MODERN WARFARE 2 FIELD GUIDE

Modern Warfare 2 Spec Ops Missions

All 23 Spec Ops missions, from Alpha to Echo, with mission pictures, objectives and player requirements. Earn up to 69 stars.

Stars, tiers and co-op

Alpha starts unlocked; Bravo, Charlie, Delta and Echo open at 4, 8, 20 and 40 stars. Each mission awards up to three stars, with difficulty or timed targets determining the result. Repeating an easier result does not add extra stars. Overwatch and Big Brother require two players; the other missions can be played solo or with a partner.

Alpha 5 Bravo 5 Charlie 5 Delta 5 Echo 3

Alpha

The Pit mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 2 (2009).

The Pit mission loading screen. Picture source

Alpha · Spec Ops

The Pit

Clear all 24 enemy targets on the training course while avoiding the five civilian cutouts.

Mission: 01 / 23 · Obstacle course
Location: Fire Base Phoenix, Afghanistan
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Available from the start
Stars: 1 star: finish; 2 stars: finish within 45 seconds; 3 stars: within 35 seconds with no civilian targets hit.
Approach: Keep moving between target groups; switch weapons when a reload would slow the run.

Call of Duty Guide: The Pit · Original game image

Sniper Fi mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 2 (2009).

Sniper Fi mission loading screen. Picture source

Alpha · Spec Ops

Sniper Fi

Defend the rooftop against three, four or five enemy waves on Regular, Hardened or Veteran. Sniper rifles, claymores and a Predator drone support the defense.

Mission: 02 / 23 · Wave defense
Location: Mountain outpost
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Available from the start
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Protect the ladder approach and use the Predator from cover to destroy incoming troop transports.

Call of Duty Guide: Sniper Fi · Original game image

O Cristo Redentor mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 2 (2009).

O Cristo Redentor mission loading screen. Picture source

Alpha · Spec Ops

O Cristo Redentor

Clear the favela of 30, 40 or 50 militia on Regular, Hardened or Veteran while staying within the civilian-casualty limit. Attack dogs join the higher difficulties.

Mission: 03 / 23 · Elimination
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Available from the start
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Check windows and rooftops before advancing and listen for the dogs that arrive as the enemy count falls.

Call of Duty Guide: O Cristo Redentor · Original game image

Evasion mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 2 (2009).

Evasion mission loading screen. Picture source

Alpha · Spec Ops

Evasion

Slip through patrols and their dogs to reach the extraction point with suppressed weapons.

Mission: 04 / 23 · Stealth
Location: Snowy Russian woodland
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Available from the start
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Stay prone around patrols and avoid pushing into fresh groups if an encounter goes wrong.

Call of Duty Guide: Evasion · Original game image

Suspension mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 2 (2009).

Suspension mission loading screen. Picture source

Alpha · Spec Ops

Suspension

Fight across a damaged bridge to the safe zone, dealing with infantry and helicopter reinforcements.

Mission: 05 / 23 · Assault
Location: I-395 bridge, United States
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Available from the start
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Collect a launcher before the helicopter section and use abandoned vehicles as cover without standing beside burning ones.

Call of Duty Guide: Suspension · Original game image

Bravo

Overwatch mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 2 (2009).

Overwatch mission loading screen. Picture source

Bravo · Spec Ops

Overwatch

One player runs to extraction while the other clears the route with an AC-130 gunship. Both roles are required.

Mission: 06 / 23 · Timed escort
Location: Russian countryside
Players: Two players required
Unlock: Earn 4 total Spec Ops stars
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: The gunner should clear the next stretch before the runner moves and keep heavy shells away from their partner.

Call of Duty Guide: Overwatch · Original game image

Body Count mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 2 (2009).

Body Count mission loading screen. Picture source

Bravo · Spec Ops

Body Count

Earn 30,000 points by defeating enemies. Rapid chains of kills add bonuses, while vehicles offer large score opportunities.

Mission: 07 / 23 · Score attack
Location: Virginia business district
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Earn 4 total Spec Ops stars
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Pick a defensible position and chain targets instead of chasing scattered enemies across open ground.

Call of Duty Guide: Body Count · Original game image

Bomb Squad mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 2 (2009).

Bomb Squad mission loading screen. Picture source

Bravo · Spec Ops

Bomb Squad

Defuse three bombs in the favela marketplace before the selected difficulty's timer expires.

