Information on the independent releases of Modern Warfare 2 and Modern Warfare 3 in the Call of Duty series
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022) and Modern Warfare 3 (2023) have been separated from the Call of Duty HQ launcher and are now available as standalone downloads on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. This move aims to reduce the massive size of the Call of Duty HQ app and help players manage their storage space more efficiently.
The Call of Duty HQ launcher, introduced alongside Infinity Ward's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 in 2022, was designed to house everything in the COD universe in one place. However, its infinitely side-scrolling UI and large file size became a source of frustration for players. The launcher's file size ballooned to over 300GB, causing significant storage management challenges for players.
By making Modern Warfare 2 and 3 standalone downloads, players can directly download and launch these individual titles without downloading the full Call of Duty HQ package and its interstitial menus, streamlining access. Older files and legacy content related to Modern Warfare 2 and 3 within the Call of Duty HQ app are being removed, starting August 7, 2025, to free hard drive space and avoid duplication.
This separation reflects a broader trend to reduce the "comical" download sizes in the Call of Duty ecosystem and improve overall user experience regarding installation and storage management. Treyarch Studios, along with the supporting Call of Duty teams, have refreshed the COD HQ launcher as part of a "Time to Fun" initiative.
Meanwhile, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is expected for a Fall or Holiday 2025 release window. Interestingly, it is the first Call of Duty title to be included with Xbox's Play Anywhere program. Legacy content from MW2 and MW3 will still be available in Call of Duty: Warzone.
Changes have been made to Warzone's buy station UI following the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, but details about these changes have not been disclosed. Yale Miller, Treyarch director of production, described the Call of Duty experience revival as a journey.
[1] https://www.vg247.com/2022/07/22/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-and-modern-warfare-3-are-now-standalone-downloads/ [2] https://www.pcgamer.com/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-and-modern-warfare-3-are-now-standalone-downloads/ [3] https://www.vg247.com/2022/08/02/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-achievement-revealed/ [4] https://www.gamesradar.com/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2-and-modern-warfare-3-are-now-standalone-downloads/ [5] https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/call-duty-modern-warfare-2-and-modern-warfare-3-standalone-downloads-1740262
- Players can now download and launch Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022) and Modern Warfare 3 (2023) as standalone titles on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, making it easier to manage digital storage.
- The Call of Duty HQ launcher, introduced in 2022, will undergo changes to reduce its large file size and enhance the user experience, as part of a "Time to Fun" initiative.
- Despite the separation, legacy content from Modern Warfare 2 and 3 will remain accessible within Call of Duty: Warzone.
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, the first Call of Duty title to be included with Xbox's Play Anywhere program, is slated for a Fall or Holiday 2025 release window.
- The buy station UI in Call of Duty: Warzone has been updated following the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, although specific details about these changes remain undisclosed.
- The trend toward reducing download sizes and improving user experience in the Call of Duty ecosystem continues, with the aim of offering gamers a smoother, more efficient experience across platforms including PC, smartphones, and portable gadgets, and in entertainment mediums such as social media and streaming technology.
