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Modern Warfare 2 Hardcore: When does Hardcore Mode release?

When can you play MW2's new Tier 1 Hardcore playlist?

When does Tier 1, the Modern Warfare 2 Hardcore playlist release? A staple of Call Of Duty's multiplayer experience for a number of years now, Hardcore game modes offer players a more realistic combat experience by dramatically lowering the health of all players.

With the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, however, it looks like the usual playlist of Hardcore game modes is conspicuously missing. Where has it gone? Read on to find out why you can't see any Hardcore game mode at the moment in Modern Warfare 2, and also what we know about how it'll work once it's available in-game.

Unsure what gun to choose in Modern Warfare 2? Confused which weapons pair best with one another? Look no further. The answers to your questions (and more) lie within the video above.

When does Modern Warfare 2 Hardcore mode release?

Modern Warfare 2 Hardcore mode will launch on 16th November 2022, and will be called Tier 1. Its release date coincides with the launch of Warzone 2.0, as well as the Season 1 Battle Pass for MW2 itself.

For those unfamiliar with the Hardcore modes from previous Call Of Duty titles, when the MW2 Hardcore mode arrives it will add a selection of familiar game modes such as Team Deathmatch, Prisoner Rescue, and so on - but with a few crucial differences:

  • Players have 30 HP instead of 100 HP.
  • Each player has a limited HUD, with no minimap, ammo counter, or name tags.
  • Friendly Fire is enabled, which means players can accidentally kill their allies if they're not careful.

Together, these changes turn an already punishing and low time-to-kill game into something even more perilous and unforgiving. When it arrives, Tier 1 will certainly be a great way to level up fast in Modern Warfare 2, because you'll be able to kill enemies so much faster than in regular game modes.

That wraps up this quick primer on the upcoming Tier 1 playlist of MW2 Hardcore game modes. If you want to prepare for these punishing modes, be sure to consult our guides for the best MW2 assault rifle, best SMG and best Sniper Rifle.


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About the Author

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Ollie Toms

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Ollie is known round these parts for having just about the deepest voice in existence. Some say he used to be pretty darn good at Rocket League, but he has since sacrificed that accolade in order to become passably decent at Apex Legends. His favourite pastimes include playing piano covers of his favourite game soundtracks, and burying his face in the warm fur of his two cats.

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