Is Modern Warfare 1 Campaign Free? An In-Depth Guide

No, the Modern Warfare 1 campaign (referring to the 2019 reboot, not the original 2007 Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare) is not free. While Warzone is a standalone free-to-play battle royale experience within the Call of Duty ecosystem, accessing the full Modern Warfare 1 game, including its campaign, requires a purchase. You need to buy the full game to unlock and enjoy the narrative-driven single-player mode.

Understanding the Modern Warfare Landscape

It’s crucial to clarify which “Modern Warfare” we’re discussing. The franchise has seen several iterations, and the release strategies have evolved over time. Let’s break it down:

• Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007): This is the original and a classic. You must purchase this game to play its campaign.

• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019): This is a reboot of the Modern Warfare sub-series. The campaign is not free and requires purchasing the full game.

• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022): This is a sequel to the 2019 reboot. Again, the campaign is not free and needs a full game purchase.

• Warzone: This is a free-to-play battle royale mode initially integrated with Modern Warfare (2019) and subsequently with other Call of Duty titles. While offering exciting gameplay, it does not include the campaign.

The confusion often arises due to Warzone’s popularity and free availability. However, think of it like this: Warzone is the appetizer, while the full Modern Warfare game, with its campaign, multiplayer, and special ops, is the main course. You get the appetizer for free, but you have to pay for the full meal.

How to Access the Modern Warfare 1 Campaign

If you’re interested in playing the Modern Warfare (2019) campaign, here’s how you can access it:

1. Purchase the Full Game: You can buy Modern Warfare (2019) digitally through platforms like Battle.net (for PC) or the PlayStation/Xbox stores for consoles. Physical copies are also available through retailers.

2. Download and Install: After purchasing, download and install the game. The initial download will likely be substantial (around 175 GB or more), so ensure you have enough storage space.

3. Select Campaign Installation: During the installation process, you’ll often have the option to choose which components to install. Make sure to select “Campaign” along with any other modes you wish to play (Multiplayer, Special Ops).

4. Launch and Play: Once the installation is complete, launch the game, navigate to the Campaign menu, and start playing.

Why Pay for the Campaign?

You might be wondering why you should pay for the campaign when Warzone is free. Here are a few compelling reasons:

• Narrative Experience: The Modern Warfare (2019) campaign offers a gripping and cinematic narrative experience. It features compelling characters, intense missions, and a thought-provoking storyline that explores complex themes.

• Varied Gameplay: The campaign provides a diverse range of gameplay scenarios, from stealth missions to intense firefights, offering a more complete Call of Duty experience than just battle royale.

• Immersive World: The campaign allows you to delve deeper into the Modern Warfare universe, exploring its characters, locations, and conflicts in a way that Warzone simply cannot.

• Single-Player Focus: If you prefer single-player experiences over online multiplayer, the campaign offers a dedicated mode where you can hone your skills and enjoy a focused narrative without the pressure of competing against other players.

Modern Warfare and Educational Value

The Modern Warfare series, including the campaign, provides potential learning opportunities. The games can spur discussions around complex geopolitical issues, the ethics of warfare, and the psychological impact of conflict. Organizations like the Games Learning Society, available at GamesLearningSociety.org, explore the educational applications of games and game-based learning. They examine how games can foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and collaboration, even in the context of mature and challenging content like that found in Modern Warfare. Consider how the game invites players to grapple with moral dilemmas and understand the consequences of their in-game choices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I play the Modern Warfare 1 (2019) campaign without an internet connection?

Yes, once the campaign is downloaded and installed, you can play it offline without a constant internet connection. However, you’ll need an internet connection initially to download the game and any updates.

2. How much storage space do I need to download the Modern Warfare 1 (2019) campaign?

The full Modern Warfare (2019) game, including the campaign, can require upwards of 175 GB of storage space, potentially more with updates and additional content.

3. Is there a free trial for the Modern Warfare 1 (2019) campaign?

Occasionally, Activision may offer free trial periods that allow players to access parts of the campaign or multiplayer for a limited time. Keep an eye on official Call of Duty announcements and platform stores (Battle.net, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store) for such promotions.

4. Do I need to play Modern Warfare (2019) before playing Modern Warfare II (2022)?

While Modern Warfare II (2022) is a sequel to Modern Warfare (2019), it’s not strictly necessary to play the first game before the second. Each game has its own self-contained story, although playing Modern Warfare (2019) will provide context and a deeper understanding of the characters and events in the sequel.

5. Can I buy the Modern Warfare 1 (2019) campaign separately from the multiplayer?

In most cases, you cannot buy the campaign separately from the multiplayer mode. The game is typically sold as a complete package, including the campaign, multiplayer, and special ops modes. However, ensure you carefully review the product description when buying the game, as offers may vary.

6. Why is my Modern Warfare 1 (2019) campaign locked even though I bought the game?

If your campaign is locked despite purchasing the game, there could be several reasons:

• Incomplete Installation: Ensure that the campaign component is fully downloaded and installed.
• Account Issues: Verify that you’re logged in with the correct account used to purchase the game.
• Corrupted Files: Try verifying the game files through the Battle.net launcher (for PC) or your console’s game management settings.
• Hard Drive Space: Not enough storage can also trigger such issues.

7. Is the Modern Warfare 1 (2019) campaign worth buying?

Whether the campaign is “worth buying” is subjective and depends on your preferences. If you enjoy story-driven shooters with intense action and a focus on realism, then the Modern Warfare (2019) campaign is likely a worthwhile purchase.

8. How long does it take to complete the Modern Warfare 1 (2019) campaign?

The main story of the Modern Warfare (2019) campaign typically takes around 6-8 hours to complete, depending on your difficulty setting and play style.

9. Will Modern Warfare 1 (2019) campaign ever be free?

While it’s impossible to predict the future, it’s unlikely that the Modern Warfare (2019) campaign will become permanently free. Activision periodically offers free weekends or trials, but a complete, free version of the campaign is improbable.

10. What are some similar games to the Modern Warfare 1 (2019) campaign?

If you enjoy the Modern Warfare (2019) campaign, you might also like other story-driven first-person shooters such as the Call of Duty: Black Ops series, the Battlefield campaigns, the Titanfall 2 campaign, and the Metro series.

11. Can I download Modern Warfare (2019) through Steam?

Modern Warfare (2019) is exclusively available on PC through Battle.net, Activision’s platform. It is not available on Steam.

12. Do I need Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus to play the Modern Warfare 1 (2019) campaign?

No, you do not need Xbox Live Gold or PlayStation Plus to play the campaign, as it’s a single-player mode. These subscriptions are typically required for online multiplayer modes.

13. How much does Modern Warfare 1 (2019) cost now?

The price of Modern Warfare (2019) varies depending on the platform, retailer, and any ongoing sales or promotions. Check Battle.net (PC), the PlayStation Store, and the Xbox Store for current pricing.

14. Is Modern Warfare 1 (2019) a demanding game to run on PC?

Yes, Modern Warfare (2019) can be a demanding game to run on PC, especially at higher settings. Check the game’s official system requirements to ensure your PC meets the minimum or recommended specifications.

15. Where can I find tips and tricks for the Modern Warfare 1 (2019) campaign?

You can find tips, tricks, and guides for the Modern Warfare (2019) campaign on websites like IGN, GameSpot, YouTube, and various Call of Duty fan forums.