Do MW2 Pre-Orders Get Early Access?
Yes, pre-ordering a digital copy of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (MW2) does grant you early access. Specifically, pre-ordering gives players early access to the single-player campaign a full week before the game’s official launch. This benefit was a significant perk for fans eager to dive into the story before everyone else. However, it’s crucial to note that this early access benefit is exclusively for digital pre-orders. If you purchased a physical copy of the game, you will have to wait for the official launch date to play the campaign.
This early access was rolled out before the multiplayer portion of the game went live. The aim was to allow players to experience the narrative and immersive world of MW2 without the immediate rush of the multiplayer experience. Therefore, you could play the campaign early, but not multiplayer. This early start was also a great way to preload and prepare for the full launch.
Understanding Early Access for MW2
Digital Pre-Orders: Your Key to Early Access
The most important point to understand is that only digital pre-orders grant access to the MW2 campaign ahead of the official release. These digital pre-orders can be made through platforms like:
- PlayStation Store (PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5)
- Xbox Store (Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S)
- Battle.net (PC)
- Steam (PC)
If you purchased through any of these digital stores, you were eligible for the early access campaign.
Campaign Early Access Timing
The early access period typically began one week prior to the official launch date. For Modern Warfare II, this meant players could jump into the campaign as early as October 20th, while the full release including multiplayer launched on October 28th. Exact timings varied based on your location and platform, but the early access was generally available by 10 am PT on October 20th for consoles.
No Physical Copy Early Access
It cannot be stressed enough that this early access benefit does not apply to those who pre-order physical copies of the game. If you pre-ordered a physical disc, you will need to wait until the official launch day to play any part of the game, including the campaign. This was a specific incentive to encourage digital sales.
Benefits Beyond Early Access
Pre-ordering MW2 digitally also came with additional perks, such as early access to the open beta and in-game cosmetic items. This made digital pre-orders a comprehensive package for avid fans. The Vault Edition, an even higher tier digital option, included extra benefits such as a Battle Pass and Battle Token Tier Skips.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does early access for MW2 include?
Early access for MW2 allows you to play the full single-player campaign up to one week before the game’s official launch. This does not include early access to multiplayer.
2. How do I get my MW2 early access code?
If you pre-ordered digitally, you do not need a code. The game is directly linked to your account and becomes accessible automatically during the early access period. If you purchased through a retailer, your code was either printed on the retail receipt or emailed to you via online receipt.
3. Can I play Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer early if I pre-order?
No. Pre-ordering only provided early access to the single-player campaign. The multiplayer portion launched on the official release date.
4. What is the difference between pre-ordering a digital copy and a physical copy regarding early access?
Only digital pre-orders receive early access to the campaign. Physical copies must wait until the official release date to play any part of the game.
5. What time did MW2 early access come out?
The campaign early access typically became available at 10 am PT on October 20th for Xbox and other consoles. Preloading for Campaign Early Access on PC began on November 1 at 9AM PT, with Early Access going live on November 2 at 10AM PT.
6. How big was the MW2 early access download?
On Steam, the pre-load for the campaign was around 29.9GB, with an installed size of 30.5GB. The size may have varied slightly on other platforms.
7. What platforms offered MW2 digital pre-orders with early access?
Digital pre-orders that granted early access were available on PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Battle.net, and Steam.
8. Can I upgrade to the Vault Edition after pre-ordering the Standard Edition?
Yes, you can upgrade to the Vault Edition if the upgrade is on the same platform where you initially purchased the Standard Edition.
9. What is included in the Vault Edition of MW2?
The Vault Edition includes the full game, early access to the campaign, a Battle Pass, Battle Token Tier Skips, and other in-game cosmetic items such as operator packs and weapon blueprints.
10. Is the Vault Edition worth the extra cost?
Whether the Vault Edition is worth the cost depends on your interest in the extra cosmetic items and battle pass perks. If you value skins, blueprints, and additional XP boosts, then it is worthwhile. Otherwise, the Standard Edition is sufficient to access the full gameplay experience.
11. How long was the early access period for the campaign?
The campaign early access lasted for up to one week before the full release of the game.
12. Did I need a beta code to participate in early access?
No, if you pre-ordered digitally you did not need a beta code. The early access was automatically registered to your account.
13. If I missed the pre-order, can I still play the campaign early?
No, early access was a pre-order benefit only. Once the game officially launched, everyone could access all the game modes, including the campaign.
14. What happens if I buy the Vault Edition after early access has started?
You still receive all the benefits of the Vault Edition, including the Battle Pass and Tier Skips, and XP boosts, even if you missed the early access period. The Battle Pass and Tier Skips can be used in the current season.
15. Can I use my double XP tokens during the campaign early access?
Yes, the Double XP tokens, if obtained through the Vault Edition, could be used during the campaign early access.
In conclusion, pre-ordering MW2 digitally provided a significant perk: a week-long head start on the single-player campaign. While this benefit was exclusive to digital pre-orders, it encouraged many players to secure their copy of the game early and experience the narrative before the full launch. Knowing this can help you make informed choices about how you purchase future Call of Duty titles.