How to prestige in Modern Warfare 2


Modern Warfare 2 players loading pistol and holding assault rifle
Credit: Activision
January 17, 2023: Season Two is reportedly delayed meaning there's plenty of time to master the current prestige system.

Modern Warfare 2 prestige is a hot topic of conversation within the Call of Duty community. Previous releases feature a system where players can reset their rank several times in order to unlock a wide variety of cosmetic items but more recent releases have scrapped the fan-favourite model for a streamlined offering.

Thanks to seasonal updates, reaching level 55 and resetting to level 1 is a thing of the past. Instead, players reach the highest military rank and continue levelling up over the course of a season.

Before we take a closer look at Modern Warfare 2 prestige, check out our guides showcasing the best Modern Warfare 2 guns and the Modern Warfare 2 maps available to play in multiplayer.

Modern Warfare 2 prestige explained

As mentioned above, the classic prestige system doesn't feature in Modern Warfare 2. Instead, it's the same one that's featured in 2019's Modern Warfare and Vanguard. Military ranks are levels 1 to 55. These levels are packed with the usual dose of unlocks allowing players to build the ultimate loadout.

Once players hit the highest Military rank, seasonal ranks will follow. Here's how it works:

  • Prestige 2: Unlocked at Rank 100
  • Prestige 3: Unlocked at Rank 150
  • Prestige 4: Unlocked at Rank 200
  • Prestige 5: Unlocked at Rank 250 (maximum level cap for season one)

Modern Warfare 2 seasonal levels

At the start of every season, seasonal levels will return to 55 in a bid to replicate the classic prestige system many players prefer. For season one, players can reach level 250 over the course of a season.

Alongside seasonal levels, seasonal challenges will arrive. Containing a wide range of requirements and rewards, completing them before the start of a new season has a wealth of rewards including exclusive calling cards and emblems.

Modern Warfare 2 players moving through room
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Credit: Activision

Modern Warfare 2 season 1 prestige icon

Each season comes with its very own prestige icons. Season one contains five prestiges meaning there are five icons to get your hands on. Here's a closer look:

Modern Warfare 2 season one prestige icons
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Credit: Activision

Can you customise Modern Warfare 2 prestige icons?

Previous Call of Duty games allows players to switch their prestige icons to those that appear in older titles. Ranging from old Modern Warfare icons to the colourful Black Ops collection, reaching seasonal ranks has its rewards.

It doesn't look like players can customise their prestige icons but that could all change if Infinity Ward decides to add the feature at a later date.

Modern Warfare 2 season 1 start date

Season 1 of Modern Warfare 2 is scheduled to begin on November 16, coinciding with the launch of Warzone 2 and DMZ, a new extraction mode giving Call of Duty players even more ways to play.

That's all there is to know about Modern Warfare 2 prestige. For more, check out our guides showcasing the best Modern Warfare 2 SMG and the latest intel on Modern Warfare 2 double XP events.

For more articles like this, take a look at our Guides, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, and Shooter Games pages.