Where is hardcore mode in Modern Warfare 2?

call of duty: modern warfare 2
(Image credit: Activision)

Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer is finally here but you may be wondering where to find the MW2 hardcore mode, and you're not alone. This multiplayer mode puts a more challenging spin on combat, with limited HUD elements, less health, and friendly fire enabled. It's a popular choice for many.

If you've already finished Modern Warfare 2's campaign and you're eager to start testing your mettle in multiplayer, you can certainly do that with other multiplayer modes. But if you're keen to jump into MW2 hardcore mode, we now know it's coming at the start of season 1 in November.

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When is Modern Warfare 2 hardcore mode coming? 

If you want to know how to play hardcore in Modern Warfare 2, you're out of luck for now. The hardcore mode isn't available at launch but Infinity Ward has confirmed that it will be added at a later date. 

IW has since updated its blog post to say that hardcore mode, the Tier 1 playlist, will go live at the start of season 1, which begins on  November 16.

There are still plenty of other multiplayer modes available such as Team Deathmatch, Kill Confirmed, and Hardpoint but if you're after the extra challenge that Hardcore offers, you'll need to wait a while longer.

To make things slightly more confusing, Hardcore has been renamed to Tier 1 in Modern Warfare 2, so you'll need to keep an eye out for the newer name when it does roll out this month.

Sarah James
Guides Writer

Sarah started as a freelance writer in 2018, writing for PCGamesN, TechRadar, GamingBible, Red Bull Gaming and more. In 2021, she was offered a full-time position on the PC Gamer team where she takes every possible opportunity to talk about World of Warcraft and Elden Ring. When not writing guides, most of her spare time is spent in Azeroth—though she's quite partial to JRPGs too. One of her fondest hopes is to one day play through the ending of Final Fantasy X without breaking down into a sobbing heap. She probably has more wolves in Valheim than you.