The first-person shooter game Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is set to come out on October 28, bringing with it a multitude of multiplayer features for players to enjoy. Various maps, plenty of different game modes to experiment with, and multiplayer-exclusive gameplay elements such as killstreaks and field upgrades are just a few examples of all there is to look forward to. This comes on top of the game's campaign mode, which serves as a continuation of 2019's rebooted Call of Duty: Modern Warfare series. Information about Modern Warfare 2's multiplayer mode was recently posted to the game's blog, allowing Call of Duty fans a glimpse into what to expect ahead of its release.
The multiplayer overview can be found on the Call of Duty website, though quite a few of the features listed there were already known thanks to the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 beta preview. Still, eager Call of Duty fans will likely find it helpful to have an easy-to-parse list detailing the ins and outs of the full multiplayer experience. It's possible that quite a few things have changed between the game's beta and its final release, after all. Modern Warfare 2's developers have already promised to fix a few issues from the beta, which took place in late September, including footstep audio and enemy visibility. Though the full extent of these changes likely won't be known until the game officially releases, the blog post can at least provide insight on the features that are set in stone.
Every Game Mode In Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Multiplayer
Plenty of the Modern Warfare series' most beloved elements are returning to the latest game in the franchise, including classic maps and fan-favorite Modern Warfare 2 soldiers Ghost and Soap. It's little surprise that players are likely to recognize some of the multiplayer game modes that have been confirmed for the release. The game modes in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 will be sorted into two distinct categories at launch: core map modes and battle map modes. As the names imply, these classifications are based upon which type of map the match is played on.
Core map game modes are played in teams of 6 vs 6, and there are nine different modes being offered at launch. Each varies in terms of gameplay and objectives, and some have been showcased in the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 gameplay reveals leading up to the game's release. A full description of each game mode's goals is available on the Call of Duty multiplayer blog post. A brief overview of Modern Warfare 2's core map game modes can be found below:
- Free-for-All: Strictly elimination-based. The first player to reach 30 kills wins the match.
- Team Deathmatch: The first team to eliminate enough enemy players to reach the score limit of 75 wins.
- Domination: The map is divided into three zones, and teams need to capture and guard zones to win points.
- Hardpoint: The hardpoint location continuously rotates around the map, and players must find and capture it to win.
- Headquarters: Players have to defend the headquarters to collect points. Unfortunately, these competitive PVP modes may favor PC players, leading to concerns that Modern Warfare 2's crossplay will ruin the game.
- Control: Teams take turns attacking and defending objectives. The first to win three rounds or eliminate all the other team's lives wins.
- Prisoner Rescue: Players must either extract the hostages or keep the other team from doing so.
- Knock Out: Both teams fight over cash, located in the center of the map.
- Search & Destroy: Teams are tasked with either defending or destroying an object, with no respawns.
Battle map game modes can be played on teams of up to 32 vs 32. Thus far, only two game modes have been announced for this category: ground war and ground war invasion, both of which primarily revolve around completing objectives to earn the most points. Some fans believe that Modern Warfare 2's ground war could kill Battlefield by providing the experience that players have been craving. Other additions to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2's multiplayer include featured game modes, improved quick play thanks to personalized playlists, a more difficult multiplayer experience known as tier 1, and a third-person mode.
Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2's Multiplayer Map Categories
As previously stated, there are two main types of maps in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, core maps and battle maps. Beyond that, however, they're also sorted into three additional categories based on their location. The three locations are Al Mazrah, Las Almas, and the rest of the world. The beta test confirmed quite a few of the maps that will make an appearance in the game, and a Modern Warfare 2 leak revealed fan-favorite maps that would be returning as well.
Although the latest news regarding Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2's multiplayer mode didn't make mention of any specific maps, the game's beta can still provide at least some hint as to what players should expect. Included in the beta was Farm 18, Valderas Museum, Breenbergh Hotel, Sariff Bay, Sa'id, and Mercado Las Almas. Call of Duty fans will have to wait until launch to discover which of their other favorites are making a comeback, though.
