- Primary Subject: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4
- Key Update: Modern Warfare 4 will release later this year, and I have a list of things the new Infinity Ward title must have.
- Status: Opinion
- Last Verified: July 7, 2026
- Quick Answer: Modern Warfare 4 is coming, but I have an opinion-based checklist that it must tick to be up to standards.
After two consecutive years, the Call of Duty franchise is giving the Black Ops subfranchise a rest and bringing back the Modern Warfare series with the reboot saga's fourth installment.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 has been received positively for the most part by the community, but with the previous title not meeting expectations when it comes to sales and GTA 6 launching almost a month after it, the franchise is facing some steep climbs this year.
I know I'll buy the game when it comes out, but I still have a wishlist of features that the game must have at launch to make it a competent title, capable of offering an enjoyable experience.
A Good Post-Launch Plan
One thing that the past three Call of Dutys have done well is having a robust post-launch lineup, adding a good amount of content each season.
This trend must continue with Modern Warfare 4. Given that the game has been in development for around three years, Infinity Ward has had enough time to see this trend in the past games and prepare a similar content plan, as it has been seen as something positive by the players.
With the game offering a Multiplayer and DMZ mode, both major modes should receive enough content and updates to keep players busy.
Improvements to RICOCHET
I'm gonna sound like a broken record, as this conversation is brought up every time a new game releases, but Activision needs to make sure the RICOCHET team is not lacking when the game launches.
This will be the first Call of Duty title exclusive to current-gen consoles and the first title releasing on a Nintendo console in years, so the effort must be there to make sure the game is not plagued with cheaters at launch (and throughout the year).
I expect crossplay to be available across all platforms, so if there are cheaters in the PC version, that will definitely reach the console users and make them not want to turn the feature on.
It's a hard battle to keep up with cheaters, but Activision should be able to keep up and maintain an almost cheater-free ecosystem.
Keep the Non-SBMM Playlists
Although Black Ops 7 was not the commercial success the higher-ups wanted, Treyarch did listen to the community and partially delivered the possibility to play in lobbies with low SBMM.
Skill-Based Matchmaking has always been part of the franchise, but it took a turn when Modern Warfare 2019 launched, as the game featured a stricter ideology, putting skill above all factors when creating a lobby. This resulted in longer wait times, more tryhard lobbies in casual modes, and a wave of negative feedback.
Although it was a bit questioned for its validity, Treyarch brought back lobbies where skill is not a top priority for the matchmaking system. Now that the franchise is entering a new generation, I believe this should be the way to go to bring back that old feeling from the golden era.
Match variety is always nice, and not every casual game needs to feel like a Call of Duty Championship Grand Finals. Speaking of...
An Improvement to Ranked Play
Ranked Play has been implemented in every single game for the past several years, so I wouldn't be surprised if this is either included when MW4 launches or added shortly after launch.
However, I want to see more of it. The mode has improved, receiving quality-of-life features, like RR refunds whenever a cheater is found or featuring new rewards every season. There is always room to improve, and the mode should also get some attention to keep it entertaining.
Maybe the addition of map/mode voting could be a possibility, or the return of ban and protect from Black Ops 3 would certainly be a nice surprise. Other franchises already have an established Ranked ladder, so I want to see a good offering from Modern Warfare 4, considering that the CDL has had a spectacular year in terms of events and viewership in 2026.
A Compelling Campaign
Yes, we also need to talk about the campaign. I have high standards for Infinity Ward campaigns, and I want them to deliver this time.
Part of the reason why Modern Warfare 2019 was a success is its campaign. People still praise Clean House to this day because of its realistic gameplay and how immersive it feels for a game that's supposed to be more arcade-like.
I want MW4 to have a good story and offer unique or interesting missions that make the single-player side feel like a premium package. They already have a good setup, as the story will depict North Korea and South Korea, alluding to real-life tensions, and will also bring back characters we know and love.
Infinity Ward has a team capable of delivering good stories, and I want to see them thrive in this department because both Modern Warfare 2019 and Modern Warfare 2 (2022) have had stories that make me want to play the campaign, something I don't usually do when I get a new Call of Duty.
READ MORE: Does Modern Warfare 4 Have Zombies?
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