Why Can’t I Upgrade to the Modern Warfare II Vault Edition?
Many players eager to access the premium content of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II have encountered frustration trying to upgrade to the Vault Edition. The core reason lies in the licensing structure and how digital purchases are linked to specific accounts and platforms. Essentially, you cannot upgrade to the Vault Edition if the base game license and the desired Vault Edition purchase are not associated with the same account and platform. This limitation is in place to ensure that digital content is properly distributed and controlled. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics.
Understanding the Licensing Issues
The most common roadblock is that the base game license for Modern Warfare II and the Vault Edition upgrade need to be purchased on the same account on the same platform (PlayStation, Xbox, Battle.net, or Steam). For instance, if your base game is on a PlayStation account, you cannot upgrade to the Vault Edition using a different PlayStation account, an Xbox account, or any other platform. Similarly, if you own a physical copy of the game and wish to upgrade, the upgrade must be purchased on the account associated with the digital license for the game.
Account and Platform Specificity
Digital licenses are tightly bound to the accounts they are purchased on. This means if you’re trying to upgrade using a different account than the one that owns the base game, the platform won’t recognize you already own the game and will not offer the discounted upgrade price, forcing you to pay the full price. Similarly, the platform is also important. If you purchased the game on Xbox, you need to purchase the Vault Edition upgrade on the same Xbox account. This is not transferable between platforms.
Home Console/Family Sharing Considerations
Another aspect to consider is the potential for game sharing. Consoles like Xbox have the “Home Xbox” feature, allowing you to share game licenses with other accounts on the same console. If your brother owns the base game and sets his Xbox as your “Home Xbox,” you can technically access his game library. However, you might still encounter issues trying to buy the Vault Edition upgrade on your account, because the license technically still belongs to your brother’s account. To properly upgrade, you’ll need to purchase it on the account that owns the base game license, or consider that “Home Xbox” approach.
Potential Workarounds
While direct account transfers are not possible, some workarounds exist. You could purchase the Vault Edition directly on the account that owns the base game. If you’re using console sharing, consider that, but the owner of the base game would be the owner of the upgrade. This issue is not one Blizzard Customer Service can bypass, as it’s related to the way the platform stores licenses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I upgrade from the Cross-Gen Bundle to the Vault Edition?
Yes, you can upgrade from the Cross-Gen Bundle to the Vault Edition, provided you do so on the same account and platform. The Vault Edition upgrade will be available at a reduced price for players who already own the base game or the cross-gen bundle.
2. How do I upgrade to the Vault Edition on Xbox?
To upgrade on Xbox, go to the Microsoft Store on your console, search for the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II Vault Edition, and purchase the upgrade using the account that owns the base game.
3. How do I upgrade to the Vault Edition on PlayStation?
If you own the Digital Cross-Gen Edition, the Vault Edition upgrade should be listed at a lower price in the PlayStation Store. Make sure you are logged in with the account that owns the game.
4. How do I upgrade to the Vault Edition on Battle.net?
On PC, go to the Battle.net Shop and purchase the Vault Edition upgrade from the store. Ensure you are logged into the account that owns the base game.
5. Can I buy the Vault Edition after the game has been released?
Yes, you can purchase the Vault Edition after the release of Modern Warfare II. You will still receive all the benefits, such as the Battle Pass and 50 Tier Skips, which can be applied to the current season.
6. How much does the Vault Edition cost if I already own MW2?
When upgrading to the Vault Edition, it still costs the price of the upgrade, which is less than the full price of the Vault Edition. Depending on discounts, you’ll likely pay around the difference between standard game price and the vault edition.
7. Does the MW2 Vault Edition come with early access?
The Vault Edition originally provided early access to the Open Beta. If you purchase the Vault Edition post-release, you won’t get the Open Beta access, but other rewards such as the Battle Pass and Tier Skips will apply.
8. Is the Modern Warfare 2 Vault Edition upgrade worth it?
The value of the Vault Edition upgrade depends on whether you want the exclusive cosmetic items like weapon blueprints, emblems, calling cards, and XP tokens, alongside a Battle Pass and tier skips. If these rewards are not important to you, the base game may be sufficient.
9. What’s the difference between the Cross-Gen Bundle and the Vault Edition?
The Cross-Gen Bundle gives you the base game on both console generations. The Vault Edition includes the content from the Cross-Gen Bundle plus extra items like the Red Team 141 Operator Pack, and the FJX Cinder Weapon Vault, along with a Battle Pass and tier skips.
10. Why isn’t my MW2 Vault Edition content working?
If your Vault Edition content isn’t showing, try restoring licenses in your console settings or restarting your console. Ensure you purchased the upgrade on the correct account. For some, the rewards may take a short time to appear after purchase.
11. What does the CoD MW2 Vault Edition add on include?
The Vault Edition includes the Red Team 141 Operator Pack (featuring Ghost, Soap, Farah, and Price), the FJX Cinder First-Ever Weapon Vault, and Battle Pass (1 Season) + 50 Tier Skips. It also includes cross-gen access.
12. Is the MW2 Vault Edition available as a physical copy?
While the base game is available in physical copies, the Vault Edition is exclusively digital. You can purchase it through the digital stores on your platform.
13. Is the Modern Warfare 2 Vault Edition upgrade free?
No, the Vault Edition upgrade is not free. You will have to pay a price equivalent to the difference between the base game price and the vault edition. It will be available at a reduced price for players who already own the base game.
14. What is the point of a Cross-Gen Bundle?
The Cross-Gen Bundle ensures that you can play the game on both the previous generation and current generation consoles within the same family (e.g., PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5). This gives players flexibility and the ability to upgrade to new consoles later on without needing a new copy.
15. Will the Vault Edition content transfer to MW3?
Some items obtained in Modern Warfare II will carry over to Modern Warfare III, but be aware that this is not a guarantee of everything moving from game to game, and specifically relates to cosmetic items. The Battle Pass and Tier Skips from MWII will not be active in MWIII, these benefits only apply to the season they are included with.
In conclusion, upgrading to the Modern Warfare II Vault Edition requires careful attention to the account and platform used for both the base game and the upgrade purchase. By understanding these limitations, players can navigate the process more efficiently and enjoy the full range of premium content available. If all else fails, ensure you contact your platform’s customer support.