Can You Use the Same MW2 Account on PS5 and PC? A Deep Dive into Cross-Progression

Yes, you absolutely can use the same Modern Warfare II (MW2) account on both your PlayStation 5 (PS5) and your PC. Thanks to cross-progression, your progress, unlocks, and purchases are tied to your Activision account, not the specific platform you’re playing on. This means you can seamlessly switch between your PS5 and PC without losing any of your hard-earned achievements.

Understanding Cross-Progression in MW2

Cross-progression is a game-changer for players who enjoy gaming on multiple platforms. It liberates you from being locked into a single ecosystem and lets you take your gaming experience wherever you go. Here’s how it works within Modern Warfare II:

• Activision Account is Key: Your Activision account acts as the central hub for all your MW2 data. All your progress – levels, weapon unlocks, Battle Pass tiers, cosmetics, and more – are stored on Activision’s servers and linked to this account.
• Platform Linking: You need to link your PlayStation Network (PSN) ID and your PC gaming account (either Steam or Battle.net) to the same Activision account. This establishes the connection that allows your progress to be shared across platforms.
• Seamless Switching: Once linked, you can play MW2 on either your PS5 or PC, and your progress will automatically sync. You can start a match on your PC, then continue where you left off on your PS5, and vice versa.
• Purchases are Platform-Specific: While progress carries over, game licenses do not. You’ll need to purchase MW2 separately for each platform you intend to play on. If you want to play on both PC and PS5, you’ll need a PC copy and a PS5 copy of the game.

Benefits of Cross-Progression

• Play Anywhere, Anytime: Enjoy the freedom to play on your preferred platform without sacrificing your progress.
• Unified Experience: Maintain a consistent profile across all platforms, showcasing your achievements regardless of where you’re playing.
• Maximize Progression: Earn Battle Pass tiers, weapon XP, and other unlocks on any platform, contributing to your overall progress.
• Continue The Grind: If you start the grind for certain weapons, camos, or challenges you can switch between platforms.
• Flexibility: You can be as flexible as possible and play the game where it suits you best.

Setting Up Cross-Progression

1. Create or Log In to Your Activision Account: Visit the Activision website and create an account if you don’t already have one. If you do, log in using your existing credentials.
2. Link Your Accounts: Navigate to the “Account Linking” section of your Activision profile.
3. Link Your PSN ID: Link your PlayStation Network account to your Activision account.
4. Link Your PC Account: Link your Steam or Battle.net account to your Activision account, depending on where you purchased MW2 on PC.
5. Verify the Connection: Once linked, double-check that all your accounts are correctly associated with your Activision account.

Once your accounts are linked, launch MW2 on either your PS5 or PC and log in using your Activision account. Your progress should automatically synchronize. If any items or progress are not showing up, check to make sure that both accounts are correctly linked. Contact Activision customer support if problems persist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I Need to Buy MW2 on PS5 if I Already Own it on PC?

Yes, you need to purchase a separate copy of MW2 for each platform you want to play on. The game license is tied to the specific platform store (PlayStation Store, Steam, or Battle.net). This is also true for the latest Call of Duty title, Modern Warfare III.

2. Can I Transfer My MW2 Purchase from Battle.net to Steam (or Vice Versa)?

No, you cannot transfer your MW2 purchase between Battle.net and Steam. These are separate platforms, and licenses are not transferable. You must purchase the game on the platform you intend to play on.

3. Will My Battle Pass Progress Carry Over Between PS5 and PC?

Yes, your Battle Pass progress is linked to your Activision account and will carry over between your PS5 and PC, provided you are playing on the same linked Activision account.

4. Can I Use Different Activision Accounts on PS5 and PC?

You can use different Activision accounts, but you will not have cross-progression. Your progress will be tied to each individual account. To utilize cross-progression, you must use the same Activision account on both platforms.

5. What Happens if I Unlink My Accounts?

Unlinking your accounts will stop cross-progression. Your progress will no longer be shared between platforms. If you relink the same accounts, your progress will be restored.

6. Is Crossplay Enabled in MW2?

Yes, crossplay is enabled in Modern Warfare II, allowing you to play with friends on different platforms (PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC).

7. Can I Disable Crossplay?

PlayStation players can turn crossplay on and off without issue, keeping their games of Warzone 2 and Modern Warfare 2 strictly in-house, so to speak. PC and Xbox players have different requirements.

8. Do I Need PlayStation Plus to Play MW2 Online on PS5?

Yes, you need an active PlayStation Plus subscription to play MW2 online on your PS5, unless it is a free-to-play mode, such as Warzone.

9. Can I Share My MW2 Game with Family Sharing on Steam?

The option to use Steam’s family sharing function with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has been disabled. An update removed this feature for the game.

10. Will My MW2 Content Transfer to Modern Warfare III (MW3)?

Yes, with the “Carry Forward” procedure, you can transfer content you own from Modern Warfare 2 over to Modern Warfare 3.

11. How Do I Merge Two Activision Accounts?

Unfortunately, you cannot merge two Activision accounts. The progress and licenses on each account are entirely separate.

12. Is an Activision Account Required to Play MW2?

Yes, to support crossplay and cross-progression, Modern Warfare II requires all players to log in to an Activision account when playing online.

13. What is Smurfing, and How Do I Do It in MW2?

Smurfing is creating a new account to play against less experienced players. To smurf in MW2, you’d create a new Activision account with a new email.

14. Can I Play MW2 on the Same Account on Two Different Consoles Simultaneously?

Your primary console will allow others, logged into their own account, to play games your account owns. For example, you can be logged into your account from the PS5, while someone else is logged into their account from the PS4, and you can both run games that you own, because both consoles are your primary.

15. Will MW2 Progress Reset After a Beta?

No progress made in the Modern Warfare 2 beta carries over to the full game upon release.

The Future of Cross-Progression

Cross-progression is becoming increasingly common in modern multiplayer games. It’s a welcome feature that enhances player freedom and enjoyment. As games continue to evolve, we can expect cross-progression to become a standard offering, bridging the gap between different gaming platforms and creating a more unified gaming experience.

The evolution of gaming has seen the blend of entertainment with cognitive development, particularly in aspects like problem-solving and strategic thinking. For more insights into the intersection of gaming and learning, visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website to explore research and resources that delve into the educational potential of gaming. The Games Learning Society is a great resource for this.

By embracing cross-progression, developers are recognizing the importance of player choice and flexibility. Modern Warfare II’s implementation of cross-progression is a prime example of how to create a seamless and rewarding experience for players across multiple platforms, strengthening the engagement and investment in the game.