What Countries Are in COD Modern Warfare 2?
The world of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (MW2) spans a diverse array of locations, some real and some fictional, contributing to a rich and immersive gameplay experience. While not every country is explicitly featured with its real name, the game draws heavily from real-world geopolitical landscapes and events to create a believable global theatre of conflict. So, to answer directly: MW2 takes place in multiple real and fictional locations, which are geographically based in or inspired by countries such as Mexico, the Netherlands, the United States, and a fictionalized version of a Middle Eastern region. Let’s break down these locations further and delve into the specific countries and regions represented.
Real-World Locations in MW2
Mexico
Mexico plays a significant role in Modern Warfare 2, primarily through the fictional city of Las Almas. While not a real place, Las Almas is a well-developed and central location within the game’s campaign and multiplayer modes. It serves as a hotbed for cartel activity, providing a detailed backdrop for several missions and multiplayer maps, including some within Warzone 2. This strong presence firmly puts Mexico as one of the key real-world-inspired settings in MW2, where its border with the US also plays a role.
The Netherlands
The historical city of Amsterdam in the Netherlands is another significant real-world location featured in MW2. The game transports players to the area around the Oude Kerk (Old Church) in the Red Light District, showcasing the city’s iconic architecture and canals. This setting provides a visually striking and authentic environment for campaign missions and multiplayer maps, including the Breenbergh Hotel map which is distinctly set in a Dutch hotel, adding to the game’s international flavor.
United States
The United States, and more specifically the city of Chicago, also makes an appearance in MW2. The campaign mission “Countdown” is set in Chicago, as well as the Penthouse multiplayer map, showcasing the bustling urban environment within a high-rise setting. The presence of Chicago adds to the game’s diversity of settings, moving from border regions and European cities to a major urban center in the US.
Fictional Locations and Their Influences
Urzikstan
Urzikstan, a fictional country prominently featured in MW2, is a key location in the Modern Warfare sub-series. While fictional, Urzikstan is heavily influenced by Middle Eastern countries. Its arid landscapes, conflict-ridden setting, and the presence of elements reminiscent of Syria and Afghanistan suggest a strong inspiration from this region. It appears again in MW3, underlining its crucial role in the game narrative.
The United Republic of Adal (URA)
The United Republic of Adal (URA) is another fictional entity introduced in the game, with its capital city, Al Mazrah, serving as a major locale. Al Mazrah is a large, diverse city that feels similar to parts of the Middle East in design. The URA, while fictional, is again representative of the turmoil often associated with the region, further developing the game’s geopolitical narrative.
Other Locations
Beyond these primary locations, the game’s narrative also touches on regions like the Gulf of Mexico, adding to the sense of global conflict. While less defined by specific cities or towns, these zones add a geographical breadth to the game. Additionally, mention of the Mexico-United States border emphasizes the real-world tensions that are woven into the game’s story.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is there a map of Mexico in MW2?
Yes, Las Almas is a fictional city in Mexico featured extensively in MW2. It’s the location for several campaign missions and multiplayer maps, including some in Warzone 2.
2. What fictional country is in Modern Warfare?
The main fictional country is Urzikstan, which recurs throughout the Modern Warfare series.
3. Is Iran represented in MW2?
While Iran itself is not a playable location, the character General Ghorbrani from Iran’s Quds Force appears in the game. He is assassinated during an arms deal. This adds a layer of political intrigue without Iran being a direct in-game location.
4. Does the MW2 campaign take place in Iraq?
No, while the plot is inspired by actual events and wars, including the Iraq War, MW2 does not directly take place in Iraq.
5. Where in Amsterdam is MW2 set?
The Amsterdam setting is focused on the area surrounding the historic Oude Kerk (Old Church) in the Red Light District.
6. Why was MW2 banned in Russia?
Modern Warfare 2 was banned in Russia due to the level’s graphic content, specifically the “No Russian” mission, which was deemed offensive.
7. Is Ghost Mexican in MW2?
No, Ghost (Simon Riley) is a British special forces operator and a member of Task Force 141. He is known for his distinctive skull-patterned balaclava.
8. What country has the most players for Call of Duty?
The United States is the top country for Call of Duty revenue, accounting for approximately 43% of worldwide player spending.
9. Who is the Arab character in Call of Duty?
Khaled Al-Asad is a prominent Arab character, appearing as the secondary antagonist in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.
10. What country is the operator Zero from?
Zero is an Egyptian Operator in MW2.
11. Who is the Mexican operator in Modern Warfare 2?
Colonel Alejandro Vargas is a Mexican Special Forces operator and leader of Los Vaqueros, making him a major protagonist.
12. Is there a Burger Town in MW2?
Yes, the Burger Town Operator skin is available through a promotional code at Burger King restaurants in various countries including, but not limited to, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Brazil, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Curaçao, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, France.
13. What is Ghost’s real name in MW2?
Ghost’s real name is Simon Riley.
14. Why did Russia invade the US in MW2’s narrative?
In the game, Makarov stages a terrorist attack and frames it on Americans, convincing the Russian people it was the work of trained American terrorists, leading to a surprise Russian invasion of America.
15. Where does the MW3 campaign start?
The Modern Warfare III campaign opens in a dark, rainy gulag, which is transplanted from Warzone’s Verdansk map.