Coming back after a long break from the game is likely to be a bit of a shock. The pacing is going to feel different, the pattern changes more frequently, the movement is going to feel a little different, and the weapon balance is going to feel different from what you probably remember. However, previous players will at least have the advantage of remembering the basics of the game, which is more than brand new players can say.
It makes sense to understand where the game is now in progress. The game series has had many different engine revisions, new movement changes, and a new user interface since 2020. If players want to skip the grinding in the early game, be careful in deciding which options to use on the game. Some players buy COD accounts to start fresh with unlocked operators and level boosts, but that’s a personal choice. The main thing is to get comfortable with the current systems and ease into the experience.
The major changes since 2020
In the first place, we’re definitely in a world far removed from the wonderful world of slide-cancelling. Latterly, the handling of weapons and their recoil is still great but somewhat more intertwined with realism, and still feels along the lines of COD. Following this, the layouts of the maps flowed in a direction that feels like a mix of traditional 3-lane layouts and somewhat tighter, more tactical spaces. What came next was an even more complicated progression with lines of weapons, camo tasks, and operator rank-ups.
Players will have to get used to faster combat, new recoil patterns, along with the game’s weaponry, and will have to practice the flow of the new maps. Thankfully, a lot of new tools are being added to the game to get old players back into their combat game form.
Learning Movement and Shoot Pacing
Current Call of Duty titles have attacking and moving differently based on custom scripting, sprint timing, tactical repositioning, and where the player can start sliding. Signal out private matches and bot lobbies can also help trainers to readjust their sensitivities.
Training your crosshair alignment with the axis of the window aim and where the aim can get centre ticked on targets (comfortable alignment with aimed window crosshairs, and if lost or aimed up, will get a tick on crosshairs) is crucial. Movement on your walking, horizontal axis, crouching, and short bursts of taps of the sliding sprint instead of holding the sprint key.
This is to maintain close and predictable computer player movement instead of spamming your movement. Aggression is right with a still, accurate and controlled aim and constant burst, circular and quick roll. More positioning of the player will get results.
Learning the New Gunplay Mechanics
Guns have an improved new pool, and in every title, there is a new set of improved attachment recoil custom guns and gunsmithing. Frames from seeing the built, fully custom guns can help. To recover and get used to aiming, get a reliable assault rifle or SMG and aim downward sight or trigger. Try the built-in long-range of targets or players and hypothesize the results. You can also build guns to try different under-barrel sets to enhance the shooting game. You will also advance yourself in other various playstyles to combat and tactical problems.
Don’t worry about getting meta-loadouts on day one. Community recommendations change weekly, and meta weapons rotate. Focus instead on understanding how the gunsmith system alters weapon behaviour and learn how to adjust to the current meta. Adapting to the current meta is easier with improved aim.
Check out the most consistent players to see what settings they are using, as they are most likely to share with the public. Use them as a starting point for consistent settings rather than using them as a template and trying to create the same thing they have. Getting consistent settings that work for you is much more valuable than having someone else’s perfect settings.
How to Engage with New Progression Features
It’s harder to level up weapons now because of unlock systems. Because you unlock attachments for multiple weapons in the same category, you are forced to experiment with seemingly unused weapons. Advanced loadouts can be unlocked by completing the universal attachments. Then you can focus on a single weapon to level up.
Returning to multiplayer modes safely
Standard multiplayer is frantic. New players should warm up in less populated and frenzied game modes like Team Deathmatch or Domination. Then, play objective modes like Hardpoint. Once you have improved your map knowledge, smaller maps are good for quick weapon leveling. Finally, avoid fatigue by rotating between casual and tactical modes.
Warzone has changed even more
For starters, learn the map layouts and hot zones. Then, timing your engagement and armour positioning to get the right squad wipe is key. After that, the game rewards you for better managing your backpack and grenades, and other field upgrades. Also, the game has a pretty slow kill time in long range, so practice keeping your aim steady.
Being aware of your surroundings
COD audio has had a lot of changes since it started releasing new titles. Modern titles, especially, are reliant on hearing things out. Footsteps are on the clearer end when jumping, plating in and out, and when you are reloading. Make sure that your background volume is lower and in-game effects are raised so you can hear someone approaching before you get into sight. This can improve your win rate significantly, especially for a more tactical playstyle.
Managing unlocks, battle pass rewards, and seasonal content
Some players who switch between accounts periodically opt to buy COD accounts for cosmetic items, but that’s entirely optional. You can unlock everything at your own pace through gameplay.
FAQs
1. What’s the best way to warm up after being away for years?
Bot matches should work, and then you can go into casual multiplayer once you feel comfortable.
2. Which sensitivity should returning players use?
Choosing a moderate sensitivity should work, and then you can adjust it to whatever is comfortable. Just avoid changing it too frequently, or you’ll hinder your progress more.
3. Do I need meta weapons to compete?
No. You can use a stable weapon, and it’ll usually perform better than using a meta gun that is much better, but you have to spend some time learning it.
4. What is the simplest way to relearn how to play COD again?
If you want to relearn how to play, Deathmatch and Domination are good options to improve gunfights, pacing, and learning the maps.
5. How much time is needed to return to your former level?
Most players regain their former level of play in about a week from their initial return. If you play consistently, it won’t even take that long, and you will feel comfortable much quicker than expected.
Final thoughts
Returning to COD after a long time can feel challenging and difficult. It will feel even harder as you try to adjust to the changes that have been made. If you take your time and adjust settings, get movement practice in, play a few practice games to warm up before playing in the main mode, and play consistently, you will be pleased to be playing COD again in no time! The game will feel as good as you remember, just much better and quicker.
