14 DAY TRIAL // Activision Blizzard and PlayStation have teamed up to offer Call of Duty fans a taste of what's to come later this autumn. Over the weekend, PlayStation 4 owners will be able to jump directly into the action with the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2v2 Mode Alpha, which is free to play from 23-25 August.
Although you'll need an internet connection to access the Alpha and play, there's no need for a PS Plus membership, something that multiplayer games usually require. If you're determined to check it out this weekend, here is what you can expect.
First off, the Alpha includes five close-quarters maps, including two locales – Docks and Speedball, which have never been played. Dubbed Gunfight Mode, the Alpha multiplayer experience is quite different than what Modern Warfare traditionally offers, which is insanely deep weapon customization.
In Gunfight Mode, players have to adapt to unpredictable loadouts in intimate 2v2 maps with a single goal in mind: win five rounds before the opposing team. As you might expect, there's a catch, as each team begins a round with a “random” weapon loadout.
The folks over at Infinity Ward have already curated a wide range of loadouts, from pistol and rocket launcher combos to scoped shotguns, so don't expect the mode to be fair when it comes to designating loadouts.
Before you jump into the Gunfight Mode, here are a few tips offered by developer Infinity Ward, which you might not be aware of:
- Study your loadout: Your primary weapon is obvious, but look deeper to your sidearm, grenade, and gear. Sometimes your pistol will offer better range than the shotgun you spawned with. Don’t mistake your smoke grenade for a flashbang in the heat of the moment. Mind the details! - Listen carefully: Modern Warfare’s multiplayer removes the mini-map by default. Keep your ears peeled for the crunch of enemy footsteps and other positional cues. Keep your head on a swivel. Headphones make a big difference, too. - Pulling Overtime: An Overtime Flag appears if opposing players are still standing after 40 seconds. The first team to secure the central flag wins the round. - Be unpredictable: Both teams start with sniper rifles and pistols? Take advantage of your enemies’ tunnel vision by storming the map, chucking a grenade, and brandishing that sidearm. Wildcard strategies make you harder to predict. - Move together: Generally goes without saying, but teams that move together live longer. This forces your enemies to think a second longer before engaging. Also, if you die via a surprise attack, your surviving ally has a chance to avenge your death and with the round. - Embrace discovery: Gunfight Mode is a brilliant way to get trigger time with a diverse set of weapons. Who knows – maybe the random loadouts will lead you to fall in love with a new approach to combat to take into Team Deathmatch and other Multiplayer modes.
Keep in mind that this is just a taste of Infinity Ward's upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. The full game will release on all platforms – PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC on October 25.
