Modern Warfare III introduced a refreshing and exciting mode in 2019 called Gunfight. This 2v2 mode involved players pairing off with predetermined loadouts that changed every two rounds. What made Gunfight truly remarkable was its equal playing field. Everyone had the same weapons, and there were no Killstreaks or Field Upgrades to give anyone an advantage. Essentially, it all came down to skill and strategy.
The maps in Gunfight were small, often even smaller than the popular Shipment map. Rounds were fast-paced, requiring teams to either eliminate the enemy, capture the flag, or end the round with the highest health. The first team to secure six rounds would emerge victorious. The simplicity of Gunfight created a level playing field unmatched in Call of Duty history. To top it all off, players couldn't choose their loadouts or gain bonus kills from Killstreaks.
Recognizing the appeal of Gunfight, Treyarch decided to include the mode in Black Ops Cold War. They even added Gunfight Tournament, which many considered the game's best new feature. This tournament-style gameplay involved teams competing in a bracket format, with the winning teams moving forward to face the next opponents until only one team remained to fight for the championship.
However, when Call of Duty: Vanguard was released by Sledgehammer, the beloved Gunfight mode was replaced by Champion's Hill. While Champion's Hill was an okay mode, it didn't quite capture the same level of fun as Gunfight. Fortunately, Gunfight made its return in Modern Warfare II, although it wasn't available at launch. Over time, numerous maps were added to the Gunfight mode, but only a few carried over to Modern Warfare III.
With the launch of the first season of Modern Warfare III, a new twist on Gunfight was introduced. Team Gunfight took the mode to a larger scale, pitting teams of six against each other on full-sized maps. The same rules regarding loadouts and lack of Killstreaks and Field Upgrades applied. The team that stood victorious after six rounds won the match. Team Gunfight proved to be a tremendous amount of fun, especially when playing with a full team of six players.
It is unfortunate that Team Gunfight might not be a permanent mode as it seems to be leaving with the arrival of Season 2. Instead, it will be replaced by Team Gun Game, which also sounds appealing. However, it would be phenomenal if Gunfight were to remain as a permanent fixture in the Quickplay playlist going forward. There is no reason to exclude modes like Gunfight and HQ from the rotation. These modes provide enjoyable no-respawn gameplay alternatives to the lone experience of Search & Destroy (although Search & Destroy remains a personal favorite).
In addition to Gunfight, it would be fantastic to see the return of Prisoner Rescue. Gunfight has so much potential, and it feels as though Call of Duty has allowed it to grow stale when it could be so much more. This game mode has captivated players with its level playing field and exciting rounds, and it deserves to thrive in the Call of Duty universe.
In conclusion, Gunfight in the Modern Warfare series has brought a breath of fresh air to the Call of Duty franchise. Its balanced gameplay, forced loadouts, and absence of Killstreaks and Field Upgrades create a truly fair and exhilarating experience. While Gunfight Tournament added an extra layer of competition in Black Ops Cold War, the team-based Gunfight in Modern Warfare III introduced even more possibilities. It is disappointing to see Gunfight potentially leaving the Quickplay playlist, but with the upcoming Team Gun Game, there is hope for continued enjoyment. Let's not forget other thrilling modes like HQ and the possibility of Prisoner Rescue making a comeback. It's time for Gunfight to shine and for Call of Duty to fully embrace its potential.
