Developer Bulkhead admitted that progression changes in Wardogs Season 2 were a mistake after players unlocked end-game gear within days of the October 15, 2026 update. The studio removed controversial faction bonuses and reduced vehicle experience rates while weighing an early launch for Season 3.
When Bulkhead deployed the latest patch, the studio intended to give its tactical shooter a clean slate. In a statement shared on X, the developer acknowledged that accelerating progression had negatively affected the experience, admitting that the studio’s choice to deliberately increase progression speed was the wrong decision. Instead, the update triggered immediate backlash from players who found the progression far too forgiving. Rather than a hard-fought climb, veterans and newcomers alike tore through the leveling curve, rendering the faction wipe largely symbolic.
ANNOUNCEMENT 📢 Season 2 was meant to be a fresh start, and for a lot of you it hasn't felt like one. We sped up progression on deliberately and tried to balance the game better, as set out in the patch notes, but it was the wrong call. Some players are reaching end game gear…
Bulkhead Apologizes for Accelerated Progression and Broken Reset
Players discovered that advancing through the game’s ranks required very little friction, allowing individuals to access high-level equipment within days of the reset. Main battle tanks and Tier 4 armor sat in the hands of players almost immediately, short-circuiting the intended economy.
Faction Incentives and Vehicle Exploits Backfire
The backlash centered heavily on two distinct mechanics introduced in the patch.
At the same time, a logistical loophole allowed players to exploit vehicle experience rates by repeatedly driving in and out of faction headquarters. Bulkhead reacted swiftly, stripping out the Blue Team cash and XP bonuses via hotfix after just one day, despite the perks originally being expected to remain available for approximately one week. As a temporary solution, vehicle progression rates have been reduced to Season 1 levels, while adjustments to spawn locations on the Bakuriani map have already improved faction balance and will remain in place.
Weighing an Early Season 3 Against Immediate Resets
As the studio noted regarding features that split the player base, management wanted to see how those elements played out first before taking further action.
Instead, Bulkhead is considering a significantly earlier launch for Season 3, potentially pulling forward content originally slated for later in the release calendar. While balance fixes roll out to address features that left the community divided, the studio expects to share further information in its next developer vlog scheduled for the following week, though an earlier Season 3 release has not been officially confirmed yet.
