Look, picking between game editions usually feels like deciding if you want a burger or a burger with a slightly shinier wrapper. You pay ten bucks more, you get a "gold" skin, and you never think about it again. But with Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, the choice actually matters. Like, a lot.
If you're staring at the store page right now, you've probably noticed a massive price gap between the two versions. We’re talking about the difference between a casual weekend play and owning a piece of FPS history. Honestly, the marketing for this game back in 2016 was a bit of a mess, and even today in 2026, people are still getting confused about what they’re actually buying.
Infinite Warfare Standard vs Digital Legacy: The 40 Dollar Elephant in the Room
Basically, the Standard Edition is just the base game. You get the campaign (which is actually incredible, don't let the haters lie to you), the multiplayer with the jetpacks and "Rigs," and the Zombies in Spaceland mode.
The Digital Legacy Edition is a different beast entirely. It includes everything in the standard version, but it bundles in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered (MWR).
That’s the hook.
For years, Activision held MWR hostage inside these premium bundles. You couldn't buy it alone. While you can technically find MWR as a standalone purchase now, the Legacy bundle is often still the cheapest way to snag both if you're catching a sale.
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What's actually in the boxes?
Let's break down the inventory. If you go Standard, you're getting:
- The full Infinite Warfare campaign (the one with Nick Reyes and E3N).
- Online Multiplayer.
- Zombies mode.
- The "Terminal" bonus map (usually included in most digital versions now).
If you shell out for the Digital Legacy Edition, you're getting all of that plus the full Modern Warfare Remastered campaign and its entire multiplayer suite. You also usually get the "Zombies in Spaceland" pack, which is just some extra Fate and Fortune cards and a weapon camo.
The Modern Warfare Remastered Trap
Here is where it gets kinda annoying. If you buy a physical copy of the Legacy Edition—the one with the actual disc—you cannot play Modern Warfare Remastered without the Infinite Warfare disc being in your console.
I've seen so many people buy a used "Legacy" disc at a thrift store, redeem the code for MWR (if it wasn't already used), and then try to sell the IW disc. Big mistake. The console will literally block you from launching the remaster unless that IW disc is spinning.
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The Digital Legacy Edition fixes this. Since it's all digital, the licenses are tied to your account. You can delete Infinite Warfare to save space and keep Modern Warfare Remastered installed. Given that these games together can eat up over 150GB of SSD space, being able to delete one and keep the other is a lifesaver.
Is the Multiplayer even alive?
This is a valid question. It's 2026. Infinite Warfare came out a decade ago.
If you're buying for multiplayer, be realistic. On PC, the standard matchmaking is basically a ghost town unless you're playing at peak hours in specific regions. However, Modern Warfare Remastered actually has a more dedicated "old school" following.
The campaign is really where the value stays. The IW campaign is often cited by writers and devs as one of the best stories the franchise ever told. It’s more Battlestar Galactica than Black Ops. If you just want to see Jon Snow (Kit Harington) be a space villain, the Standard edition is plenty. But if you want the nostalgia of "All Ghillied Up" in 4K, you need that Legacy tag.
Price vs. Value: Don't Get Scammed
Usually, the Standard edition sits around $59.99 (which is insane for its age) while the Legacy version hovers at $79.99.
Wait for a sale.
I’ve seen the Digital Legacy edition drop to $31.99 during seasonal sales on the PlayStation Store and Steam. At that price, you're basically getting two of the best campaigns in the series for fifteen bucks each. Paying full price for either in 2026 is, frankly, a bad move.
Why would anyone still buy Standard?
Some people just want the Zombies. Zombies in Spaceland is a masterpiece of 80s neon aesthetics. If you have zero interest in the classic COD4 gameplay and you've already played the original Modern Warfare to death, the Standard edition saves you money.
Final Verdict on the Difference
The "Legacy" in the title isn't just a fancy word. It represents the bridge between the "jetpack era" and the "boots on the ground" era.
If you're a completionist or a newcomer to the series, the Digital Legacy Edition is the only one that makes sense because it offers the contrast. You get to jump from the fast-paced, wall-running madness of 2016 to the slow, tactical, door-kicking tension of the 2007 classic.
Check your storage space before hitting buy. These games are huge. Make sure your internet isn't on a data cap because you're looking at a massive download. If you're on a budget, stick to the Standard edition and just enjoy the space-opera campaign—it's worth the price of admission alone.
Next Steps for You
- Verify your platform: If you are on PC, check the "H1" mod community for Modern Warfare Remastered, as they often have better server browsers than the official game.
- Check the Sale History: Use a site like IsThereAnyDeal or PSPrices to see when the next drop is likely; these games go on sale almost every time a new COD is announced.
- Audit your HDD: Ensure you have at least 160GB free if you plan on installing the full Legacy suite at once.