Modern Warfare 2 campaign to launch before multiplayer release

In a move unprecedented for the Call of Duty series, Activision has confirmed that Modern Warfare 2’s campaign will unlock ahead of the game’s release, giving players a chance to play through the story before the multiplayer arrives.

For the past two decades, players have always faced a difficult choice ahead of the launch of any new CoD title. Should you play through the campaign first or jump into multiplayer on day one? Luckily, players will be this time relieved of this agony.

Find out everything about the early access of the Modern Warfare 2 campaign in this article. 

Play through the campaign in peace

For many, the race to quickly unlock weapons and gain prestige meant that solo player mode was often neglected. To prevent that from happening, Activision is now giving everyone the opportunity to play the Modern Warfare 2 campaign early.

With a separate Early Access launch ahead of the full release, players around the world will be able to take their time to complete the new storyline and experience Task Force 141’s recent journey. Not only that, playing the campaign will even unlock a bunch of exclusive multiplayer goodies.

MW 2 campaign: release date

While Modern Warfare 2 will release in full on Friday, October 28, players can jump in a week early and start their campaign starting Thursday, October 20 at 10 am PT.

In order to fully prepare, you can even preload the campaign 24 hours earlier, starting on  Wednesday, October 19 at 10AM PT. This is available to players on all platforms, so everyone can prepare for the launch of the campaign regardless of where they’re playing.

To get early access to the Modern Warfare 2 campaign, all you have to do is pre-order the game on your platform of choice. This is possible with any version of the game as long as you have a digital pre-order. It’s still unclear if those who pre-ordered the game from a retailer will also be able to play early.

Campaign rewards

Playing through the campaign before launching multiplayer is incentive enough for many. However, Activision has unveiled a whole range of exclusive rewards that players can earn just by playing through the single-player story.

From four different operators to a range of double XP counters and calling cards, there’s a lot up for grabs here. Even better, an additional assault rifle blueprint awaits those who complete the entire campaign. Below is the full list of offers in chronological order:

• Business card: “Soap’s Determination”
• Emblem: “What is done is done”.
• 30 minute double XP mark
• 30 Minute Double Weapon XP Token
• Card calling: “Chained”
• Basis-Operator: Chuy
• 30 minute double XP mark
• 30 Minute Double Weapon XP Token
• Business card: “Gaz”
• Basis-Operator: Nova
• 1 hour double XP mark
• 1 Hour Double Weapon XP Token
• Visitenkarte: “Shadow Company Ops”
• Basis-Operator: Reyes
• 1 hour double XP mark
• 1 Hour Double Weapon XP Token
• Basis-Operator: Hutch
• Bonus: Union Guard Weapon Blueprint

If you get in early, you’ll have a decent head start when multiplayer mode arrives a week later. Not only will you become more familiar with Modern Warfare 2’s gameplay systems, but you’ll also have a whole host of exclusive content to show off.

Header: Activision