How to Play Call of Duty 4 Online

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (COD4) is the first game in the long-standing Call of Duty series to take place in modern times, instead of WWII. Developed by Call of Duty originators Infinity Ward, the game has gained huge popularity across multiple platforms, with its online component still enduring more than 18 months after its release. This makes it one of the most successful first person shooters ever--with a sequel coming this holiday season. A combination of fast-paced action and an emphasis on displacement and battlefield awareness have made COD4 fun and rewarding--together with an impressive physics engine that enables bullet penetration, a relatively rare effect in gaming.

Things You'll Need

• Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 or Windows PC

Instructions

1. Load the game on your system of choice, but make sure you have the latest updates and patches for it. The game checks for these automatically. Simply allow it to install and continue. Press "Start" from the Main Menu, and then choose the last option on the bottom, labeled "Multiplayer." After a short pause, choose "Xbox Live" for Xbox 360 or "PlayStation Network" for Playstation 3. PC gamers get more choice, with user-hosted servers to choose from.
   Split screen allows gaming on the same console, while system link connects two consoles. These are not true online. PC gamers can create a LAN match, but that's also not connected to the Internet.

2. Choose whether you want to find a match or host a private match for your friends. The latter allows you to invite people you know and gives you control over match conditions, the former pits you against the general public.
   Decide which type of game you want to play on the next screen--including team death match, free for all (normal death match), ground war (large matches), search and destroy, headquarters, domination and more.

3. Select a match type and wait for the match to initialize. Other gamers will join, their names appearing on the right side of the screen. This is your chance to select a class of warrior--assault, special operations, heavy gunner, demolitions or sniper.
   After progressing enough in rank, the "Create a Class" function unlocks, allowing you to customize your warrior.

4. Pay close attention to the radar display on the top left of the screen. Orange dots are opponents; green, allies. Navigate the battlefield accordingly.
   You score 10 points for each kill, and 2 points for each assist (damaging an opponent). Points go towards promotions, which lead to unlocked weapons and perks. Perks are special abilities that improve the performance of your warrior in the game.
   Pick up weapons and ammo from fallen warriors if you run out or decide to change load outs mid-match. Otherwise, hit the menu button on your controller to choose a different class of warrior, but this won't take effect until you "die" and respawn.

5. Play team death match for the fastest-paced action and the most points. Other types of match do not have as many players, or may be slower paced. Many types do not allow you to respawn instantly. Some have a cooling period before letting you rejoin the action after getting knocked out, while others may limit your lives. This means if you are "dead," you have to wait for the next match.

6. Aim down the sights whenever possible, and learn to identify what opponents look like so you don't hesitate. There are four factions in the game--a fictional Middle Eastern military that looks like the old Iraqi army, the Marine Force Recon, the British Special Air Service and the Russian Spetsnaz.
   Friendly players have their user name displayed in-game in green, while hostile players do not show a name. This is the first thing to look for when deciding whether a player is friend or foe.

7. Avoid staying in the same place for more than a few seconds. When you fire your weapon, you appear on the opposing team's radar, so move quickly before it converges on you. Keep an eye out for announcements--these include notices of hostile and friendly radar sweeps (UAVs), air strikes and helicopter air support. Players can call for these after three, five and seven consecutive kills. If the enemy gets them, make sure to move around quickly and make use of cover.

8. Remember only solid walls stop bullets, most other materials can be penetrated. This is especially true of sheet metal, cardboard and wood. Tall grass offers no protection should you be discovered and fired upon.

9. Try to get at least 10 kills, or 100 points, per match. With a good hit count and kill ratio, you'll receive sizable point bonuses at the end of matches, speeding up your progress in rank.

10. Reach Rank 55, which is the highest, and the game presents you with a choice. You can keep your rank and all the weapons and perks you have accumulated so far, or you can switch to Prestige Mode, which assigns you special ranks but strips you of everything you have unlocked. This mode forces you to replay the game to unlock extras again.

Tips & Warnings

• The Main Match selection screen also has options labeled "Hardcore." These essentially offer the same match type as the normal counterparts, except they remove most aids--the radar, cross hairs, health bar and ammo count disappear, leaving your Heads Up display bare. Also, Hardcore modes have a delay before allowing you to respawn. These matches are much tougher than normal servers and not highly recommended for novices.

• Skill levels vary widely and wildly among gamers, especially if you're new to the game. You will run into players that are much better than you, and you may feel like someone's target practice. It's important to not let this frustrate you. Avoid quitting matches early, not only does it rob you of any points earned in that match, it hampers your ability to improve. Having said that, cheating does occur on COD4, especially on the PC. Players who consistently score ratios in the neighborhood of 5:1 may well be cheaters. Still, don't quit early, finish the match and move to another server.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish