How to fix frustrating Modern Warfare Spec Ops re-download error

David Purcell
Call of Duty soldier in Spec Ops

Call of Duty players frustrated with a re-install issue regarding Modern Warfare’s Spec Ops finally have a fix to help them out and if you’re looking for it, you’ve come to the right place. 

Previously, it had been reported that members of the game’s online community were left terribly upset by the “buggy” game mode following the game’s launch, with many being hit with a re-download error that prevented them from playing it entirely.

While some had initially argued that the issue only impacted those playing on the disc version of Activision’s title, that proved not to be the case as some with the downloaded versions – bought from official online stores on console – were also experiencing similar issues. However, now a confirmed solution has emerged.

Let’s take a look at what you have to do to get things back up and running for Spec Ops.

Infinity Ward - Modern Warfare
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare’s Spec Ops mode hasn’t had the best of starts – plagued with issues.

Spec Ops is a mode that blends together both multiplayer and story, allowing players to come together to complete campaign missions and progress through numerous operations.

Those who have experienced difficulties playing it, though, due to a re-download error now have a fix to straighten things out. The trick is to download a brand new Spec Ops pack, while canceling one of the previous updates – as shared by Reddit user RageDriver2401.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to do this.

How to fix Modern Warfare Spec Ops issues

  1. Head over to your console’s online store. For example, the PlayStation Store.
  2. From there, search Call of Duty and select the game once it’s found.
  3. Click ‘Add Ons’ and scroll your way through the packs until you reach the Spec Ops pack, which should be 16.7GB in size.
  4. Hit download on that pack instead of the previous 12GB update.

If you’re struggling to spot the pack in question, this image provided by RageDriver2401 should make things a little easier.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare Spec Ops update
Here’s the file you should be looking for in the store. Make sure this Add On is installed.

The fix is being upvoted continuously by players from the Call of Duty community, with one stating: “I just downloaded the 16GB pack. It works. I had deleted the old 12GB one a couple of days ago.” Another posted: “It does. I got the 12GB once and then I got the 16GB the next day and it hasn’t happened again.”

A few players in the thread also reported similar issues with the Multiplayer mode, concerning re-download errors, but it’s worth noting that this fix is specifically for Spec Ops. Hopefully, all problems of this kind will be straightened out soon.

About The Author

David is the former US Managing Editor at Dexerto.com. You can contact him via email: david.purcell@dexerto.com.