Modern Warfare 2 Legacy: What Transfers to Modern Warfare 3?
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The burning question on every Call of Duty player’s mind leading up to a new release: “What carries over?” For those invested in Modern Warfare 2 (MW2), the good news is a significant portion of your hard-earned progress and coveted cosmetic items will indeed make the leap to Modern Warfare 3 (MW3). Specifically, unlocked weapons, attachments, blueprints, Operators, and purchased bundles will be available in the new game. Furthermore, your Call of Duty Points (CP) and Double XP tokens are also transferable.
In essence, Activision implemented a “carry forward” system to reward player loyalty and ensure that time spent in MW2 wasn’t entirely reset upon the release of MW3. This system allows players to jump into the new title with a substantial head start, maintaining access to beloved weapons and customization options. However, it is important to note that War Tracks, vehicle skins, and equipment skins are among the things that will not carry over.
The “Carry Forward” System in Detail
Understanding the nuances of the “carry forward” system is crucial. It’s not a simple “everything moves over” scenario. Several factors determine whether an item or piece of progress will successfully transfer to MW3.
- Weapons and Attachments: All MW2 weapons are available in MW3, but the associated unlock challenge must be completed before it is accessible in MWIII. All attachments you’ve unlocked for these weapons in MW2 will also be available.
- Blueprints: A huge relief for players who invested in store bundles! Blueprints purchased or earned in MW2 will be available in MW3, allowing you to maintain those customized weapon looks and attachments.
- Operators: All Operators unlocked in MW2 will transfer to MW3. This includes Operators unlocked through the Battle Pass, store bundles, or specific challenges.
- Bundles: If you’ve spent COD Points on Operator skins or Weapon Blueprints, then those skins and blueprints will move to the new game, letting you flex your best looks right out the gate.
- Call of Duty Points (CP): Your CP balance is linked to your Activision account, so you’ll be able to access and use your existing CP in MW3 to purchase new content.
- Double XP Tokens: Those saved Double XP tokens won’t go to waste! They’ll be readily available in MW3 to help you level up quickly and unlock new content.
What Doesn’t Carry Over?
While the “carry forward” system is generous, there are limitations. Understanding what won’t transfer is just as important as knowing what will.
- War Tracks: Your curated playlist of in-game music won’t be making the jump.
- Vehicle Skins and Equipment Skins: Only weapon and Operator skins are guaranteed to transfer. Skins for vehicles and equipment that are not included in MW3 will not carry over.
- Warzone Pacific Double XP Tokens: Any Double XP Tokens you have left over from Warzone Pacific do not work with Modern Warfare 2 or Modern Warfare 3.
- DMZ Progress/Items: Unfortunately, DMZ itself won’t be a direct mode in MW3. Any progress, items, or unlocked content within DMZ will not transfer. However, the new Zombies mode seems like a suitable replacement, if you are looking for Extraction gameplay.
Modern Warfare 2 FAQs: Carry Forward Edition
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the carry forward system between Modern Warfare 2 and Modern Warfare 3.
1. Will all my MW2 weapons be usable in MW3?
Yes, all weapons from Modern Warfare 2 will be available in Modern Warfare 3. However, keep in mind that you need to have completed the specific unlock challenge in MW2 to use a weapon from MW2 in Modern Warfare 3.
2. Do my Operator skins from MW2 transfer to MW3?
Absolutely! All Operator skins you’ve earned or purchased in MW2 will be available in MW3. This allows you to keep your favorite looks as you jump into the new game.
3. What happens to my Call of Duty Points (CP)?
Your CP balance is linked to your Activision account and will carry over to MW3. You can use these points to purchase new bundles, battle passes, or other in-game items.
4. Will my Double XP tokens from MW2 still work in MW3?
Yes! Your Double XP tokens will transfer to MW3, giving you a boost in your progression right from the start.
5. Does progress from the MW2 beta carry over to MW3?
No. Progress from the Modern Warfare 2 beta does not transfer to either the full MW2 game or MW3. The beta is meant for testing and development purposes, so progress is always wiped before the official launch.
6. What about DMZ? Will my items and progress carry over?
Unfortunately, DMZ progress and inventory will not carry over to MW3. While the new Zombies mode will feature extraction gameplay, it is entirely separate from DMZ and its legacy content.
7. Are there any exceptions to what carries over?
Yes. War Tracks, and certain vehicle skins and equipment skins will not transfer. Also, any content exclusive to DMZ will not be available in MW3.
8. If I didn’t unlock a specific weapon in MW2, can I still get it in MW3?
You can still unlock the weapons through challenges in MW3.
9. What happens to my completed camo challenges?
All completed camo challenges from MW2 will be retained in MW3, allowing you to showcase your mastery and hard work.
10. If I buy a bundle in MW2 after MW3 releases, will it transfer?
As long as the items within the bundle are compatible with MW3, they should transfer. However, it’s always wise to double-check before making a purchase.
11. Is MW3 just an add-on for MW2?
While the integration is seamless, MW3 is a separate game that must be purchased. Both games will continue to be updated through the same launcher. The app has been re-named, its not a separate app. It’s no different than last year.
12. I never played DMZ in MW2. Am I missing out on anything in MW3?
No. Since DMZ content doesn’t carry over, you won’t be at a disadvantage in MW3 for having not participated in the mode.
13. Will the maps that shipped in MW2 also be in MW3?
Yes, you should have access to all the Maps you have played in MW2.
14. What is the best way to maximize my progress transfer from MW2?
Focus on unlocking weapons, completing camo challenges, and acquiring Operator skins and Blueprints. By doing so, you’ll have a substantial collection of content ready to go in MW3.
15. Where can I learn more about the game’s design and the learning opportunities within it?
For more insights into game design and its applications in education, explore the resources available at the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org).
Conclusion: A Rewarding Transition
The “carry forward” system implemented for Modern Warfare 3 marks a significant shift in how Call of Duty handles legacy content. By allowing players to bring a substantial portion of their MW2 progress and cosmetic items into the new game, Activision is rewarding player investment and fostering a sense of continuity within the franchise. While limitations exist, the overall impact is positive, ensuring that players can jump into MW3 with a head start and a personalized collection of weapons, Operators, and customization options.
Now, get out there and complete those weapon unlock challenges so you can have access to all of the weaponry when MW3 comes around!