magazine, Rear Grip, Stock, Laser, Fire ModsCustomize Options: Skins, Camo and Reticle Unlocks (MP, ZM, WZ), Accessories (1), Decals (1), Stickers (3).This lightweight 7.62 x 39mm full-auto assault rifle is compact and powerful. Built exclusively for military use, the standard issue rifle is deadly at mid-range combat and easily configured for a variety of assault tactics.Combining high-damage hits with a fast fire rate and good handling, the CR-56 AMAX is the perfect mid-range weapon for downing targets fast. Eliminate enemies in three to four shots up to 25 meters out, leaving plenty left over to chew through equipped armor. Quick reloads get you back into the action fast, a helpful trait no matter how you choose to customize the weapon via Gunsmith.Primary Weapon: HDR (Launch)Sniper Rifle, Battle Pass Page 3 HVT Tier Reward, Page 11 Battle Pass BlueprintLevels: 38MAGS: 3MAG SIZE: 5Mastery Badges: YesAttachments: Optic, Muzzle, Barrel, Underbarrel, Magazine, Rear Grip, Stock, Laser, Fire ModsCustomize Options: Skins, Camo and Reticle Unlocks (MP, ZM, WZ), Accessories (1), Decals (1), Stickers (3).Anti-material bolt action sniper rifle chambered in 12.7 x 108mm ammunition. Bullets have a lower muzzle velocity but remain devastating even at very long ranges.Veterans of Verdansk know the power of the HDR and the havoc a sniper can inflict with it when stationed in high vantage points like the infamous Airport Control Tower. The weapons long reach and heavy damage make it a favorite of sharpshooters, its distinctive firing sound sending squads running. Add the Reinforced Barrel attachment to further extend your damage range and bullet velocity, and dont forget to hold your breath for difficult shots.Melee Weapon: Kali Sticks (Launch)Melee, Event RewardLevels: 30Mastery Badges: YesAttachments: NoneCustomize Options: Camos (MP, ZM, WZ).Two-hit kill. Extremely fast attack speed. Short range.The infamous Kali Sticks return, dealing out damage with rapid swings thatll take down your target in a flash. Smack them with fast follow-up hits using the weapons light attack or take them out in a more dramatic fashion by unleashing the heavy attack. Use Kali Sticks in Multiplayer with the new Close Shave Perk to deploy a quick whack against enemies without having to manually swap to your Dedicated Melee slot first.Primary Weapon: Ladra (Mid-Season)Submachine Gun, Event RewardLevels: 37MAGS: 4MAG SIZE: 38Mastery Badges: YesAttachments: Optic, Muzzle, Barrel, Underbarrel, Magazine, Rear Grip, Stock, Laser, Fire ModsCustomize Options: Skins, Camo and Reticle Unlocks (MP, ZM, WZ), Accessories (1), Decals (1), Stickers (3).Full-auto submachine gun. Extreme rate of fire, excellent range, and low recoil. Headshots can help offset lower base damage.What this SMG lacks in power it more than makes up for with a blistering fire rate thats effective even in mid-range fights due to the weapons low recoil. Consider an Extended Mag to cut down on reloads and aim for the head to improve your damage output. Pairs well with Scavenger and the Assault Pack, giving you the ammo reserves you need to keep up the pressure and continue spitting out damage.Special Weapon: Nail Gun (In-Season)Special, Event RewardLevels: 30MAGS: 4MAG SIZE: 15Mastery Badges: YesAttachments: NoneCustomize Options: Camos (MP, ZM, WZ).Full-auto Nail Gun. High damage at close range with fast handling speeds and very low muzzle velocity.Stick it to them with this handy tool configured with a magazine of 15 nails that fires at full auto. The damage drops off quickly after 25 meters and performs best up close. The Nail Guns low muzzle velocity can make it difficult to land shots against fast moving targets, so get them in your sights and unload before they know what hit them. This armament is a reward earned during the Black Ops Tribute Event.Monolithic Suppressor (Launch)Assault Rifles (except AS VAL), SMGs, Shotguns, LMGs, Marksman Rifles, Sniper Rifles, Pistols, Battle Pass Page 7 RewardMonolithic Core provides superior sound suppression and increased range. Moderate weight increase affects agility. The ideal attachment for extending your damage range on big maps like Verdansk while retaining the concealment provided by a suppressor.SWAT 5.56 Grau Conversion (Launch)SWAT 5.56 Marksman Rifle, Battle Pass Page 5 RewardConvert the SWAT 5.56 into a fully automatic weapon with lower damage and range but improved accuracy, mobility, and handling. Equips a new default Barrel and Magazine and unlocks an exclusive 50-round extended Magazine. Blocks Barrel attachments.C9 