Modern Warfare 2 campaign early access: Release date, pre-load, rewards

Brad Norton
Modern Warfare 2 Captain Price

Activision has confirmed Modern Warfare 2’s campaign will go live ahead of the game’s full launch, giving players an opportunity to jump in and finish the story early. Here’s how and when you can jump into MW2’s campaign with early access.

For the past two decades, players have always been faced with a tough decision at the launch of each new CoD title. Should you get through the campaign first or dive straight into multiplayer on day one?

For many, the race to unlock weapons fast and prestige ahead of the pack often meant the single-player experience went neglected. Now looking to ensure that doesn’t happen, Activision is giving everyone ample time to check out the Modern Warfare 2 campaign early.

Through a separate, early access launch ahead of the full release, players around the world can take their time completing the new storyline and venturing through the latest journey of Task Force 141. Not only that, but in playing the campaign, you’ll also unlock a number of exclusive goodies for use in multiplayer. Here’s a full rundown on all there is to know.

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Modern Warfare 2 campaign early access release date & pre-load time

While Modern Warfare 2 is set to launch in full on October 28, fans can get in a week early and start their campaign run from today: Thursday, October 20 at 10AM PT / 1pm ET / 6pm BST.

To get yourself fully prepared, you can even start pre-loading the campaign 24 hours early from 10AM PT on Wednesday, October 19. This is available to players on all platforms, meaning everyone can get ready for the campaign launch, regardless of where you play.

How to play Modern Warfare 2 campaign early access

In order to access the Modern Warfare 2 campaign early, players simply need to preorder the game on their platform of choice, including Xbox, PlayStation, Steam and Battlenet.

This can be done with any version of the game, so long as you have a digital preorder. It’s yet unclear if those with physical preorders from retailers will also be able to get in early.

Modern Warfare 2 campaign rewards

For many, getting through the campaign ahead of multiplayer’s launch is enough of an incentive in itself. However, Activision has revealed a wide range of exclusive rewards players can expect to receive just by playing through the single-player story.

From four distinct Operators to a number of Double XP Tokens and Calling Cards alike, there’s plenty up for grabs here. Better yet, an additional Assault Rifle Blueprint awaits those who complete the full campaign. Below is the full list of what’s on offer in chronological order:

  • Calling Card: “Soap’s Determination”
  • Emblem: “What’s Done Is Done”
  • 30-Minute Double XP Token
  • 30-Minute Double Weapon XP Token
  • Calling Card: “Chain linked”
  • Base Operator: Chuy
  • 30-Minute Double XP Token
  • 30-Minute Double Weapon XP Token
  • Calling Card: “Gaz”
  • Base Operator: Nova
  • 1 Hour Double XP Token
  • 1 Hour Double Weapon XP Token
  • Calling Card: “Shadow Company Ops”
  • Base Operator: Reyes
  • 1 Hour Double XP Token
  • 1 Hour Double Weapon XP Token
  • Base Operator: Hutch
  • Bonus: Union Guard Weapon Blueprint
Modern Warfare 2 campaign rewards
A look at the exclusive Modern Warfare 2 campaign rewards on offer.

If you’re getting in early, you’ll have a decent head start when multiplayer comes around one week later. Not only will you be more familiar with Modern Warfare 2’s gameplay systems, but you’ll have a solid batch of exclusive content to your name as well.

About The Author

Brad Norton is the Australian Managing Editor at Dexerto. He graduated from Swinburne University with a Bachelor’s degree in journalism and has been working full-time in the field for the past six years at the likes of Gamurs Group and now Dexerto. He loves all things single-player gaming (with Uncharted a personal favorite) but has a history on the competitive side having previously run Oceanic esports org Mindfreak. You can contact Brad at brad.norton@dexerto.com