As a dedicated Call of Duty player, I usually reserve my excitement for the game’s limited-time events until October rolls around. And this year, Warzone’s “The Haunting” event has completely exceeded my expectations. Kicking off this week, the event is a hair-raising blend of new challenges, eerie boss fights, and Halloween-themed surprises that harken back to the early days of YouTube jump scares.
In “The Haunting” event, the Warzone map is teeming with new boss battles, including the menacing Butcher from Diablo 4. Engaging in these encounters not only tests your skills but also rewards you with souls that unlock an array of Halloween-themed items. However, beware of the loot boxes scattered across the map—some of them are rigged with jump scares that will send shivers down your spine. These jump scares are not the high-tech variety but rather simple yet effective ghostly faces coupled with ear-piercing screams reminiscent of early YouTube pranks.
I personally fell victim to one of these jump scares during a DMZ match when I absentmindedly opened a loot box to complete a contract. The random chance of encountering these scares can be both amusing and aggravating, especially considering how frequently players open loot boxes. While some players find them amusing, others have expressed their desire for options to tone down or disable these jump scares.
Interestingly, Activision has included an option to disable jump scares in the battle pass, albeit only for those specific to that context. It’s a step in the right direction, but it leaves one wondering why this option isn’t available for the more prevalent jump scares found in regular loot boxes. If you’re diving into Warzone for the Halloween festivities, be prepared to face these jump scares for the next few weeks—there’s no escaping them if you want to fully immerse yourself in the Halloween spirit.
But it’s not just the jump scares that make this event noteworthy. What truly impressed me is the diversity of content available during “The Haunting.” From souls to boss fights and challenges, all of it can be experienced in both DMZ and Battle Royale modes. Activision has managed to support both modes effectively, ensuring distinct experiences while seamlessly incorporating Halloween-themed content. Plus, the event’s duration, as indicated by the in-game timer, suggests that it will run until approximately November 6, just a few days before the highly anticipated release of Modern Warfare 3 on November 10.
So gear up, stay frosty, and immerse yourself in the spine-chilling fun of Warzone’s Halloween event. Whether you’re battling swamp monsters, mummies, or even confronting the Diablo 4 Butcher, this event promises a gaming experience that will haunt your memories long after the Halloween season is over.
