Firebase Z: Call of Duty Cold War update UK release time and date, new zombies map details - and everything else

A new update to Season One of Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War and Warzone brings with it brand new maps, game modes and other goodies.

Here is everything you need to know about the Season One Reloaded update, which is free on all platforms.

What is Firebase Z?

Firebase Z is a brand new map coming to Call of Duty’s Zombies Mode, a popular game mode in which a team of survivors must defend themselves against increasingly large and voracious hordes of the undead.

They do this in complex play spaces which reward the deft juggling of resource management, tactical awareness of entry points, and expert teamwork and communication.

Firebase Z looks to be no different, a new map set deep within the jungles of Vietnam with new enemies, gameplay mechanics and a powerful Wonder Weapon – powerful fictional energy weapons with unique abilities in the Call of Duty universe – to discover.

According to the narrative that provides a loose story between Zombies maps featured across different Call of Duty games, following the destruction of the abandoned “Projekt Endstation” research facility, a new outbreak site has been uncovered.

It just so happens to be where Samantha Maxis – an antagonist of the Zombies’ “Dark Aether” storyline – is being held captive.

What is Express?

Alongside the big new Zombies map, the latest Season One update brings a fan favourite multiplayer map to the latest game; Express was first seen in 2012’s Black Ops II, and nearly ten years later, it has received a lick of paint.

Call of Duty veterans will know the map as the one that is set at a Los Angeles terminal for the California High-Speed Rail, and features a train that loops around the station and can flatten unaware players.

"Express will be familiar territory to those who remember it in Black Ops II,” say the developers. “As for first-timers… this fast-paced map is fairly easy to learn after a few games and the occasional misadventure on the tracks.”

A version of the map will also be made available in Zombies mode, exclusively for PlayStation players – it won’t be available on other platforms until 1 November 2021.

To celebrate Express’ return, Black Ops Cold War Multiplayer will debut the Express 24/7 playlist, featuring a collection of game modes such as Team Deathmatch, Kill Confirmed, and Domination.

What else is new?

Alongside the new maps, there is plenty for players to sink their teeth into.

New mode Endurance sees ten squads of four drop into Ruka, Alpine, and Sanatorium to collect uranium and arm bombs throughout the match, but after one bomb detonates, a new one now comes online to take its place.

League play is returning before the end of Season One for those who like to take their Call of Duty experience more competitively, “the ultimate proving ground for those looking to improve their game and claim bragging rights while potentially crossing paths with Call of Duty League pros.”

League Play in Black Ops Cold War will allow players to earn their way through 30 Ranks in League Play Events.

To celebrate the Season One, update a double XP weekend will go live in Black Ops Cold War and Warzone on all platforms starting on 5 February through to 8 February 8.

When does the update go live?

The update went live on 3 February at 11pm Pacific Time.

For players in the UK, that means the update went live at 7am on the morning of Thursday 4 February. The update is free on all platforms.

For more information on Call of Duty's Season One Reloded update, head to its blog