Can You Still Buy Vault Edition MW2? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: No, you cannot directly purchase the Vault Edition of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (MW2) anymore as a standalone product. While it was available upon the game’s release, and for a period afterward, it is no longer offered for sale by digital storefronts like Battle.net, Steam, the PlayStation Store, or the Microsoft Store.
However, this doesn’t mean you’re entirely out of luck. There are a few things to consider and alternative options that could grant you access to some of the Vault Edition’s content, which we will explore in detail below.
The Discontinuation of the Vault Edition
When Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II launched, the Vault Edition was the premium digital offering, providing players with a suite of exclusive in-game items and bonuses. This version, with a steep MSRP of $99.99, appealed to hardcore fans who wanted immediate access to a variety of cosmetic items, weapon blueprints, and experience boosts.
However, as the game cycle moved on and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (MW3) was announced and subsequently released, the digital storefronts pulled the direct sales of the MW2 Vault Edition. This is a standard practice in the gaming industry, as newer versions of games take precedence.
Why Was the Vault Edition Discontinued?
- Focus on the Latest Release: Game publishers primarily focus sales and marketing efforts on the most recent title. The discontinuation of older versions helps drive sales towards the newest installment, in this case, MW3.
- Limited-Time Content: Often, certain content, especially premium offerings like the Vault Edition, is intended to be available for a limited period to incentivize early purchases.
- Transition to New Systems: As new games release, they often have updated mechanics, systems, and content that aren’t compatible with older game versions. Maintaining support for older, premium editions might cause technical complications.
Alternatives and Options
While you can’t buy the Vault Edition outright for MW2 anymore, there are some indirect options you might want to consider:
- Pre-Owned Game Codes: It’s possible, though less common, to find a pre-owned copy of the game that might still contain an unredeemed Vault Edition code. These would be rare, and their legitimacy can be questionable. Proceed with caution.
- Bundles: Occasionally, promotional bundles or digital packages may include some of the same items that the Vault Edition included. Keep an eye out for these, although they don’t guarantee all the contents of the original premium edition.
- Account Sharing (Xbox): If you have a friend or family member who owns the MW2 Vault Edition on Xbox, setting their account as your “Home Xbox” may allow you to access some of their game library, including certain DLC content. However, this relies on the other person’s cooperation.
- Modern Warfare III Vault Edition: While not directly related to MW2, pre-ordering the Vault Edition of MW3 provided access to some in-game items that can be used in both MW2 and MW3. Specifically, the Zombie Ghost operator skin could be used in both games.
Understanding the Limitations
- No Direct Upgrade: There is no official path for upgrading to the Vault Edition if you own the standard edition of MW2.
- Customer Service Restrictions: Activision support cannot circumvent the discontinuation of the Vault Edition, nor can they add items from it to your game.
- Reseller Caution: Exercise extreme caution when buying digital codes or content from third-party sellers. Ensure they are reputable and offering valid, working codes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions regarding the Vault Edition of MW2, to provide further clarity and information:
1. What exactly was included in the MW2 Vault Edition?
The Vault Edition of MW2 came with the base game, plus the Red Team 141 Operator Pack, FJX Cinder Weapon Vault, a Season 1 Battle Pass, 50 tier skips, and some exclusive cosmetic items.
2. Is the MW2 Vault Edition different from the Cross-Gen Bundle?
Yes, the Cross-Gen Bundle only included access to both the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S versions of the game, while the Vault Edition included additional content such as the Red Team 141 Operator Pack and FJX Cinder Weapon Vault.
3. Can I upgrade to the Vault Edition if I already own the standard edition of MW2?
No, direct upgrades to the Vault Edition for MW2 are not available anymore.
4. Why can’t I upgrade to the Vault Edition of MW2?
Activision has discontinued sales and upgrades of the MW2 Vault Edition, shifting focus towards the latest iteration of the franchise, MW3.
5. Is the FJX Cinder Weapon Vault available separately?
No, the FJX Cinder Weapon Vault was exclusive to the Vault Edition of MW2 and is not available for purchase separately.
6. Was the MW2 beta only available for the Vault Edition?
No, the open beta for MW2 was available to anyone who pre-ordered any digital edition of the game, not just the Vault Edition.
7. How do I access the content I received from the Vault Edition?
Generally, the content becomes automatically available after purchasing the Vault Edition and launching the game. However, you may need to “restore licenses” on your console or platform to access all content.
8. Is the Vault Edition for MW2 a physical or digital product?
The Vault Edition of MW2 was only available digitally.
9. Is the pre-order bonus for MW2 still available?
Most pre-order bonuses, such as early campaign access, were time-sensitive and not generally available now.
10. What is the point of buying a Cross-Gen bundle of MW2?
The Cross-Gen bundle allows you to play the game on both Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, or the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
11. Can I still get the Ghost operator skin from the MW3 pre-order?
Yes, if you pre-ordered the digital version of MW3, you should still have access to the Zombie Ghost skin to use in both MW2 and MW3.
12. Does the Vault Edition cost the same even if I own the base game?
When the Vault Edition was available for purchase as an upgrade, it was still priced at $99.99 even if you owned the base game. Since it has been removed from the storefront, this is no longer relevant.
13. Is it worth it to buy the Vault Edition (when it was available)?
The value of the Vault Edition is subjective. If you are a fan who cares deeply about skins, weapon blueprints, and other cosmetic items, it might be worth the additional cost. If you’re only interested in the core gameplay, the standard edition would suffice.
14. How do I pre-order the Vault Edition for MW3?
You can pre-order the Vault Edition of MW3 through the digital storefronts for your specific platform (PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Steam, or Battle.net).
15. Will there be another chance to purchase the Vault Edition of MW2 in the future?
It is highly unlikely that Activision will re-release the Vault Edition for MW2. Publishers usually focus on newer products. However, check for bundles that might contain some of the items at a later date.
Conclusion
While you can no longer directly purchase the Vault Edition of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, understanding why it was discontinued and exploring potential alternative options might help you achieve some of the desired content. Keep an eye out for promotional bundles and exercise caution when considering second-hand codes, and always prioritize reputable sellers. Your best bet for premium content is now generally focused on Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, which might offer new and interesting cosmetics and features.