Complete guide to CoD Vanguard Season 4 with zombie revival, new maps, weapons and ranked play strategies
Season 4 Overview & Launch Details
Call of Duty Vanguard’s Season 4 update, titled ‘Mercenaries of Fortune,’ delivers substantial content across all game modes starting June 22. This seasonal refresh brings meaningful enhancements that address player requests while introducing fresh combat experiences.
The comprehensive Season 4 overhaul includes the long-awaited return of round-based Zombies, new competitive maps, and weapon systems that change tactical approaches.
Activision’s June 16 reveal provided extensive details about Warzone’s Fortune’s Keep map, but Vanguard receives equally significant multiplayer improvements that deserve attention from dedicated players.
While Warzone updates often dominate community discussions, Vanguard enthusiasts will find substantial reasons to return with two fresh multiplayer environments, a reset ranked season, additional Operators, and the revival of a beloved game mode that collectively revitalizes the gameplay experience.
The June 22 launch date kicks off a content rollout that continues throughout the season, giving players new objectives and mastery challenges across Zombies, Multiplayer, and Ranked Play segments.
Zombies: Shi No Numa Revival
After thirteen years since its original debut, the iconic round-based Zombies experience returns completely rebuilt for modern gameplay systems as part of this complimentary seasonal update.
Coordinate with teammates to dominate the ‘Swamp of Death’ through classic round-based mechanics, including a primary narrative quest with secondary objectives, dedicated Wonder Weapon missions, additional storyline elements, and expanded content.
New Main Quest, Wonder Weapon: Navigate treacherous wetlands while undertaking a multi-stage mission that concludes with an intense boss encounter. Full completion rewards players with exclusive Calling Cards. Remain vigilant for concealed secrets scattered throughout the environment as multiple hidden side missions await discovery within the marshlands.
Fast Travel, Classic Traps: Reposition strategically against approaching undead threats using Shi No Numa’s zipline network. When zombie hordes press too closely, eliminate them using the flogger trap or electrical defense systems.
Experience the reimagined environment through innovative mechanics like exchanging Sacrificial Hearts for enhancements at the Altar of Covenants and utilizing the Tome of Rituals for additional upgrades.
Advanced strategy tip: The central building provides the safest training area during higher rounds, while the zipline offers quick escape routes when overwhelmed. Focus on unlocking the Wonder Weapon early through side quests to handle later rounds more efficiently.
Common mistake to avoid: Don’t waste points on unnecessary door openings early game. Instead, conserve resources for Pack-a-Punch and essential perks to ensure longevity in later rounds when the zombie density increases significantly.
Multiplayer Map Updates
The Mercenaries of Fortune update introduces two distinct Multiplayer environments that will test tactical decision-making for all skill levels. A recognizable naval vessel debuts at season launch, with a second combat zone arriving during the mid-season update.
USS Texas 1945 (Launch)
USS Texas 1945 requires Operators to engage in combat aboard an oceanic warship engineered for extended sightlines along starboard and port sections, complemented by intense close-range fighting within its numerous confined internal spaces. Establish control over power positions and maximize your combat effectiveness.
This redesigned version of the classic U.S.S. Texas battlefield transitions from the white Cliffs of Dover to the waters surrounding Caldera, maintaining medium-sized dimensions ideal for 6v6 engagements.
Desolation (In-Season)
Deploy to a Pacific intelligence outpost in this compact-to-medium scale map situated within a devastated village environment. Substantial mountain ranges and expansive terrain surround the combat area as you fight for control of the central structure and defend riverside defensive positions.
Pro tip for USS Texas: The upper deck sniper positions offer sightline control but make you vulnerable to flanking routes through the interior corridors. Use tactical equipment to cover your approaches when moving between long-range positions.
Desolation strategy: The central building provides the most strategic value, but avoid camping in obvious positions. Use the destruction debris for cover and rotate frequently to avoid being pinned by enemy teams controlling the high ground overlooking the village.
Game Modes & Ranked Play
The community-favorite Blueprint Gun Game Multiplayer mode makes its Vanguard debut with unique weapon progression mechanics.
Achieve victory by becoming the first Operator to advance through all 18 firearms in the rotation. Eliminate opponents to advance to subsequent weapons. Melee attacks demote enemies by one weapon tier, with the final Throwing Knife elimination securing the win.
The mode restricts Perks, Killstreaks, and personalized Loadouts. Blueprint Gun Game exclusively tests weapon proficiency across diverse firearm categories, serving as optimal training for improving overall combat skills.
Hone competitive abilities through 4v4 matches utilizing identical configurations, maps, and modes featured in the 2022 competitive season.
Earn exclusive Ranked Play rewards for achieving victories and high placements against other competitors in the fresh season. Rewards encompass an elegant blue weapon camouflage for finishing a Ladder event in first position, additional blue camouflage for securing 100 match wins, weapon blueprints and additional items. These serve as motivation to join the competitive ladder and recommence your ascent, since all participants’ Skill Ratings and Skill Divisions reset for Mercenaries of Fortune.