Mission: 08 / 23 · Timed bomb disposal
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Earn 4 total Spec Ops stars
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Choose a route through the three markers before committing; check upstairs and rear approaches while defusing.

Call of Duty Guide: Bomb Squad · Original game image

Race mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 2 (2009).

Race mission loading screen. Picture source

Bravo · Spec Ops

Race

Ride the snowmobile to the finish through enemy riders, trees and a final chasm jump.

Mission: 09 / 23 · Snowmobile race
Location: Tian Shan mountains, Kazakhstan
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Earn 4 total Spec Ops stars
Stars: Time targets: 1 star under 2:00; 2 stars under 1:30; 3 stars under 1:10.
Approach: Use gentle steering corrections and keep enough speed for the final jump.

Call of Duty Guide: Race · Original game image · StrategyWiki: Race time targets

Big Brother mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 2 (2009).

Big Brother mission loading screen. Picture source

Bravo · Spec Ops

Big Brother

A Blackhawk gunner covers a ground player moving to the roof of Nate's Restaurant for extraction. Two players are required.

Mission: 10 / 23 · Timed escort
Location: Virginia business district
Players: Two players required
Unlock: Earn 4 total Spec Ops stars
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Let the gunner clear exposed routes; the ground player must finish at the rooftop pickup while avoiding friendly explosive fire.

Call of Duty Guide: Big Brother · Original game image

Charlie

Hidden mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 2 (2009).

Hidden mission loading screen. Picture source

Charlie · Spec Ops

Hidden

Cross the overgrown Chernobyl area to extraction while avoiding patrols and locating camouflaged snipers.

Mission: 11 / 23 · Stealth
Location: Pripyat, Ukraine
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Earn 8 total Spec Ops stars
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Scan grass and distant cover before moving; suppressors help you keep separate enemy groups from joining the fight.

Call of Duty Guide: Hidden · Original game image

Breach & Clear mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 2 (2009).

Breach & Clear mission loading screen. Picture source

Charlie · Spec Ops

Breach & Clear

Breach the gulag shower room and push through infantry and shield users to the exit.

Mission: 12 / 23 · Breach assault
Location: Petropavlovsk Gulag, Russia
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Earn 8 total Spec Ops stars
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty. Veteran also has a three-minute completion limit.
Approach: Use the opening slow motion carefully, then flash the congested route before crossing exposed ground.

Call of Duty Guide: Breach & Clear · Original game image

Time Trial mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 2 (2009).

Time Trial mission loading screen. Picture source

Charlie · Spec Ops

Time Trial

Reach the snowmobile jump before the countdown expires, extending the clock by passing through flag gates.

Mission: 13 / 23 · Timed snowmobile course
Location: Tian Shan mountains, Kazakhstan
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Earn 8 total Spec Ops stars
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty. Starting time: 15/10/8 seconds; each gate adds 4/4/3 seconds on Regular/Hardened/Veteran.
Approach: Prioritize gates and smooth turns; missing a gate can cost more than taking a slightly longer line.

Call of Duty Guide: Time Trial · Original game image

Homeland Security mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 2 (2009).

Homeland Security mission loading screen. Picture source

Charlie · Spec Ops

Homeland Security

Survive five waves of infantry, vehicles and helicopters using sentry guns, thermal sights and explosives. An enemy Predator makes open ground dangerous.

Mission: 14 / 23 · Wave defense
Location: Virginia business district
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Earn 8 total Spec Ops stars
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Arrange sentries before later waves and move indoors when the Predator starts tracking you.

Call of Duty Guide: Homeland Security · Original game image

Snatch & Grab mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 2 (2009).

Snatch & Grab mission loading screen. Picture source

Charlie · Spec Ops

Snatch & Grab

Recover the intelligence from an aircraft wreck and reach extraction through Shadow Company troops and Juggernauts.

Mission: 15 / 23 · Intel extraction
Location: Aircraft graveyard, Afghanistan
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Earn 8 total Spec Ops stars
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Keep a sniper rifle ready for Juggernauts and check behind before crossing into the next aircraft section.

Call of Duty Guide: Snatch & Grab · Original game image

Delta

Wardriving mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 2 (2009).

Wardriving mission loading screen. Picture source

Delta · Spec Ops

Wardriving

Download intelligence from three houses while directing the Honey Badger armored vehicle, then return to it.