10mm Auto 30-Round Mags (In-Season)C9 SMG, Event RewardConversion kit to use higher caliber 10mm Auto ammunition for increased stopping power. Though the conversion results in some increased recoil and a slightly lower fire rate, the extra damage, range, and velocity make this attachment a worthy consideration when approaching enemies on bigger maps.Goblin Mk2 7.62 Mini-Rocket Conversion (Mid-Season)Goblin Mk2 Assault Rifle, Event RewardConverts the Goblin Mk2 into a fully automatic weapon with explosive rocket ammunition. Splash damage capabilities come at the expense of bullet velocity and rate of fire. Equips a new default barrel and magazine. Blocks Barrel, Muzzle, and Magazine Attachments.New Features (MP, ZM, WZ)Base Blueprint Swap (Launch)Youre now able to customize any Black Ops 6 base weapon or Weapon Blueprint with a skin youve unlocked or purchased, across Multiplayer, Zombies, and Call of Duty: Warzone.For Base Weapons, you can only change the skin of the Base Weapon, not any Attachments.For Blueprints, you can customize the skins with other existing Attachments.Camo Hub (Launch Window, MP, ZM)This new user-interface section is planned to be added shortly after launch, available in the Barracks > Challenges Menu. This allows you to view the challenges you need to complete to unlock Weapon Camos in a single location, with weapons sorted by furthest camo unlocked. Simply visit the Camo Hub to start planning out the next steps on your journey to Dark Matter and Nebula.Season 03 delivers an assortment of scheduled Events across Multiplayer, Zombies, and Call of Duty: Warzone. Earn rewards such as a new Primary Weapon, Melee Weapon, Launcher, new special attachments, and more.Event: Return to Verdansk (WZ only)Activation Dates: April 3 to 15Free Event. Total Rewards: 20, including Instant unlocks for new and veteran playersand the Kali Sticks Melee WeaponOpen Verdansk Safes across several unique locations to earn rewards. Players also have the chance to earn the Trail Blazer Operator Skin for Caine, if you can find the right safe to open before someone else gets there first.As part of this event and to celebrate the return of Verdansk, all players who log in to Call of Duty: Warzone following the Season 03 launch will unlock the Kilo 141 plus two Operators exclusively for use in Call of Duty: Warzone. Players whose Activision ID matches those who deployed to the original Verdansk map will also receive three additional items when logging in after the update: the Blue Legacy Contrails, Coming Home Parachute, and Like We Never Left Gun Screen.For all the details on this Event, check out the Return to Verdansk Blog.Event: Black Ops Tribute (MP, ZM, WZ)Activation Dates: April 17 to May 1Total Rewards: 17, including the Death Machine Scorestreak, Nail Gun Special Weapon, Close Shave Perk, and Thermite LethalDont miss out on this legendary tribute to Black Ops in an event stuffed with rewards that honor the history of the series.Earn XP in any mode to progress the Event and earn Black Ops themed rewards. Black Ops 6 owners will receive additional rewards only available to use in Black Ops 6.Earn cosmetic content and functional equipment, including the Nail Gun (Special Weapon), C9 10mm Auto 30-Round Mags (Attachment), Thermite (Lethal in Call of Duty: Warzone), Death Machine (Scorestreak in MP/Support in Zombies), Close Shave (MP Perk), an Emote, GobbleGums, and the fan-requested Operator, John Black Ops.More in the Mid-Season: Look for more events and rewards throughout Season 03, including the Blaze of Glory Event and the Call of Duty Endowment Got Your Six Event. Expect more event coverage in the Season 03 Reloaded announcement.Hudson and Mace Lead the Charge in the Season 03 Battle PassMemories are a powerful tool, and even the departed can change the course of history. The road back to Verdansk involves unlocking some core memories, as well as some unforgettable weaponry and new Operators. A flashback to agent Jason Hudson, bringing echoes of his frontline savvy, Hudson is unlockable by progressing within the Battle Pass. Joining him is Mace, the metal-faced mercenary, who will bring the war anywhere, anytime, for anyone, unlocked instantly upon Battle Pass purchase.Purchase the Season 03 Battle Pass for 1,100 COD Points or the Season 03 Battle Pass Bundle for 2,400 COD Points to immediately unlock the Instant Rewards Page of the Battle Pass, including the following items:The new Mace Operator and Mace BlackCell Mace Skin for those who purchase BlackCell10% Battle Pass XP BoostThe Day Ones Legendary