One of the more confusing components of the Season 1 update to Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is the implementation of a rankings reset.

In theory, the idea is clear: Players in Cold War, Modern Warfare and Warzone will be synced to the same ranking level. But with some people deep into unlocks already, there are questions about what will carry over beyond the update.

The Season 1 download will be available on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 2 a.m. ET for all gaming platforms.

Here's what to know about how the Season 1 update will affect your ranking and unlocked items.

Your Season level will reset to 1, but all create-a-class unlocks will be carried over and your highest preseason prestige level will remain intact. Note that this change is applicable to Modern Warfare and Warzone in addition to Black Ops Cold War.

Perhaps most important to note: Unline in some past Call of Duty games, you will NOT lose all of your unlocks each time you prestige.

From Activision:

If you reach level 200 in any Season, youll also achieve the title ofPrestige Masterfor that Season. Your Prestige Level color will change to signify your Prestige Master status, and youll gain the ability to personalize your Prestige Icon with Legacy Prestige Icons from previousCall of Dutygames that youve unlocked (more details on that below).

The journey doesnt stop there if you want to keep climbing. Once you reach Prestige Master in a Season, you can continue to level up all the way tolevel 1000 every Season, with milestone rewards to earn at every 50 levels along the way.

Four prestiges have been added in the Season 1 update, with new rewards accompanying them. By reaching Level 200, you can attain a Prestige Master achievement.

Below is an outline for the prestige system in Season 1:

More here:

Call of Duty Season 1 ranking system reset, explained: What progress carries over after update? - Sporting News