With a plethora of weapons to take onto the field, this guide breaks down what is required to unlock weapons in each class and platform of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 while taking a look at how the progression system contributes to acquiring weapons.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022) is in full swing and in typical COD fashion, the weapon selection is expansive. This guide will show what is required to unlock all firearms and provide an overview of the progression system.
The complete weapon list consists of ten categories: Assault Rifles, Combat Rifles, LMGs, Sniper Rifles, Shotguns, Launchers, Marksman Rifles, SMGs, Handguns, and Sniper Rifles. Those ten categories are split into two loadout roles: primary weapon and secondary weapons. While it’s natural to gravitate towards some MW2 weapons more than others, it’s generally good practice to have at least one of each weapon type and be familiar with its mechanics.
There are currently 41 primary weapons in MW2. Loadout styles vary and success can sometimes be determined by the attachments. No matter the arsenal, it’s important to know the goal and chemistry of a loadout.
What’s next is an overview of progression in MW2 and how to accrue the experience necessary to unlock weapons.
In MW2, player level and weapon level are distinct. In other words, each player has a player level, and each weapon has a weapon level. The progression system also includes Platforms and Receivers which will be explained below.
Player level increases as XP earned by completing multiplayer matches and challenges, unlocking new weapons, killstreaks, equipment, and more. Meanwhile, weapon levels are tied to specific weapons. When using a weapon in multiplayer matches, it will level up, unlocking additional weapons and attachments.
Platforms and Receivers are part of a new weapon and attachment system designed to reduce the grind for attachments per weapon. Platforms are a group of weapons that share similar visual traits and attachment availability. The starting weapons in platforms will become available at varied player level thresholds. Receivers are weapons within a Platform that are attained by leveling up other weapons within the same Platform.
Some weapons will unlock based on Military Rank (player level), while others will require leveling certain weapon platforms (groups of similar weapons). Each category has a standard weapon that is accessible to players of all levels.
Eight assault rifles can be attained in the base game. Of the seven non-standard rifles, three can be unlocked by passing certain MR levels while four rifles can be accessed through platform leveling.
There are four battle rifles. They are like assault rifles, but typically have higher recoil and hit harder.
Five pistols are in the base game. Three of the non-standard pistols require different MR levels while the last in the list requires the leveling of the X12, an adjacent weapon.
There are four launchers that can provide tremendous value in Ground War. Each nonstandard launcher can be unlocked by progressing Military Rank.
Six LMGs are in the base game. In the Invasion and Ground War game modes, it would be helpful to have an LMG to secure large areas. Only one nonstandard LMG requires increasing Military Rank while the others require platform progression.
Six marksman rifles are available and depending on the attachments paired, they can be lethal from any distance.
MW2 has four shotguns, and the Bryson 800 is standard. Two can be unlocked by progressing Military Ranks, but one requires leveling up an adjacent weapon.
There are eight SMGs. Considering the faster Time-to-Kill (TTK) in MW2, the SMG is a strong addition to any arsenal. If an SMG is paired with a marksman or assault rifle by using the Overkill perk, a player can benefit significantly.
There are four sniper rifles. Only one relies on MR to be accessed: the SIGNAL 50. The other two nonstandard rifles require platform progress.
Here’s a list of some of the most popular weapons separated by class type:
M4 (Assault Rifle): The M4 is reliable and accurate with a few attachments. Fortunately, it’s a standard weapon so a player can get acquainted with the M4 from the get-go.
FTAC Recon (Battle Rifle): The FTAC Recon is capable of double tapping foes and killing with a single headshot if health is around 50% full.
Sakin MG38 (LMG): This weapon can spray a barrage of bullets with its hefty magazine while maintaining mobility.
FSS Hurricane (SMG): The FSS Hurricane can be described as a beam of pure pain. Low recoil, 50 bullets per magazine, and immense accuracy make it capable of knocking down enemies with ease.
MCPR-300 (Sniper Rifle): This sniper rifle can be devastating if used accurately. Its mobility and one-shot potential make it a strong asset to any arsenal.
Expedite 12 (Shotgun): This shotgun can be attained early and hits like a truck. Its range is relatively impressive compared to its alternatives.
Regardless of playstyle and preferences, these lists provide information that are relevant towards building up your arsenal. The weapons are integrated into a system with two different forms of progression.
As long as a player understands how to accrue both forms of experience, player and weapon, they can navigate the progression trees as swiftly as possible. Referring to this guide will help provide a roadmap from one weapon to the next and what some weapons offer over others.
