Warzone 2 overhauled the Gulag, one of Warzone’s most loved and innovative features. Now, it’s a 2v2, with a strong and threatening Jailer lurking if things go on for too long. Here’s everything you need to know to maximize your chances of dropping back into Al Mazrah.
When Call of Duty: Warzone arrived, it helped reinvigorate the battle royale genre with a stunning new Gulag system. Eliminated players could fight in a tense 1v1 to earn the right to return to the action.
It returns in Warzone 2, albeit in a slightly altered form. Now, Gulag matches are 2v2, meaning players are paired up with a random teammate (on most occasions) to take on an opposing pair.
That’s been a largely unpopular decision but, amid silence from the devs, it looks set to stay this way.
Here’s a full rundown of our best advice to help you secure a win more often than not in Warzone 2’s revamped Gulag.
Tip 1: Understand Warzone 2’s Gulag changes
First up, it’s crucial you know what to expect from the Gulag in Warzone 2.
This time around, you’ll be dropped into a 2v2 battle. You’ll find yourself fighting alongside a random teammate and wielding a predetermined loadout. This means you’ll have to think on the fly and communicate with your temporary ally, rather than relying on those in your squad to help out.
Fortunately, the new Gulag still functions much the same as its original iteration. By wiping out the two opposing players, you and your teammate will earn a spot back in Al Mazrah. Though there is a surprise strategy that actually sends all four players back to the main map.
An AI-controlled enemy also loads into each Gulag round in Warzone 2. Known as the Jailer, this tough foe targets all players in the round, making him a threat to both sides.
If you’re able to take him down, all four players will be loaded right back into Al Mazrah. That’s not an easy task though, so it’s worth trying to win your match before the pesky AI even gets into the arena.
Tip 2: Communication and teamwork are key
As outlined above, the new Gulag in Warzone 2 drops you in with three other players at random. Paired with a complete stranger against another newly formed duo, the side with better communication is going to win more often than not.
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If you’re able to strategize with your new ally in the few seconds before a round starts, it will drastically improve your odds of survival over a team without any plans in place. So get on your mic and be sure to talk with your teammates each and every time the Gulag comes around.
If you don’t have a mic, try and work out what your teammate is doing and play around or with them. There’s no good breaking up and one of you getting swiftly eliminated as a result of a 1v2.
Tip 3: Stick to the edges of Warzone 2’s Gulag
With a teammate, two enemies and a Jailer to keep track of, it’s best to minimize angles and keep the action in front of you. As a result, it’s sensible to stick to a Gulag’s edge. This means you’ll have your back covered and reduces the likelihood of a swift flank by one of, or both, your enemies.
It’s also a sensible way to lure the Jailer out of the Gulag’s center. In doing so, you can position them in an advantageous spot for your team, and one that disadvantages the opposing team.
If they’re under fire and positionally vulnerable, you’ll be able to run a quick flank or finish off their dwindling health from your power position at the edge of the arena.
Tip 4: Work with your equipment
One final suggestion is to get familiar with your specific loadout. This’ll change an awful lot so, once you’re in the Gulag, work out what you have. That’s your weapon (typically a handgun of some variety), a lethal and a tactical.
If you’ve got a flash, you know you can use it to blind an enemy and push. If you’ve got a smoke, you can cut off a line of sight and confuse an opponent. The same goes for whatever your lethal equipment is.
There’s no guarantees in a Gulag, especially when its 2v2. Even if you play intelligently and wait it out, you may get a teammate who pushes unhelpfully and gets eliminated quickly.
Following these tips will certainly maximize your chances though.