Weapon StickerThe Package Received Finishing MoveThe Marbled Legendary Blueprint for the Saug SMGThe Season 03 Battle Pass includes over 110 pieces of unlockable content (excluding BlackCell) including free, earnable armaments; two new Base Weapons, the Monolithic Suppressor Attachment, and more. Check out the BlackCell, Battle Pass and Store Bundles blog prior to Season 03 launch for a closer look at whats coming.BlackCell OfferingsThe new BlackCell Operator R0-Z3 arrives in an animated mantle and her signature mask along with her faithful hound, leading an awesome array of Season 03 BlackCell content. She is joined by a roster of teched out Operator Skins, sleek Weapon Blueprints, and sci-fi themed unlocks earned exclusively through BlackCell.BlackCell owners can access the Season 03 Battle Pass via the exclusive BlackCell Page, instantly unlocking the following items:BlackCell Daily Challenges (MP, ZM, WZ, see below)10% XP Boost1,100 COD PointsThe Martial Arts EmoteThe Energy Siphon Mastercraft Blueprint for the XM4 Assault RifleThe Goodest Boy Companion Finishing MoveThe BlackCell Clan Tag (showcased in Lobbies and Winners Circles)The R0-Z3 BlackCell OperatorBlackCell owners get access to page after page of additional exclusive rewards within the Season 03 Battle Pass, including:10 BlackCell-exclusive skins for Mace (two skins), Hudson (two skins), Woods, Maya, Park, Marshall, Stone, and Toro.Six BlackCell-exclusive Weapon Blueprints for the Feng 82 (LMG), GPMG-7 (LMG), Tanto .22 (SMG), ASG-89 (Shotgun), HDR (Sniper Rifle), and the CR-56 AMAX (Assault Rifle).Over 130 item rewards (Battle Pass and BlackCell related) for those who fully complete the Season 03 BlackCell Battle Pass.As usual, players who upgrade to BlackCell after purchasing the Battle Pass will also receive 1,100 COD Points back.BlackCell Stackable XP Boost: Players who purchased BlackCell in a previous Black Ops 6 season and go on to purchase Season 03 BlackCell will earn a permanent 10% Player and Weapon XP Loyalty Bonus, now up to 20% for players who purchased Season 01 and Season 02 BlackCell.NEW! Extra Daily Challenges: Players with BlackCell will also receive an additional Daily Challenge (shown above) throughout Season 03 for Multiplayer, Zombies, and Call of Duty: Warzone, giving even more chances to rake in the XP during your play sessions!Season 03 and the return of Verdansk brings out six new Operators with plentiful combat experience in the area: The main three Operators include R0-Z3, who leads the BlackCell roster while Mace and Hudson headline the Battle Pass alongside a variety of other Operator Skins for both factions.R0-Z3 (BlackCell, Crimson One, Launch)R0-Z3 Skin: BlackCell Instant Reward PageR0-Z3 returns to claim her status as a top BlackCell operative working in Verdansk. You know the drill. No witnesses.Hudson (Battle Pass, Rogue Black Ops, Launch)Hudson and Hudson BlackCell Operator Skins: Battle Pass HVT, Page 2.Icebreaker and Icebreaker BlackCell Operator Skins: Battle Pass HVT, Page 14.Special Agent Jason Hudson, CIA operative, handler to Alex Mason, and KIA during Operation False Profit.Mace (Battle Pass, Crimson One, Launch)Mace and Mace BlackCell Operator Skins: Battle Pass Instant Reward PageApocalypse King and Apocalypse King BlackCell Operator Skins: Battle Pass Instant Reward Page, Battle Pass Page 12The Special Forces Army Ranger turned PMC returns, ready to inflict serious damage on anyone who thinks they can best him in Verdansk.John Black Ops (Event Reward for Black Ops 6 owners, In-Season)[REDACTED] Operator Skin: Black Ops Tribute Event RewardA mysterious Operator clad in a gray jump suit, sporting tactical goggles and helmet. Anonymous. Unassuming. Deadly.Jay and Silent Bob (Bundles, Rogue Black Ops, In-Season)Store BundlesThe iconic duo returns to loiter in front of the (Super) Store and cause trouble for passing Operators. Deploy in their classic look or as their comic book alter egos Bluntman and Chronic, arriving just in time to celebrate their favorite April holiday.New Store OfferingsCheck out some of the Bundles coming to the Store in Season 03. Look for more intel in the Season 03 BlackCell, Battle Pass, and Bundles blog arriving on April 2, just before launch.Tracer Pack: Jay and Silent BobBring some mischief to your matches with the Jay and Silent Bob Operator Skins, deploying with the Doobie Wreck LW3A1 Frostline Sniper Rifle and the Golden Calf Kompakt 92 SMG, both featuring Blue and Yellow Tracers and Smoke Death FX. For closer encounters, show them who owns the block with the