Some Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 fans have discovered a glaring flaw in the game's Ghost perk. The latest title in the first-person shooter series launched just under two weeks ago and includes revamped perk packages. These perk packages offer players customizable loadouts that give them advantages in multiplayer mode. One of those perks is the Ghost perk, which is said to make players undetectable to radar, sensors, and UAV.YouTuber JackFrags has tweeted out a video of gameplay showing how Modern Warfare 2's Ghost may not be working as intended. The Call of Duty and Battlefield YouTuber and two other players in the video demonstrate how the Ghost perk works selectively, with players appearing on the minimap when firing even with a suppressor equipped. This has proven to be one of MW2's most annoying features since launch, with players having previously taken issue with the game's minimap during the previous month's open beta. JackFrags' video shows him on one team and the other two players on the opposing team, with one having the Ghost perk and the other without it. Both players shoot one at a time as they stand next to each other. When JackFrags uses a UAV and has the opposing player without the Ghost perk shoot, only that player appears on the minimap - which is to be expected. However, when the player with the Ghost perk shoots, they appear on the minimap for a couple of UAV scans before disappearing again. This remains the case even when the Ghost perk player has a suppressor on their weapon, which would seemingly defeat the point of using both those options in a loadout.
Modern Warfare 2's Ghost Perk Is Currently Useless
Every perk in Modern Warfare 2 is placed in one of three categories: Base, Bonus, and Ultimate. The Ghost perk is part of the Ultimate category, and in previous Call of Duty games enabled players to remain undetectable to UAV scans and other intel-related perks and abilities. JackFrags video appears to show that the perk isn't working as intended, although it is worth noting that the perk has been nerfed in the past. Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 forced players to stay moving in order for it to work, which deterred camping. However, this was changed again for 2019's Modern Warfare, where players could remain stationary and still receive its benefits.
The Ghost perk itself becomes available to players when they earn it in matches at level 52. Due to the difficulty in unlocking this perk, it's disappointing that it does not appear to be working properly. Ghost could be a great counter for more aggressive players in Modern Warfare 2's launch-period multiplayer, but in its current form, it's basically useless. JackFrags' video shows that the perk really only works when a player does not use their weapon. This essentially defeats the point of opting for Ghost or a suppressor, as the latter especially is meant to trade damage and range for stealth. Without the benefits of stealth, players may as well opt for Modern Warfare 2's other weapon attachments.
There was a similar detection issue with footstep audio during the MW2 open beta. Players noticed that both their own and their enemies' footsteps were very loud, ruining opportunities of sneaking around to ambush an enemy or hide from one. As for the Ghost perk flaw, it's unclear if it was intentional or not. The Ghost perk has not been addressed by developer Infinity Ward, but given how much attention it's getting one would expect a future Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 patch to address it.
Source: JackFrags/Twitter
Editor’s Note: A lawsuit has been filed against Activision Blizzard by the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, which alleges the company has engaged in abuse, discrimination, and retaliation against its female employees. Activision Blizzard has denied the allegations. The full details of the Activision Blizzard lawsuit (content warning: rape, suicide, abuse, harassment) are being updated as new information becomes available.