Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone 2.0 announced new battle passes, this time focusing on non-linear progression rather than the typical battle pass structure. This means, instead of the typical battle pass unlock structure, players will be able to choose what they want to work toward.
But what would this actually look like? Well, instead of the typical row of levels and unlocks, players will be faced with a multi-sector map. The map will be divided into 20 sectors with 5 items in each sector. When the pass goes live, you’ll be able to travel to specific areas of your interest, unlock the loot you want from it, and then go out and pick another.
The intention is clearly to give players more freedom, and if done right, it appears to benefit both free and paying players. Many of you, including me, have gone through the battle pass to unlock free weapons and ignore everything else. For such players, this may result in a smoother experience.
Likewise, there are usually some “winner” cosmetics scattered throughout the battle pass, encouraging paying players to keep progressing. In theory, you can now pick your favorite skins for the guns you use, and then focus on getting those skins. More freedom in the player’s hands is always a good thing!
However, all of this depends on how the progression actually works. Judging by the official post, the resource used for digging and traveling across sectors is the battle pass. How you unlock these hasn’t been revealed, they could be challenge-based, experience-based, or earned through some other arcane method. However, with a follow-up post about the battle pass set to be published next week, we’re sure to hear more soon.
If you’re looking for a taster of upcoming goodies in the battle pass, there are four new weapons in the original season. these are:
- Defeat the XMR Sniper Rifle — Battle Pass free
- BAS-P submachine gun — Battle Pass free
- Chimera Assault Rifle – store bundles or weapon unlock challenges
- M13B assault rifle – store bundles or weapon unlock challenges
Packaged with this will be the typical spread of operator skins, weapon cosmetics, sprays, and more. So you can pretty much expect the same packs as we saw in Modern Warfare 2019 and Warzone, just in a non-linear format.
All in all, I’d love to see how this goes! Every game these days has a bloody battle pass, everything! So some innovation in this side of the field service genre is well worth looking at, even if it’s trivial. For some reason it reminds me of For Honor, the world conquering multiplayer map. Even though it doesn’t really add to the experience, it sets this game apart. Hopefully the new Modern Warfare 2 battle pass will have a similar effect.
But let us know what you think! Do you think this change to the battle pass is a good idea? Let us know below. For more Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone 2.0 news, check out our loading report on Warzone 2.0 and Modern Warfare 2 making $1 billion before selling a single microtransaction.
