Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 players were given a new co-op PvE mode last December in the form of Raids. The first one is called Atomgrad, and it has three episodes released so far and four playable characters: John Price, Farah Karim, Alex Keller, and Kyle “Gaz” Garrick. Future Raids will likely follow the same runtime and episode structure but with different characters and locations. Some players liked their first Raid experience because of the story and fresh gameplay, while others weren’t so thrilled about the runtime and other elements of the game mode.
Raids like Atomgrad are Special Operations missions that focus more on story and puzzles rather than the fast-paced and chaotic combat that other Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 modes are known for. To access a Raid, players need to complete specific challenges in multiplayer or other Spec Ops modes. Once they get their Raid Keys, they can grind out the episodes for a week. People also need a premade group of three players to get into a Raid, since the mode doesn’t have matchmaking. Once players finish an episode, they can choose to up the difficulty and go through it again to get more valuable loot.
Why Raids Should Return to Call of Duty’s 2024 Release
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’s Raids offer a similar experience to popular looter shooters like Destiny 2 and Borderlands 3. The PvE co-op mode is much slower and more forgiving than the multiplayer PvP modes that Modern Warfare 2 is known for. It’s a nice change of pace for players who just want to shut off from ranked and enjoy playing what is essentially a multiplayer campaign mode with their friends.
Raids can still offer challenging gameplay for hardcore players, with mazes, puzzles, and even options for stealth takedowns. This mode is under Modern Warfare 2's Special Ops, so players also have access to kits. The Medic Kit lets players revive downed teammates at double the speed, while the Assault Kit gives players extra health and one more plate slot for tanking hits. Lastly, the Recon Kit highlights nearby enemies and equips players with mines and tactical grenades. These can be upgraded for extra features and effects.
This mode offers some amazing loot, like Gaz’s Convoy Skin, player cards, unique Modern Warfare weapon blueprints, emblems, and loading screen graphics. Raids offer a more relaxed and rewarding way to play Modern Warfare 2 with friends. As such, players who enjoy the grind and cooperative play of PvE would love to this mode return in future Call of Duty installments.
The Argument Against Raids Returning in Call of Duty’s Future Releases
Despite its current popularity, some fans aren’t as happy with how Raids turned out. For one, the runtime for each Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Atomgrad Raid can reach as long as two hours. Some players don’t have that much time to spare, so they miss out on all the fun co-op gameplay and rewards. Others may not find a two-hour PvE experience rewarding at all.
Another problem with this game mode is that it has a pretty high barrier to entry. For one, it requires all players to get a Raid Key in Modern Warfare 2, which can only be obtained after completing specific daily challenges. Plus, it requires a premade team of three people, which can be another issue for players with busy schedules. Not everyone in their friends list is going to be online when they are, and there’s no guarantee that those on the game are willing to go grind Raids. Call of Duty has to address these issues to make this game mode more viable and accessible in its 2024 installment.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
