Call of Duty: World at War
Call of Duty: World at War

Character Progression & Skills — Call of Duty: World at War Guide

Master character progression in Call of Duty: World at War. Learn how multiplayer rank and weapon unlocks define your journey from recruit to veteran.

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Character Progression & Unlocks

Welcome, soldier! In Call of Duty: World at War, your journey from raw recruit to decorated veteran is defined not by skill trees or character levels in a traditional RPG sense, but by your performance in multiplayer and your dedication to mastering the game's arsenal. This section will guide you through the actual progression systems: multiplayer rank, weapon unlocks, and perk unlocks, ensuring you're fully equipped for the brutal Pacific and Eastern Fronts.

Multiplayer Rank Progression

Unlike a single-player RPG, Call of Duty: World at War's primary progression system is tied to your multiplayer rank. As you play online matches, you earn Experience Points (XP) that contribute to your overall rank. Reaching new ranks unlocks several new weapons, perks, and challenges.

Gaining Experience Points (XP)

XP is earned through various actions during multiplayer matches:

  • Eliminations: Every enemy soldier you take down grants XP. Headshots, multi-kills, and specific weapon kills (e.g., knife kills, grenade kills) often provide bonus XP.
  • Objective Play: Participating in and completing game mode objectives is crucial for significant XP gains. This includes:
    • Capturing flags in Domination.
    • Planting/defusing bombs in Search & Destroy.
    • Holding objectives in Headquarters.
    • Securing kills while defending or attacking objectives.
  • Assists: Helping teammates eliminate enemies or contribute to objectives also grants a portion of XP.
  • Killstreaks: Achieving killstreaks (e.g., 3 kills for Recon Plane, 5 kills for Artillery, 7 kills for Attack Dogs) provides substantial XP bonuses upon activation and for kills earned while the streak is active.
  • Challenges: Completing various in-game challenges (e.g., "Get 100 kills with the MP40," "Achieve 5 headshots in one match") awards significant one-time XP bonuses. These are often tied to specific weapons, perks, or game modes.
  • Match Bonuses: Winning matches, being the top player on your team, or achieving specific accolades (e.g., "Most Headshots," "Most Objective Kills") at the end of a match will grant additional XP.

Your current rank and progress towards the next rank are displayed in the multiplayer lobby and after each match. The maximum rank is 65, after which you have the option to Prestige.

Prestige Mode

Upon reaching Rank 65, you are given the option to "Prestige." This is a voluntary reset of your rank, weapon unlocks, and perk unlocks (with some exceptions) in exchange for a new Prestige icon next to your name and a permanent unlock token.

  • What Resets:
    • Your rank returns to 1.
    • All weapon unlocks are reset (you must re-earn them by ranking up again).
    • All perk unlocks are reset (you must re-earn them by ranking up again).
    • All challenges (except for certain Prestige-specific challenges) are reset.
  • What Carries Over:
    • Your statistics (K/D ratio, win/loss ratio, etc.) remain.
    • Your custom class slots remain.
    • Any emblems or calling cards you've unlocked remain.
    • Prestige Token: Each time you Prestige, you earn a permanent unlock token. This token can be used to permanently unlock ANY single weapon or perk of your choice, making it available from Rank 1 in all subsequent Prestiges. Choose wisely!
  • Why Prestige?:
    • Bragging Rights: Displaying your Prestige icon shows your dedication and experience. There are 10 Prestige levels.
    • Permanent Unlocks: The Prestige Token allows you to always have access to your favorite weapon or perk, regardless of your current rank.
    • New Challenges: Each Prestige level often comes with new challenges and emblems to unlock.

Weapon Unlocks

As you increase your multiplayer rank, new weapons become available for use in your custom classes. These are not "skills" but rather equipment that expands your tactical options. Weapons are unlocked automatically as you reach the required rank.

Primary Weapons

These are your main firearms, categorized into Rifles, Submachine Guns, Shotguns, Light Machine Guns, and Sniper Rifles.

