MW4 Prestige System Explained: Classic vs Regular Prestige

Modern Warfare 4 changes the Prestige system by giving you two different ways to Prestige. Classic Prestige brings back the traditional reset and rebuild grind, while Regular Prestige lets you return to Level 1 without losing your Create-a-Class unlocks.

The choice matters because Classic Prestige offers increased XP rates and extra rewards, while Regular Prestige trades some of those rewards for convenience. Here is exactly how both MW4 Prestige paths work.

How Does Prestige Work in MW4?

Prestige becomes available after you reach the maximum Soldier Rank in Modern Warfare 4. At that point, you can choose between Classic Prestige and Regular Prestige.

Both options restart your level progression from Level 1, but what happens to your unlocked content is very different.

The basic MW4 Prestige process works like this:

• Earn XP and increase your Soldier Rank.
• Reach the maximum Soldier Rank.
• Choose Classic Prestige or Regular Prestige.
• Restart progression from Level 1.
• Continue earning Prestige rewards and progression milestones.
• Repeat the Prestige grind as additional Prestige progression becomes available.

Activision has not yet confirmed the final maximum Soldier Rank or exactly how many Prestige levels will be available at launch. What is confirmed is that the two Prestige paths are intentionally designed for different types of players.

MW4 Classic Prestige Explained

Classic Prestige is the traditional Call of Duty Prestige experience. When you enter Classic Prestige, your level unlocks and Create-a-Class progression are reset, forcing you to work through the progression path again.

In exchange for giving up those unlocks, Classic Prestige provides increased XP earn rates and exclusive Prestige rewards. Activision also specifically connects Classic Prestige progression with the goal of entering Prestige Mastery.

The main features of Classic Prestige are:

• Your progression restarts from Level 1.
• Level-based unlocks are reset.
• Create-a-Class progression is relocked.
• You earn XP at an increased rate.
• You can earn exclusive Prestige rewards.
• Classic is the path officially connected to Prestige Mastery.

This makes Classic Prestige much closer to the system found in older Call of Duty games. You get the badge and progression milestone, but you also have to rebuild access to content that was tied to your Soldier Rank.

Activision has confirmed that Classic Prestige receives an increased XP rate, but the company has not officially published the exact XP multiplier. Until that number is confirmed, you should not assume a specific percentage bonus.

MW4 Regular Prestige Explained

Regular Prestige is the less disruptive Prestige option in Modern Warfare 4. Your progression still restarts from Level 1, but you keep all of your level unlocks and Create-a-Class content.

That means you can continue using the weapons, equipment, perks, and other Create-a-Class options you have already unlocked instead of rebuilding your available loadouts from the beginning.

Regular Prestige includes:

• Your progression restarts from Level 1.
• Your level unlocks remain available.
• Your Create-a-Class content remains unlocked.
• Your existing loadout options stay available.
• You continue earning Prestige progression and milestones.
• You receive a subset of the available Prestige rewards.

The tradeoff is rewards. Activision specifically says Regular Prestige receives a subset of Prestige rewards and milestones, while Classic Prestige has access to exclusive rewards.

Regular Prestige is therefore not simply Classic Prestige without the reset. You gain convenience, but you give up part of the reward structure offered through the traditional path.

MW4 Classic Prestige vs Regular Prestige

The main difference is simple: Classic Prestige resets your unlock progression for better Prestige benefits, while Regular Prestige lets you keep your unlocks with a smaller reward pool.

What Does Classic Prestige Reset in MW4?

Activision has confirmed that Classic Prestige resets level unlocks and Create-a-Class progression.

This means items tied directly to your Soldier Rank progression can become relocked after entering Classic Prestige. You will then need to work through the level progression again to restore access to those unlocks.

There are still some important reset details that Infinity Ward has not fully explained. Activision has not yet confirmed whether Classic Prestige resets:

• Weapon levels and Weapon XP
• Unlocked weapon attachments
• Apex Attachment progression
• Weapon camo progress
• Completed camo challenges
• Other weapon-specific mastery progress

For now, these systems should not automatically be treated as part of the Classic reset just because Create-a-Class progression resets.

Weapon progression is its own major system in MW4, including the new endgame Apex Attachments. We will know exactly how weapon progression interacts with Prestige once Infinity Ward publishes the complete launch progression rules.

What Do You Keep With Regular Prestige?

Regular Prestige is much simpler because Activision says you keep all level unlocks and Create-a-Class content intact.

You still return to Level 1 for Prestige progression, but you do not need to rebuild your normal class access each time. Your available Create-a-Class content remains usable while your Prestige level begins again.

This makes Regular Prestige useful if you have a specific loadout that you want to keep using without interruption.

However, keeping your unlocks comes with a clear cost. Regular Prestige receives only a subset of the Prestige rewards and milestones available through the overall system.

