Modern Warfare 2 free access - When can you play MW2 for free?

Modern Warfare 2 players fighting
Credit: Activision

Modern Warfare 2 players fighting
Credit: Activision

Still deciding if you want to purchase Modern Warfare 2? Following the Season 3 update, Infinity Ward is giving everyone a chance to play thanks to a Modern Warfare 2 free access period. For a limited time, you can jump into the action without spending any money.

As it's a few days of completely free access, you don't have access to the full game but you can use the best guns on a selection of the best maps within the sequel to 2019's Modern Warfare.

Before you drop into the action, take a look at our guides showcasing the best Modern Warfare 2 assault rifle and all there is to know about upcoming Modern Warfare 2 double XP events.

When does Modern Warfare 2 free access start?

Activision reveals that the Modern Warfare 2 free access begins on April 19 to April 26. With four whole days to experience the latest Call of Duty title, you get to experience various aspects of the full multiplayer offering before deciding if it's worth parting ways with your hard-earned cash.

Once the free access ends, you'll need to pay if you want to continue your Call of Duty journey.

Screenshot showing Modern Warfare 2 Season 3 free access roadmap
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Credit: Activsion

Modern Warfare 2 free access content

During the free access period, a total of three multiplayer maps across four modes are available to play. Check out the full list of content below:

Maps

  • Farm 18
  • Shoot House
  • Shipment
  • Dome
  • Himmelmatt Expo
  • Pelayo's Lighthouse
  • Alley
  • Blacksite
  • Exhibit
  • Santa Sena Border Crossing

Modes

  • Team Deathmatch
  • Domination
  • Kill Confirmed
  • Grind
  • Gun Game
  • Infected
  • One in the Chamber
  • All or Nothing
  • Ground War
  • Invasion
  • Gunfight

It's worth noting that there's a total of six maps and eight game modes to experience across the four days so make sure you try everything out before the timer runs out.

How to download Modern Warfare 2 free access

The process of downloading the Modern Warfare 2 free access is incredibly straightforward. Here's what you need to do:

  1. Head to your store platform (Xbox, PlayStation, or PC)
  2. Search for Modern Warfare 2 free access in the search bar
  3. Select the download of the free trial.
  4. Download it, and jump into the action!

Will there be more Modern Warfare 2 free access?

There's a high possibility more Modern Warfare 2 free access periods take place throughout the duration of the game cycle. It's certainly unusual to see one take place during the first post-launch content season but with a brand-new raid available in the full version of the game, perhaps it's part of Activision's plan to avoid any kind of drop-off in player numbers.

Either way, the free access periods act as the perfect chance to see what MW2 has to offer if you're still undecided.

That's everything you need to know about Modern Warfare 2 free access. For more on the game, take a look at our guides showcasing the best Modern Warfare 2 guns and the best Modern Warfare 2 perks you can use in multiplayer.