CoD update 4th March 2021: release time, predicted patch notes, playlist changes

But still, an update is always a talking point, and CoD fans will want to know exactly what is happening on 4th March. So if you scroll just a little bit further, we'll share all the info that we have.

CoD Warzone and Cold War update time: When does the weekly update drop?

This update will take place at 10am PT on 4th March 2021. Here in the UK, that means your weekly dose of new CoD content will drop at 6pm GMT. Even if you're not planning to play until later, you'll probably want to boot up your console or computer bang on 6pm so you can get the download started.

Predicted Patch Notes: What's new in CoD Warzone and Cold War?

There are a few changes coming in this update which we already know about. In a big blog post, the CoD developers reminded fans that this update will mark the end of the Free Access Week - this means that, after this update goes live, you'll no longer be able to play the new Zombies: Outbreak mode if you aren't a paying customer. If you've been playing it for free via Warzone, you'll now need to buy Black Ops: Cold War if you want to keep playing Outbreak.

There is some better news, though: this update will also mark the arrival of the Maxis Operator Reactive Bundle, which will be available at the in-game Store after the update goes live. The bundle was described in a different blog post like so: "head to the Store to find the Maxis Operator Bundle, which will include Samantha Maxis as a playable Operator and two Weapon Blueprints: the Ultra-rarity “Z-74u” Reactive SMG Blueprint that evolves as Operators eliminate the living or the undead, and the Legendary “Neutralizer” shotgun. This bundle also includes a new “Maim & Tame” Finishing Move, two animated Emblems, an animated Calling Card, two Stickers (including one that bears Requiem’s logo), and a Charm that may be a familiar sight for Mystery Box regulars."

Dead Ops Arcade: First Person Mode release date and how to play

Treyarch Studios revealed on Twitter that something else is coming during the update, too. It's a brand new experience called Dead Ops Arcade: First Person Mode. Just like it says on the tin, this is a way for you to play Dead Ops Arcade using a first-person perspective.

This new spin on a 4-player Zombies experience should launch, along with the rest of the update, at 6pm on 4th March. This mode will be be available to play in Public matches, and it is described like so: "Fight through 60+ rounds, discover treasures & power-ups, explore randomly generated Dungeons, and team up against Margwas, Crawlers, Blightfathers, Werewolves, and more."

Is Dead Ops Arcade: First Person available in Warzone?

As far as we can tell, Dead Ops Arcade: First Person will only be available for paying customers in Call of Duty: Black Ops - Cold War, so you probably won't be able to play it in the free Warzone game. This is another reason why you might want to buy Black Ops: Cold War if you haven't already.

CoD Playlist changes on 4th March

As is usually the case with these weekly updates, you can also expect some playlist changes to drop in this update. The main thing to look forward to is the new Rapid Fire Moshpit, a multiplayer playlist that’s been "designed to keep the action non-stop, both in and out of your matches".

According to the Activision blog, this playlist will impact several modes (Team Deathmatch, Domination, Kill Confirmed and Hardpoint) and spread across a handful of maps (including Apocalypse, Nuketown ’84, Crossroads Strike, Raid, Express and Garrison). The Ghost Perk has been disabled and a constant radar sweep will ping the map regularly - that's a pair of changes which should make these some fast and frantic battles.

As for continuing playlists, fans will be please to know that Gun Game, Apocalypse 24/7, Nuketown 24/7 and Face Off will still be going strong after the update arrives.

• For the latest news and expert tips on getting the best deals this year, take a look at our Black Friday 2021 and Cyber Monday 2021

How to speed up your CoD update's download speed

As ever, it might be wise to expect a lot of strain on the servers and networks when this CoD update drops.

If you get hit by slow download speeds, remember all the usual tips: close any other apps or games you have running; pause any other downloads; move your gear closer to your Wifi router, and connect up with an ethernet cable if you can. These updates sometimes have a fairly massive file size, so these little tricks could come in very handy and get you back into the game as soon as possible.

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