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Modern Warfare 2: New Perk System Explained

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We’re all familiar with the traditional create-a-class perk system that nearly every Call of Duty had up to this point. But, the brand new Modern Warfare 2 introduced perk packages. They are the most crucial part of this new system and how perks are used.

What Are Perk Packages in Modern Warfare 2

To state the obvious – perk packages are sets of perks that you can equip when creating a loadout. Each package will have a set amount of perks that you’ll either get immediately or earn whilst playing a match. Furthermore, perks in these packages are divided into Base, Bonus, and Ultimate perks.

  • Base perks are ones that you get immediately upon entering a match.
  • Bonus perks are unlocked about 5 minutes into the match.
  • Ultimate perks are unlocked about 8 minutes into the match.

Getting to your ultimate perk without the game ending is pretty rare in most cases, but there are ways to speed up the process.

All 4 Perk Slots
All 4 Perk Slots

If you perform exceptionally well in a given match, you’re going to earn bonus and ultimate perks much quicker. This is supposed to incentivize players to play the game in a more efficient and streamlined way.

You’re encouraged to not only eliminate players but also to interact with every mechanic at your disposal and play the objective.

All Perks in Modern Warfare 2

There are a lot of perks that you should be on the lookout for when playing. Not all of them are groundbreaking, but you are bound to find some that suit your playstyle. Here’s a list of every perk in its respective category and what it contributes:

Base Perks

  • Battle Hardened – Reduces the effects of enemy Flash, Stun, EMP, Gas Grenades, and Shock Sticks. Also grants immunity to Snapshot Grenades.
  • Scavenger – Resupply ammo and knives from fallen players
  • Bomb Squad – Reduces incoming damage from non-Killstreak explosives. Resets fuse timers when picking up live grenades.
  • Tracker – Enemy players leave a footprint trail, and enemy death markers are visible. Kill markers are also hidden from opposing teams.
  • Double Time – Increases crouch movement speed by 30%, whilst also doubling the duration of Tactical Sprint.
  • Extra Tactical – You spawn with an additional Tactical.
  • Strong Arm – Allows you to throw equipment farther and it also lets you see a preview of its trajectory.
  • Overkill – Allows you to carry two primary weapons of your choice
Base Perks in Modern Warfare 2
Base Perks in Modern Warfare 2

Bonus Perks

  • Spotter – Ability to spot enemy equipment, Field Upgrades, and Killstreaks through walls. Aiming down sights highlights the aforementioned things. Hack enemy Claymores, Proximity Mines, C4s, and Trophy Systems.
  • Cold-Blooded – You become undetectable by AI targeting systems and thermal optics. You do not trigger a High Alert warning. You’re also not highlighted in enemy Tactical Cameras, Recon Drones, and Spotter Scopes.
  • Fast Hands – Perform actions like reloading, using equipment, and swapping weapons faster.
  • Focus – Reduces your flinch when aiming down sights and extends Hold Breath duration.
  • Hardline – Reduced Killstreak cost by one kill. Reduced Scorestreak cost by 125 points.
  • Resupply – Spawns you with an additional Lethal. The equipment also recharges over 25 seconds.
Bonus Perks in Modern Warfare 2
Bonus Perks in Modern Warfare 2

Ultimate Perks

  • Ghost – Become undetectable by UAVs, Portable Radars, and Heartbeat Sensors.
  • Quick Fix – Killing a player immediately triggers health regeneration. Capturing and holding objectives increases health regeneration.
  • High Alert – Noticeable screen pulses when spotted by an enemy player outside of your view.
  • Overclock – Hold an additional Field Upgrade charge and increase Field Upgrade recharge rate by 40%. You’re also granted a Field Upgrade Charge upon earning the perk.
  • Survivor – Enter Last Stand upon death with the ability to self-revive once per life. Teammates can revive you and other downed players.
  • Birdseye – Minimap is zoomed out. UAV and Radar pings reveal the direction of an enemy. Activates one local UAV sweep when earned.
Ultimate Perks in Modern Warfare 2
Ultimate Perks in Modern Warfare 2

Preset Perk Packages in Modern Warfare 2

There are currently six preset perk packages that you can currently equip for your classes. These are great for low-level players and will help newer players mold their classes around specific playstyles. Here’s a list of each pre-made perk package and which perks it gives you:

Hunter Perk Package in Modern Warfare 2
Hunter Perk Package in Modern Warfare 2
  • Assault Perk Pack – Overkill, Scavenger, Fast Hands, and Hardline
  • Phantom Perk Pack – Battle Hardened, Double Time, Cold-Blooded, Ghost
  • Hunter Perk Pack – Strong Arm, Tracker, Spotter, Overclock
  • Deadeye Perk Pack – Overkill, Strong Arm, Fast Hands, High Alert
  • Support Perk Pack – Bomb Squad, Battle Hardened, Resupply, Survivor
  • Sniper Perk Pack – Double Time, Extra Tactical, Focus, Birdseye

Custom Perk Packages

Although there are already pre-made perk packages, you can create up to five custom perk packages. However, you need to have the actual perks unlocked, and these can only be acquired by leveling up.

Many of the better and more useful perks are locked behind higher levels. We’d suggest simply sticking to the pre-made packages until you’ve reached a decent enough level. You’d be surprised how useful certain perk packages are.

Custom Perk Package in Modern Warfare
Custom Perk Package in Modern Warfare

You should now be set when it comes to the new perk system in Modern Warfare 2. Not many players were happy with what they did to the perk system in this new Call of Duty, but it is here to stay regardless. All we can do is adapt and learn more about it in the process.

There are tons of other new features and additions that you should know about when jumping into Modern Warfare 2:

Modern Warfare 2: How to Tune Weapons | Modern Warfare 2: How to Inspect a Weapon (All Platforms) | How to Pull Out Pistol in Modern Warfare 2

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AUTHOR

Based in Serbia, Aleksandar is a Guides Writer at Gamezo. He's ecstatic about various video games and wants to present their many qualities properly.