Insight into Call of Duty's Upcoming Individual Launches of Modern Warfare 2 and Modern Warfare 3
Call of Duty fans can now breathe a sigh of relief as the much-anticipated separation of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022) and Modern Warfare 3 (2023) from the Call of Duty HQ launcher has been completed. This move aims to reduce the enormous size and complexity of the HQ launcher, improving user experience significantly.
The Call of Duty HQ launcher, introduced in 2022 alongside Infinity Ward's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, had become a common complaint among players due to its infinitely side-scrolling UI and the large file size required to install all titles and DLC content. With the latest changes, players can now download and play these two legacy titles independently without having to install the entire Call of Duty HQ app, which was notably large and cumbersome—requiring hundreds of gigabytes of storage space.
Treyarch Studios, along with supporting Call of Duty teams, have been working on a revamp of the COD HQ launcher, dubbed a "Time to Fun" initiative. This initiative has resulted in a significant reduction in the Call of Duty HQ launcher file size, making it easier for players with limited storage to enjoy Call of Duty games.
One of the key benefits of separating MW2 and MW3 is the reduction of launcher bloat. The Call of Duty HQ launcher had become very large, with installs sometimes exceeding hundreds of gigabytes, making it difficult for players with limited storage. Separating MW2 and MW3 allows users to install only what they want, freeing up storage and simplifying management.
Another advantage is the standalone accessibility of MW2 and MW3. After July 29, 2025, these games were removed from the main Call of Duty HQ install and had to be downloaded separately from platform stores (e.g., Xbox Store, Battle.net, Steam) to be played. This means players can launch the games directly without navigating the HQ launcher menus.
Despite the separation, legacy content from these titles remains accessible in Call of Duty: Warzone. However, legacy content within the HQ launcher itself was slated for removal starting August 7, 2025, further streamlining the HQ app.
On Xbox, the standalone versions of MW2 and MW3 came with fresh achievement lists, allowing players to earn achievements specifically for these titles without needing to complete achievements across multiple Call of Duty games.
The move was widely welcomed by players as it simplified the installation process, reduced disk space requirements, and allowed focused play of these titles. While the community has long requested this change, it is noteworthy that Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, expected for a Fall or Holiday 2025 release, will still be included in the Call of Duty HQ launcher.
In summary, the separation of MW2 and MW3 was motivated by the need to reduce the massive size of the Call of Duty HQ launcher, improve usability, and offer players the option to install and play these titles directly as standalone games while keeping related content in Warzone intact. This change is part of a broader effort to enhance the Call of Duty experience, as described by Treyarch director of production Yale Miller as a journey.
- Gamers can now enjoy the standalone versions of Modern Warfare 2 (2022) and Modern Warfare 3 (2023) separate from the Call of Duty HQ launcher, providing a less complex and more manageable user experience.
- The separation of these games has brought about a significant reduction in the size of the Call of Duty HQ launcher, making it easier for players with limited storage to enjoy Call of Duty games.
- On Xbox, the standalone versions of MW2 and MW3 come with fresh achievement lists, allowing players to earn achievements specifically for these titles without the need to complete achievements across multiple Call of Duty games.
- After the separation, players can launch Modern Warfare 2 (2022) and Modern Warfare 3 (2023) directly without navigating the HQ launcher menus, offering a more streamlined gameplay experience.
- While Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, due for a Fall or Holiday 2025 release, will still be included in the Call of Duty HQ launcher, the change in the storage requirements and user experience for earlier titles like MW2 and MW3 is part of a broader journey to enhance the Call of Duty experience.
