In Call of Duty: Modern Warfare there are many different operators. They are also all different sizes. But does their size affect the hitbox, that is, how easy they are to hit? And can shots miss you even though they “hit” – or vice versa? We clarify these questions.
What are “Models” and “Hitboxes”? Models and hitboxes are technical terms that describe certain elements of a game. Both are important in a shooter so that players can hit accurately. In brief:
- Models are the displayed models of the different operators, that is, what you see.
- Hitboxes are the hit areas, that is, what the game uses to calculate damage when you score a hit with a weapon.
Since Modern Warfare offers different operators that you can play and that are of different sizes, the question arises: Does the model affect the hitbox? The short answer is: No. But there are some things to consider, because you can be “hit” without taking damage.
Identical Hitbox, Different Models
This is how the hitbox works: In Modern Warfare, all operators share the same hitbox. This means that every operator is equally easy or hard to hit. It only depends on your aim how well you hit. We explain how to improve your aim with attachments here.
This ensures that every player in Modern Warfare has the same conditions. After all, every operator has the same properties, moves at the same speed, and has no special abilities.
This is important in Modern Warfare because here, unlike in hero shooters, there is no option to balance advantages or disadvantages or different hitboxes through abilities or traits. In Apex Legends, for instance, it’s quite different.
But there are larger operators? The models of the different operators are still significantly different in size. The YouTuber TheXclusiveAce took a closer look at this. For him, the largest model of the operators is Minotaur and the smallest is Charlie.
It is important to note that both still have exactly the same hit zones. This leads to some complications:
- With Minotaur, there are some areas that are model but not hitbox. So your bullets could simply fly through the character without inflicting damage.
- With Charlie, some hit zones are no longer part of the model. You could shoot beside them and still hit them.
TheXclusiveAce shows how this looks in the embedded video:
Advantages of Small and Large Operators
These are the advantages of small operators: Although small operators do not have a smaller hitbox, they are still harder to spot. They have an easier time hiding behind cover.
While they could theoretically still be hit if the hitbox peeks out from behind a corner, if players can’t see the model, they won’t suspect an opponent there.
There’s also a psychological component. Since only the models, not the hitboxes, are visible, many players aim at areas they can see. Since these are hard to hit with petite models, they may aim too long in an attempt to be as precise as possible.
Incidentally, aim assist from the controller can help with this. It makes no distinctions between models, but only works with hitboxes.
These are the advantages of large operators: Conversely, you may also have an inverse advantage when playing large operators. Here, players can shoot at you without necessarily hitting you.
This is especially advantageous if you weren’t even aware that you were in the sights. If an opponent shoots at you but misses, they have revealed themselves and you have valuable milliseconds to return fire.
Since Modern Warfare generally has a low TTK, these milliseconds can be critical.
Which operator should I play now?
This is how you best decide: What you want to play now is entirely up to you. On the technical side, no operator offers any advantages or disadvantages. Only the psychological aspect may have some impact:
- Small operators are easier to conceal; they are suitable for maps with little cover and tactical multiplayer modes.
- Large operators have a smaller hitbox compared to the model; they are suitable for aggressive approaches when opponents only try to aim roughly.
Some operators you will have to unlock first, such as the stealth operator Krüger through the executioner medal. These then also offer a kind of prestige. However, it is much more important which weapons and loadouts you start with:
