The short answer is – unfortunately, no, the core Modern Warfare 2 game is not free-to-play on PC or any platform. As a premium AAA title, it costs $59.99 to purchase on PC via Battle.net.
However, there will be opportunities to play Modern Warfare 2 for free during limited-time multiplayer events scheduled for 2023. And the Warzone 2.0 battle royale component releasing in November 2022 will be completely free-to-play.
In this detailed guide, I‘ll explain everything you need to know as a PC gamer about playing Modern Warfare 2 for free. You‘ll learn about upcoming free access events, trying the game through Xbox Game Pass, and more.
By the end, you‘ll have expert insight on getting your hands on the next big Call of Duty game without paying full price. Let‘s dive in!
A Quick Primer on Modern Warfare 2
Before we discuss playing for free, let‘s briefly recap what Modern Warfare 2 is all about. Developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision, MW2 is one of the most anticipated first-person shooters of 2022. It launches on October 28th for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC via Battle.net.
MW2 is a direct sequel to 2019‘s Modern Warfare reboot, bringing back fan-favorite operators like Captain Price, Ghost, Soap, Farah and Gaz. It features a thrilling single-player campaign as Task Force 141 reunites to combat a new global threat.
Multiplayer introduces new modes, maps and the weapon platform system for gun customization. Spec Ops co-op missions are making a return. And Warzone 2.0 will revolutionize the free-to-play battle royale experience.
Early impressions from gaming experts have been overwhelmingly positive. Modern Warfare 2 seems set to deliver an incredible package covering all aspects of first-person shooter gameplay.
As PC gamers, we can expect a visually breathtaking experience optimized for high resolutions and uncapped frame rates. Let‘s dive into playing this blockbuster game for free!
Limited-Time Free Access Events
Now for the question you really want answered – is Modern Warfare 2 free to play on PC at launch? Unfortunately, no. You have to purchase the base game for $59.99 on Battle.net in order to play the single-player campaign, multiplayer, and spec ops co-op modes.
However, there is good news! Based on tradition, Infinity Ward will likely host limited-time free access multiplayer events in 2023 shortly after launch. These special events allow you to download and play Modern Warfare 2‘s multiplayer modes completely free on PC and consoles for around 1-2 weeks.
For example, previous Call of Duty games hosted similar events:
- Vanguard: Two free access periods in December 2021 and May 2022
- Black Ops Cold War: Free access in April 2021
- Modern Warfare (2019): 1-2 weeks free multiplayer in January 2020
So we can reasonably expect Infinity Ward to continue the trend with Modern Warfare 2 in 2023. These free MP events are usually announced with a week or two of notice.
During the active event period, you‘ll be able to access all of Modern Warfare 2‘s maps and modes to get a good taste of the signature fast-paced Call of Duty combat on PC. All progression during the event carries over, so if you choose to buy the full game later, you won‘t lose anything.
Essentially it serves as an extended trial to get you hooked before deciding whether to purchase. Depending on your budget and patience, it‘s a great way to try Modern Warfare 2 MP for free on PC next year.
Trying Modern Warfare 2 through Xbox Game Pass
Here‘s another cool option to play Modern Warfare 2 on PC affordably: Xbox Game Pass
One of the key Game Pass benefits is that first-party Xbox games release on the service day one. Thanks to Microsoft‘s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, future Call of Duty games like Modern Warfare 2 will launch directly into Game Pass.
That means as a PC gamer, you can subscribe to Game Pass for $9.99/month and gain access to the full Modern Warfare 2 experience on launch day. No need to pay the full $59.99!
Considering Game Pass also grants you access to 100+ other games on PC, it‘s an incredible value. You can enjoy Modern Warfare 2 early on through the service and cancel after finishing the campaign if you‘d like.
So for budget-focused gamers, definitively check out Xbox Game Pass on PC. It may be the cheapest way to play the new Call of Duty without paying full price.
Trying the Free-to-Play Warzone 2.0
While the core Modern Warfare 2 game isn‘t free, the standalone Warzone 2.0 battle royale releasing in November 2022 will be completely free on PC!
Warzone 2.0 features a brand new map called Al Mazrah based in Western Asia. It will introduce new mechanics like Strongholds, proximity chat, new Gulag, and swimming combat. The gameplay has been overhauled for greater realism.
Best of all, Warzone 2.0 shares progression with Modern Warfare 2. Your Battle Pass progress, weapons, skins and more carry over between both games.
