Is it Fortnite or is it Call of Duty? These days, the only thing separating these two is the hyper-realistic violent graphics that are commonly associated with the latter. Ever since Activision Blizzard started to release collaboration cosmetics, ranging from skins featuring soccer superstars and the best NBA players, among others, it's been difficult to tell which is which at first glance. Now, things are about to get a lot bloodier for the usually gory shooter franchise as it swings its doors open to the controversial figures from Amazon's hit series, The Boys.

We're used to Call of Duty being known for its gritty realism, but the line blurred when players started mining King Kong's balls for XP in Warzone. Now, here we are, embracing the surreal with a Call of Duty and The Boys crossover.

With this year's installment in the franchise still shrouded in mystery, players have had to make do with leaks and teases. The most tantalizing tidbit? The game may be a follow-up to Modern Warfare II, potentially set during the Gulf War, with a certain long-gone antagonist making a dramatic return. But for now, this crossover is something tangible to sink our teeth into.

Well, well, would you look who it is. Taking a lil break from his mission overseas to wreak some havoc in @callofduty. pic.twitter.com/JXru5sUEbs

— THE BOYS (@TheBoysTV) July 10, 2023

Several characters from The Boys - specifically, Homelander, Black Noir, and Starlight - are coming to Call of Duty. The now-supposed-to-be-deceased Black Noir himself graced us with this latest news at a "press conference," where he appeared and confirmed the characters' inclusion through a series of nods and shrugs. And he even showed off his favorite in-game weapon: his two blades.

This crossover is a part of Call of Duty's upcoming update, Season 4 Reloaded, starting on 12 July. Each superhero receives an Operator Bundle, available at 2,400 COD points, which includes the character along with items such as weapon charms, stickers, emblems, and weapon blueprints.

But hold onto your hats, because the ride doesn't stop there. This update also ushers in The Boys-themed map elements as well as a 6v6 map, a Temp V field upgrade, Diabolical Camo challenges, Battle Royale hitting Vondel, and The Raid finale.

On top of that, players can also look forward to the Temp-V Field Upgrade. Remember the substance from The Boys that gives ordinary folks temporary superpowers? It does the same thing in Warzone! The powers, extinguished if another Field Upgrade is used, include Charge Jump, Electric Shockwave, and the oh-so-useful Teleport, which allows you to move a short distance, through walls and other obstructions. The best part? You won't re-appear naked. You can rest easy knowing that your arsenal will accompany you on the trip.

The season four reloaded update also introduces new weapons and gameplays around Vondel, the latest map in Warzone. With a subterranean gulag for Battle Royale face-offs, new Operator skins, and Black Noir's favoured combat knives, this update is packed full of treats.

While the COD x The Boys collaboration and the new operator skins of Homelander, Starlight, and Black Noir were already announced, the latest revelation is a 72-player Vondel battle royale and a new Gulag. The update also incorporates a new map rotation system in Warzone 2 Resurgence modes, changing from Vondel to Ashika Island after a given time.

Call of Duty has officially thrown its arms wide open to The Boys, offering an array of fresh content. As players eagerly wait for this year's Call of Duty release, this crossover extravaganza offers something unique to tide us over. And who knows? A lot more surprises could be in store from the franchise. 

All in all, it's game on from July 12 when the season four reloaded update comes to life. The question is: are you ready to join the fray as your favourite anti-hero from The Boys?

Speaking of The Boys, this latest collaboration, which was teased much earlier, is an excellent way to hype Amazon Prime Video's incoming announcement at the San Diego Comic-Con on July 20-23. While The Boys Season 4 is currently delayed indefinitely, fans are still waiting for news about when The Boys: Gen V will start streaming.