What Are MW4 Prestige Rewards?

Both Prestige paths include rewards and progression milestones, but Classic Prestige has the stronger reward path.

Activision currently confirms that Classic Prestige gives access to exclusive Prestige rewards, while Regular Prestige receives a subset of the available rewards and milestones.

The complete Prestige reward track has not yet been revealed. We still do not know every Prestige reward, which Prestige levels they require, or how many total Prestige tiers MW4 will have.

What we do know is that the Prestige system is designed as long-term account progression rather than simply resetting your number and giving you a new emblem.

What Is Prestige Mastery in MW4?

Prestige Mastery appears to be the long-term end goal of the Classic Prestige path. Activision specifically describes Classic Prestige as offering increased XP rates, exclusive rewards, and the goal of entering Prestige Mastery.

Call of Duty: NEXT also included a Modern Warfare 4 Prestige Mastery Camo showcase, confirming that a special camo is tied to the system.

The exact unlock requirements are not available yet. Activision has not confirmed how many Prestiges you need, whether Prestige Mastery uses additional levels after the normal Prestige path, or the exact requirement for the Prestige Mastery Camo.

Based on the current official description, players interested in completing the full long-term Prestige system should strongly consider Classic Prestige rather than Regular Prestige.

Should You Choose Classic or Regular Prestige?

There is no single best Prestige path for every player. Your choice depends on whether you value maximum rewards and progression or keeping your unlocked content.

Choose Classic Prestige If...

• You want the traditional Call of Duty Prestige experience.
• You do not mind rebuilding level and Create-a-Class progression.
• You want the increased Prestige XP rate.
• You want access to exclusive Prestige rewards.
• You are interested in Prestige Mastery.
• You want the full long-term Prestige grind.

Choose Regular Prestige If...

• You want to keep your level unlocks.
• You do not want to rebuild your Create-a-Class progression.
• You use specific loadouts that you want available at all times.
• You still want to increase your Prestige progression.
• You do not mind receiving a smaller set of Prestige rewards.

For dedicated completionists, Classic looks like the more rewarding option. Regular is better for players who want a Prestige number and continued progression without repeatedly disrupting the way they play.

Is Classic Prestige Worth It in MW4?

Classic Prestige is likely worth it if Prestige progression is one of your main goals in MW4. The reset is more demanding, but Infinity Ward compensates for it with increased XP rates, exclusive rewards, and a path connected to Prestige Mastery.

Regular Prestige makes more sense if you care more about immediately using your preferred classes than earning every Prestige reward.

The biggest unknown is exactly how valuable the exclusive Classic rewards will be. Once the complete Prestige reward track and Prestige Mastery requirements are revealed, it will be much easier to measure the real value of choosing Classic over Regular.

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MW4 Prestige FAQ

What is the difference between Classic and Regular Prestige in MW4?

Classic Prestige resets your level unlocks and Create-a-Class progression in exchange for increased XP rates and exclusive Prestige rewards. Regular Prestige restarts you from Level 1 but keeps your level unlocks and Create-a-Class content intact.

Does MW4 Classic Prestige reset your weapons?

Activision has confirmed that Classic Prestige resets level unlocks and Create-a-Class progression. It has not yet confirmed whether your individual weapon levels or Weapon XP also reset.

Do you lose your loadouts when you Prestige in MW4?

It depends on your Prestige path. Classic Prestige relocks Create-a-Class progression, while Regular Prestige keeps your unlocked Create-a-Class content available.

Does Regular Prestige reset anything?

Yes. Your Prestige progression restarts from Level 1. However, your level unlocks and Create-a-Class content remain intact.

Does Classic Prestige give more XP?

Yes. Activision confirms that Classic Prestige provides increased XP rates. The exact XP bonus has not yet been officially published.

Does Regular Prestige still give rewards?

Yes. Regular Prestige has its own Prestige progression, rewards, and milestones, but Activision says it receives only a subset of the rewards and milestones available through the Prestige system.

Can you reach Prestige Mastery with Regular Prestige?

This has not been confirmed. Activision specifically connects Classic Prestige with the goal of entering Prestige Mastery and has not said that Regular Prestige can reach the same end goal.

How many Prestiges are in MW4?

The final number of Modern Warfare 4 Prestige levels has not yet been officially confirmed. We will update this guide when Infinity Ward reveals the complete launch Prestige structure.

What is the max level in MW4?

Activision currently says that Prestige becomes available after reaching max Soldier Rank, but the final launch Soldier Rank cap has not yet been officially announced.

Does MW4 have Prestige Mastery?

Yes. Activision has confirmed Prestige Mastery and has already showcased an MW4 Prestige Mastery Camo. The exact levels and requirements needed to enter Prestige Mastery have not yet been revealed.