So if you‘re only interested in battle royale, you can just download Warzone 2.0 for free on PC via Battle.net and enjoy next-gen CoD BR action without paying anything. It‘s a great way to experience part of what Modern Warfare 2 offers without spending money.
Participating in the Open Beta
While it‘s too late now, another way millions of gamers got to try Modern Warfare 2 early was through the open beta held in September 2022.
The MW2 beta spanned two weekends and was open to all platforms. Players got hands-on with maps like Farm 18, Breenbergh Hotel, Mercado Las Almas, and more. Modes like Knockout, Prisoner Rescue, and CDL Search & Destroy were playable.
Participating in the open beta gave players a solid free taste of Modern Warfare 2‘s addictive multiplayer ahead of launch. It helped build hype and received positive reception from the CoD community.
While over now, it served as an excellent free sampling of MW2 for those who tried it out. In the future, participating in open betas for Call of Duty games is a great way to preview them without cost.
Waiting for Discount Sales on Modern Warfare 2
If you don‘t mind waiting a few months after launch, another money-saving option is to wait for a sale. Major discount periods like Black Friday, the holidays, and Steam‘s summer sale are great times to buy Modern Warfare 2 cheaper on PC.
Based on Call of Duty sale history, you can expect to see discounts around:
- Holiday Sales (Christmas, New Years): ~$45-50
- Steam Summer Sale (June/July 2023): ~$45-50
- First Major Price Cut (March 2023): ~$45-50
So if you can be patient, wait for holiday deals kicking off in late November 2022 or Steam‘s huge summer sale in mid 2023. You should be able to grab Modern Warfare 2 for at least $10-15 cheaper.
Every little bit saved helps! When you combine discounted base game price with free Warzone 2.0, waiting for a sale is a smart play.
Buying Third-Party CD Keys
Another tactic commonly used by budget PC gamers is buying third-party game CD keys. Sites like Eneba, CDKeys, G2A, and Kinguin sell game codes at much cheaper rates – usually $15-30 less than the Steam or retail price.
For example Eneba currently has Modern Warfare 2 pre-order codes starting at $49.99 for the base edition – nearly $10 off! Stock up on CD keys during discount promos and you can save big bucks.
The one downside is you sacrifice some security buying from third-parties. There‘s always a small risk of getting an invalid or region-locked key. Be sure to vet seller reviews carefully. But reputable sites are generally safe and you can score huge savings on the latest games.
Considering brand new games are costly, buying CD keys is a smart money-saving technique for gaming on a budget. Stack with other tips like waiting for sales and you can maximize value.
Game Sharing with Friends
If you have close PC gaming friends you trust, you can utilize Battle.net‘s game sharing feature to access Modern Warfare 2 for free!
Game sharing allows friends and family members to share their gaming library on Battle.net. You can designate one person‘s account as your shared PC – they purchase Modern Warfare 2, while you get free access to download and play it via sharing.
Up to 5 people can share and access one Modern Warfare 2 license this way. You‘ll only need one buddy to buy the game, and the rest of your group plays for free. It essentially splits the cost.
The only limitations are you can‘t play at the exact same time on two different PCs. But you‘ll still have unrestricted access to MW2 for campaign, multiplayer, zombies, etc. As long as your gaming mates own Modern Warfare 2, game sharing is an awesome free option!
Free Trial Weekends
The final way you may get access to Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer for free on PC is through limited-time free trial weekends. These are different from the 1-2 week events mentioned earlier.
Occasionally Activision will host free 3-4 day periods where MP is unlocked for free, or there‘s double XP to level up quicker. This lets folks on the fence quickly try all the maps and modes before the trial expires.
Free trial weekends don‘t happen as frequently as the 1-2 week events, but it‘s still a great opportunity if you happen to log in during one. Keep an eye out for any official free weekends announced by Infinity Ward post-launch. Hop in to level up your MP career for free!
Closing Thoughts
At the end of the day, there is no permanent free version of the full Modern Warfare 2 experience on PC. You‘ll need to purchase the base game to enjoy everything it has to offer.
However, as you can see there are plenty of smart techniques like participating in free events, utilizing Xbox Game Pass, game sharing, and waiting for discounts. Combining several strategies can dramatically reduce the costs.
Plus free access to the Warzone 2.0 battle royale mode gives you a sizable chunk of content to enjoy without spending a dime.
While the wait can be difficult, exercising just a bit of patience and tactical thinking can go a long way towards playing this year‘s biggest Call of Duty free on PC. See you online when Modern Warfare 2 drops!
