The Pros and Cons of Carrying Forward to Return

For nearly twenty years, Call of Duty has rotated its yearly releases between various developers and subseries. This usually involved switching back and forth between Infinity Ward’s Modern Warfare and Treyarch’s Black Ops, with occasional contributions from other teams like Sledgehammer. However, in 2023, this routine took a surprising turn when Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 hit the shelves right after Modern Warfare 2.

This marked the first time two installments from the same subseries were released consecutively, testing new waters with mixed outcomes. At the forefront of this was the “Carry Forward” system, which allowed players to bring over all their weapons, attachments, Operators, and cosmetics from MW2 to MW3. Rumor has it that 2025 will see another Black Ops entry, following Black Ops 6, potentially reviving the Carry Forward feature. While this system has its advantages, it also comes with a few challenges.

### Why Call of Duty “Carry Forward” Should Return in CoD 2025

#### Players’ Purchases Won’t Go To Waste

One of the standout benefits of the Carry Forward system in MW3 was its respect for players’ purchases. Gamers who invested in Operators, weapon blueprints, and other cosmetic enhancements didn’t have to worry about them becoming obsolete after just one year. This system allowed those investments to remain relevant and enjoyed for at least another year.

#### Players Get to Keep Using Their Favorite Tools

If Call of Duty 2025 incorporates a Carry Forward system, it could mean that fans of Black Ops 6 can carry on with their favorite weapons, Scorestreaks, and equipment. While new tools would undoubtedly join the lineup, having familiar gear available immediately would offer a comfortable transition for returning players.

### Why Call of Duty “Carry Forward” Shouldn’t Return in CoD 2025

#### A Larger Arsenal Can Lead to Balancing Issues

MW3’s Carry Forward system also presented some significant drawbacks, particularly in terms of balancing. By merging MW2’s arsenal with MW3’s new repertoire, the game nearly doubled its usual number of weapons. This influx, alongside an overwhelming array of attachments, contributed to balance problems that haunted the game’s meta for much of its life span.

#### Black Ops 6’s Arsenal Might Not Fit With CoD 2025’s Aesthetic

There’s buzzing speculation that Call of Duty 2025 might be a sequel to Black Ops 2, set in 2030, tracking David Mason’s story. If this envisioning comes true, transposing Black Ops 6’s weaponry and gadgets—which harken back to the 1990s—could clash with the futuristic vibe, making some of the legacy tools seem out of place.

As we await confirmation about the next Call of Duty installment, it’s clear that the decision to include or exclude features like Carry Forward will play a crucial role in shaping the game’s experience. Will players embrace revisiting past arsenals, or will the developers opt for a fresh start aligned with the new game’s timeline and aesthetics? Only time will tell.