Warzone Season 3 biggest changes including Kong and Godzilla

(Image credit: Activision)

Warzone Season 3 Classified Arms has now arrived, and it looks like we're in for a wild ride this season with the Operation Monarch event launching Kong and Godzilla into the battle. This follows some less than subtle hinting that Call of Duty Warzone was heading to the Monsterverse, but at least now we know for certain that there are 300+ foot beasts on their way. Of course, we also have the usual map changes, and a fresh selection of Battle Pass goodies including several new guns and an Operator to join the roster. If you're looking to catch up, then here's the Warzone Season 3 biggest changes arriving with Classified Arms.

Warzone Season 3 biggest changes

Operation Monarch brings the Monsterverse to Warzone
Play as Kong, Godzilla, and Mechagodzilla with limited-time bundles
Visit new and updated locations on Caldera, including Dig Site
The Gulag has now been relocated offshore to The Hold
New weapons are here, including the M1916 and Nikita AVT
Operator Mateo Hernandez joins the squad with an all-black outfit
Iron Trials return to give players a tougher challenge

Operation Monarch starts on May 11

The main talking point for Warzone Season 3 so far is Operation Monarch, which kicks off at 9am PT / 12noon ET / 5pm BST on May 11. This limited-time event will see players battling with Kong and Godzilla towering hundreds of feet over the combat zone, and by gathering intel teams can get hold of the Monarch Stream Device to control the monsters. Kong can stomp and throw boulders to put any players in the affected areas into last stand mode, while Godzilla's laser heat ray will instantly eliminate players hit by it and ignite the ground.

Limited-time bundles let you join the Monsterverse

Warzone Season 3 limited-time bundles will let you become the monsters, albeit in human-sized form so as not to receive a ridiculous advantage over your opponents! You can take on the appearance of Kong, Godzilla, and Mechagodzilla with the following three packs:

Tracer Pack: Kong Limited Time Bundle
Tracer Pack: Godzilla Reactive Mastercraft Limited Time Bundle
Tracer Pack: Mechagodzilla Limited Time Bundle

As well as the "Kong" Operator Skin for Wade, "Godzilla Ghillie" Operator Skin for Shigenori, and "Mechagodzilla" Operator Skin for Constanze, these packs contain finishing moves, weapon blueprints, highlights, and more. Their exact release dates during Operation Monarch haven't been confirmed just yet, but look out for them from May 11 onwards. There will also be additional rewards for players purchasing multiple monster bundles, with those who buy two getting the "Godzilla vs. Kong" Weapon Sticker and the "Superspecies" Player Title, while collecting all three will unlock the Legendary "Apex Phase Rifle" SMG.

There's a new Dig Site on the map

There are Warzone Season 3 map changes adding new POI, and a Dig Site between the Mine and the Ruins towards the northwest of the island. As well as some giant skeletal remains foreshadowing the upcoming monster battles, you'll find Supply Boxes and other useful items among the tents and excavation diggers. Elsewhere, you'll find that Peak has a selection of new Contracts and Supply Boxes, Runway has fresh barracks and hangars to explore, while Lagoon has a new sandbar to aid crossing the water.

The Gulag has been updated

When you're next sent to the Gulag in Warzone Season 3 – and let's be honest, it's a question of 'when' rather than 'if' – you'll be transported onboard a ship anchored off the coast of the island. The Hold head-to-head zone presents a fairly open space, meaning you should take to the perimeter hallways for cover so you're not left exposed.

Several new weapons have been added

As is customary, the Warzone Season 3 Battle Pass features several new weapons to add to your loadouts for free by making progress. First up is the M1916 Marksman Rifle at Tier 15, providing a heavy kick with high damage if you can keep the recoil under control. At Tier 31 you'll also receive the Nikita AVT Assault Rifle, which has the highest fire rate of all assault rifles but as a result will recoil in a jagged line pattern through extended bursts. As usual, there will also be plenty of weapon blueprints to unlock through the Battle Pass, both in the free and paid for tiers.

Check out some Warzone M1916 loadout options and Warzone Nikita AVT loadouts if you want to try them out.

New Operator Mateo Hernandez is available

You'll immediately gain access to new Operator Mateo Hernandez at Tier 0 by purchasing the Battle Pass, and this tail gunner from Task Force Harpy has a history of fighting for the Navy. Buying the Battle Pass instantly gives you access to two Legendary Operator Skins for Mateo, including the all-black "Chingon" outfit complete with hooded skull mask and knee-length coat, though we'll have to wait and see if this is as divisive as the dark Roze skin.

Caldera Iron Trials have arrived

The Iron Trials game mode makes a return to Caldera for Warzone Season 3, providing a tougher challenge for players. Although Operators have a higher Base Health level to start with, this takes longer than normal to start regenerating and the recovery amount is reduced. You won't find any free Loadout Drops, while higher tier weapons are also harder to locate, and with fewer large cash piles combined with increased Buy Station prices you'll need to make the most of the equipment you can get your hands on.