Mission: 16 / 23 · Download defense
Location: Virginia suburbs
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Earn 20 total Spec Ops stars
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Place the house's sentries and claymores before starting its download; clear jammers and restart an interrupted transfer.

Call of Duty Guide: Wardriving · Original game image

Wreckage mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 2 (2009).

Wreckage mission loading screen. Picture source

Delta · Spec Ops

Wreckage

Destroy every marked vehicle along the bridge and reach the exit while infantry and helicopters attack.

Mission: 17 / 23 · Vehicle demolition
Location: Damaged American bridge
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Earn 20 total Spec Ops stars
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Use explosives to chain vehicle destructions and refresh the temporary unlimited-ammunition bonus.

Call of Duty Guide: Wreckage · Original game image

Acceptable Losses mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 2 (2009).

Acceptable Losses mission loading screen. Picture source

Delta · Spec Ops

Acceptable Losses

Plant charges on a helicopter, aircraft and ammunition cache at the snowbound airbase, then extract.

Mission: 18 / 23 · Stealth sabotage
Location: Tian Shan airbase, Kazakhstan
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Earn 20 total Spec Ops stars
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Use the heartbeat sensor and storm cover to avoid patrols; a discovered body can draw nearby guards.

Call of Duty Guide: Acceptable Losses · Original game image

Terminal mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 2 (2009).

Terminal mission loading screen. Picture source

Delta · Spec Ops

Terminal

Fight through the airport's infantry and riot-shield ambushes to reach the exit.

Mission: 19 / 23 · Assault
Location: Zakhaev International Airport, Moscow
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Earn 20 total Spec Ops stars
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Keep flashbangs for shield formations and attack from angles rather than firing into shields.

Call of Duty Guide: Terminal · Original game image

Estate Takedown mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 2 (2009).

Estate Takedown mission loading screen. Picture source

Delta · Spec Ops

Estate Takedown

Eliminate every hostile around the estate, including camouflaged snipers and Juggernauts.

Mission: 20 / 23 · Elimination
Location: Caucasus mountain estate
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Earn 20 total Spec Ops stars
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Use a sniper rifle to handle armored enemies from cover and check the treeline before moving into the open.

Call of Duty Guide: Estate Takedown · Original game image

Echo

Wetwork mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 2 (2009).

Wetwork mission loading screen. Picture source

Echo · Spec Ops

Wetwork

Climb the oil rig and clear two hostage rooms through slow-motion breaches. Any hostage death fails the mission.

Mission: 21 / 23 · Hostage rescue
Location: Vikhorevka 36 oil platform, Russia
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Earn 40 total Spec Ops stars
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Identify hostages before firing during each breach, then clear the upper approaches before entering the final room.

Call of Duty Guide: Wetwork · Original game image

High Explosive mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 2 (2009).

High Explosive mission loading screen. Picture source

Echo · Spec Ops

High Explosive

Defeat ten Juggernauts using explosive weapons and a knife in the favela. Supply crates replenish launcher ammunition and grenades.

Mission: 22 / 23 · Juggernaut elimination
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Earn 40 total Spec Ops stars
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Use flashbangs to create reload space and plan a retreat toward an ammunition crate.

Call of Duty Guide: High Explosive · Original game image

Armor Piercing mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 2 (2009).

Armor Piercing mission loading screen. Picture source

Echo · Spec Ops

Armor Piercing

Defeat all fifteen Juggernauts on the oil rig with the available rifles, machine guns and explosives.

Mission: 23 / 23 · Juggernaut elimination
Location: Vikhorevka 36 oil platform, Russia
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Earn 40 total Spec Ops stars
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Hold a long line of sight near ammunition and watch rear approaches as more Juggernauts spawn.

Call of Duty Guide: Armor Piercing · Original game image

Edition notes

Original Modern Warfare 2 (2009) Spec Ops. Stimulus and Resurgence add multiplayer maps, not Spec Ops missions. Campaign Remastered (2020) does not include Spec Ops.

Original Call of Duty game imagery © Activision. Mission pictures, map loading screens and menu icons are credited with each entry.

References

Covered edition: Original Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009), including the Stimulus and Resurgence multiplayer map packs. This wiki covers the original PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 game and its Mac port. Campaign Remastered (2020), Modern Warfare II (2022) and the separate DS game Mobilized are outside this wiki.