Looking back at the evolution of Call of Duty: Mobile, the Season 3 update titled "Disavowed" marked a significant turning point for the game. Launched back in March 2020, this update was packed with fresh content that reshaped the player experience for many. It was a season that brought back beloved modes, introduced unique maps, and added powerful new tools to players' arsenals, all while making the difficult decision to remove a fan-favorite mode, signaling the game's dynamic and ever-changing nature.

The update's centerpiece was the reintroduction of two distinct multiplayer modes. Warfare returned, offering a large-scale, team-based Battle Royale experience. This mode pitted two squads of twenty players against each other in a massive clash where only the last team standing could claim victory. It was chaotic, strategic, and demanded excellent teamwork. On the other end of the spectrum was One Shot, One Kill. This mode stripped things down to the bare essentials: a free-for-all deathmatch where every player was equipped only with a revolver and three bullets. The catch? Every shot was a guaranteed instant kill. The intense, high-stakes gameplay forced players to make every bullet count, with the first to achieve twenty eliminations crowned the winner. However, this influx of content came with a cost. The developers made the controversial decision to remove the Zombies game mode from CoD Mobile with this update, a move that disappointed many fans of the cooperative PvE experience.

A major highlight of "Disavowed" was the debut of Cage, the first-ever original map built from the ground up for Call of Duty: Mobile. Set in a modern, multi-level construction site, Cage was designed with fast-paced, close-quarters combat in mind. The map featured a classic three-lane layout, but its genius lay in its verticality. Developer TiMi Studios touted it as the "ideal place for fast-paced battles," and they weren't wrong. The various platforms, scaffolding, and half-built structures provided "perfect cover" and countless flanking routes. Players quickly learned that combat in Cage happened not just on the ground, but above and below. You could never feel safe; a moment's lapse in awareness could mean an enemy dropping down from a crane or picking you off from a catwalk. This vertical design created dynamic firefights and rewarded players who mastered the map's numerous tactical vantage points.

The in-game economy also got a refresh with the Credit Store update. Players could spend their hard-earned credits to acquire a variety of new cosmetic items and a powerful scorestreak. The available items included:

🎯 Scorestreak: MQ-27 DRAGONFIRE – A lethal aerial drone.

🔫 Shotgun: HS0405 - Ukiyo-e – A beautifully decorated weapon.

🔫 Assault Rifle: AK-47 - Metal Note – A sleek skin for the iconic rifle.

🍀 Assault Rifle: AK117 - St. Patrick's Day – A festive green-themed skin.

🍀 SMG: MSMC - St. Patrick's Day – Another lucky St. Patrick's Day variant.

Of course, no season is complete without a new Battle Pass, and "Disavowed" delivered a memorable one.

The Battle Pass made history by introducing the game's first female operator available through the pass: Urban Tracker. This sleek and tactical operator became an instant favorite. Joining her was a legendary figure from the broader Call of Duty universe: John "Soap" MacTavish, the iconic protagonist from the Modern Warfare series. Soap was unlockable at an earlier tier, allowing fans to quickly add the beloved character to their roster. Alongside these iconic operators, the pass was filled with new weapon blueprints, calling cards, and other cosmetics, providing plenty of rewards for dedicated players to grind for.

Perhaps the most game-changing addition in terms of gameplay was the arrival of the Hive Operator Skill. Originally from Call of Duty: Black Ops III, this specialist weapon made its mobile debut with "Disavowed." The Hive launched a swarm of deadly, tracking pods that attached to surfaces or enemies. This made it an incredibly versatile tool. Players could use it defensively to cover choke points, doorways, or objectives, creating deadly traps for unsuspecting foes. Alternatively, it could be used offensively by firing the pods directly at enemies or into contested areas to flush them out or secure kills. Its dual nature as both an area-denial and direct-combat weapon added a new layer of strategy to matches.

Reflecting on the "Disavowed" season from a 2025 perspective, it's clear this update was a foundational piece in Call of Duty: Mobile's long-term success. It demonstrated the developers' willingness to experiment—introducing original content like the Cage map while carefully curating the game's mode roster. The removal of Zombies, though painful at the time, allowed the team to focus resources on refining the core multiplayer and battle royale experiences that have kept the game thriving for years. The introduction of Urban Tracker paved the way for a more diverse and interesting cast of operators in subsequent seasons. Ultimately, "Disavowed" was a season of bold choices, memorable new content, and a clear signal that Call of Duty: Mobile was here to evolve and compete seriously in the mobile gaming space. It set a standard for substantial, gameplay-focused seasonal updates that fans have come to expect.