Bulkhead is slowing down progression, introducing three-month cycles, and prioritizing AI-powered anti-cheat measures to ensure fair battles.
The third season of Wardogs kicks off on November 12. It brings a new urban map, a new Limited Mode, and a massive wave of bans targeting 185,000 accounts.
Developer Bulkhead confirmed the details earlier this week. The studio revealed plans for a full wipe and adjustments to progression. With these changes, the developers aim to “recapture the shared sense of discovery and achievement” that defined the tactical 100-player shooter at its Early Access launch.
Focus on Close-Quarters Combat and Fair Duels: How the New Limited Mode Works
The new map places a strong emphasis on close-quarters combat. Players looking for a more balanced experience can dive into Limited Mode. This mode offers “an alternative way to experience the game” by specifically restricting weapons, ammunition, armor, and vehicles.
The complete list of restrictions isn’t final yet. Currently, however, it includes only FMJ ammunition, a limit on Tier 2 armor, and a reduced selection of attack vehicles.
“The mode is designed to preserve the feel of the early and mid-battle phases and reduce the advantage of more powerful gear,” the team states.
Three Months Per Season: Bulkhead Slows Down the Progression Pace
Bulkhead also confirmed that seasons will be longer in the future. Effective immediately, they will last three months. This gives players “more time to work toward their goals before each wipe, and the development team more time to prepare future updates.” Progression is also intended to “return to a pace more similar to Season 1.” The studio acknowledged that Season 2 had “accelerated the journey too aggressively.”
“Season 3 is about offering players a new battlefield they can explore together, as well as progression that’s worth investing time in,” explained Bulkhead CEO Joe Brammer. “Longer seasons give everyone more room to achieve their own goals and give us the time to develop the next steps properly.”
185,000 Accounts Banned: Machine Learning Sharpens the Anti-Cheat System
Alongside Season 3, Bulkhead revealed that it is “activating additional layers of the anti-cheat system.” Previously, the developers had analyzed 187 million hours of gameplay using machine learning. Thanks to nearly four million unique players since launch, the team gathered enough data to bring forward these steps, which were originally planned for next year.
“Exploiters, real-money traders, and gold-farming networks” were permanently banned and lost their server-hosting rights. The introduction of a Player Trust Score is also planned for 2027.
“Protecting the people who play Wardogs fairly is essential to everything we’re building here,” Brammer added.
Roadmap through 2028: Metagame Overhaul for Version 1.0 and Console Port
Major changes to the metagame—including a new progression system—are also on the agenda for 2027, while Bulkhead is working determinedly toward Wardogs 1.0. The full patch notes for Season 3 will be released before the launch.
Wardogs celebrated its Early Access release on Steam on September 10. Versions for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S are set to follow in 2028.
