The Hardcore mode in Modern Warfare, or any Call of Duty game for that matter, is one of the game’s most competitive. It lowers player health so that they die very fast, it turns on friendly fire, and it limits every player’s HUD. More specifically, it removes the in-game mini-map. Hardcore is all about tactical maneuvering, getting a leg up on an opponent, so a mini map would provide a distinct advantage. The new Mini Map Watch is now one possible tool for players to gain just such an advantage.

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The counter-argument is that the Mini Map Watch doesn’t actually provide the kind of key information a standard mini map does. It doesn’t flag enemy gunfire, only showing enemies in direct line of sight or with the use of a UAV. In other words, it’s not something that provides an instant or overt advantage over other players.

In response, many are arguing that any extra information provided in Hardcore provides an advantage. It may not be useful in every context, but players can learn to maximize its tactical use. That’s especially true for Modern Warfare players who are already excellent at Hardcore and know how to turn small advantages to their favor.

The good news is that the Mini Map Watch can be earned by all players. It’s a free reward in Season 4’s battle pass and is unlocked at rank 34. The bad news is that players who don’t earn the reward this season will never have the opportunity to earn it again, since it’s a limited time reward.

The right decision on Infinity Ward’s part would be to block the Mini Map Watch’s use in Hardcore, if that’s even possible. Just the perception that the Mini Map Watch could be advantageous to those who have earned it is damaging to the competitive integrity of the mode. Given Infinity Ward’s track record, it’ll likely let it go and see how things work out, for better or worse.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is available now on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.

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