Season 6 of Warzone features Call of Duty's annual The Haunting event, which introduces a spooky theme and one of the battle royale's most intriguing limited-time modes. Purgatory offers a unique experience that stands out from the usual Warzone gameplay, making it an ideal farewell for the final season of Modern Warfare 3. This sandbox-style mode is not only entertaining but also refreshingly relaxed, suggesting it could have a long-term presence.
Purgatory is played with 10 squads of four on the Hellspawn variant of Rebirth Island, which has undergone a hellish transformation. The map now features an eerie sky, blood-red water, zombified NPCs, and flesh-covered walls, creating a Halloween-inspired atmosphere. Initially, it may seem unclear what players are meant to do, as the mode offers custom loadouts and infinite respawns without a specific objective. This makes it perfect for casual play with friends while completing challenges.
The mode introduces several quirky mechanics that add to its unique charm. Mystical ball-shaped portals allow players to teleport across the map, while giant killer balls called 'Terriballs' bounce around, enabling players to shoot at enemies and watch as the balls knock them down. The Shipment multiplayer map floats above Purgatory, and players can not only land on it but also pilot it like a helicopter, adding a layer of silliness and fun to the experience.
These new mechanics create moments of quirky fun, such as when players and enemies scramble to chase the same Terriball. While some matches can be intense, others foster camaraderie as players team up to complete challenges. The Torment level, indicated by a meter with five skulls below the minimap, increases with kills and offers more XP but also raises the match difficulty. Reaching Torment Level 5 marks the player on the map for all opponents and summons an attack chopper to hunt them down.
Convincing friends to play a full match can be challenging due to Purgatory's two-hour match timer, which is longer than typical Zombies or DMZ matches. However, leaving early doesn't incur penalties, which is a plus. The mode could benefit from optional early exits or game-ending objectives. Some players report matches ending with a nuke animation before the timer does, though this hasn't been confirmed.
A minor complaint is the lack of Halloween-themed contracts, which feels like a missed opportunity. Despite these flaws, Purgatory offers a great way to rack up XP and complete challenges. It could be a valuable addition to Warzone, especially for players who don't own the yearly Call of Duty releases. The Haunting event runs until October 16, and Purgatory is highly recommended for those looking for a spooky, fun way to level up and finish challenges before Season 6 ends.
