MW2 is right around the corner, and many are likely wondering how they can pre-load the multiplayer mode so they can sink their teeth into it right away. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

If you pre-ordered MW2 early, you may have already played and beaten the campaign. So, it only makes sense that your sites are now set firmly on pre-loading CoD Modern Warfare 2’s multiplayer mode.

With your exclusive MW2 campaign rewards locked and loaded, all you have to do now is pre-load and prepare yourself for the midnight launch.

Can You Pre-Load MW2 Multiplayer?

Yes, you can begin pre-loading the Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer mode right now if you have already pre-ordered it.

Recon By Fire MW2 Campaign

By pre-loading it, you will have it all set up and ready to go for when MW2 officially launches on Friday 28 October 2022 worldwide.

When Can You Start Pre-Loading MW2 Multiplayer?

Players could begin pre-loading Modern Warfare 2’s multiplayer mode on Wednesday, October 19, 2022. However, fans that haven’t started the pre-loading process can do so up until it launches on 28 October.

This is when pre-loads for MW2 Campaign began on October 19, 2022:

  • 10 am PT
  • 1 pm ET
  • 6 pm BST
  • 4 am AEST (Thursday, October 20)

Can You Play MW2 Multiplayer Early?

Yes, players on consoles can play the Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer mode early by using the New Zealand trick. It is relatively simple to do, and if you’re wondering how you can check out our detailed breakdown.

Unfortunately, players on PC can not play the MW2 multiplayer mode early before its official release date on Friday 28 October 2022.

MW2 Soap and a squad of Task Force 141 soldiers

Unlike the campaign, which can be downloaded and played right now by anyone who has pre-ordered a digital copy, the multiplayer mode will only be unlocked on launch day for PC players.

As MW2 launches at different times across the globe, you should check out our extensive guide on MW2’s countdown times to see when it is launching for you.

How to Pre-Load MW2 Multiplayer on PlayStation 4 & 5

To preload the MW2 multiplayer mode on PS4 or PS5, you will first need to pre-order a digital edition of the game from the PlayStation Store.

  • Head to the PlayStation storefront on either your browser or PlayStation console
  • Search for MW2 (or Modern Warfare 2)
  • You will need to pre-order it first in order to be able to pre-load it
    • It is worth noting that you only need to pre-order the Cross-Gen Bundle ($69.99) in order to be able to pre-load the multiplayer mode
    • If you purchase it via a browser, then the next steps need to be completed on your console
  • Once purchased, select download
    • If you own a PS5, you will be given a choice of whether to download the PS4 version or the PS5 one. Select PS5 for the best experience
  • It will begin downloading
The MW2 PlayStation pre-order screen

How to Pre-Load MW2 Multiplayer on Xbox One & Series X/S

To preload the MW2 multiplayer mode on Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S, you will first need to pre-order a digital edition of the game from the Xbox Store.

  • Head to the Xbox storefront on either your browser or Xbox console
  • Search for MW2 (or Modern Warfare 2)
  • You will need to pre-order it first in order to be able to pre-load it
    • It is worth noting that you only need to pre-order the Cross-Gen Bundle ($69.99) in order to be able to pre-load the multiplayer mode
    • If you purchase it via a browser, then the next steps need to be completed on your console
  • Once purchased, select download
    • If you own an Xbox Series X/S, you will be given a choice of whether to download the Xbox One version or the Xbox Series X/S one. Select Xbox Series X/S for the best experience depending on which console you have
  • It will begin downloading
The MW2 Xbox pre-order screen

How to Pre-Load MW2 Multiplayer on Steam & Battle.net

Players can’t pre-load MW2 multiplayer on Steam & Battle.net, but they can install the campaign right now. It is likely that PC players will need to download the multiplayer mode separately on launch day.

To install MW2 on Steam or Battle.net, you will first need to pre-order a digital edition of the game from either Steam or Battle.net.

  • First, find out whether Steam or Battle.net is the best option for you
  • Open either Battle.net or Steam depending on your preferred platform
  • Search for MW2 (or Modern Warfare 2)
  • You will need to pre-order it first in order to be able to pre-load it
    • It is worth noting that you only need to pre-order the base game ($69.99) in order to get early access to the multiplayer mode
    • If you purchase it via a browser, then the next steps need to be completed on either Steam or Battle.net
  • On Battle.net, find MW2 in your library and select install
  • On Steam, head to your library, then hit install
The MW2 battle.net pre-order screen

Do You Need to Pre-Load MW2 Multiplayer If You Already Have the Campaign Installed?

On consoles, you will not need to pre-load the MW2 multiplayer mode before 28 October if you have already installed the campaign.

When you installed the campaign, you will have been asked if you wanted to install the other packs as well. If you ticked the multiplayer mode, then it will have already pre-loaded onto your platform.

However, this is not the case on PC. Unfortunately, PC players will need to download the various other packs at a later date, even if they have already installed the campaign.

How to Pre-Load MW2 Multiplayer If You Already Have the Campaign Installed

To pre-load the MW2 multiplayer if you opted to only install the campaign, you will need to uninstall MW2 completely and redownload it from your console’s digital storefront.

Soliders walking onto beach in Modern Warfare 2

This is unfortunately the only work around, despite being incredibly inconvenient. However, there is plenty of time to do this before the game launches on Friday 28 October.


author
Former Staff Writer
Whether it's an indie platformer or a 100-hour JRPG, Tom loves talking about games. So much so, he made it his career. Since starting in 2020, he's covered a wide range of topics at sites including TheGamer and The Game Crater.