Gimme a Light Finishing Move.Celebrate the high life and take back whats yours with the Poppin Off Emote, Moobys Weapon Charm, animated In Sync Calling Card, Mooby Joint Large Decal, and the animated Snoochie Boochie Emblem. Theres a new duo in town; theyve been to Hollywood and now these two guys from Jersey are ready for the limelight of Call of Duty.Tracer Pack: Bluntman and ChronicThe blunt-tastic heroes unite as their comic book alter egos. Deploy as Bluntman or Chronic with the choice of three doobie-themed Weapon Blueprints for their enjoyment: the Bluntman Stuntman Krig C Assault Rifle and Chronic Unapologetic Jackal PDW SMG with Pink and Purple Tracers and Joint Leaf Death FX, and the Bong Staff Bo Staff with Joint Leaf Death FX.Straight from the Bluntcaves arsenal, beat competition with the Smoke You Out Finishing Move and show your love for the chronic with the Did that Happen? Emote, animated Joint Power Calling Card, animated Blunts Out, Suit Up Emblem, and the Doobage Duo Spray.Tracer Pack: Digital Dreamin Reactive Mastercraft Ultra SkinHone your gaming skills with top-of-the-line equipment headlined by the Ultra Mastercraft Game Over Assault Rifle for the new CR-56 AMAX, featuring Starstruck Tracers and VR Knockout Death FX along with the Monolithic Suppressor and a new inspect animation that morphs the weapon into a game console. Wield it as the Pixel Operator Skin equipped with a Reactive headset and augmented reality tattoos and the gamified K.O. Finishing Move.Engage distant targets with the Pixel Precise! SVD Sniper Rifle, also featuring Starstruck Tracers and VR Knockout Death FX. Show them theyre not on your level with the Eezee Weapon Charm, animated Monkey Business Emblem, animated Its Over Calling Card, Not on My Level Spray, XD Emote, and Logging In Loading Screen.Other Incoming BundlesStay on the lookout for plenty of other exciting content arriving in the Season 03 Store, including the Radwaste Reactive Bundle (shown), the Spectral Wolf Mastercraft Bundle, the Fanatic Rivalry Bundle (shown) with two Operator Skins, the Shattered Veil Reactive Bundle, the Arcade Whiz Bundle (shown), and the Call of Duty Endowment (C.O.D.E.) United Force: Tracer Pack. Get a closer look at the seasons upcoming Bundles and more in the Season 03 BlackCell, Battle Pass, and Store Bundle blog.Season 03 and the Return of Verdansk: April 2 9AM PT to April 3 9AM PTCall of Duty: Black Ops 6 Season 03 launch is planned to roll out across two separate days:Wednesday April 2, 9AM PT: Black Ops 6 Multiplayer, Zombies, and general content launches across all platforms.Thursday April 3, 9AM PT: Call of Duty: Warzone content launches across all platforms.Call of Duty: Warzone: Verdansk Launch SequenceBe sure you preload both Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone content files hours ahead of launch, as theres plenty of content for all players to enjoy, throughout this 24-hour period! Heres a timeline of what to expect:Wednesday April 2, 9:00AM PTBlack Ops 6 Multiplayer, Zombies, and general content becomes accessible to all Premium players.Call of Duty: Warzone completely shuts down for 24 hours.Simultaneously, a 24-hour Multiplayer and Zombies Free Trial commences, available to everyone, including all Season 03 Premium content from these two game modes.This Free Trial unlocks it all, allowing you into all Season 03 Black Ops 6 Multiplayer Map and Zombies content, including the Firing Range MP Map and Shattered Veil Zombies Map!Season 03 Battle Pass and BlackCell content, including two free weapons within the Battle Pass, also become available.Additionally, the Kilo 141 Assault Rifle is unlocked for you to use, once you download the Call of Duty: Warzone game files and click on the updated game tile. Call of Duty: Warzone wont be available until the next day, but the Kilo 141 will!24-hours Countdown: Wednesday April 2, 9:01AM PT to Thursday April 3, 8:59AM PTA 24-hour Countdown to Verdansk launch timer now begins.Use these 24 hours wisely: This is the very best time to level up all preferred weapons you want to use in Verdansk!Obtain the Kilo 141 for free, optionally pop a couple of 2WXP tokens, and play Black Ops 6 content to unlock attachments and camos, via the Premium game or Free Trial.Get into the proper grindset: Complete Season 03 Battle Pass Pages (free or paid) to unlock two additional new base weapons; the CR-56 AMAX Assault Rifle (Battle Pass Page 6), and the HDR Sniper Rifle (Battle Pass Page 3).Welcome Back to Verdansk: Thursday April 3, 9:00AM PTStand by for your first return drop into Verdansk; departure is imminent!In-game messaging will direct you to the appropriate menus.Various rewards prior to your first match will be granted (and were detailed earlier in this Blog).Starting at 9:00AM PT, expect to access the Call of Duty: Warzone Lobby, to squad up, and return to Verdansk for the first time since December 2021.FSR 4 is now live in Black Ops 6 on AMD Radeon RX 9070/9070XT graphics cards! 