Players diving into Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Warzone have discovered a new premium emote that’s quickly stirring up controversy—and not just for its quirky appearance. This particular cosmetic, which is part of a paid bundle, allows characters to hide inside a cardboard box, much like the classic stealth tactic popularized in other games. Unsurprisingly, it’s being used in ways that some players feel gives an unfair advantage.
The emote is included in the “Cardboard Commando” bundle, which costs 2,400 COD Points. The bundle itself transforms a player’s soldier and weapon into cardboard-themed models, leaning into Call of Duty’s growing trend of humorous, over-the-top cosmetics. At first glance, the design might seem like harmless fun, but the feature that’s grabbing attention is the “Surprise Gift” emote. When activated, it places the player in a cardboard box, completely obscuring them from view for several seconds, before letting them leap out in dramatic fashion.
This functionality has drawn swift criticism from players who feel it crosses the line into “pay-to-win” territory. The emote essentially allows players to create makeshift cover or disguise themselves in plain sight, especially in environments where boxes or other props are common. Some liken the mechanic to having a mini “Prop Hunt” built right into the core gameplay, which has clear implications in high-stakes multiplayer modes like Warzone. In a game where split-second decisions mean the difference between victory and defeat, hiding in a box to ambush unsuspecting opponents feels less like a gag and more like a tactical exploit.
One user who goes by Dr.ChubzDPT shared footage online showcasing how easily this tactic can be used to surprise and eliminate opponents. The clip has since gone viral, with some players calling it the most broken emote in Warzone’s history. Comparisons have been made to Metal Gear Solid, where the iconic cardboard box has long been a symbol of stealth and mischief. But while that game is built around sneaking past enemies, Call of Duty thrives on fast-paced action and tactical gunplay—making the presence of such a gimmick far more controversial.
Reactions within the community are split. Some are frustrated by what they see as yet another example of cosmetic items affecting gameplay, citing past issues with hard-to-see operator skins that were eventually nerfed. Others, however, argue that the cardboard box is too conspicuous to be genuinely effective and that the emote is more about laughs than strategy. Comments like “nobody should be falling for a giant cardboard box” and “I’m just going to shoot every box I see now” suggest that, for many, it’s all part of the fun—as long as players stay aware.
The timing of the emote’s release also coincides with the relaunch of the beloved Verdansk map in Warzone. The return to the iconic setting has been widely celebrated by fans, injecting a wave of nostalgia into the game and revitalizing interest across the player base. Despite the lighthearted emote controversy, overall sentiment surrounding Warzone’s current state appears positive, buoyed by familiar battlegrounds and strong gameplay refinements.
Still, the debate over the cardboard box emote reflects an ongoing tension in modern multiplayer games: how to balance fun, creativity, and fairness. Whether this feature remains untouched or receives adjustments down the line remains to be seen, but for now, players might want to keep an eye out for any oddly placed cardboard lurking on the battlefield.
