Call of Duty 2 Tweak Guide
[Page 4] Patches Maps and Mods
Official Patch
Call of Duty 2 has received a new official patch which brings the game up to Version 1.3. This patch weighs in at 37MB, and contains all the fixes from the previous patches. It is strongly recommended that all COD2 players update to this patch, as it contains a range of fixes for multiplayer. Note that as of the 1.2 Patch, support was added for PunkBuster anti-cheat software; something fans have requested for quite some time.
To make sure that you're running the latest version of Call of Duty 2 at any time, you can check the Call of Duty 2 sections of FileShack or FilePlanet for new patches and download them from there. Alternatively, when a patch becomes available for COD 2, a new 'Auto Update' option should appear on the COD 2 Multiplayer main screen - click this option to download the update.
As with all my guides, I will provide further details of any new patches here as soon as they come out, so keep an eye on this section as well for news of the latest patch.
No-CD Patch
Call of Duty 2 has a protection system based primarily on a CD Key check - you must have a valid CD Key to install and play Call of Duty 2 online. Call of Duty 2 also checks to make sure you don't have certain drive emulation or CD copying software installed. Call of Duty 2 also uses the SafeDisc copy protection system, which fortunately is not as intrusive or troublesome as the infamous secuROM system, but it still forces you to have the game CD in your CD/DVD drive to launch the game. I have repeatedly called on games manufacturers to remove this annoying aspect of all modern games, and I really hope that the CD check for Call of Duty 2 is removed in a future patch once the initial lucrative sales period is over.
For those of you who don't like CD checks, believe me I understand. But please don't email me asking for where you can find or how to use No-CDs or Fixed Images - I never respond to such emails for legal reasons.
Update: It appears that Call of Duty 2 Multiplayer doesn't use a CD/DVD check, so if you launch the game from your COD 2 MP icon, it should load without the CD/DVD in the drive.
Maps and Mods
Call of Duty 2 is proving to be very popular with both the original Call of Duty fans, as well as a range of new converts (like me!). The game definitely has enough atmosphere and charm to encourage new and experience modders alike to create new maps and modifications for the game.
You can download the official Call of Duty 2 Modding Tools which weigh in at 20MB, and begin creating new maps and editing levels. You can see current mods for COD 2 in this COD 2 Mods Database and at places like Planet CallofDuty and CallofDutyFiles.com.
As significant mods and both official and unofficial maps become available for COD 2, I will list them here, so check back regularly.
The next section of the guide covers In-Game Settings for Call of Duty 2.