From Press Release:
DERBY, UK – [6th November 2026] – BULKHEAD and publisher team17 have announced that WARDOGS Season 3 will launch on November 12, bringing a brand-new urban map, the introduction of Limited Mode and a renewed focus on progression and stability for the 100-player tactical FPS.
The announcement also details BULKHEAD’s next steps against expoliters, RMT and cheating, including additional layers of anti-cheat and a major ban wave covering 185,000 accounts
Season 3 takes the fight into a new urban battlefield, introducing close-quarters combat and a fresh map for the entire community to learn together. Combined with a season wipe, adjustments to progression and a longer overall season length, the update aims to recapture the shared discovery and sense of achievement that defined WARDOGS’ Early Access launch.
For players looking for a more level playing field throughout the season, Limited Mode will offer an alternative way to experience WARDOGS with restrictions on weapons, ammunition, armour and vehicles. The mode is designed to preserve the feel of early-to-mid-game combat and reduce the advantage offered by more powerful equipment.
Planned restrictions include FMJ-only ammunition, a Tier 2 armour cap and a reduced attack vehicle selection. The final list of restricted items is still being determined. Cash and XP earned in Limited Mode can be used in the default mode and vice versa, allowing players to move between both experiences.
BULKHEAD is also moving to three-month seasons, giving players more time to work towards their goals before each wipe and the development team more time to prepare future updates. Progression will be brought closer to the pace of Season 1, following the studio’s acknowledgement that Season 2 accelerated the journey too aggressively.
Joe Brammer, CEO of BULKHEAD, said:
“. Season 3 is about giving players a new battlefield to learn together and a progression journey worth spending time on.
“Longer seasons give everyone more room to reach their own goals, and give us the time to properly develop what comes next. We’re also taking major action against cheating. Protecting the people who play WARDOGS fairly is essential to everything we’re building.”
Alongside the Season 3 reveal, BULKHEAD is activating further layers of its anti-cheat after analysing 187 million hours of gameplay with the assistance of machine learning. With nearly four million unique players since launch, the volume of data has allowed the studio to bring this work forward from its original plans for next year.
The studio has also taken action against exploiters, real-money trading and gold-farming networks, issuing permanent bans and revoking server-hosting privileges. Further anti-cheat measures, including a player trust score, are planned for 2027.
Season 3 forms part of BULKHEAD’s ongoing work towards WARDOGS 1.0. Larger changes to the metagame, including a new progression system, are planned for 2027, with full Season 3 patch notes to follow ahead of launch.
WARDOGS Season 3 launches November 12 on Steam.
Steam: WARDOGS on Steam
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About BULKHEAD
BULKHEAD is a video game development studio based in Derby, UK, with an ambition to make its mark on the FPS genre. Founded in 2015 by a small group of friends, the studio has expanded from creating acclaimed indie titles such as The Turing Test and Battalion 1944 to building a larger team focused on ambitious multiplayer experiences including WARDOGS.
The studio was recently acquired from Tencent by a newly formed consortium comprising SMG, everplay and Hiro Capital. BULKHEAD’s latest title, WARDOGS, is being published by Team17.
About team17
Founded in 1990, team17 is a leading developer, video games label and creative partner for developers around the world. Part of everplay Group plc, team17 has an extensive portfolio of more than 140 titles that encapsulates the spirit of independent games.
team17’s portfolio of multi-award-winning and award-nominated in-house brands includes Hell Let Loose, Golf With Your Friends, The Escapists and the iconic Worms franchise, alongside games label partner titles including Date Everything, Dredge and the Overcooked! franchise.
Visit www.team17.com for more information.