  • Rifles:
    • M1 Garand: Available at Rank 1. Reliable semi-automatic.
    • Type 99 Arisaka: Available at Rank 1. Bolt-action sniper rifle.
    • Springfield: Available at Rank 1. Bolt-action sniper rifle.
    • Kar98k: Unlocked at Rank 4. Bolt-action rifle, good all-rounder.
    • Gewehr 43: Unlocked at Rank 8. Semi-automatic rifle, similar to M1 Garand.
    • M1A1 Carbine: Unlocked at Rank 16. Lighter semi-automatic rifle.
    • STG-44: Unlocked at Rank 24. Fully automatic assault rifle, excellent for mid-range.
    • SVT-40: Unlocked at Rank 32. Semi-automatic rifle, high damage.
    • FG42: Unlocked at Rank 40. Automatic rifle, high recoil but powerful.
    • Mosin-Nagant: Unlocked at Rank 48. Bolt-action sniper rifle.
  • Submachine Guns (SMGs):
    • MP40: Unlocked at Rank 1. High fire rate, good for close quarters.
    • PPSH-41: Unlocked at Rank 1. Very high fire rate, large magazine.
    • Thompson: Unlocked at Rank 1. Classic American SMG.
    • Type 100: Unlocked at Rank 12. Japanese SMG.
    • Sten: Unlocked at Rank 20. British SMG.
    • Waffe 28: Unlocked at Rank 28. German SMG.
    • MP44: Unlocked at Rank 36. Another German SMG.
  • Shotguns:
    • Trench Gun: Unlocked at Rank 1. Pump-action.
    • Double-Barrel Shotgun: Unlocked at Rank 1. High damage, two shots.
    • M1897 Trench Gun: Unlocked at Rank 1. Another pump-action.
    • Sawed-Off Shotgun: Unlocked at Rank 20. Secondary weapon, high damage, very short range.
  • Light Machine Guns (LMGs):
    • BAR: Unlocked at Rank 1. High damage, moderate fire rate.
    • Type 99 LMG: Unlocked at Rank 1. Japanese LMG.
    • DP-28: Unlocked at Rank 1. Soviet LMG.
    • MG42: Unlocked at Rank 44. Very high fire rate, devastating but heavy.
  • Sniper Rifles:
    • Mosin-Nagant: Unlocked at Rank 48. (Also listed under Rifles, as it can be used as a standard rifle or sniper).
    • PTRS-41: Unlocked at Rank 56. Anti-tank rifle, extremely powerful but slow.

Secondary Weapons

Pistols and the Sawed-Off Shotgun.

  • Pistols:
    • Colt M1911: Available at Rank 1. Standard American pistol.
    • Tokarev TT-33: Available at Rank 1. Soviet pistol.
    • Walther P38: Available at Rank 1. German pistol.
    • Nambu: Available at Rank 1. Japanese pistol.
    • .357 Magnum: Unlocked at Rank 52. High damage revolver.
  • Sawed-Off Shotgun: Unlocked at Rank 20. (Also listed under Shotguns).

Weapon Attachments

Most primary weapons can be customized with attachments, which are unlocked by achieving a certain number of kills with that specific weapon. These attachments enhance weapon performance but are not "skills" in the RPG sense.

  • Red Dot Sight: Improves aiming precision.
  • Scope: For sniper rifles, provides magnification.
  • Suppressor: Hides you on the mini-map when firing.
  • Extended Mags: Increases magazine capacity.
  • Grenade Launcher: Adds an under-barrel grenade launcher (for select rifles).
  • Bayonet: Adds a melee attachment for instant kills.
  • Dual Wield: Allows carrying two pistols (for select pistols).

Perk Unlocks

Perks are special abilities that enhance your soldier's performance in multiplayer. You can equip three perks simultaneously, one from each "tier" (Perk 1, Perk 2, Perk 3). Perks are unlocked as you reach specific multiplayer ranks.

Perk 1 (Blue Perks)

Focuses on utility and tactical advantages.

  • Special Grenades x3: Unlocked at Rank 1. Carry 3 of your chosen special grenade (Smoke or Concussion).
  • Satchel Charge x2: Unlocked at Rank 1. Carry 2 Satchel Charges (C4).
  • Bouncing Betty x2: Unlocked at Rank 1. Carry 2 Bouncing Betties (proximity mines).
  • Bomb Squad: Unlocked at Rank 4. Detects enemy explosives and allows you to disarm them faster.
  • Sleight of Hand: Unlocked at Rank 8. Faster reloading. Essential for aggressive playstyles.
  • Shades: Unlocked at Rank 12. Reduces the effect of tactical grenades (flashbangs, stun grenades).
  • Bandolier: Unlocked at 16. Carry extra ammunition.

Perk 2 (Red Perks)

Focuses on combat effectiveness and survivability.

  • Stopping Power: Unlocked at Rank 1. Increases bullet damage. A highly popular and powerful perk.
  • Juggernaut: Unlocked at Rank 1. Increases player health. Good for survivability.
  • Lightweight: Unlocked at Rank 1. Increases movement speed.
  • Flak Jacket: Unlocked at Rank 20. Reduces damage from explosives.
  • Double Tap: Unlocked at Rank 28. Increases weapon fire rate. Can be very effective but consumes ammo faster.
  • Overkill: Unlocked at Rank 36. Allows you to carry two primary weapons.
  • Camouflage: Unlocked at Rank 44. Makes you harder to detect by enemy Recon Planes (UAVs).

