Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is getting a new competitive multiplayer mode that takes some clear inspiration from games like Counter-Strike and Valorant.
The mode is called Collateral, and rather than dropping players into a match with their usual custom loadout, everyone starts each game with only a pistol. Players then earn in-match cash through kills and objective play, which can be spent on better weapons, equipment, perks and armour between rounds.
Collateral is built around 5v5, single-life rounds, with teams alternating between attacking and defending two bomb sites. That already makes it familiar territory for Search and Destroy players, but the economy system adds another layer to each match.
The buy menu includes everything from flash grenades, Molotovs and Riot Shields to shotguns, SMGs, marksman rifles and sniper rifles. Players can also purchase perks including Ghost and Fast Hands, while teams can spend their money on a UAV.
Dying also comes with a much bigger penalty than in standard Call of Duty multiplayer. If you are eliminated, you lose the loadout you purchased for that round. Any money you have earned is carried forward, meaning players will need to decide whether to spend aggressively or save for stronger equipment later in the match.
A number of familiar Call of Duty systems have also been removed entirely. Collateral has no respawns, no traditional Killstreaks, no automatic health regeneration and no custom loadouts, putting much more emphasis on positioning, teamwork and making the most of limited equipment.
The similarities to Counter-Strike and Valorant are fairly obvious, particularly with the pistol starts, buy rounds and risk of losing purchased weapons when you die. Infinity Ward has positioned Collateral as a mode aimed at Search and Destroy fans and the more competitive side of the Call of Duty community.
There is one unusual detail surrounding the mode. Collateral has so far been presented as a PC-focused mode, with more information expected closer to launch.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 launches on October 23, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch 2.