It's unfortunately become a fairly common thing that the latest Call of Duty release does not receive any update about the developer's ranked play, let alone a ranked mode.
Modern Warfare 2 is no exception, with no ranked mode and no immediate hint from Infinity Ward on when to expect it. This remained constant for several months.
Given the long-running debate about skill-based matchmaking in core playlists, the decision not to include ranked or any information about ranked is perplexing. Many players lament the use of SBMM because they are essentially getting the ranked experience without the benefit or reward of actually achieving a competitive rank.
Will Modern Warfare 2 eventually have a ranked playlist?
When will Modern Warfare 2's ranked play begin?
Season two of MW2 has been rescheduled from two weeks to January 15 and will now be released on February 15. The announcement also included the news that ranked play would be coming with the season.
The ranked play for the multiplayer component of MW2 has been created by Treyarch, the makers of the Black Ops series. On Twitter, Treyarch stated that ranked play will be available alongside season two on February 15.
MW2 grinders have waited long for ranked play, but the wait is now over. By the time it launches, though, it will have taken over three and a half months since the game was originally launched on October 28.
In Modern Warfare 2, what will ranked play look like?
In a blog post on February 8, Activision revealed some verified information about ranked play leading up to the premiere of season two.
Activision said the feature-packed, stand-alone competitive multiplayer mode includes CDL-approved rules, restrictions, maps, and modes while rewarding players with exclusive items and visible skill ranks to show off with pride. Skill Division Skins are awarded for the first time for finishing a Season in the Gold Division or above.
Along with the bragging rights of being a top-ranked player, there will be new rewards to earn, and positions will be both permanent and seasonal.
“You will climb through a set of Ranked Play Ranks (1–50) as you compete in this competitive arena,” Activision said. “Every win gives a Star toward this Rank system, and every five Ranks awards a new Operator Skin. Plus, complete Seasonal Win Challenges throughout the course of each Ranked Play Season to demonstrate your dedication to this competitive sport.”
Activision revealed the rewards for players who rise to the top on February 13th.
- Rank 5: “Ranked Competitor” Operator Skin Pack, one “Home” version and one “Away” version awarded for both the Male and Female CDL Operators
- Rank 15: Pro Issue Sidearm Blueprint, which has similar attachments to what is used at the highest level of competitive play.
- Rank 30: New Gun Screen that tracks Ranked Play wins.
- Rank 40: Pro Issue Combat Knife Blueprint, which is another popular competitive Secondary weapon.
- Rank 50: “Ranked Veteran” Operator Skins (Home and Away) awarded to Male and Female CDL Operators, proof of your commitment to Ranked Play no matter your Skill Division
Activision claims that every Ranked Play win will earn you a Star. Every five Ranks will earn you a new symbol that appears in your Skill Division, such as a Wolf for Ranks 11–15 or the majestic Silverback Gorilla for Ranks 31–35.
On February 15, MW2 will finally release ranked play.