It’s unfortunately become a bit of a frequent occurrence that the latest Call of Duty release doesn’t launch with any update about ranked play from the developer, let alone a ranked mode at all.
Unsurprisingly, Modern Warfare 2 is no exception, launching on Oct. 28, 2022 with no ranked mode and no immediate update from Infinity Ward about when to expect it. This persisted for several months.
The decision not to include ranked or even any information about ranked is perplexing, given the long drawn-out debate over skill-based matchmaking in the core playlists. Many players lament the use of SBMM because they are effectively getting the ranked experience without the satisfaction or reward of actually leveling up a competitive rank.
Will Modern Warfare 2 eventually get a ranked playlist?
When will ranked play come to Modern Warfare 2?
On Jan. 18, Infinity Ward revealed that season two of MW2 has been pushed back two weeks and will now launch on Feb. 15. The announcement also included the news that ranked play will be coming with that season, though.
Although MW2 is made by Infinity Ward, the ranked play for the multiplayer component of the game has been made by Treyarch, the makers of the Black Ops series. Treyarch revealed on Twitter that ranked play will indeed be launching alongside season two on Feb. 15.
The wait for ranked play has been lengthy for MW2 grinders, but the wait is nearly over. By the time it launches, though, it will have been over three and a half months since the game originally launched on Oct. 28.
What will ranked play look like in Modern Warfare 2?
Activision finally revealed some confirmed details about ranked play leading up to season two’s launch in a blog post on Feb. 8.
“This feature-packed, stand-alone competitive Multiplayer mode uses CDL-approved rules, restrictions, maps, and modes all while rewarding players with exclusive items and visible skill ranks to show off with pride,” Activision said. “Work your way up through seven Skill Divisions—from Bronze to Iridescent—all the way to the Top 250, where your name will be displayed on a special Top 250 leaderboard. Earn Skill Division Skins based on your highest rank for that Season, including a set for finishing a Season in the Gold Division or above for the first time, as well as unique rewards given out each season.”
There will be new rewards to earn alongside the bragging rights of being a top-ranked player, and ranks will be persistent as well as seasonal.
“As you fight to increase that Skill Rating (SR), you will climb through a set of Ranked Play Ranks (1–50); this does not reset with each season,” Activision said. “Every win grants a Star toward this Rank system, and every five Ranks awards a new Operator Skin. Plus, complete Seasonal Win Challenges over the course of each Ranked Play Season and earn even more cosmetic rewards to represent your dedication to this competitive arena.”
On Feb. 13, Activision revealed the rewards coming for players who climb the ranks.
- Rank 5: “Ranked Competitor” Operator Skin Pack, one “Home” version and one “Away” version awarded for both the Male and Female CDL Operators
- Rank 15: Pro Issue Sidearm Blueprint, which has similar attachments to what is used at the highest level of competitive play.
- Rank 30: New Gun Screen that tracks Ranked Play wins.
- Rank 40: Pro Issue Combat Knife Blueprint, which is another popular competitive Secondary weapon.
- Rank 50: “Ranked Veteran” Operator Skins (Home and Away) awarded to Male and Female CDL Operators, proof of your commitment to Ranked Play no matter your Skill Division
“The Rank represents your cumulative progress in Ranked Play, starting at Rank 1 and going through Rank 50, Activision said. “Advancing through Ranks is as simple as winning matches–every Ranked Play win awards a Star. Earn enough Stars and you’ll progress to the next Rank in your journey to Rank 50. Every five Ranks awards a new symbol that appears in the color of your Skill Division, such as a Wolf for Ranks 11–15 or the mighty Silverback Gorilla for Ranks 31–35. Unlike Skill Divisions, Ranks do not reset between Ranked Seasons.”
Ranked play finally arrives in MW2 on Feb. 15.
