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Modern Warfare 2 Prestige system and ranks explained

The MW2 Prestige system is a series staple that gives players a chance to break through the regular level progression cap to earn weapon blueprints

Modern Warfare 2 Prestige system and ranks explained: three soldiers wait to disembark their helicopter transport
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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 

The Modern Warfare 2 Prestige system is similar to previous Call of Duty games, and is a way for players to show off their skill and experience. In addition, it serves as an unlock platform for various cosmetics. It’s been a staple of Call of Duty for years, with Infinity Ward opting for a more permanent, old-school approach to the ranking system.

Season Prestige Ranks are unlocked once you surpass the MW2 max level of 55, and reward your success with an emblem, additional rewards, and a set of challenges, with various calling cards available for complete said challenges.

Can you Prestige in Modern Warfare 2

Now Modern Warfare 2 season one is here, the Prestige system has been rolled out. To get Prestige ranks in Modern Warfare 2, play matches to get Military Ranks (MR) until you reach MR 55. You then continue to earn Prestige ranks as you level up, with certain milestones offering different levels of Prestige.

When season 1 ends, you can continue to rank up from whichever Prestige rank you ended up at, allowing players who fell behind during the season to catch up.

There are three main ways of ranking up in Modern Warfare 2, and taking advantage of all three in tandem will offer you the fastest way to level up.

Here’s how to gain ranks in Modern Warfare 2:

  • Multiplayer matches: gaining XP from playing multiplayer matches and advancing through levels 1-55 grants you various weapon platforms, multiplayer loadout items, and Spec Ops kits.
  • Daily Challenges: you can complete three daily challenges in multiplayer or Spec Ops modes. Completing all three will unlock a bonus objective which offers triple the XP of a regular challenge.
  • Additional Challenges: career milestone challenges will be available for XP and cosmetic rewards. These could be something like winning matches in a specific game mode.

Season 1 Prestige Ranks

Here are the Prestige Ranks for Modern Warfare 2 season 1:

  • Prestige 1: Unlocked at rank 56.
  • Prestige 2: Unlocked at rank 100.
  • Prestige 3: Unlocked at rank 150.
  • Prestige 4: Unlocked at rank 200.
  • Prestige 5: Unlocked at rank 250, and is the level cap until the end of season 1.

If you’re currently planning your multiplayer domination and your journey to Prestige 5, it’s a good idea to brush up on all the Modern Warfare 2 perks and killstreaks. Also, reading this breakdown of all the Modern Warfare 2 maps wouldn’t hurt.

When he's not writing guides at PCGamesN, PK is usually found waiting for the respawn timer in League of Legends, hanging around a tavern in Baldur's Gate 3, or fighting his way through the Settled Systems in Starfield. PK's extensive knowledge of video games is matched only by his extensive wardrobe of flannel shirts, which he has been curating since he was born, proving he was always meant to be a games journalist. He watches an episode of Star Trek every night before bed, and he loves toast, even though it makes him feel a bit sick. Buttery goodness exacts a heavy toll, one that he's willing to pay.