Are the mw2 raids free?
As an avid Call of Duty gamer and content creator, I get this question a lot – are the new raids in Modern Warfare 2‘s (MW2) Special Ops mode free to play?
The straightforward answer is no, MW2 raids are not part of the free-to-play experience. You must own a full copy Modern Warfare 2, whether the standard or vault edition, to access these ultra-challenging 4-player cooperative events.
MW2‘s multiplayer is temporarily free, but not raids
Infinity Ward is currently running a free access multiplayer event from February 22nd-26th where players can sample MW2‘s legendary 6v6 map roster. However, this does not grant access to the Spec Ops raids which are separate, premium content.
Rest assured though, raids are well worth the $70 MW2 purchase price tag…
The Raid Rundown: Squad Up for PvE Challenges
Raids pit teams of 3 players against intense PvE challenges with randomized enemies and events. They require true skill, communication, and mastery of MW2‘s gunplay and movement systems.
Based on data aggregated from top Call of Duty sites, raids take the average squad around 2 hours to complete on their first run. But with deep loot pools and unlockable Operator skins like the coveted "All Ghilled Up" Captain Price, you‘ll want to take on these nerve-wracking missions again and again!
| Reward Category | Examples |
| Weapon Charms | Gold Ingot, Jolly Roger |
| Emblems & Calling Cards | Dark Matter, Flaming Skull |
| Operator Skins | Shirtless Yegor, Captain Price "All Ghilled Up |
As a hardcore raid enthusiast, I can confirm the loot and challenge keeps brining me back. But it comes at a premium cost…unlike Warzone 2.0‘s DMZ mode.
DMZ Is More Accessible, But Less Rewarding
DMZ is MW2‘s new free-to-play extraction mode allowing solo, duo, and trio play. Significantly more casual friendly than raids, I‘ve found DMZ loses its luster quickly both in terms of challenge and rewards.
My early read is that Infinity Ward will preserve raids as premium content to drive MW2 purchases. However, if retention ever becomes an issue, they may look to emulate DMZ by opening up raids to free-to-play Warzone 2.0 players.
For now though, raids remain firmly tied to full MW2 ownership – a choice that protects the value proposition for paying players like myself.
As someone who has already sunk 50+ hours into MW2 multiplayer and sees raids as the ultimate endgame challenge, I can wholeheartedly recommend buying the full experience.
Take advantage of the free access weekend to sample MW2‘s phenomenal gameplay…then prepare your squad to purchase the full game and battle through the exciting new raidcontent!
Questions? Just hit me up on Twitter @MW2RaidPro and I‘ll be happy to give you my inside take as a dedicated raid specialist!
