Is the COD MW2 Campaign Long? A Deep Dive into Playtime Expectations
The question of campaign length is often a crucial factor for players deciding whether to invest in a new Call of Duty title. With Modern Warfare 2 (MW2), the answer isn’t as straightforward as a simple “yes” or “no.” The campaign’s length largely depends on your playstyle and completion goals. In short: if you focus on the main story objectives, the MW2 campaign is moderately short, clocking in around 6-8 hours on average. However, for completionists aiming to see everything, the playtime can easily extend past 12 hours, potentially reaching around 21 hours for full 100% completion. This article delves deeper into what to expect from the MW2 campaign in terms of duration and provides answers to some frequently asked questions.
Campaign Length Breakdown
Main Story Focus
If you’re primarily concerned with experiencing the core narrative, focusing solely on the main missions, you can expect a playtime of roughly 6-8 hours. This duration aligns with the typical length of many modern first-person shooter campaigns. Players who are skilled in FPS games or on lower difficulty settings might even finish the main story slightly quicker.
Completionist Playthrough
On the other hand, if you’re a player who aims to explore every nook and cranny, uncover all secret items, solve optional puzzles, and unlock all campaign rewards, then you’re looking at a significantly longer experience. A completionist playthrough of Modern Warfare 2 can easily extend to over 12 hours and some reports suggest it can take around 21 hours to fully complete. This added time is due to the additional effort required for full exploration, challenge completion, and mastering the game on higher difficulty settings.
Factors Affecting Playtime
Several factors can influence your campaign playtime:
- Skill Level: Players experienced in FPS games or those who select lower difficulty levels will likely complete the campaign faster than new players or those on higher difficulties.
- Exploration: Players who thoroughly explore the levels, looking for hidden items and optional objectives, will spend considerably more time than those sticking solely to the main path.
- Difficulty: Higher difficulty settings increase the challenge and, subsequently, the time required to complete each mission.
- Play Style: Some players may choose to employ more tactical gameplay, taking their time, while others prefer a more aggressive, run-and-gun approach, impacting play time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about the length and other aspects of the Modern Warfare 2 campaign:
1. How many missions are in the MW2 campaign?
The Modern Warfare 2 campaign features 17 missions, with action spanning various continents and gameplay styles.
2. What rewards do I get for completing the MW2 campaign?
Each of the 17 missions in the MW2 campaign comes with special completion rewards, including items that improve and speed up your online multiplayer progression. These rewards make completing the campaign worthwhile for all players, even those primarily interested in multiplayer.
3. Does the Modern Warfare 2 campaign have choices?
While not having branching storylines, there are dialogue choices in the latter part of the Modern Warfare 2 campaign. However, it’s essential to note that these choices do not affect the overall story outcome.
4. How does the Modern Warfare 2 campaign end?
The campaign concludes with Hassan dead and the team learning that ultra-nationalist Russians led by Makarov were responsible for sabotaging Shepherd’s mission. Shepherd himself is missing by the campaign’s end. This sets up the narrative for future Modern Warfare titles.
5. Is the Modern Warfare 2 campaign short?
When strictly focusing on the main objectives, at around 6-8 hours, the campaign can be considered on the shorter side for single player campaigns. However, it offers a packed and engaging experience within that timeframe. If you are looking for a longer campaign, you may be better off looking at other Call of Duty games.
6. Which COD has the longest campaign?
Black Ops III is often cited as having the longest campaign in the Call of Duty series, with the main story taking around nine hours to complete for most players.
7. Which COD has the shortest campaign?
While there are reports of Modern Warfare (2019) having a campaign as short as 3-4 hours, Modern Warfare 3 (2011) is commonly cited as the shortest Call of Duty campaign, taking approximately 4-6 hours to finish.
8. Which Call of Duty has no campaign?
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is the first title in the series to not include a traditional single-player campaign, opting instead for multiplayer, Zombies, and the Blackout battle royale mode.
9. What is the hardest Call of Duty campaign?
Call of Duty: World at War is often considered the hardest campaign in the series, known for its intense battles, constant enemy fire, and challenging mission design.
10. Which Call of Duty has the easiest campaign?
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is often cited as having one of the easiest campaigns, even when playing on the “veteran” difficulty.
11. What is the best CoD campaign?
Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010) is often praised as having the best campaign, for its compelling narrative set in the 1960s, alongside its memorable soundtrack and locations.
12. Does Modern Warfare 2 have zombies?
While Modern Warfare 2 does not have a traditional zombies mode, it does feature zombie-themed elements within its multiplayer, like twisted takes on classic modes with zombies and jump scares.
13. Will Modern Warfare 3 have zombies?
Yes, Modern Warfare 3 (2023) will have a zombies mode, marking the first time the mode will appear in the Modern Warfare universe.
14. How long is the MW3 Campaign?
The Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III campaign is considered short, with an estimated play time of 3-5 hours.
15. Is Alex still alive in Modern Warfare?
Yes, Alex survived the explosion at the facility and is alive during the events of Modern Warfare 2.
Conclusion
The Modern Warfare 2 campaign, while not exceptionally long, offers a tight and enjoyable experience, especially for players who focus on the main story. Whether you’re a seasoned FPS veteran or new to the franchise, the campaign provides a balanced level of challenge and entertainment. If you’re aiming for a 100% completionist run, prepare to spend significantly more time. Ultimately, the length of the MW2 campaign should be viewed as a positive aspect, offering an engaging and focused narrative without feeling overly drawn out. It is designed to be replayable and rewarding, making it an integral part of the overall Call of Duty experience.