Treyarch listened to community feedback and banned thermal optics in Warzone 2 Ranked Play after players discovered an exploit with the Cold Blooded perk.
The Cold Blooded Perk in MW2 and Warzone 2 is supposed to make users undetectable by AI targeting systems and thermal optics.
However, JGOD discovered a thermal optic capable of locating enemies through smoke grenades even if they have Cold Blooded equipped. Warzone 2 community members demanded a ban for the attachment, as players abused the exploit in Ranked Play matches. The developers seemingly stepped in and acted quickly.
Thermal optics banned in Warzone 2 Ranked Play
On May 24, multiple sources confirmed a ban for thermal scopes in Ranked Play. Reliable Call of Duty, insider CharlieINTEL also reported the news.
The ban comes at a perfect time, as the 2023 World Series of Warzone NA and EU Qualifiers start on May 31. The WSOW uses similar rules to Ranked Play and shares the same restrictions.
Before the restriction news, WSOW EU competitor TheTacticalBrit claimed: “The World Series of Warzone is not going to be a good viewer or player experience if thermals are allowed. Nobody will want to rotate or move.”
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Al Mazrah’s desert landscape features large open spaces that make smoke grenades essential for rotating in the final stages. There would be no counter to thermal optics if Cold Blooded didn’t work as intended.
It appears Thermal Scopes have been banned from Warzone Ranked.
— CharlieIntel (@charlieINTEL) May 24, 2023
Many members of the Call of Duty community praised Treyarch for providing good communication.
One player responded: “I love how Treyarch actually monitors player feedback. They really are the backbone of COD.”
Warzone 2 streamer MuTeX added: “F**k yeah, thermals are banned! They are listening and it’s honestly so attractive.”
Treyarch has not yet released an official statement, so we will provide an update when the developers reveal more information.