Warzone, Activision’s famous free battle royale, launches Season 1 on December 4, 2025. The announcement of a 30% XP bonus for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 owners immediately reignited discussions around fairness in free games. Because if the advantage is real, it only applies to some of the players.
This boost concerns the leveling up of the player but also of weapons, which could indirectly impact the meta of the game. Activision does not seem ready to turn back, despite the criticism that is pouring out on the networks.
An exclusive XP boost for Black Ops 7 players
Starting with the launch of Season 1, all players who own Black Ops 7 will automatically enjoy a 30% XP boost in Warzone. This advantage concerns both the account level and that of the weapons used.
This system had already been introduced with Black Ops 6, but its return raises eyebrows. Players who do not own the latest installment find themselves at a mechanical disadvantage in the arms race and rewards.
Rich content for Season 1… but not for everyone
Beyond the XP bonus, Season 1 brings its share of new features:
- remastered classic maps (Standoff, Meltdown, Fringe),
- new weapons to unlock,
- new operator skins,
- new Battle Pass.
However, boosted XP does not accelerate progression in the Battle Pass. This remains the same for everyone, except for those who use a Double XP Battle Pass token, distributed in promotions or as an account reward.
A debate relaunched on fairness in free games
If this bonus does not give a direct advantage in combat, it still influences rapid access to the most effective weapons. Some players denounce a form of “pay-to-progress”, where the purchase of a game for €70 confers an indirect advantage over those who play for free.
Ironically, Activision prohibits the direct purchase of Double XP tokens in stores, but authorizes a permanent bonus through the purchase of Black Ops 7. A logic that is difficult to defend for some members of the community.
Other ways to earn Double XP in Warzone
For players without Black Ops 7, there are still several solutions:
- Double XP tokens offered in the free tiers of the Battle Pass,
- partnerships with Monster Energy or Little Caesars including tokens and cosmetics,
- 15 hours of tokens offered to all players via Activision account verification on December 4.
These alternatives make it possible to limit the gap, even if they require more involvement or external commitment. Warzone remains playable without Black Ops 7but those who have it leave with a slight head start.