Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare adds realistic Specialist and ultra-hard 'YOLO' modes

Realism is something that's largely disappeared from the Call of Duty franchise since it went all space commando, so Activision is upping the ante in Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare with two new, extreme-difficulty modes.

The new Specialist and "YOLO" (you only live once) modes basically crank up the dial on Infinite Warfare to make it more of a war simulator than a game, introducing things like permanent damage and injury-based impediment.

Specialist mode is unlocked after beating the Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare campaign on any difficulty and, according to publisher Activision, is "insanely realistic and not for the faint of heart". While playing in this mode, health won't regenerate when you're shot and helmets also take permanent damage, meaning they'll have to be replaced to avoid getting taken out by headshots.

Helmets and health kits take up equipment slots, meaning players will have to consider their load-outs more carefully before each level.

Additionally, getting hit in the leg or arms will impact ability to move and aim properly, and enemies can also shoot your weapon out of your hands. This makes the lean from cover mechanic even more critical to survival, according to Activision.

After conquering Specialist mode, players can move up to the YOLO difficulty which, you guessed it, gives you one life only. This means if you die, you don't regenerate at your latest save or checkpoint, but are instead thrown all the way back to the beginning of the game.

Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare is out Friday 4 November on PC, PS4 and Xbox One.

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