Modern Warfare II to III: Unpacking the Carry Forward System
Yes, absolutely! For Modern Warfare II (MWII) players, a significant portion of your progress, specifically unlocked Operators and Operator Skins, will indeed carry forward into Modern Warfare III (MWIII). This is a substantial change from previous Call of Duty transitions and warrants a detailed explanation.
Understanding the “Carry Forward” System
The “Carry Forward” system in Modern Warfare III is designed to reward loyal players of Modern Warfare II and provide a smoother transition to the new title. However, it’s crucial to understand precisely what carries over and what doesn’t.
What Carries Over?
- Operators and Operator Skins: This is the core of the Carry Forward system. Every Operator you’ve unlocked in MWII, whether through challenges, purchases, or exclusive promotions (like the PlayStation Oni Operator), will be available in MWIII.
- Weapons: All Modern Warfare II weapons will be available for Modern Warfare III players. However, each weapon’s associated unlock challenge must be completed before it becomes accessible in MWIII.
- COD Points: Your COD Points balance will transfer, provided you are logging into the same Activision account on the same console family (e.g., PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5, Xbox One to Xbox Series X/S). They can be used to purchase content in MWIII.
What Doesn’t Carry Over?
- Rank/Level: Your player rank from Modern Warfare II will not carry over to Modern Warfare III. Everyone will start at level 1.
- Campaign Progress: Campaign progress is specific to each game and will not transfer. You will need to start the MWIII campaign from the beginning.
- Skill Divisions (Ranked Play): Similar to rank, Skill Divisions in Ranked Play are specific to each game and will reset.
- Some Content Tied to Specific Platforms: Some content is platform-specific and might not transfer across different platforms (e.g., PlayStation exclusive content on PlayStation to PC).
The Rationale Behind Carry Forward
Activision’s decision to implement the Carry Forward system reflects a shift in their approach to the Call of Duty franchise. It aims to:
- Reward Player Investment: Players invest significant time and money into unlocking content in Call of Duty games. Carry Forward acknowledges this investment and provides a tangible benefit for staying within the ecosystem.
- Maintain Player Engagement: By allowing players to retain their favorite Operators and skins, the system encourages continued engagement with the franchise.
- Smooth the Transition: Carry Forward reduces the feeling of starting completely from scratch, making the transition to the new game less daunting.
Potential Drawbacks and Considerations
While Carry Forward is largely a positive development, there are some potential drawbacks and considerations:
- Balancing Issues: Introducing weapons from a previous game could potentially disrupt the weapon balance in MWIII. Activision will need to carefully monitor and adjust weapon stats to ensure fair gameplay.
- Content Overload: New players who didn’t play MWII might feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of content available from the start.
- Unlock Challenges Still Required: While the weapons themselves carry over, players will still need to complete the unlock challenges associated with each weapon in MWIII to use them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to address specific concerns and provide further clarification on the MWII to MWIII Carry Forward system:
1. Will my Modern Warfare II level carry over to Modern Warfare III?
No, your player level from Modern Warfare II will not carry over. All players will start at level 1 in Modern Warfare III.
2. Do I have to repurchase Operators and Skins in Modern Warfare III?
If you unlocked or purchased them in Modern Warfare II, no. They will be available in Modern Warfare III, assuming you are using the same Activision account.
3. What happens to my weapons from Modern Warfare II in Modern Warfare III?
All Modern Warfare II weapons will be available for Modern Warfare III players. However, you will still need to complete the associated unlock challenges in MWIII to use each weapon.
4. Will my Call of Duty Points (CP) transfer to Modern Warfare III?
Yes, your CP will transfer, provided you log in to the same Activision account on the same console family (e.g., PS4 to PS5, Xbox One to Xbox Series X/S).
5. Will campaign progress from Modern Warfare II carry over?
No, campaign progress is specific to each game and will not transfer.
6. What about my progress in DMZ?
While weapons will carry forward as outlined, DMZ-specific unlocks and progression typically do not carry over between major game releases.
7. Will Skill Divisions from Modern Warfare II Ranked Play carry over?
No, Skill Divisions will reset with each new game.
8. Does this mean Modern Warfare II is now obsolete?
No. Modern Warfare II will still be playable, but Activision’s focus and updates will primarily shift to Modern Warfare III.
9. If I didn’t play Modern Warfare II, will I be at a disadvantage in Modern Warfare III?
Not necessarily. While returning players will have access to a wider range of Operators and potentially weapons earlier on, the core gameplay and progression systems will be accessible to all players.
10. What if I unlock an Operator in Modern Warfare II after Modern Warfare III is released?
If you unlock it in MWII, it will be available in MWIII as long as you use the same Activision account.
11. Are there any exceptions to what carries over?
Generally, progression systems like rank, campaign progress, and seasonal rewards do not carry over. The primary focus is on Operators, Skins, and weapons. Some platform-specific content might also not transfer across different platforms.
12. How does this affect Warzone?
When Modern Warfare III releases, Warzone will be updated with MWIII content. Your purchases from Warzone 2.0 (based on MWII) will still be usable.
13. What if I switch from PlayStation to Xbox or vice versa?
COD Points and some content are tied to your platform account. While your Activision account links your progress, platform-specific content (like the PlayStation Oni Operator) will likely not transfer.
14. Will Prestige levels carry over?
No. Prestige levels, similar to regular levels, reset with each new game.
15. Where can I find the most up-to-date information on the Carry Forward system?
The best source for the most current and detailed information is the official Call of Duty blog and Activision’s support website.
Conclusion: A Positive Step Forward
The Carry Forward system represents a positive shift in the Call of Duty franchise. By allowing players to retain their hard-earned Operators, skins, and weapon unlocks, Activision is recognizing and rewarding player loyalty. While there are some potential drawbacks to consider, the overall impact of Carry Forward is likely to be a more seamless and engaging transition to Modern Warfare III. As educators and game developers continue to explore learning within gaming environments, understanding these progressive game mechanics becomes imperative. Explore resources and research at Games Learning Society to delve deeper into the intersection of gaming and education. GamesLearningSociety.org provides valuable insights into this ever-evolving landscape. This move benefits not just the players but helps in evolving the gaming learning environment.