Do you need Modern Warfare 2 to play Warzone 2.0?

Hamza Khalid
Warzone 2 operators

Since Modern Warfare 2 is connected to Warzone 2.0, Call of Duty players are wondering if they can play one title without getting the other, and we’ve got the answer right here.

Warzone 2.0, the follow-up to the hit battle royale title Call of Duty: Warzone, finally launches on November 16 alongside the release of Modern Warfare 2 Season 1, and you’ll be able to try out all the new content in the sequel, including the DMZ mode.

Both games are connected to each other, sharing the same Battle Pass system and weapons. If you’re wondering whether or not you need to purchase both games in order to play just one, we’ve got you covered.

Do you need Modern Warfare 2 to play Warzone 2.0?

No, you can play Modern Warfare 2 without installing Warzone 2.0 and vice versa. While both Call of Duty titles have the same client launcher, they’re still separate products.

Since Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone 2.0 are available to download separately, you don’t need to worry about both of them taking up a large chunk of space on your PC or console. This is different from Modern Warfare 2019 in which Warzone was part of the required base installation.

Warzone 2 and Modern Warfare 2 Season 1 Battle Pass

Do Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone 2.0 have cross-progression?

Yes, your progress in Modern Warfare 2’s Multiplayer and Special Ops will carry over to Warzone 2.0. Since they share the same Battle Pass system, you can unlock Battle Pass rewards in both games even if you play just one of them.

Modern Warfare 2’s Gunsmith system has received criticism as players find grinding through each Weapon Platform to be extremely tedious. However, you can skip the weapon unlock grind by earning rewards in Warzone 2’s DMZ mode.

So you don’t need to get both Call of Duty titles if you’re interested in playing just one, and your progression will carry over if decide to get the other one as well.


For more Call of Duty content, check out this clever Modern Warfare 2 inflatable decoy trick to counter Riot Shields and whether or not Warzone 2’s new circle mechanics work in Al Mazrah.

Image credits: Activision

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