How to play Vanguard’s new Arms Race mode for free

Luca Di Marzo
Arms Race map Alps

Sledgehammer Games used the Season 2 Reloaded update to address several bugs and glitches in Vanguard but they also shared a new game mode. Here’s how to play Vanguard’s Arms Race for free.

As with every major Vanguard update, new content is added to the game and Season 2 Reloaded was no different. The devs solved the frustrating Aim Assist glitch which is sure to make the game more enjoyable.

In addition, to QOL improvements, they also delivered a new large map mode with 12 vs 12 action called Arms Race. For a limited time the Vanguard mode will be available for free, so here’s how to get your hands on it.

How to play Vanguard Arms Race for free

Arms Race buy stations

As of Wednesday, March 30, Arms Race will be free to play for anyone who is looking to test out the new Vanguard mode. It will be available for an extended time of two weeks as the free period ends on Wednesday, April 13.

Getting your hands on Arms Race is as simple as finding and installing the free access mode.

Here’s what you need to do to play Arms Race for free:

  1. You need to go on your respective platforms store – PlayStation, Xbox, or Battle.net
  2. Search for “Vanguard”
  3. A free trial option for Call of Duty: Vanguard Arms Race should be available to download
  4. Download it, and then boot it up to play

The free Arms Race access period will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC as a part of the Vanguard Season 2 Reloaded content.

The new mode has been met with a mixed reaction as some players are enjoying the style of objective gameplay and how different it feels compared to Vanguard multiplayer. While others believe the map is too large for 24 player lobbies, which is limiting the chance for nonstop action.

Nonetheless, with the free trial period right around the corner you should give it a shot and see what the hype is about.


For more Vanguard, check out how Vanguard’s Armaguerra SMG is making zero noise with a bizarre bug.

Image Credit: Activision

About The Author

Luca is an Associate Editor at CharlieIntel. An accomplished, writer with interests in sports and gaming alike, Luca is focused on Call of Duty and FIFA as a content creator. After earning his BA in English Literature at Concordia University, he began writing for Gamelevate, OddsShark, and H4X. Luca joined CharlieIntel in 2021. You can reach Luca at [email protected], or via X @TheLucaDiMarzo.