Perk Packages In Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2's Multiplayer
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2's multiplayer will also build upon the perk system introduced in previous titles. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare's best weapon perks can help provide players with a significant advantage in battle. Modern Warfare 2's new expansion of this feature, perk packages, are available as part of the game's multiplayer loadout. Packages include two base perks, one bonus perk, and one ultimate perk. The two base perks are usable at the beginning of the match, with the others unlocking gradually as players amass eliminations and assists. Players can expect the following on October 28:
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Base Perks:
- Overkill: Carry two primary weapons.
- Double Time: Doubles the duration of sprinting.
- Battle Hardened: Reduces the effect of certain grenades.
- Scavenger: Players can resupply by looting dead enemies.
- Bomb Squad: Take reduced damage from explosives.
- Tracker: Enemies will leave behind footprints and death markers.
- Strong Arm: Equipment can be thrown farther and with more accuracy.
- Extra Tactical: Spawn an extra tactical. Given that the post-beta survey indicates Modern Warfare 2 changes, however, this perk could be altered.
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Bonus Perks:
- Resupply: Spawn with an extra lethal.
- Spotter: Enemy equipment can be seen through walls.
- Cold-Blooded: Remain undetected by targeting systems.
- Fast Hands: Weapons can be swapped and reloaded faster.
- Hardline: Reduces killstreak cost.
- Focus: Reduces flinch while aiming.
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Ultimate Perks:
- High Alert: Alerts players when spotted by an out-of-view enemy.
- Ghost: Remain undetected by certain tools.
- Quick Fix: Killing an enemy triggers health regeneration.
- Overclock: Store an additional field upgrade charge.
- Survivor: Revive downed players faster and trigger self-revival.
- Bird's Eye: Minimap is zoomed out.
The game will include premade perk packages to help newcomers to the franchise get a taste of which effects suit their gameplay style best. An in-depth overview of each perk's ability can be found on the Call of Duty blog post, though they're liable to change post-launch. Still, if used correctly, they can improve the best loadouts in Modern Warfare 2.
Field Upgrades & Killstreaks In Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Additional multiplayer features include field upgrades like recon drones and inflatable decoys. These tools and weapons pave the way for new gameplay tactics and charge over time during a match, meaning that players will have to take care to utilize them strategically. The list of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 field upgrades included upon release is as follows:
- Tactical Camera
- Inflatable Decoy
- DDoS
- Deployable Cover
- Trophy System
- Dead Silence
- Munitions Box
- Loadout Drop
- Portable Radar
- Tactical Insertion
- Battle Rage
- Recon Drone
- Smoke Airdrop
- Suppression Mine
- Anti-Armor Rounds
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 also allows for three killstreaks to be brought into a match, which only activate when a certain amount of eliminations has been reached. This might be difficult to achieve thanks to Modern Warfare 2's controversial minimap change. Different abilities are unlocked based on the amount of kills players have managed to amass:
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4 Kills:
- UAV
- Bomb Drone
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5 Kills:
- Counter UAV
- Cluster Mine
- Care Package
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6 Kills:
- Precision Airstrike
- Cruise Missile
- Mortar Strike
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7 Kills:
- Sentry Gun
- SAE
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8 Kills:
- VTOL Jet
- Overwatch Helo
- Wheelson-HS
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10 Kills:
- Stealth Bomber
- Chopper Gunner
- Emergency Airdrop
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12 Kills:
- Gunship
- Advanced UAV
Multiplayer can serve as a great way to master difficult maneuvers and tactics in order to carry them over into Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2's campaign. New players can effectively use it as a training ground if they so choose, familiarizing themselves with all the weapons and tools at their disposal. Modern Warfare 2's in-depth gunsmith progression makes the list of tools to master even more expansive. Regardless of how they choose to approach the game, though, there isn't much time left to strategize before Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 comes out on October 28.
Source: Call of Duty
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