by Warzone 2.0 and Modern Warfare 2 are included several improvements to their audio mix. The focus was on creating more immersive and realistic audio, with the Infinity Ward team going out into the field to capture real-life weapons, cannon fire and even helicopters.
At the same time, the game features a new reverb engine to better simulate the sense of space, improved 3D directionality to better pinpoint enemy positions, and a new sound occlusion engine.
While all of this makes for a rich tapestry of sound, it can sometimes mean that footsteps – arguably the most important audio cue in the game – can get lost amidst the cacophony.
Fortunately, there is something you can do about it. Here’s a look at the best audio settings for hearing footsteps in Warzone 2.0 and Modern Warfare 2.
Warzone 2.0 and Modern Warfare 2: Best audio settings for clearer footsteps
The game offers six different audio mix presets for different audio setups. Here’s a look at what they all do.
- personal computer — Tightest dynamic range and EQ for use with PC speakers.
- headphones — Tighter dynamic range and EQ for use with headphones.
- Headphone Bass Boost — Tighter dynamic range and EQ with improved low-end frequencies for headphone use.
- sound bar — Tighter dynamic range and EQ for use with soundbar.
- home theater — High dynamic range setting for use with home theater systems.
- movie theater — Setting the highest dynamic range for use with cinema systems.
Although the obvious choice might be headphone bass boost to increase low frequency emphasis and therefore steps too, doing so can pollute your audio mix further.
That’s because there are many other competing low-frequency tones in Call of Duty. This can be anything from explosives detonating near you to a killstreak raining anger from the sky.
This means enemy footsteps may be drowned out so you never hear them coming until they face you.
Instead, home theater is emerging as the best choice yet. It emphasizes footsteps in the audio mix more, while ambient noise seems a little quieter. One downside, however, is the apparent focus on treble frequencies, so shots can sound a bit shrill at times.
| ATTITUDE | OPPORTUNITY |
| audio mix | home theater |
| master volume | 50 |
| music volume | 0 |
| dialogue volume | 20 |
| effect volume | 100 |
| Click Marker Volume | 20 |
| Speakers/Headphones Game Sound Device | Default system device |
| mono audio | Out of |
When it comes to playing around with the volume numbers, a lot of it comes down to personal preference. The only thing you want to ensure is the effect volume. This setting is directly related to how loud footsteps sound, in addition to other sounds like gunshots.
It can also help to turn down unnecessary sounds like music, dialogue, and hit markers.
Master volume varies depending on configuration or headphones. Warzone 2.0 and Modern Warfare 2 can get very, very loud, so you should find a level that still lets you hear clearly without blowing out your eardrums.
Learn more about how to get each Warzone 2.0 DMZ faction mission reward, how to use proximity chat and how to escape the DMZ.
READ MORE: Is the Warzone Season 1 Battle Pass worth your money?
