A new leak suggests that the 2026 Call of Duty entry—widely believed to be Modern Warfare 4—will lean heavily on the multiplayer foundations of 2022’s Modern Warfare 2. According to the claim, the upcoming title’s multiplayer is described as “almost a complete copy,” with only minor mechanical adjustments planned.
The information comes from a known Call of Duty leaker and points to a design direction that prioritizes iteration over reinvention.
Limited Gameplay Changes Reportedly Planned
The leak claims that Infinity Ward’s 2026 project will introduce only modest tweaks rather than sweeping changes. Reported adjustments include:
- Slight tuning to aiming down sights and slide penalties
- Removal of perk charge mechanics
- Core gameplay flow remaining largely unchanged
With the game reportedly deep into development and roughly 11 months left in the current timeline, major multiplayer redesigns are said to be unlikely.
Why Modern Warfare 2’s Multiplayer Was Divisive
Modern Warfare 2’s multiplayer sparked strong reactions within the community, particularly among longtime players. While it delivered a polished experience at launch, several design choices proved controversial.
Movement and Skill Expression
Many veteran players felt that slower movement reduced the traditional skill ceiling, shifting emphasis away from advanced positioning and mechanical mastery.
Time-to-Kill and Engagements
The short time-to-kill encouraged aggressive, close-range play, often punishing slower or more tactical approaches.
Minimap and Audio Focus
The removal of red dots for unsuppressed gunfire pushed players toward sound-based tracking, significantly altering match pacing and awareness.
Visual Clarity Issues
Heavy muzzle flash and strong visual recoil made sustained firefights harder to read, impacting target visibility after firing.
Retention Concerns Despite Strong Sales
Commercially, Modern Warfare 2 was a massive success, surpassing one billion dollars in revenue within its first ten days. However, player retention told a different story.
Reports at the time suggested that the PC player base dropped by roughly half within the first month, with multiplayer frustrations frequently cited as a contributing factor. This contrast between sales performance and long-term engagement continues to influence expectations for future entries.
Platform Changes and Next-Gen Focus
The leak also claims that PlayStation 4 and Xbox One support will be dropped for the 2026 release, signaling a full shift toward newer hardware. Additionally, the game is said to be planned for involvement with Nintendo’s next console, often referred to as the Switch 2, tied to an existing agreement—though details remain unclear.
A Risky Strategy for Infinity Ward
If these claims prove accurate, Modern Warfare 4 could face a familiar challenge: appealing to players who enjoyed Modern Warfare 2 while addressing the criticisms that followed its launch. Reusing a polarizing multiplayer foundation may help streamline development, but it also risks repeating past mistakes at a time when player expectations are higher than ever.
As with all pre-release information, these details should be treated as unconfirmed until officially announced.