Perk 3 (Green Perks)

Focuses on stealth, awareness, and specialized abilities.

  • Extreme Conditioning: Unlocked at Rank 1. Increases sprint duration.
  • Steady Aim: Unlocked at Rank 1. Increases hip-fire accuracy. Great for SMGs.
  • Tossback: Unlocked at Rank 1. Allows you to throw back enemy grenades.
  • Deep Impact: Unlocked at Rank 24. Increases bullet penetration through surfaces.
  • Dead Silence: Unlocked at Rank 32. Makes your footsteps silent. Crucial for stealthy approaches.
  • Martyrdom: Unlocked at Rank 40. Drops a live grenade upon death. Can be frustrating for opponents.
  • Second Chance: Unlocked at Rank 48. Allows you to revive yourself after being downed (in certain game modes, or if a teammate revives you).
  • Iron Lungs: Unlocked at Rank 52. Increases the duration you can hold your breath while aiming with sniper rifles.

Recommended Loadouts & Strategies

While there are no "skill points" to allocate, understanding how to combine weapons and perks effectively is key to success. Here are a few common and effective loadout strategies:

1. The Aggressive Rusher (SMG Focus)

  • Primary Weapon: MP40 or PPSH-41 (with Extended Mags or Suppressor)
  • Secondary Weapon: Colt M1911
  • Perk 1: Sleight of Hand (for rapid reloads in close quarters)
  • Perk 2: Stopping Power (to maximize damage output) or Lightweight (for faster movement)
  • Perk 3: Extreme Conditioning (to sprint longer) or Steady Aim (for better hip-fire)
  • Lethal: Frag Grenade
  • Tactical: Concussion Grenade
  • Strategy: Push objectives, flank enemies, and dominate close-range engagements. Use Concussion grenades to disorient enemies before rushing in.

2. The Objective Holder (Rifle/LMG Focus)

  • Primary Weapon: STG-44 (with Grenade Launcher) or BAR (with Extended Mags)
  • Secondary Weapon: Walther P38
  • Perk 1: Bandolier (for sustained fire) or Bomb Squad (to defend objectives from explosives)
  • Perk 2: Juggernaut (for increased survivability)
  • Perk 3: Deep Impact (to shoot through cover) or Tossback (to clear enemy grenades)
  • Lethal: Bouncing Betty (to guard flanks)
  • Tactical: Smoke Grenade (to obscure vision or provide cover)
  • Strategy: Hold key positions, defend objectives, and provide suppressive fire. Use the Grenade Launcher to clear entrenched enemies.

3. The Stealth Sniper

  • Primary Weapon: Kar98k or Mosin-Nagant (with Scope)
  • Secondary Weapon: Nambu (with Suppressor if available)
  • Perk 1: Special Grenades x3 (Smoke to reposition or escape)
  • Perk 2: Stopping Power (for one-shot kills)
  • Perk 3: Dead Silence (to move undetected) or Iron Lungs (for precise long-range shots)
  • Lethal: Frag Grenade (for self-defense)
  • Tactical: Smoke Grenade
  • Strategy: Find good vantage points, eliminate high-value targets, and reposition frequently. Avoid direct engagements.

Common Pitfalls & Tips

  • Ignoring Objectives: Focusing solely on kills will slow your progression. Objective play is highly rewarded with XP.
  • Not Using Perks Effectively: Don't just pick perks randomly. Understand how they synergize with your weapon choice and playstyle.
  • Underestimating Attachments: Unlocking weapon attachments significantly improves weapon performance. Prioritize getting kills with your favorite weapons to unlock their attachments.
  • Prestige Token Misuse: Carefully consider which weapon or perk you permanently unlock with your Prestige Token. It should be something you use consistently across all loadouts or a high-rank unlock you want early. Popular choices include Stopping Power, Sleight of Hand, or a powerful late-game weapon like the MG42 or FG42.
  • Learning Maps: Map knowledge is crucial. Knowing common enemy routes, choke points, and good cover spots will give you a significant advantage.
  • Sound Whore: Pay attention to in-game sounds. Footsteps, reloads, and grenade pulls can give away enemy positions, especially against players not using Dead Silence.
  • Experimentation: Don't be afraid to try different weapon and perk combinations. The "meta" might change, or you might find a unique setup that works perfectly for you.

By understanding and using these progression systems, you'll be well on your way to becoming a formidable force on the battlefields of Call of Duty: World at War multiplayer.