The highly anticipated arrival of Black Ops Royale in Call of Duty: Warzone is finally upon us, but players expecting to drop into the new mode solo will be left wanting. As the Season 2 Reloaded update rolls out across Call of Duty: Warzone and Black Ops 7, developer Raven Software has confirmed that the Blackout-inspired mode will launch exclusively with Quads matchmaking when it goes live on March 12.
Following immediate backlash from the community regarding the lack of a solo option, Raven Software addressed the decision through a statement posted to social media. The studio explained that because this is a fresh experience with multiple potential paths for future development, they opted to launch with the squad size that has historically proven to be the most popular across their other modes. While the current configuration forces players to team up with three others to explore the new Avalon map, the developer emphasized that they are listening to player feedback and intend to “continue the dialogue” regarding future adjustments.
Beyond the matchmaking concerns, players have also questioned the absence of weapon skin support within the mode. Raven clarified that bringing back the iconic Blackout experience—which originally launched with Call of Duty: Black Ops 4—was a massive, multi-team effort. According to the developer, implementing a fully functional system to support cosmetic integrations requires significant development time. For now, the studio’s priority remains ensuring the core gameplay experience is polished and well-received.
While the new mode does not feature a 1:1 recreation of the original Blackout, it aims to recapture that classic feel by stripping away modern Warzone staples like custom loadouts, the Gulag, and Buy Stations. Instead, players will navigate the new map utilizing wingsuits, along with legacy systems such as bullet drop, weapon handling, and the familiar armor and Trauma Kit mechanics. Raven Software noted that it will continue to evaluate the mode and may provide updates down the road regarding expanded support for features like weapon skins.
