Do Pre-Orders Get to Play MW2 Early? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, pre-ordering Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (MW2) did grant early access to certain aspects of the game. Specifically, players who digitally pre-ordered the game were rewarded with early access to the single-player campaign, allowing them to dive into the story a full week ahead of the official launch date. However, it’s crucial to understand the nuances of this early access, as not all pre-orders were created equal. This article will delve into the details, clarifying exactly who got early access and how it worked.
Understanding the Early Access Landscape
The key to unlocking early access to MW2 was making a digital pre-order. This meant purchasing the game through digital storefronts like the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Battle.net, or Steam. Physical copies of the game, unfortunately, did not qualify for early access to the campaign.
This digital-only access was a deliberate decision by Activision to incentivize early digital adoption and reward players who committed to the game before release. The move allowed a portion of the player base to experience the campaign while also generating buzz before the official multiplayer launch.
Campaign Early Access: The Primary Perk
The main benefit of pre-ordering MW2 digitally was the ability to play the single-player campaign a full week before the game’s official launch. This provided a chance for players to immerse themselves in the narrative, explore the characters, and get a taste of the game’s mechanics before the rest of the player base jumped in. It was a significant draw for those eager to avoid spoilers and experience the game’s story on their own terms.
Beta Access: A Separate Benefit
Beyond the campaign early access, digital pre-orders also often came with access to the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II Open Beta. This beta access was a separate perk, typically occurring a few weeks before the main game’s launch, and allowed players to get a hands-on preview of the multiplayer component.
Navigating Pre-Order Codes and Timing
For those who pre-ordered digitally, the process was usually seamless, with the early access automatically unlocking on their respective platforms. However, if pre-ordering through a third-party retailer, the beta codes were either printed on the retail receipt or sent via email. This meant that players needed to be vigilant in tracking their codes, especially those coming from email, and they also had to be sure to use those codes on the proper platform.
The timing of when these codes were sent or made available varied based on the retailer and the platform. For digital pre-orders, the game would often appear in your library as a pre-load, ready to unlock on the designated early access date. In addition, there were often different preload times for PC and console users. Playstation and Xbox users were able to preload starting October 20th (10 AM PT), while PC users on Steam and Battle.net had to wait until October 26th (10 AM PT).
Multiplayer Launch and Timing
It’s important to differentiate between the early access campaign and the full multiplayer launch. While the early campaign access was available a week before release, the full multiplayer experience did not go live until the designated launch day. This means that even those with early access to the campaign would have to wait for the official multiplayer launch date to play in that mode.
The full multiplayer release of MW2 was staggered to accommodate global audiences. Consoles launched first at 4 AM PT – 9 PM PT on October 27th, beginning with regions West of the United States. Then, Xbox, PlayStation, and PC in the United States went live at 9 PM PT on the 27th (midnight ET on the 28th). This ensured a global rollout and accommodated various time zones.
Modern Warfare III and Pre-Order Benefits
The trend of early access via pre-orders has continued with subsequent Call of Duty titles, including Modern Warfare III. Similar to MW2, pre-ordering Modern Warfare III digitally also granted players early access to the single-player campaign a week before its official launch. Furthermore, pre-loading was available for early access on PC starting November 1st, allowing users to play on November 2nd.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the nuances of early access for MW2, here are some frequently asked questions:
1. Did physical copies of MW2 get any early access?
No, physical copies of Modern Warfare 2 did not qualify for early access to the campaign. Only digital pre-orders through the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Battle.net, or Steam received this benefit.
2. What if I pre-ordered through a retailer? How did I get my code?
If you pre-ordered through a retailer, the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II early access beta code would be printed on the retail receipt or sent to you via email on an online receipt.
3. When did the MW2 campaign early access begin?
The exact date varied depending on the official launch date but it was typically one week before the full game release.
4. What time did MW2 multiplayer officially release?
The full multiplayer mode went live at 9 PM PT on October 27th for the United States (midnight ET on October 28th), with staggered releases for other time zones prior to that.
5. Did pre-ordering give me access to the MW2 beta?
Yes, in many cases, pre-ordering a digital copy of MW2 also granted access to the Open Beta which occurred a few weeks before the full launch.
6. Can I pre-load the game before early access?
Yes, pre-loading was available, with different times for console and PC users. Console players could pre-load starting October 20th (10 AM PT), while PC players began on October 26th (10 AM PT).
7. If I have early access, can I play MW2 multiplayer before the official launch?
No, early access was solely for the single-player campaign. You still had to wait for the official launch to play multiplayer.
8. What was the pre-load date for Modern Warfare III early access on PC?
For Modern Warfare III, pre-loading for Campaign Early Access on PC began on November 1st at 9 AM PT, with the early access going live on November 2nd at 10 AM PT.
9. Did pre-ordering Modern Warfare III grant early access to the campaign?
Yes, digital pre-orders of Modern Warfare III also granted early access to the single-player campaign one week prior to its release.
10. What weapons are given upon completion of the MW2 campaign?
Players are awarded the Union Guard assault rifle variant, Captain Price’s signature weapon, for completing the MW2 campaign.
11. What is the max level for the MP5 in MW2?
The MP5 in MW2 reaches its max level at level 19.
12. How do you unlock the MP5 in MW2?
To unlock the MP5, you must first reach rank 16 to unlock the Lachmann-762 Battle Rifle, then reach weapon level 13 with the Lachmann-762 to unlock the Lachmann-556 Assault Rifle, and finally reach weapon level 12 with the Lachmann-556 to unlock the MP5 (Lachmann Sub).
13. Will Modern Warfare 3 have zombies?
Yes, Modern Warfare III will include a Zombies mode with unique equipment and unlockables.
14. Where do I get my code for the Call of Duty Beta?
If you pre-order Modern Warfare 3 in-store, your BETA code will be on your receipt, but if you pre-order digitally, a code will be sent to you via email a few days before the BETA goes live.
15. What time did the MW2 release on October 28th?
The Modern Warfare II release on PC was at 12 AM ET October 28th.
Conclusion
Pre-ordering Modern Warfare II offered clear benefits, most notably early access to the single-player campaign for digital purchases. This reward gave players a chance to experience the story ahead of the multiplayer launch. Understanding the differences between digital and physical pre-orders, along with the timing of campaign and multiplayer launches, is vital for any player looking to maximize their gaming experience. As the series continues, these pre-order benefits and early access periods will likely remain a cornerstone of the Call of Duty experience, incentivizing players to engage early and stay ahead of the curve.