Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has no shortage of interesting game modes for players to enjoy. Alongside classics like Domination and Search and Destroy, Knockout and Prisoner Rescue put a new twist on one-life modes. Invasion serves as an intriguing large scale mode due to the introduction of AI, but Ground War has also made a return. Given its similarities to Conquest, it could be a natural choice for frustrated Battlefield fans.
Though the traditional 6v6 gameplay of the Call of Duty franchise is as strong as ever in Modern Warfare 2, Ground War is even better than it was in Modern Warfare 2019. Maps feel more tailored for the mode, more vehicles are in play, and there is good reason to believe it will have a fair bit of support. With the next Battlefield game likely a fair bit away, players that feel burned by the series might just have a perfect alternative.
Modern Warfare 2’s Ground War is Basically Just Battlefield’s Conquest Mode
When thinking about the Battlefield franchise, it likely does not take long for Conquest to come to mind. Though Rush is certainly a strong game mode, the series’ most recognizable mode is Conquest due to its focus on massive battlegrounds that feature a healthy mix between infantry combat and vehicle warfare. Fortunately, that is exactly what Ground War provides in the new Modern Warfare 2.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’s Ground War mode features the same objective as Conquest, with gamers fighting to control five different flags. Just like in Conquest, these flags become a spawn point when under a team’s control, giving gamers an incentive to hold flags since they can push enemies into their spawn. Ground War does have one unique twist, however. If a team manages to capture and hold every single flag at the same time, and for a set period of time, a nuke will be detonated and the flag holders will instantly win.
Just like in Battlefield’s Conquest mode, vehicles play a massive role in Ground War. APCs can transport numerous players, Tanks can tear through unlucky enemies on the ground, and players can transport from area to area via a boat or helicopter. While vehicles are not as in depth as they are in Battlefield, as jets are not present and a repair mechanic like the Engineer’s repair tool is missing, they do feel good to control.
The existence of these vehicles has led to moments resembling the “only in Battlefield” plays, with players jumping out if helicopters and taking out opponents aboard the enemy team’s helicopter in midair. The existence of the larger carrier helicopters allow for some neat sky battles too, with players assembling in the back of the larger vehicles and having unforgettable gunfights in the sky. With Battlefield's traditional 32v32 player count present as well, this kind of action is nonstop, with several explosions and battles taking place at once just like they do in a Battlefield game.
Though there are ways that the mode could be improved, such as the aforementioned repair tool becoming a field upgrade or the addition of jets to the vehicle lineup, Ground War seems poised to receive a fair bit of content. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’s Seasons could result in additional Ground War maps after launch, with Infinity Ward continuing to section off pieces of Warzone 2’s Al Mazrah map. With three maps already present in the beta, a large variety of Ground War locations could be in the works. Map additions could keep players coming back, giving Battlefield fans a viable alternative as DICE continues to work on restoring the franchise’s reputation.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 launches on October 28 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.