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Do AI Kills Count Towards Camos in MW2? The Definitive Answer

The burning question on every Modern Warfare 2 (MW2) player’s mind: Do slaying those seemingly endless hordes of AI enemies actually contribute to unlocking those coveted camos? The short answer is yes, in specific modes, AI kills do count towards camo challenges. But, as with anything in the chaotic world of Call of Duty, the devil is in the details. Let’s delve into the specifics.

Understanding Camo Challenges and AI Enemies

What are Camo Challenges?

Camo challenges are progression systems within MW2 that reward players with cosmetic weapon skins (camos) upon completion of specific tasks. These tasks often involve getting a certain number of kills, headshots, or completing specific actions with a weapon. They’re the driving force behind many players’ grind, adding a layer of purpose beyond simply winning matches. Some camos require kills against Operators (human players), while others can be earned against AI Combatants.

Where Do We Find AI Enemies?

AI enemies populate several game modes in MW2, including:

Invasion: A large-scale battle pitting two teams against each other, alongside waves of AI soldiers.
Cooperative (Co-op) Missions: Specialized missions designed for cooperative play against waves of AI enemies.
Spec Ops: Another co-operative mode with varied objectives involving eliminating AI threats.
Certain Limited-Time Modes (LTMs): Periodically, special game modes are introduced that may feature AI elements.
DMZ: (Depending on the specific challenge) A extraction-based mode where AI guards various locations.

The Nitty-Gritty: When AI Kills Count

Whether AI kills contribute to camo progress hinges on the specific camo challenge in question and the game mode you’re playing.

Specific Camo Descriptions: The most crucial factor is reading the fine print! Carefully examine the description of each camo challenge. If it explicitly states “kills against Operators” or similar wording, AI kills will not count. However, if the challenge simply says “kills with this weapon,” AI kills in modes where they are present will contribute.
Invasion Mode: In Invasion, both Operator and AI kills contribute to challenges that don’t specify player kills. This makes it a popular mode for camo grinding.
Co-op and Spec Ops: Generally, kills in Co-op and Spec Ops will count towards camo challenges, provided the challenges don’t explicitly require Operator kills.
DMZ: DMZ challenges will vary. Challenges related to extracting with a weapon or using it in a specific way can often be completed using kills against AI Combatants. However, challenges requiring Operator kills will necessitate engaging human players.
Base Camo Challenges: Early base camo challenges often allow for AI kills. Once you move onto more advanced camos, the requirements will shift towards Operator kills.

Common Misconceptions

All AI Kills Always Count: This is false. The challenge description is your North Star.
AI Kills Are Always Less Valuable: The game doesn’t differentiate; a kill is a kill unless otherwise specified.
There’s a Secret Trick: There’s no hidden mechanic. It’s all about reading the challenge description and choosing the right game mode.

Tips for Effective Camo Grinding Against AI

Choose the Right Mode: Invasion and Co-op offer ample opportunities for AI kills.
Optimize Your Loadout: Equip attachments that improve your weapon’s effectiveness against AI, such as increased magazine size or recoil control.
Focus on High-Density Areas: Identify areas where AI enemies tend to congregate.
Utilize Killstreaks: Killstreaks can be highly effective for clearing out large groups of AI.
Coordinate with Your Team: In Co-op and Invasion, communicate with your teammates to maximize efficiency.
Stay Aware: Even though you’re fighting AI, don’t become complacent. Operators are still a threat.

FAQ: Your Burning Camo Questions Answered

1. Does it matter what kind of AI I kill?

No, the type of AI enemy (e.g., basic soldier, armored enemy) doesn’t affect whether the kill counts towards a camo challenge, provided the challenge allows for AI kills.

2. If a challenge requires headshots, do headshots on AI count?

Yes, headshots on AI enemies will count towards headshot-related camo challenges if the challenge doesn’t specify Operator headshots.

3. Can I track my camo progress in real-time during a match?

Yes, the in-game menu allows you to track your camo progress in real-time. This helps you monitor your progress and adjust your strategy accordingly.

4. Do assists on AI kills count towards camo challenges?

No, only the final blow that results in the kill will count towards camo challenges. Assists do not contribute.

5. Are there any weapons for which AI kills never count?

No. The counting of AI kills depends on the specific challenge, not the weapon itself. Any weapon can benefit from AI kills for the right challenge.

6. Does the difficulty level in Co-op affect whether AI kills count?

No, the difficulty level in Co-op does not affect whether AI kills count towards camo challenges. However, higher difficulties may offer more AI enemies and therefore more opportunities for kills.

7. Can I use killstreaks earned from Operator kills to then kill AI for camos?

Yes, absolutely! Killstreaks earned from any source (Operator or AI kills) can be used to eliminate AI enemies for camo progress, provided the relevant challenge allows AI kills.

8. If a camo challenge requires a specific attachment, do AI kills with that attachment count?

Yes. As long as the core challenge allows for AI kills and you meet the attachment requirements, AI kills will count.

9. Do weapon XP earned from killing AI help unlock camos?

Weapon XP unlocks attachments, which are sometimes required for camo challenges. Weapon XP itself doesn’t directly unlock camos but is necessary to unlock attachments.

10. Are there any glitches or bugs that can affect whether AI kills count?

While rare, glitches can occur in any game. If you suspect a bug, restarting the game or reporting it to Activision is recommended. However, ensure you haven’t simply misread the challenge requirements first.

11. Does playing with friends impact whether AI kills count?

No, playing with friends does not affect whether AI kills count. The determining factor is still the challenge description and the game mode.

12. If a challenge states “kills while using a perk”, does the AI kill count if the perk is active?

Yes, if the perk is active at the time of the kill and the challenge doesn’t specify Operator kills, the AI kill will count. Make sure to verify the perk is indeed active when securing those kills for the camo challenges.

In conclusion, understanding the nuances of camo challenges in MW2 is key to efficient progression. By carefully reading challenge descriptions and choosing appropriate game modes, you can leverage AI kills to your advantage and unlock those coveted camos faster. Happy grinding!