Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Prestige guide — when you can level up and claim emblems

Prestige levels are one of the most defining features of Call of Duty multiplayer progression. Players have been able to Prestige in most Call of Duty games ever since it was introduced way back in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. As with most of its predecessors, Prestige and Prestige emblems feature in Modern Warfare 2 but they aren’t as straightforward as in the past. Here’s our guide on how Prestige works in Modern Warfare 2 — and how to claim those emblems.

Note: For more information about the game, check out our Modern Warfare guides and features hub.

How to get Prestige emblems in Modern Warfare 2

Some players have been confused over how Prestige works in Modern Warfare 2. A big reason for this is that as of launch there is no Prestige system currently in the game. We’re technically still in Season Zero, and during the Pre-Season Infinity Ward is focusing on fixing stand-out issues and glaring balance problems.

However, once Season One gets underway on November 16, Prestige and Prestige emblems will be added to the game. To make sure that you can prestige as soon as Season One begins you will need to meet a specific requirement. You won’t be able to Prestige unless you are at the current level cap. In pre-season, the level cap in Modern Warfare 2 is set at 55.

Prestige in Modern Warfare 2 will be seasonal like it was in Black Ops Cold War and Vanguard. Image via Sledgehammer Games

If you are already level 55, then you will be able to Prestige as soon as Season One gets underway. For the most part, Prestige in MW2 will work much as it has in the past few installments. Your level will be reset back to level 1 in exchange for a new Prestige emblem, which is shown next to your name in the game. Unlike some past games, though, you won’t lose any weapon progression or have to reunlock perks.

As for Prestige emblems, we don’t know exactly what emblems Infinity Ward intends to use in Modern Warfare 2. We will either get classic emblems returning from an older title or new designs that are fresh for Modern Warfare 2. Either way, it will give players something to grind on top of weapon progression.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is available on PC via Battle.net and Steam.