Can You Play Modern Warfare if You Pre-Order?
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Yes, absolutely! Pre-ordering Call of Duty: Modern Warfare titles often grants you early access perks, allowing you to play the game before its official release date. However, the specific content and timing of this early access vary depending on the title and whether you are pre-ordering digitally or a physical copy. This article will delve into the specifics of pre-ordering Modern Warfare games, clarifying what you can expect and answering common questions.
Understanding Early Access with Pre-Orders
The primary benefit of pre-ordering a Modern Warfare game digitally is gaining Campaign Early Access. This allows you to dive into the game’s single-player story mode up to a week before the official launch. This offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the narrative and gameplay without any spoilers before the rest of the world joins in.
Specifically, let’s look at the latest iteration: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III. Pre-ordering the digital edition unlocks Campaign Early Access which went live on November 2, 2023, a full week prior to the official release date of November 10, 2023. This early access is exclusive to digital pre-orders and is a significant draw for fans eager to experience the game’s storyline.
It’s worth noting that even for previous Modern Warfare titles, like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, digital pre-orders offered a similar benefit. Players who pre-ordered digitally could play the full campaign a week ahead of everyone else.
Benefits of Pre-Ordering Beyond Early Access
Beyond early campaign access, pre-ordering a Modern Warfare title usually includes other bonuses, such as:
- Open Beta Early Access: Often, before the full launch, there will be an open beta period allowing players to sample the multiplayer mode. Pre-ordering can sometimes grant you early access to this beta, giving you a head start on learning the maps and gameplay. For Modern Warfare III, both early access to the open beta and campaign access are included with pre-order.
- Exclusive In-Game Content: Pre-ordering can also get you exclusive cosmetic items, such as character skins, weapon blueprints, and other customization options. For example, pre-ordering Modern Warfare III includes the Zombie Ghost Operator skin for the multiplayer component and if you pre-order the Vault Edition, you also receive The Soul Harvester Tracer weapon blueprint and the Nemesis Operator pack.
How to Pre-Order
Pre-ordering a digital copy is usually very straightforward. You can do this through your console’s respective online store (PlayStation Store, Xbox Store) or via the PC platform (Battle.net or Steam).
Here’s how you might proceed:
- Access your platform’s digital store: Open either your console store or your chosen PC launcher.
- Search for the game: Type the name of the desired Modern Warfare title into the search bar.
- Select your preferred edition: Choose from the Standard, Vault, or other special editions, keeping in mind the different bonuses each one offers.
- Confirm your purchase: Once selected, follow the on-screen prompts to complete your pre-order.
When Can You Play?
The exact launch time can vary depending on your location and platform. For example, Modern Warfare II’s multiplayer launch rolled out based on region, with consoles launching first in New Zealand and other areas west of the United States before eventually reaching the USA, with 9 PM PT launch for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
Preloading is an option for digital pre-orders and will allow you to download the game ahead of time so you can play as soon as the access window opens. Specifically, for Modern Warfare III’s Campaign Early Access, preloading was available on PC from November 1st at 9 AM PT, and the early access went live on November 2nd at 10 AM PT.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that provide additional clarification and context about pre-ordering Call of Duty Modern Warfare games:
1. Do I need to pre-order to play the beta?
Not always. While pre-ordering might get you early access to the beta, there is usually an open beta period where anyone can play regardless of preorder status. For example, for Modern Warfare III, the Open Beta became available to all PC players starting Saturday, October 14th at 10 AM PT, regardless of pre-order status.
2. How much does it cost to pre-order Modern Warfare?
The price usually ranges around $69.99 for the standard digital edition. There are often higher-priced deluxe versions or Vault Editions that will offer more content at a higher price, as is the case with Modern Warfare III.
3. Can I play Modern Warfare 2 now if I pre-order Modern Warfare 3?
No. Pre-ordering Modern Warfare III does not grant access to previous titles such as Modern Warfare II. Each game needs to be purchased separately.
4. What happens if I cancel my Modern Warfare pre-order?
You can typically cancel your pre-order before the game launches. If you cancel after being charged, you may be able to request an exchange or refund, depending on the platform. The process may vary, so review your platform’s cancellation and refund policies.
5. Is Call of Duty Modern Warfare free to play?
No. The main Call of Duty titles, including the Modern Warfare series, are not free to play. However, Warzone 1 and Warzone 2 are free-to-play.
6. Do I need to play any other Call of Duty games before playing Modern Warfare?
No, you don’t. Modern Warfare has its own standalone storyline, separate from the other Call of Duty titles. The exception is the original Modern Warfare trilogy, which is interconnected. For example, Modern Warfare’s storyline is unrelated to the first three Call of Duty games.
7. Can anyone play the Modern Warfare open beta?
Yes. The open beta is accessible to everyone, regardless of whether they pre-ordered the game or not. Usually, early access to the beta is a benefit of pre-ordering, followed by an open beta for all.
8. When will Modern Warfare 3 be released?
Modern Warfare III is set to release on November 10, 2023.
9. What platforms will Modern Warfare 3 be on?
The game will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
10. Will Modern Warfare 3 have Zombies mode?
Yes, Modern Warfare III will feature a zombies mode that comes with its own mechanics, gear, and special unlocks.
11. How do I download Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2?
If you have purchased the game on Steam, you can download it via your Steam library after logging into your account and selecting “Install” on the game page. Similarly, for other platforms, the game is available on the respective digital store.
12. What time does Modern Warfare 2 release?
The official release time for Modern Warfare II varied based on platform and location. For PC, it was 12 AM ET on October 28th with consoles launching first in regions West of the United States, with the United States seeing a launch at 9 PM PT on the 27th, or midnight ET on the 28th.
13. What do you get if you pre-order the Vault Edition of Modern Warfare?
Typically, the Vault Edition grants access to a variety of extra downloadable content, such as bonus Operator skins, weapon blueprints, and more. In Modern Warfare III, the Vault edition includes The Soul Harvester Tracer weapon blueprint and the Nemesis Operator pack, as well as other content.
14. Is PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass needed for Early Access?
Typically, PlayStation Plus is not needed for early access on PlayStation, while Xbox Game Pass Core is needed for early access on Xbox, though it is not required for the open beta.
15. Can I play the Multiplayer early by pre-ordering?
No. While early access to the campaign is a benefit of pre-ordering, early multiplayer access is not usually provided. Multiplayer goes live on the official release date.
Conclusion
Pre-ordering Call of Duty: Modern Warfare games, particularly the digital editions, provides a range of benefits including early campaign access, beta access, and exclusive in-game content. The specifics will vary between titles, so carefully review the information for each new release. By understanding the various advantages and considering the different editions available, you can enhance your Call of Duty experience and dive into the action before the official launch.