COD Modern Warfare 2: How To Unlock Attachments

Learn everything you need to know about the new attachment unlocking mechanism in COD Modern Warfare 2.

The attachment-unlocking mechanism of Modern Warfare 2 is completely changed compared to the previous one in Modern Warfare. The developers have added some major changes to the Gunsmith system. There is a lot of confusion regarding the new features added to the game. COD Modern Warfare 2: How to unlock attachments will explain everything about the unlocking mechanism of the best guns and all the latest changes to the Gunsmith system.

Key Takeaways
  • Unlock attachments in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 by leveling up the weapon.
  • Each weapon has distinct levels, with each level unlocking a new attachment.
  • Level up through multiplayer matches, challenges, or Gunsmith customization.
  • Gunsmith mode allows customization of weapons with various attachments.
  • Equip unlocked attachments via the Gunsmith.
  • Attachments enhance weapon performance, improving accuracy, damage, or range.
  • Experiment with different attachments to discover optimal combinations for your playstyle.

How To Unlock Attachments In MW 2

FSS HURRICANE Receiver
FSS HURRICANE Receiver [Image Credit: eXputer]
  • Leveling up weapons unlocks attachments in Modern Warfare 2.
  • Maximum level for a weapon doesn’t grant all attachments; NO.
  • Attachments are specific to each receiver on the platform.
  • Unlock attachments for every receiver to have all at disposal.
  • Modifications are platform-specific, not lost when changing receivers.
  • Example: Assault rifle modifications transfer to an SMG on the same platform.
  • Understanding weapon platforms is crucial for attachment unlocking.
  • Follow the guide below for a detailed understanding of the mechanism

Weapon Platforms

Platform M4
M4 Platform Receivers [Image Credit: eXputer]
A weapon platform in modern warfare 2 is a family of Weapons that share the same attachments. There are multiple Receivers in a single platform; change the receiver, and you get a whole new weapon. Each of the Receivers has its own unique progression.

You won’t be able to unlock all the attachments just by griding a single Receiver of the family. However, each of the shared attachments that you unlocked for one Receiver is now cross-progressive and attachable to all the other members of the same weapon class.

For example, the M4 platform consists of the following receivers

If you have changed the receiver from M4 to M16, it is a completely new weapon with its own attachments. Now, these attachments can be unlocked by leveling up the M16 Receiver, not the M4 Receiver. Then they can be shared by all the other Receivers in the family.

Accordingly, if you want to unlock a certain attachment in a certain Receiver, click on the attachment. It will show you the exact level on which it will be unlocked. For example, if you want to unlock the FTAC RECON Laser, click on it. You can see it showing up UNLOCKED BY LEVELING FTAC RECON TO LEVEL 14. 

Receiver FTAC RECON
How to unlock FTAC RECON Laser [Image Credit: eXputer]
So this is how the system works. Here we have only discussed the M4 platform, but all the other platforms work in the exact same manner. 

Types Of Attachments In Modern Warfare 2

FTAC RECON Attachment
FTAC RECON Attachments [Image Credit: Infinity Ward]
Infinity Ward has also categorized the attachments in the new edition of the game. The attachments can now be shared within the weapon platform as well as between various platforms. We have two types of attachments in COD Modern Warfare 2, Platform Specific Attachments and Universal Attachments.

Platform Specific Attachments

As suggested by the name, the platform-specific attachments are those which can only be shared within the same weapon platform. Once unlocked in one receiver of the Platform, you can use it in all the other receivers. Some of the Platform specific weapon attachments are

  • Magazine
  • Rear Grip
  • Stock
  • Barrel

Suppose you have unlocked them within the M4 platform; you can’t use them in any other weapon family. You can only use it with M16, 556 ICARUS, FTAC RECON, and FSS HURRICANE receivers of the same M4 family.

Universal Attachments

The universal attachments do not have any restrictions imposed. They can be used with every weapon within Modern Warfare 2, whether within the platform or between the platforms. Some universal attachments are

  • Underbarrel
  • Laser
  • Muzzle
  • Optic
  • Ammunition

Level up through the M4 and unlock any of the attachments above; you will be able to use it with any other weapon across the game. 

Best Attachments In The M4 Platform And How To Unlock Them

There are many attachments to unlock in the M4 family of Modern Warfare 2. These can be unlocked by leveling up through the M4 receivers. We can’t discuss all, but we’ll discuss some of the best attachments in the M4 Platform.

  • Stock: Corio Precio Factory is one of the best M4 attachments, and it can be unlocked by leveling the M4 Receiver of the family up to level 7.
  • Barrel: Tempus Hightower 20 is also one of the favorites in the barrels out there in the game. You can unlock it by grinding the M4 receiver up to the 15th level.
  • Rear Grip: Phantom grip is also the one that should be on your priority list. It can be unlocked in M4 Receiver by leveling up to level 12.
Phantom Grip M4
Phantom Grip in M4 [Image Credit: eXputer]
  • Muzzle: Forge Tac Castle Comp is the best muzzle in M4 to unlock. Level up the 556 ICARUS to level 10 to unlock this attachment.

Summary

The Gunsmith system in Call Of Duty Modern Warfare 2 is a unique way of giving players the control to customize their weapons in a more easily manageable environment. In Modern Warfare 2, the Gunsmith system previously used has got some major changes by Infinity Ward, the developers of the game. 

The attachment unlocking system of COD Modern Warfare 2 comes at the cost of a lot of grind. You have to go through the hassle of grinding up different weapons to unlock them. However, it also gives you more control and with different receivers in a single platform also gives more options to add to the weapon abilities. You can level up the receivers by collecting weapon XP tokens, completing the campaign, and collecting kills.

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Irfan Ansari is a Senior Editor and Guides Writer on eXputer. He has seven years of Video Game Journalism experience and has been gaming for more than 22 years. Over his editorial career, he has gained experience at multiple sites, including TheGamer and VeryAli Gaming. Irfan has also earned a degree in Writing and Editing from the University of Michigan. Learn some more about Irfan's gaming journey on his Steam, PSN, and Xbox profiles.

Experience: 7+ Years || Worked for TheGamer and VeryAli Gaming

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