What Is Tier 1 in Modern Warfare 2?

If you’re wondering what Tier 1 is in Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2, you’re not alone. Here’s a full breakdown of everything you need to know:

Tier 1 appears to be a brand-new game mode in MW2 but it’s actually a returning playlist that fans know and love.

The game mode wasn’t actually present at launch in Modern Warfare 2, instead coming as a new addition in Season 1.

Now that it’s here, Tier 1 is the source of a great deal of confusion. Here’s what you might be missing:

What Is Tier 1 in MW2?

Tier 1 is a new playlist type that resembles the iconic Hardcore mode in Modern Warfare 2. It arrived at the start of Season 1 on Wednesday, November 16.

In this game mode, players have no hit markers, no kill confirmation, and very little UI. Although it’s being described as Hardcore mode, it’s closer to Realism mode in Campaign.

Tier 1 was originally set to go live at launch, although Infinity Ward had to delay the mode at the last minute, pushing back the release until the game’s first major update.

Is Tier 1 Hardcore Mode?

Although Tier 1 is being described as Hardcore mode by Infinity Ward, it’s not quite the mode that Call of Duty fans will remember.

Instead, with little-to-no UI, it’s more similar to Campaign’s Realism mode, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the gameplay.

However, fans of Hardcore COD aren’t all happy with the changes.

“No kill confirmation, no hitmarker indicator, no ally kill indicator… this is realism mode, not hardcore and I kinda dislike it” a popular post on the MW2 subreddit reads. “I don’t get why they completely removed Hardcore when it had its fanbase since forever.”

It’s clear that a great number of Call of Duty fans were hoping for Hardcore to make a return in all its glory. However, it seems that we might not be getting the popular playlist at all this time around.

All Tier 1 Modes in MW2

At the beginning of MW2 Season 1, here are all the Tier 1 modes currently available to play:

• Team Deathmatch
• Domination
• Search & Destroy
• Hardpoint
• Headquarters
• Kill Confirmed
• Free For All
• Control

You can filter your search to specific game modes in the Tier 1 playlist by pressing Square, X, or R when the Tier 1 Playlight is highlighted on the menu.

You can find a detailed breakdown of all the MW2 multiplayer modes here.

What Does the White Dot Mean in Tier 1?

A white circle on the right-hand of your screen means you have a Field Upgrade ready to use in Tier 1. Alternatively, a tiny white square shape means you’ve got a Killstreak to call in.

Since UI is turned off in Tier 1 mode, players still need some indication that they’ve got equipment to use.

However, it’s very confusing to those just learning the mode.

How to Get a Minimap in Tier 1

Since Minimaps are turned off along with the rest of the UI in Tier 1 modes, the only way to get a map is by using a UAV.

It also makes the Killstreak one of the best to turn on in the mode, as it gives you a huge advantage over other players while active.

On the other hand, Counter UAVs are far less effective, though they can be used to shut down enemies that are doing well in the match!

Check out the best loadouts to use in MW2’s Tier 1 here, and stay ahead of the competition.

And did you know there’s a new crazy weapon XP glitch in Spec Ops that will have you ranking up guns in no time?