With an upcoming Midseason Pack and the season progressing toward its Stage IV Major tournament, you’ll be prepared and energized to compete against even the most skilled opponents.
Blueprint Gun Game strategy: Focus on weapon familiarity rather than kills. Some weapons in the rotation may be unfamiliar, so practice with varied loadouts in custom games beforehand. The melee setback mechanic means sometimes strategic deaths can be more valuable than risky engagements.
New Weapons & Loadout Strategies
Enhance your Loadout configurations with these new weapon systems accessible throughout the seasonal progression.
For players favoring mobility and aggressive tactics, few options surpass charging into combat with the Marco 5 SMG. It excels at objective penetration, since its exceptional movement capabilities enable circling maneuvers around adversaries while they difficulty acquiring target lock.
Given its relatively pronounced recoil patterns and damage reduction at extended ranges, the Marco 5 performs optimally when hip-fired at close quarters. As the initial SMG in Vanguard incorporating the Akimbo Proficiency, you’ll quickly question why sight alignment was previously necessary.
Who claims LMGs must reduce mobility? Merging high movement speed with rapid firing rates, the UGM-8 suits players wanting to maintain formation with squad members while delivering area denial fire.
This weapon consumes ammunition rapidly, so prepare sustained supply. Increase cartridge capacity through various Magazine options or employ Fully Loaded or the Scavenger Perk to avoid depletion during critical engagements.
Push Dagger (Launch Window)
Designed for velocity and covert operations, this new melee implement will significantly enhance loadouts where close-range combat and silent eliminations prove crucial to objective completion.
Operators can acquire it either through a bundle available during Season Four, or by completing either of two specific challenges:
(Recommendation: employ the Bayonet attachment on primary weapons for improved lunge distance, or the Fast Melee Perk for accelerated movement)
(Suggestion: the new Shi No Numa environment, with interiors frequently trapping players with zombie hordes, provides excellent opportunities for melee eliminations).
A fundamental weapon for adaptable gameplay. This reliable Assault Rifle provides rapid firing, stable accuracy during sustained discharge, and swift reloading, even before incorporating any Gunsmith modifications.
Acquire both the Marco 5 and the UGM-8 without cost via the Seasonal Battle Pass System; additional information forthcoming. Obtain the Push Dagger and the Vargo-S through either method: completing in-game weapon challenges or purchasing a Store Bundle released later this season, containing a Weapon Blueprint from this weapon category.
Optimal Marco 5 loadout: Focus on recoil control attachments like the MX Silencer and Empress Falchion A barrel combined with mobility stocks. The Akimbo proficiency transforms this into a devastating close-range option but requires aggressive positioning playstyles.
UGM-8 configuration tip: This LMG works best with larger magazines and bipods for sustained fire positions. Pair with Scavenger perk and consider using it for defensive holds on objective modes rather than aggressive pushes where its mobility limitations become apparent.
Operator Backstories & Unlocks
New opportunities arrive with expanded riches. The legendary Captain Butcher and two additional Operators enter the conflict this season. Welcome to Special Operations Task Force Immortal!
Carver Butcher (Launch)
Supply officer. Commanding officer. Initial combatant.
Butcher participated in the British Army throughout Operation Devon, combating the 16th Panzer Division. He received discharge after suffering facial injuries from explosive fragmentation but returned to active duty shortly thereafter. There he observed partisan fighters operating.
Motivated by this experience, he progressed to establish and recruit for the Special Operations Task Force. Subsequent events have become historical record.
Callum Hendry (In-Season)
Throughout his life, Callum demonstrated attention-seeking behavior, creating conflicts with local residents, authorities – virtually everyone. His determined attitude facilitated rapid advancement through British Army ranks to ultimately become training instructor. During World War II, Callum, possessing profound antipathy toward Nazis and their ideology, fought vigorously for their eradication. Presently he instructs all S.O.T.F. operatives.
Ikenna Olowe (In-Season)
Ikenna Olowe comprehended tactical planning from early age. As a youth in Nigeria, he mastered chess, rapidly exceeding his instructors’ abilities. He developed physical strength practicing Gidigbo, a combative test of intellect. Balanced physically and mentally, Ikenna enlisted in the war effort as a combat engineer. His efforts established vital supply routes worldwide. Ikenna evolved into a strategic mastermind. Understanding appropriate construction and demolition timing.
Vanguard Season 4 guarantees honor and wealth beyond measurement, preparing for activation on June 22. With substantial updates arriving for Zombies, Multiplayer, and competitive modes, an abundance of content awaits preparation in the coming weeks.
Operator unlock strategy: Butcher will likely be available through the Battle Pass system, while Hendry and Olowe may require specific challenge completions or store purchases. Focus on completing seasonal challenges efficiently to maximize Operator acquisition without unnecessary spending.
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