Multiplayer modes in Call of Duty games can be hit and miss, but there are some gems scattered throughout the franchise. Modes like Sticks and Stones were a blast in Call of Duty Black Ops, but one mode that has made a lasting impression is Infected. COD players have been wondering if the popular multiplayer playlist would return, and it’s time to celebrate. This is what you need to know about its MW2 debut.
The mode’s surprise return emerges as a response to a tweet from player ‘jasperozzy’, that says “playing Infected on Call of Duty with friends is the greatest feeling in the world.” Following that, developer Infinity Ward confirms on its official Twitter account that Infected mode will return with a simple affirmation: “We agree. See you on Feb 15.” Thankfully, there isn’t too long left until we reach the Modern Warfare 2 Season 2 release date.
Debuting back in Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 as a private match mode, Infected sees players take on the role of ‘survivors’, nominating one of their teammates at random to become the ‘infected’. Survivors must hide and or evade the infected player as the timer runs out – unless they can successfully kill them.
There have been different iterations of Infected in Call of Duty Ghosts and Black Ops 3, but it was received especially well in the 2019 Modern Warfare reboot.
Infected joins the likes of Modern Warfare 2‘s current multiplayer infrastructure, which contains familiar modes such as Team Deathmatch, Demolition, Domination and Headquarters. Alternatively, other modes like Knockout and Prisoner Rescue are new additions to the Call of Duty pantheon. Infected isn’t the only mode potentially set for a comeback either.
The close-quarters duel mode, Gunfight, could be next in line to bring the heat to COD players. Similar to that of Arenas in Apex Legends, Gunfight pits players into a series of 2v2 round-based battles with a limited selection of weaponry. Gunfight tournaments became popular in Modern Warfare (2019) and more so in Black Ops Cold War – allowing players to earn exclusive rewards like emblems or banners. In June 2022, developer Infinity Ward told GameSpot that Gunfight would be included “at some point”, describing Knockout as its successor.
However, updates on Gunfight have been slim since then. At least we’re getting Infected, which could signpost the way forward for more classic modes.