Is Modern Warfare 2 Getting an Expansion? The Truth About MWIII

The short and direct answer is no, Modern Warfare 2 (MW2) is not getting a traditional expansion. What many initially believed would be an expansion for MW2 has materialized into a full standalone release titled Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (MWIII). This might seem confusing, especially given the initial reports and rumors surrounding its development. While MWIII was initially conceived as a “premium expansion” to MW2, Activision ultimately opted for a separate, premium release for 2023. This means MWIII is a distinct game that does not require MW2 to play, although it shares some infrastructure.

This shift in strategy doesn’t mean MW2 is being abandoned. Rather, MWIII will continue the narrative started in MW2, essentially functioning as a direct sequel. This new approach has raised many questions among the Call of Duty community, so let’s delve into what exactly this means for players.

Understanding the Evolution of MWIII

The development of MWIII was somewhat tumultuous, initially intended to follow Activision’s communicated goal of a two-year release cycle for Call of Duty. This would have meant MW2 receiving substantial post-launch support over a longer period. However, the plans changed as development progressed, leading to MWIII’s creation as a separate game. The most important takeaway is that MWIII is not DLC for MW2; it’s a full, premium release priced as a new game.

MWIII’s standalone status impacts several areas:

• Progress: Player progression from MW2 will not carry over to MWIII. This means a fresh start for players across all game modes, including campaign, multiplayer, and zombies.
• Client: Despite being a distinct game, MWIII will share the same base client as Warzone 2 and MW2. This essentially means MWIII functions as downloadable content within the broader “Call of Duty HQ.” This integration helps streamline game management and ensures a more cohesive user experience.
• Content: MWIII is a fully-featured game, with a campaign that directly continues the story of MW2. It also includes a multiplayer mode and a dedicated Zombies mode.

The “Premium Expansion” That Became a Standalone Game

The confusion arose because MWIII was originally planned to be a large expansion for MW2, which is a key point to emphasize. Activision had initially intended to have a two-year cycle for their mainline Call of Duty games. However, the development team decided a separate game was the best way to deliver their vision for the next chapter in the Modern Warfare storyline, leading to the standalone release of MWIII.

It’s crucial to understand that despite the initial “expansion” concept, MWIII is now treated as a fully priced, separate title. This transition from a DLC expansion to a full game has led to mixed reactions from the community, with some players appreciating the fresh start and new content, while others express frustration about the separate purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About MWIII and MW2

Will MWIII Continue the Story of MW2?

Yes, MWIII is a direct sequel to MW2, picking up right after the explosive finale of the previous game. The campaign mode will continue the storyline, offering a seamless transition between the two games.

Does MWIII Share Any Content with MW2?

Yes, MWIII will share the same base game client as MW2 and Warzone 2. However, player progress will not transfer from MW2 to MWIII. Some content, such as weapons, might carry over within the shared client but will be unlocked and progressed separately.

Will MWIII Include a Zombies Mode?

Yes, Modern Warfare III features a dedicated Zombies mode, developed by Treyarch in collaboration with Sledgehammer Games. This mode will include unique features and progression systems. This marks the first time that Zombies are canon to the Modern Warfare story, which is another important detail.

Will Warzone Progression Be Shared With MWIII?

Yes, Warzone Mobile will include shared progression across Modern Warfare II, the current iteration of Call of Duty: Warzone, and Modern Warfare III.

Is MWIII a Full-Priced Game?

Yes, MWIII is a full, premium release and is priced as a new game, not as a DLC pack or expansion for MW2.

Will Modern Warfare 2019 Maps be in MW3?

Yes, that is a key highlight of this new release. All maps from the original Modern Warfare 2(2009) have been remastered for MWIII.

What is the release date for MWIII?

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III was released on November 10, 2023 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

Who is Developing MWIII?

Sledgehammer Games is leading the development of Modern Warfare III, in partnership with Infinity Ward. Treyarch is leading the development for Modern Warfare Zombies.

Will my COD Points Transfer to MWIII?

Yes, as long as you log in to the same Activision account, your COD Points will be available to use once you launch Modern Warfare III on a new console within the same console family.

What About the DMZ mode, Will It Be Carried Over?

DMZ will not be carried forward into Warzone’s new experiences in MWIII. The core mechanics of DMZ are being incorporated into the new Zombies mode.

Will There be a Call of Duty Game in 2024?

Yes, a new Call of Duty title is scheduled for 2024, reportedly about the Iraq War and possibly including the Battle of Mogadishu. This game is being developed by Treyarch.

Is There Early Access for MWIII?

Yes, players who purchase MWIII can access the single-player campaign one week before the game’s global launch, prior to the release of Multiplayer and other game modes.

Is MWIII a Prequel to MW2?

No, MWIII is a direct sequel to Modern Warfare 2, continuing the storyline where MW2 left off. It is not a prequel.

Will MWIII have Single-Player Campaign?

Yes, MWIII includes a single-player campaign that will feature open combat missions, further adding to the experience for the users.

Will Progress Carry Over From Previous COD games to MW3?

No, player progression from previous Call of Duty games, including MW2, will not carry over to Modern Warfare III. Players will begin with a fresh start.

Conclusion

In summary, while MWIII initially began as a planned “premium expansion” for MW2, it has evolved into a full, standalone title. It’s a direct sequel, continuing the story and offering a comprehensive gaming experience with its own campaign, multiplayer, and zombies modes. While it shares the same base client, it’s crucial to remember that MWIII is a distinct game requiring a separate purchase. By answering the most pressing questions, we hope this article clarifies the relationship between MW2 and MWIII for the Call of Duty community.