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Were all about decorating your home your own maximum enjoyment, but we understand there are certain things a homeowner may or may not want to do for the sake of resale value. Selling your home is stressful enough. From hiring a real estate agent to knowing the best time to list your home to getting your home appraised and passing every inspection, its no small endeavor. So if there are ways to take some things off your plate, then we suggest you do them, especially if itll actually make you money in the long run. After analyzing more than 2 million homes listed for sale in 2024, Zillow recently came out with a report on what keywords make a house sell for more, and they found that buyers arent looking for cookie-cutter homes anymore. What stands out in this years analysis is that bold design choices are breaking through with buyers, Amanda Pendleton, Zillows home trends expert, says. Statement materials and finishes are becoming more desirable for the average buyer. Instead of granite and marble countertops, buyers are responding to quartz and soapstone and prefer Venetian plaster to regular painted walls. These features signal a departure from the modern farmhouse aesthetic toward a new look grounded in organic modernism, Pendleton says. This style is defined by the use of natural stone, lots of wood and textured walls.Related StoriesBasically, if a home has a specific keyword in its listing, Zillow found that it sold for a percentage more than expected. So if a home listing had remodeled somewhere in the description, it sold for 3.7 percent more than the Zestimate. That doesnt mean you should rush to change out your granite countertops for soapstone ones or put an outdoor shower in your backyard. It just means that if you have certain bespoke or statement features in your home, youll likely get more money when you sell it than you thought. Keep reading to find 11 keywords you should definitely mention in your real estate listing if you want your home to earn you even more money. Additional copy by Kate McGregor.RemodeledBrie WilliamsRemodeled living room by Dane Austin Design. Percent Above Asking: 3.7Average Cost to Complete: Renovating a home can cost anywhere from $19,488 to $88,406, according to Angi. It depends on how large your home is and how many rooms youre remodeling. The average cost of a remodel is $52,272. If buyers can tell from the start that your home is up to date and move-in ready, it makes it more desirable to them. Making sure that you highlight any recent remodels youve completed in the listing can potentially get you 3.7 percent over the asking price.Related StoryWet RoomFrank FrancesBathroom designed by Cortney and Robert Novogratz.Percent Above Asking: 3.3Average Cost to Complete: The average cost to install a wet room in your home is $13,000, according to Angi. However, this depends on how big you want the space to be.Buyers arent looking for that stark spa look anymorethey want something cozier and more elegant than simply sleek. Having a wet room in one of your bathrooms can potentially help your home sell for an additional 3.3 percent.Related StoriesWhite Oak FlooringMeghan Beierle-O'BrienWhite oak flooring in kitchen designed by Karen Harautuneian.Percent Above Asking: 3.2Average Cost to Complete: According to Angi, the average cost to install a hardwood floor is $4,726. Looking at white oak specifically, House Digest reports that solid white oak will run you between $4 and $8 per square foot. White oak is durable and beautiful, and it comes in a range of colors from light brown to a warm reddish brown that make it very desirable to buyers. Because its so durable, it doesnt easily show daily wear and tear, and it can complement plenty of different design aesthetics. If you have white oak flooring in your home, call it out in your listing and you could potentially get 3.2 percent over your asking price.TeakJONATHAN MITCHELLWaterproof teak parquet flooring on rooftop deck, designed by Colleen Saglimbeni.Percent Above Asking: 3.1Average Cost to Complete: Teak hardwood flooring will run you about $11 to $20 per square foot, according to HomeGuide.Teak wood is highly desirable for its durability, rich aesthetic, and adaptability. Its often used when making high-end furniture or in outdoor construction thanks to its natural resistance to water and pests. Because of this, its tropical origins, and its sturdy and long lumber, teak is also very expensive. Make sure you mention in your home listing if you do have any teak features to potentially earn an additional 3.1 percent.Venetian PlasterAvery Nicole PhotographyA Venetian plaster range hood in this kitchen by Laura Pankonien.Percent Above Asking: 3.0Average Cost to Complete: According to Angi, it costs $700 on average to apply Venetian plaster. However, it ranges from $585 to $815 depending on the size of the project and labor costs. Double-down on the bespoke quality of your home by calling out Venetian plaster in your listing, if you have it. Pendleton specifically mentions textured walls as something buyers are seeking out, amping up the competition and pushing up the asking price. Having Venetian plaster in your home could potentially add 3 percent to your sales price.New AppliancesNew wine refrigerator in the 2024 Whole Home kitchen, designed by Kelsey McGregor.Brie WilliamsNew gorgeous appliances in the 2024 Whole Home kitchen, designed by Kelsey McGregor.Brie WilliamsPercent Above Asking: 2.7Average Cost to Complete: The average cost of buying new home appliances runs between $2,100 to $5,400, according to HomeGuide. For the installation cost alone, it averages out to $209, according to Angi. As with the keyword remodel, touting your new appliances in your homes listing is a way to potentially earn you 2.7 percent more on your asking price. No one wants to fall in love with a home to then realize theyre going to have to drop potentially thousands of dollars on new appliances once they move in. Its better for any buyer to go into the process knowing that theyre getting modern features. Related StoriesSoapstone Countertops Tessa NeustadtPercent Above Asking: 3.5Average Cost to Complete: Soapstone slabs cost $70 to $120 per square foot on average, according to Caesarstone. To install a soapstone countertop, Angi reports that itll cost you between $2,100 and $7,200.Soapstone is quickly becoming the most sought-after countertop stone for kitchens. Beloved by designers and chefs (like Bobby Flay, Ina Garten, and Martha Stewart) alike, the stone is more durable than marble and easier to clean than other types of stone. Soapstone outperforms quartz as the countertop material of choice, contributing to a sale premium of 3.5 percent versus 2.6 percent, Pendleton says. Outdoor ShowerCharles MayerPercent Above Asking: 2.8Average Cost to Complete: To install an outdoor shower, the average cost, including installation, is between $1,000 and $5,000, according to House Digest. These days, buyers want the laid-back energy of a beachfront home in their own backyard. The addition of an outdoor shower can prompt potential buyers to offer up to 2.8 percent above asking. Bluestone PatioAmy NeunsingerPercent Above Asking: 2.2Average Cost to Complete: According to HomeGuide, bluestone pavers cost $6 to $14 per square foot onWhile patios are commonly finished in brick, concrete, or other stone slabs, bluestone is a more elegant natural stone alternative. This durable stone is more expensive than other patio materials, but it comes with a tempting ROI. A home with a bluestone patio could sell for 2.2 percent more than expected. Quartz CountertopsRobert Peterson / Rustic White IPercent Above Asking: 2.6Average Cost to Complete: You can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $200 per square foot depending on material size, coloring, and grade, according to Angi.Just because soapstone is the number-one requested countertop material right now, that doesnt mean quartz has lost its value. In fact, the addition of quartz in your kitchen or bathroom can result in your home selling for 2.6 percent above the asking price.Related StoryOutdoor KitchenPernille LoofPercent Above Asking: 2.2Average Cost to Complete: According to Angi, the average range of outdoor kitchen costs is between $6,348 for a simple setup (such as a grill and countertop), and $26,903 for a full high-end kitchen installation outdoors.Outdoor kitchens extend your culinary potential and your entertaining space. And while they vary greatly in both form and amenities, even a simple one can lead buyers to offer an average of 2.2 percent above asking.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.