Call of Duty has RUINED Warzone's "Casual" mode..

Summary

Expel tests whether Warzone’s Casual mode has changed by playing on a fresh level 1 account, then a high-level account, and comparing both with regular Solos. On the new account, he avoids getting eliminations so he can observe the lobby. Later, he joins teammates to fight and help them win.

Casual-Mode Observations

• The level 1 match contains many bots alongside real players. Expel estimates that Casual lobbies have roughly 120 bots and around 30 human players, though the large number of bots makes comparisons difficult.
• Bots have received behavior updates. For example, some now drive vehicles. When a player gets close and exits their own vehicle, bots may leave theirs too. Bot names and behaviors also appear to change over time.
• Bots can seem to track or shoot players through walls. Expel explains that their AI reacts when a player enters a certain range, which can look like aimbotting. He notes that bots cannot be reported.
• The fresh-account match still includes capable human opponents, including a player with 18 eliminations. Expel finds no clear evidence of cheating during the tests.
• Expel argues that Casual has stricter skill-based matchmaking than other Warzone modes. Strong performances—including high kill counts—can lead to tougher lobbies, so players who do well against bots may eventually face more skilled opponents.
• Bots reportedly disappear around the fifth circle, leaving the remaining endgame to human players.

High-Level Account and Comparison

On the high-level account, Expel teams up with random players, including Dro, and tries to help the squad rather than simply taking over the match. He finds that Casual can still contain real, competitive players, but many encounters are with bots. One player he interviews says Casual lobbies have grown sweatier as the overall player population has declined.

Regular Solos feels substantially harder in the comparison: Expel encounters more human opponents and more aggressive, experienced players. His takeaway is that Casual is not representative of every regular match, and the difference between the modes is especially noticeable when comparing their human opponents.

Gameplay Tips

• To find more human opponents in Casual, Expel says the Big Game contract often leads to a real player.
• When bots flee in vehicles, try pulling alongside them and getting out; they may exit their vehicle as well.
• Tomahawks can finish off bots quickly and conserve ammunition, especially in squad games.
• In Solos, landing on a police-station roof can provide an early weapon. Loot nearby buildings and chests to build cash for a buy station, and use a UAV to help locate opponents.
• A sniper rifle can be useful in Solos for high-damage or one-shot opportunities, but getting caught at close range is dangerous.
• The Specialist perk can help sustain health without immediately needing to heal.

Featured Gamers and Sources

• Expel — host and tester.
• One Fo, CMR710, and Dro — teammates in the high-level-account match.
• MPX and Cammy — players mentioned during the discussion.
• Hooter, M Pistol 78, Bullet 7, Kingpiece, and Waffle Fox — in-game players encountered or discussed.
• An unnamed Casual-mode player was interviewed, and Expel referenced conversations with unnamed staff at Raven.