Call of Duty (COD) has built a massive player base, and its in-game currency—COD Points (CP)—plays a key role in customizing the experience. From unlocking exclusive operator skins and weapon blueprints to accessing Battle Pass content, COD Points have become central to progression and personalization in the game. The catch? Most players think the only way to get them is by pulling out their wallets.
But here’s the good news: it’s possible to earn COD Points without spending a dime. It takes consistency, strategy, and a little bit of grind, but it’s absolutely doable. In this guide, we’ll break down legitimate methods to earn COD Points for free using features and mechanics already built into the game.
Understanding COD Points and Their Role
Before jumping into the grind, it helps to understand what COD Points are and how they’re used. COD Points are the premium currency used in various Call of Duty titles, including Modern Warfare, Warzone, Black Ops Cold War, Vanguard, and now Modern Warfare II and III. They let players buy:
- Battle Passes
- Cosmetic bundles
- Store-exclusive blueprints
- Operator skins
- XP boosts
Unlike regular in-game XP or Weapon XP, COD points don’t drop naturally through play—unless you use certain in-game features the right way.
Ways to Earn COD Points Without Spending Real Money
1. Grind the Free Battle Pass Tiers
The Battle Pass system is your most reliable free source of COD Points. While the full Battle Pass is a paid feature, free tiers are available to every player. Even if you don’t buy the Battle Pass, you can still unlock a limited number of COD Points just by playing the game and reaching those specific tiers.
How It Works
Each season’s Battle Pass usually includes 1,000 COD Points in total. Around 300 of those are placed on free tiers. To unlock them:
- Play consistently
- Earn Battle Pass XP through daily and weekly challenges
- Rank up tiers by getting kills, wins, and completing objectives
You won’t earn all 1,000 CP without buying the pass, but 300 CP per season adds up. With discipline, you can save enough over a few seasons to buy a Battle Pass eventually—which then unlocks even more COD Points if you keep grinding.
2. Complete In-Game Challenges and Events
Call of Duty frequently runs limited-time events and seasonal challenges. These often include XP rewards, cosmetics, and occasionally COD Points.
Where to Look
- Multiplayer events with specific kill counts or match win requirements
- Operator challenges tied to new characters
- Seasonal event trees, which reward players as they progress through milestones
While not every event drops COD Points, some seasonal milestones do. Keep an eye on challenge tabs and in-game announcements. Completing the full slate of event challenges often opens up premium-tier rewards without having to spend.
3. Master Daily and Weekly Challenges
Daily and weekly challenges serve two purposes. First, they keep gameplay fresh. Second, they help boost your Battle Pass XP, pushing you through tiers that offer free COD Points.
Best Practices
- Log in daily to check for new objectives
- Focus on challenges that match your playstyle—assault rifle kills, headshots, or objective captures
- Stack challenges together for efficiency
By staying on top of these challenges, you’ll maximize your XP gain and speed up your progress toward COD Point rewards in the Battle Pass system.
4. Participate in Ranked Play or Competitive Modes
Ranked Play isn’t just for show—it can be a source of exclusive rewards. Although COD Points aren’t always directly given in these modes, special seasons sometimes include CP as a reward for reaching high ranks or completing ranked-specific challenges.
Even if CP isn’t directly included, you may gain exclusive cosmetic items or XP boosts that indirectly contribute to your Battle Pass progression and COD Point earnings.
Why It Helps
- Ranked Play adds incentive to perform at a higher level
- Some ranked rewards roll over between seasons
- You’ll sharpen your skills and unlock more content faster
This method takes commitment. Ranked Play is not casual, but it offers the kind of grind that can eventually pay off in ways that matter for COD Points.
5. Use the Free Trial Periods Smartly
From time to time, Call of Duty offers free access weekends or trial modes. This includes limited-time access to full versions of the game or new modes like Zombies or Multiplayer playlists.
Use these free windows to:
- Complete Battle Pass tiers
- Stack up on XP
- Tackle hard-to-get challenges
If you normally only play the free version (like Warzone), these trial events give you access to the broader ecosystem where you can unlock COD Points through more gameplay variety.
6. Play During Double XP and Double Tier Events
Every so often, Call of Duty runs double XP and double Battle Pass tier progression events. These are gold mines if you’re trying to reach the COD Point tiers quickly.
How to Maximize
- Play objective-heavy modes during the event (Domination, Hardpoint)
- Queue up with friends to get squad XP bonuses
- Knock out multiple challenges at once
Playing smart during these events can help you earn several tiers in one weekend—sometimes even enough to get to a CP reward tier you wouldn’t otherwise reach.
7. Reinvest Your COD Points
Once you’ve earned enough COD Points to buy your first Battle Pass (usually 1,000 CP), you’re in a cycle where you no longer need to spend real money again—if you stay consistent.
Each purchased Battle Pass gives you back around 1,300 COD Points if you complete it fully. That means:
- You buy once with CP
- Play enough to finish the pass
- Reinvest your earnings into the next season’s Battle Pass
Over time, this becomes a self-sustaining system. All it takes is that first 1,000 CP to unlock the loop
8. Take Advantage of Cross-Progression
Call of Duty supports cross-progression between titles. If you’re someone who plays across Modern Warfare, Warzone, and even mobile titles, you can benefit from shared progression systems.
Benefits Include:
- Shared COD Points across games
- XP and tier boosts carrying over between modes
- Challenges that overlap between games
While each platform has unique features, the shared account means your grind in one game can support your CP earning in another. Use that to your advantage.
Tips for Staying Efficient and Avoiding Burnout
Grinding COD points without paying real money requires dedication, but that doesn’t mean it should feel like work. Here’s how to stay efficient:
Prioritize High-Value Activities
Not all in-game tasks give equal value. Focus on:
- Battle Pass tiers with CP
- XP-boosting challenges
- Modes with faster matches for more XP per hour
Set Weekly Micro-Goals
Trying to max out a Battle Pass in one weekend is overwhelming. Instead, aim for:
- 5–10 tiers per week
- Daily challenge completion
- One major challenge per play session
Breaking it down makes it manageable and keeps your gameplay fun.
Avoid the Store Temptation
The store is full of flashy bundles that promise instant gratification. Resist the urge to spend CP the moment you earn it. Save up for the Battle Pass or invest in items that offer long-term value, not just aesthetics.
Use XP Tokens Strategically
If you’ve saved XP or tier skip tokens, don’t blow them on random play. Use them during double XP events or when tackling hard challenges. Timing makes all the difference.
What to Expect: Realistic Timeline
Let’s set expectations straight. You won’t earn thousands of COD Points in a week unless you’re putting in marathon hours. But with 5–10 hours of focused play per week, you can reasonably expect:
- 300 CP per season from free Battle Pass tiers
- Additional XP boosts toward unlocking the full Battle Pass if you eventually buy one
- Event-based CP rewards sprinkled across a season
If you’re disciplined, it’s possible to earn one full Battle Pass with COD Points every 3–4 seasons. That might not sound fast, but once you get that first Battle Pass, the cycle sustains itself if you complete it.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to spend real money to earn COD Points. It just takes planning, consistency, and smart grinding. The game provides enough pathways—free Battle Pass tiers, in-game challenges, seasonal events, and ranked play—to make it possible for determined players.
Start by picking one or two strategies from this list and build a routine. Once you earn your first 1,000 COD Points, reinvest them wisely. Play smart, stay focused, and you’ll unlock premium content without ever opening your wallet.
