Modern warfare is the most immersive Call of Duty title yet, but if you want to step things up a notch, Hardcore mode is the way to go. Increasing bullet damage, minimizing your HUD and allowing friendly fire, Hardcore mode is, by far, the tensest experience in the game. Unfortunately, it’s also hidden behind some confusing options. Want to play hardcore in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare but can’t figure out how? Don’t worry, we’ve got the explanation you need.
How to play Hardcore in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
Hardcore mode removes most of your HUD elements, so you'll need to rely on your senses a bit more if you want to succeed.
© Infinity Ward
To play Hardcore in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, make your way to the multiplayer portion of the game. In the main multiplayer lobby you should see a series of modes, with Quickplay at the top. Just to the right of this you’ll see a Filter button. Select this and you’ll see a list of modes, letting you adjust which you prefer to play. As well as the regular list, you’ll can also access and adjust the settings for hardcore mode by pressing Square on PS4, X on Xbox One, or R on PC. This will swap you between the available categories, jumping from standard to Hardcore.
You’ll know you’re in the right menu when each of the modes has HC at the start of it. We’re not sure why Infinity Ward decided to hide the mode off in this small filters box but now that you know, you should be able to start Hardcore matches whenever you want. Right now you can play with Hardcore settings in the following modes: Team Deathmatch, Search and Destroy, Headquarters, Domination and Cyber Attack.
To recap, here are the steps for how to play Hardcore in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare:
- Open the Multiplayer Lobby
- Select Filter
- Swap categories to Hardcore (Square on PS4, X on Xbox One, R on PC)
- Select the game modes you want to play
Looking for more Call of Duty: Modern Warfare tips? Check out these guides!
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 1.07 patch notes
- Best M4A1 class, attachments in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
- How to use Finishing Moves in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
Otherwise, congratulations on learning how to play Hardcore, now you just need to prove you’ve got the skills to survive in the toughest online mode in the game. Good luck out there!
