What Happens After Completing the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II Campaign?
The conclusion of the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (MW2) campaign leaves players with more than just a sense of accomplishment; it sets the stage for future conflicts and introduces a new, formidable antagonist. Directly after the final mission, it’s revealed that while Shepherd has gone into hiding after his failed operation, a far more sinister figure is stepping into the spotlight. Laswell informs Task Force 141 that the new leader of the Russian Ultranationalists, responsible for orchestrating Shepherd’s botched plans, is none other than Vladimir Makarov. This revelation is a major turning point in the narrative, indicating that the fight is far from over.
The game also features a notable post-credits scene. Here, we see a faceless individual on an airplane meticulously assembling a pistol from concealed components. They then receive a cryptic text message on their phone: “Ready?” from a contact designated as “M”, very likely referring to Makarov, followed by the chilling words, “No Russian.” This scene is a direct callback to the infamous “No Russian” mission from the original Modern Warfare 2, signifying the return of that dark, controversial element to the franchise. The post-credits scene ends with the terrorist walking away, gun in hand, clearly poised to execute a deadly operation, ending the campaign on an intense cliffhanger. In addition, there is a mid-credits scene, where it is seen a Russian terrorist cell is preparing to hijack a plane, which directly ties into the post-credits sequence and Makarov’s activities.
Essentially, the completion of the MW2 campaign shifts the focus from Shepherd’s betrayal to the looming threat of Makarov, a character who has become synonymous with chaos and terror within the Call of Duty universe. The post-credits scene, in particular, strongly hints at a direct continuation of the storyline and serves as a bridge to future narratives, like the release of the MW2 expansion or even Modern Warfare III (MW3).
Post-Campaign Narrative and Key Takeaways
The immediate aftermath of the campaign involves the scattering of key characters and the introduction of a new overarching conflict. Shepherd, the antagonist of the game, is no longer the main threat, having been exposed. Task Force 141 is left to regroup and recalibrate, aware that a far more dangerous foe is now at play. The reveal of Makarov’s return signals a major escalation of the conflict, hinting at further international incidents and a deeper, darker narrative thread.
The game doesn’t offer a final, conclusive resolution but rather a continuation of a larger narrative arc. This is in line with the tradition of the Modern Warfare series, which has often utilized cliffhangers and unresolved plots to build anticipation for future installments.
The Significance of “No Russian”
The inclusion of “No Russian” in the post-credits scene serves as more than just a nod to the original Modern Warfare 2. It is a deliberate move to reintroduce the controversial element that has become a hallmark of the franchise’s willingness to tackle difficult and disturbing themes. It suggests that the next phase of the conflict will be even more brutal and politically charged, potentially mirroring the controversial mission that shocked players back in 2009. This specific reference also heavily implies the future plot will revolve around similar terrorist events.
Setting the Stage for the Future
The cliffhanger ending and the reveal of Makarov establish a clear direction for future Call of Duty content. Whether it be in a premium expansion for Modern Warfare II or in the subsequent Modern Warfare III title, players can expect to see the conflict with Makarov intensify. The post-campaign narrative is designed to keep players engaged and invested in the ongoing struggle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the rewards for completing the MW2 campaign early?
By playing the Modern Warfare II campaign early, players receive various rewards, including Captain Price’s signature Weapon Blueprint and over a dozen other rewards. These rewards are usable in Multiplayer, Special Ops, and Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0.
2. Will there be more campaign content for MW2?
Yes, Activision reportedly planned a premium expansion for Modern Warfare 2 in 2023 that included new campaign content, alongside multiplayer DLC. This approach was intended to replace the typical annual release of a new Call of Duty title and offer additional narrative continuation within the existing game ecosystem.
3. Is MW3 connected to the MW2 story?
Absolutely. Modern Warfare III (MW3) is directly connected to the story of Modern Warfare II (MW2). Weapon progression will continuously update between games. For example, leveling up the M4 in MW3 will also level up the weapon in MW2 and vice versa, which also includes all weapon attachments, Camos and Mastery Camos. This indicates a seamless transition and consistent gameplay experience between the two titles.
4. Why did Shepherd turn evil?
General Shepherd’s betrayal stems from his desire for personal redemption and recognition. After losing 30,000 soldiers in a nuclear attack in CoD4, he sought to regain his heroic status. He plotted to seize the ACS Module, take credit for the operation, and capture Makarov on his own terms.
5. How do I unlock Ghost in MW2?
The Zombie Ghost Operator Skin in MW2 is unlocked by digitally pre-ordering Modern Warfare III. This grants immediate access to the skin, usable in both Warzone and Modern Warfare 2.
6. What is the longest CoD campaign?
Call of Duty: Black Ops III is considered one of the longest, taking most players around nine hours to complete. This stands out compared to the average length of most CoD campaigns.
7. How old is Valeria in MW2?
Valeria, who is often paired with Alejandro in MW2, is 37 years old. She is an experienced and formidable character.
8. How many endings are there in MW2?
There is only one main ending in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II. The single narrative pathway culminates in the reveal of Makarov, which sets the stage for future plotlines.
9. Why did Graves betray Task Force 141?
Graves betrays Task Force 141 because they were getting too close to the truth about the lost American ballistic missiles he and Shepherd were hiding. Shepherd ordered him to betray them for this reason. After his escape from the JTF-Ghost Team, Graves goes into hiding.
10. Does MW2 end on a cliffhanger?
Yes, Modern Warfare 2 ends on a significant cliffhanger. The post-credits scene, with the “No Russian” reference, introduces Makarov as the primary antagonist and sets up future conflicts.
11. What is the shortest CoD campaign?
Modern Warfare (2019 reboot) has one of the shortest campaigns at just 3-4 hours. While Modern Warfare III is one of the shortest of the original Modern Warfare series, typically taking players 4-6 hours to complete.
12. Who kills Ghost in the original MW2?
In the original Modern Warfare 2, Ghost and Roach are betrayed and killed by General Shepherd. Shepherd shoots them with a .44 Magnum Revolver before incinerating their bodies.
13. Is Ghost black or white in MW2?
While Ghost’s face is not explicitly shown in the 2022 version of MW2, the cinematic sequences imply that he is Caucasian with short brown hair and brown eyes.
14. Why does Ghost always wear a mask?
Ghost wears a mask to protect his identity and maintain anonymity. His masked appearance is one of his most recognizable and iconic attributes in the Call of Duty franchise.
15. What is the hardest Call of Duty campaign?
Call of Duty: World at War is often considered the hardest game in the series. The intensity of enemy presence, constant fire, and challenging missions make it the most difficult.
By delving into these FAQs, we hope you have gained a deeper understanding of the MW2 campaign’s conclusion and its implications for the future of the Modern Warfare series.