Hardcore mode was not originally in Modern Warfare 2, as they tried to replace it with Tier-1 mode, but they went back on that and added classic Hardcore in Season 2.
Modern Warfare 2 did not originally launch with Hardcore mode, it was replaced with Tier-1. However, fans generally disliked Tier-1, and so in Season 2 IW brought back classic Hardcore mode. Here's what Tier-1 and Hardcore Mode are.
Classic Hardcore Mode Released In Season 2
Classic Hardcore mode was reintroduced to the game by Infinity Ward during Modern Warfare 2 Season 2. Here's how classic Hardcore works:
- Players have only 30 base health, which means they can be one-shotted by a ton of weapons in the game.
- Friendly-fire is on, although after two friendly kills all friendly-fire damage will be redirected towards the shooter.
- There are limited-HUD elements, so objective icons remain but your cross-hair and ammo counter is missing.
Sound fun? Let's hope you just don't get the worst map in CoD history.
New Hardcore Mode: Tier 1 Explained
Tier 1 is just Hardcore mode but with no HUD; as the devs describe:
Tier 1: A Tier 1 Playlist is designated within a Playlist’s name and offers a more challenging experience compared to traditional Multiplayer. Operators have less health and limited HUD elements, and friendly fire is on. These elements are consistent in all game modes that support the Tier 1 variant.
Why would they describe it as more challenging? Who knows. It's long been understood that this is the easier way to play, thanks to Hardcore/Tier 1's ridiculously low TTK.
Is Hardcore/Tier 1 an essential playlist for you? Or, would you happily play Modern Warfare 2 without it? We were certainly content with just the core modes (and we said as much in our review), so if you are too, here's a link to buy MW2 .
Check out what else there is to look forward to in Modern Warfare 2: