Alongside increasing a player level in multiplayer, many weapons are unlocked as part of skill tree-like ‘Platforms’. There’s a bit of complexity to these new systems in Modern Warfare 2 however, and that’s what this guide will delve into, explaining how to level up and unlock all weapons and their associated Platforms. On this page:
How to unlock weapons in Modern Warfare 2
First, we need to make a distinction between player level and weapon level, as well as explain Platforms and Receivers. Every player has a player level, and every weapon has a weapon level. Your player level increases as you earn XP by playing and completing multiplayer matches and challenges, unlocking new weapons, killstreaks, equipment and more. Meanwhile, weapon levels are tied to individual weapons. When using a weapon in multiplayer matches, it will level up, unlocking additional weapons and attachments at various intervals. Whilst several weapons are unlocked by increasing your player level, many others are unlocked by levelling weapons as part of the new ‘Platform and Receivers’ system. If you want some advice on unlocking things efficently, our how to level up fast in Modern Warfare 2 page can help.
Platforms explained, and how progression works in Modern Warfare 2
Platforms and Receivers are part of a new weapon and attachment unlock system designed to cut down the grind for attachments per weapon. Platforms are a family of weapons that share similar visual traits and attachment availability - these and their starting weapons become available at different player level thresholds. Receivers are weapons within a Platform - these are unlocked by levelling other weapons within the same Platform. Additionally, all weapons in a Platform have their own set of attachment unlocks acquired by increasing the weapon’s level by using it in matches. Since this new terminology is a bit confusing, using the M4 Platform - the first you’ll have access to - as an example, here’s a step-by-step process of how unlocking weapons within a Platform works: This entire unlock process is visualised in-game via skill tree-esque tables, shown in the image below. You can also zoom into each weapon’s progression tracks by selecting each one to view all their attachment and Receiver unlocks as shown below. Bear in mind the exact unlock requirements and weapons and will differ slightly for other Platforms, but the general concept is the same. As an additional note, if you’re an owner of the Vault Edition of Modern Warfare 2, you’ll have access to the FJX Cinder Weapon Vault, which instantly unlocks the M4 Platform and all its weapon and attachment unlocks. Weapon Vaults not only instantly unlock all the rewards from an entire weapons Platform, but also provide a unique, universal aesthetic and visual design that can be selected for all the weapons and their attachments. As of launch, FJX Cinder is the only Weapon Vault available, but it’s possible more will be added with each season. Getting stuck into multiplayer? We explain the best guns in Modern Warfare 2 and how to unlock all weapons and attachments - as well as individual pages on putting together an MP5 loadout, FTAC loadout, M4 loadout, Kastov 762 loadout, SP-R 208 loadout, TAQ 56 loadout, 556 Icarus loadout, Vel 46 loadout, M16 loadout and FSS Hurricane loadout. At launch, you might be wondering where the Battle Pass and Hardcore Tier 1 modes are, as well as how to claim Modern Warfare 2 Twitch drops. Elsewhere, learn how to turn off crossplay on PlayStation and Xbox, get and use Double XP, level up fast, get gold camo, check KD and unlock all MW2 Operators. Playing the story? We have explainers on how long the Modern Warfare 2 campaign is and all safe code combinations.
All Modern Warfare 2 weapon, Platform unlocks by player level
Of the 51 weapons available in Modern Warfare 2 at launch, 28 are earned by increasing your player level, and the others are instead acquired through Platforms by increasing weapon levels. Note: For the weapon unlocks listed with a level 4 requirement, they’re first available to use and equip when custom loadouts are unlocked.
All Modern Warfare 2 weapon unlocks by weapon level
As mentioned, many other weapons are unlocked by levelling weapons within Platforms. Below is a list of all the weapons unlocked by increasing the level of weapons within the Platforms mentioned above: Note: Some Platforms don’t have any weapon unlocks currently and as such, are comprised of just a single weapon. These can still be levelled with their own attachments to unlock, but they do not unlock any additional weapons. They are as follows:
LMP Platform - MP7 (VEL 46) SMG Sakin MG Platform - Sakin MG38 LMG MRBA Platform - MCPR-300 Sniper Rifle Bruen 890 Platform - P890 Handgun Tactique Defense Platform - PDSW 528 SMG Expedite Platform - Expedite 12 Shotgun Sakin G Series Platform - .50 GS Handgun RAAL Platform - RAAL MG LMG Mark 2 Platform - Lockwood MK2 Marksman Rifle Lockwood Sport Platform - Lockwood 300 Shotgun Fennec Platform - Fennec 45 SMG Basilisk 500 Platform - Basilisk Handgun Signal Platform - Signal 50 Sniper Rifle
If you’re looking specific advice about what to unlock first, be sure to check out our best Modern Warfare 2 guns. Elsewhere, if you want to unlock things efficently, our how to level up fast in Modern Warfare 2 page can help.
