Who Can You Play As in Modern Warfare 2 Multiplayer?

In Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (MW2), the multiplayer experience isn’t centered around selecting specific named characters like in the campaign. Instead, you play as a customizable operator, and your appearance can be altered through various skins, outfits, and attachments. These operators are grouped into different factions, like SpecGru and KorTac, which allow you to customize their appearance. You do not play as Sergeant Gary “Roach” Sanderson, Private James Ramirez, Captain MacTavish, Kyle “Gaz” Garrick or Johnny “Soap” MacTavish directly in multiplayer.

While the story mode focuses on iconic characters such as Soap, Ghost, and Captain Price, multiplayer is all about creating your unique operative. You’ll be leveling up your account, unlocking new operators and customization options to further personalize your in-game persona. This differs significantly from the campaign, which has a set character roster. The focus is on you creating and developing your own soldier, rather than playing as a known entity from the single-player campaign.

FAQs About MW2 Multiplayer Characters

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the character system in Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer, cross-play, co-op, and other related features:

1. Can I play as Soap, Ghost, or Price in MW2 multiplayer?

No, you cannot directly play as Soap MacTavish, Simon “Ghost” Riley, or Captain John Price in MW2 multiplayer. These iconic characters are central to the single-player campaign and are not available as playable operators in standard multiplayer modes. However, character skins and operator outfits inspired by these and other characters are often available through various means such as Battle Passes or purchasing from the in-game store.

2. What are Operators in MW2 Multiplayer?

Operators in MW2 multiplayer are the customizable avatars you play as. They come with various cosmetic customizations that can be unlocked by completing challenges, progressing through the Battle Pass, or buying bundles with COD points. Operators are grouped by faction, and you can choose from different appearances for each faction.

3. Are there different factions in MW2 multiplayer?

Yes, MW2 multiplayer features different factions, such as SpecGru and KorTac. Each faction has its own set of operators and associated cosmetics. You can select which faction and operator you wish to use at the start of each match or in the pre-match lobby. The faction does not impact gameplay, it’s purely cosmetic.

4. How do I customize my operator in MW2 multiplayer?

You can customize your operator using a variety of skins, outfits, and attachments. These items can be unlocked by completing challenges, progressing through the Battle Pass, or purchasing them from the in-game store. The options allow for very deep levels of customization so you can make your operative stand out in battle.

5. Does Modern Warfare 2 have crossplay?

Yes, Modern Warfare 2 features crossplay, which means players on all platforms – PC, PlayStation, and Xbox – can play together. This unified playing experience ensures that friends can team up regardless of their chosen platform.

6. How does crossplay affect my operator and progression in MW2?

The crossplay system in MW2 also enables cross-progression. This means that your progress, unlocked operators, customization items, and account level are all linked to your Activision account and will carry over across all platforms. You can switch from your PlayStation to your PC, for instance, and have everything intact and ready to go.

7. Is there split-screen multiplayer in MW2?

Yes, Modern Warfare 2 offers split-screen multiplayer, allowing two players to play on the same console. However, this feature is limited to Private Matches within the multiplayer mode. Unfortunately, it does not support the classic four-player split-screen but allows 2 players to enjoy a localized co-op experience.

8. How does skill-based matchmaking work with party play?

Skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) in MW2 affects who you can play with in a party. Players within the same Skill Division can form parties without restrictions, however, there are limitations for higher ranks:

• Crimson-Top 250: Can party with players within 1 Skill Division.
• Diamond: Can party within 2 Skill Divisions.
• Bronze through Platinum: Can party up without any restrictions.

9. Does MW2 multiplayer have a co-op mode?

Yes, MW2 has a co-op mode called Special Operations (Spec Ops) which supports two players. These missions feature different objectives and levels. Additionally, co-op raids (missions with a steadily increasing difficulty) are available for up to three players and were introduced after the initial game release.

10. Is there a Zombie mode in MW2?

While MW2 doesn’t feature a traditional, dedicated Zombies mode at launch, it did incorporate zombie-themed modes in limited-time events. These include variants on multiplayer modes and do not include a full round-based Zombies experience. It did incorporate events with jump scares, skulls, zombies etc into standard game modes such as domination, kill confirmed and infected.

11. What is the DMZ game mode in MW2?

DMZ is a session-based multiplayer survival mode within Warzone 2. It is similar to games like Escape From Tarkov, where you infiltrate a map, scavenge for loot, complete objectives, and exfil before being eliminated. The mode is a highly tactical, high-stakes survival experience.

12. Is DMZ free to play?

Yes, DMZ is available within the free Warzone 2 experience, meaning you do not need to own the base game to play it.

13. Is MW2 multiplayer free?

Call of Duty® MW2 Multiplayer periodically has Free Access weekends and promotions. However, it is not free to play as a full-time offering.

14. Does MW2 multiplayer have cross-progression?

Yes, MW2 features cross-progression. Your progress, such as unlocked operators, weapons, customization items, and account level, are linked to your Activision account and will carry over across all platforms you play on, providing you are using the same linked account.

15. What is the future of character customization in Call of Duty?

Character customization will likely continue to evolve in future Call of Duty titles. With new Battle Passes and in-game store bundles, players will continue to have a vast array of cosmetic options for their operators. Future titles, like the new Modern Warfare 3, are likely to have all features that were present in previous titles, including cross play, co-op and player progression that is shared across all platforms. This ensures a consistent and personalized experience for all Call of Duty players.