So You Wanna Drop into Warzone Like a Boss? A Hilarious Guide to Getting Started on PC
Alright, soldier. You've seen the clips, the memes, the rage quits (because let's be honest, we've all been there). Call of Duty: Warzone has taken the gaming world by storm, and you, my friend, are itching to join the fray. But hold your horses (or should I say, hold your Doritos?) before you blindly download every "FREE WARZONE HACKS!!!" program you see. Here's a (mostly) practical guide to getting set up on PC without ending up in the realm of dodgy downloads and sketchy websites.
Step 1: Choosing Your Weapon (Well, Download Platform, But You Get the Idea)
There are two main battlefields when it comes to downloading Warzone: Steam and Battle.net.
- Steam: This granddaddy of PC gaming platforms is a familiar sight for many. If you've already got a Steam library full of gems (or questionable indie titles you bought on a whim at 3 am), this might be the way to go. Just be prepared for the occasional download that takes longer than watching paint dry.
- Battle.net: Home to Blizzard's biggest hits, Battle.net offers a smooth download experience (most of the time). Plus, if you're a Blizzard fan already (Overwatch, anyone?), your account might already be linked up, saving you a few precious seconds.
Pro Tip: Downloading Warzone is no small feat. Make sure you have a decent internet connection. Trust me, staring at a progress bar that's moving slower than a sloth on vacation is no way to spend your evening.
Step 2: System Specs - Do You Have What It Takes to Survive the Gas?
Before you jump in with both feet (and inevitably get sniped from across the map), check your PC's specs. Warzone isn't exactly solitaire, so you'll need a rig that can handle the explosions, gunfire, and, of course, the inevitable lag spikes. You can find the minimum and recommended specs on the Call of Duty®: Warzone™ on Steam: link to Call of Duty®: Warzone™ on Steam page or the link to Call of Duty Warzone on Battle.net store.
Unless your PC looks like it belongs in a museum, you should be good to go. But hey, if your computer sounds like a jet engine taking off when you try to run Minesweeper, it might be time for an upgrade.
Step 3: Downloading and Installation - The Most Boring But Essential Part
This is where the real test of patience begins. Fire up your chosen platform, search for "Call of Duty: Warzone," and hit download. Be prepared for that download bar to crawl like a snail on valium. Browse some funny cat videos, make a sandwich, or take a nap. Just whatever you do, don't rage quit the download.
Once the download is complete, follow the installation instructions. It's not rocket science, but hey, if you manage to mess this up, well, maybe stick to Candy Crush instead.
Step 4: Gearing Up for Battle (and Not Getting Absolutely Destroyed)
Alright, soldier, you're in! Now comes the fun part (or the rage-inducing part, depending on your skill level). Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Warzone is a free-to-play game, but there are in-game purchases. Don't go overboard spending all your money on fancy skins before you even know how to hold a virtual gun.
- Practice makes perfect (or at least less embarrassing). There's a reason why some players seem to teleport around the map and headshot you with pinpoint accuracy. They've put in the hours. Don't expect to be a pro overnight.
- Find some friends to squad up with. Unless you're a masochist, playing Warzone solo can be a bit of a nightmare. Team up with some buddies for some laughs (and maybe some moral support when you get inevitably mowed down).
Bonus Tip: Don't take it too seriously. Warzone is a game, and games are meant to be fun. Sure, you might get frustrated, but remember, there's always next round. Now get out there, soldier, and show Verdansk what you're made of (or at least try not to embarrass yourself too much).
