If you are looking for a patch because you bought a copy of the game (likely a Russian or Polish regional copy) that defaults to a language you don't understand, do not download random "patch" executables from file-hosting sites.
Most of these so-called "exclusive patches" circulating on YouTube and third-party forums are outdated, unsafe, or simply unnecessary. They are often targeted at pirated versions of the game and can contain malware.
Here is the safe, modern way to solve the language issue, followed by a review of why those patches are problematic.
If you want the English experience on a non-English copy of Infinite Warfare, your method depends entirely on your platform. Below is the verified breakdown.
Do not waste your time or risk your PC security with "Exclusive English Patches."
config.ini edit method.While there is no single official "exclusive patch" released by Activision for Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
, players often encounter language locks in regional versions (like Russian or Asian releases). You can change the language to English using the following official and community-tested methods. Official Steam Method
If you own the game on Steam, the easiest way to apply an English "patch" is through the built-in library settings:
Right-click on Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare in your Steam Library. Select Properties from the dropdown menu. Navigate to the Language tab. Select English from the list.
Steam will automatically download the necessary English language files (approximately 3.14 GB). Console (Xbox/PS4) Regional Fix
Consoles often lock the game language based on the system's location settings at the time of installation.
System Location Swap: Change your console's System Location and Language to the United Kingdom or United States in the system settings.
Reinstall: In many cases, you must uninstall the game, change the system location, and then reinstall it to force the console to fetch the English version of the software. Manual File Replacement (Advanced/Unofficial)
If you have a version that does not offer English in the Steam menu, you may need to manually swap localization files. This is often required for specific regional "RU/CIS" versions:
Locate Game Folder: Typically found in Steam\steamapps\common\Call of Duty Infinite Warfare.
English Files: You must acquire the localized_english_*.iwd files and the english folder for the zone directory. Replacement: The Verdict Up Front: Proceed with Extreme Caution
Delete or move existing regional files (e.g., localized_russian_*.iwd) from the main folder. Place the English .iwd files into the main folder. Copy the English folder into the zone directory.
Edit Configuration: Open localization.txt in the root folder and change the first line from your current language to english. Registry Editor Method (PC)
For some versions, the language is controlled by a Windows registry key: Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Activision\Call of Duty Infinite Warfare (path may vary slightly by version).
Find the Language or Locale string and change its value to English or enus.
Are you trying to change the language for a specific regional version like the Russian or Singaporean release?
In the landscape of modern gaming, the "exclusive" nature of language patches—specifically for titles like Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
—represents a complex intersection of regional pricing, licensing restrictions, and the resilient efforts of the gaming community to bypass these barriers. The Architecture of Restriction The necessity for an English language "patch" in Infinite Warfare arises primarily from region-locking
. In certain markets, such as Russia (CIS), China, and parts of Europe, the game is sold at significantly lower prices. To prevent users in high-price regions from buying these cheaper copies, developers often lock the software to the local language.
Unlike many modern titles that allow for dynamic language switching in the settings menu, Infinite Warfare
often lacks an in-game option to download additional voice or text packs. For players in regions like Poland, Italy, or Hong Kong who prefer the original English performance, this creates a frustrating technical barrier where the "system language" of the console or PC is ignored by the game software. The "Patch" as Community Solution
Because there is often no "official" patch to add English to a locked version, the community has developed several workarounds. Manual File Replacement (PC):
Players often seek "exclusive" English language packs—typically comprising files like localized_english_iw07.iwd and associated
files—to manually overwrite their regional localization folders. Console Workarounds: On platforms like the United Kingdom
, some users found success by switching their console location to the UK or USA, uninstalling the game, and redownloading it to force the English assets from the global store. Steam Depots: How to Apply the "Exclusive" English Patch (Legitimately)
On PC, advanced users utilize tools to download specific "depots" (such as Depot 292733) directly from Steam's servers to acquire the English assets that their regional license technically allows but doesn't automatically install. Implications and Risks
The hunt for these "exclusive" patches carries inherent risks. Unofficial downloads from third-party forums or file-sharing sites can contain malware or corrupted data that leads to font errors or game crashes. Furthermore, modifying game files on platforms with anti-cheat measures (like Multiplayer or Zombies) can occasionally lead to account flags, though most localization swaps are viewed as "client-side" cosmetic changes.
Can I change the language of a region locked game ? : r/origin
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (2016) community, the "English Language Patch" refers to community-driven solutions developed to bypass regional language locks that restrict specific versions of the game to local languages like Russian, Polish, or Chinese. Because Activision localized many digital and physical copies to prevent cross-region reselling, players who purchased these versions found themselves unable to switch to English through standard in-game menus. The Mechanics of Regional Language Locks For many entries in the Call of Duty franchise, including Infinite Warfare
, certain regional releases lack the global multi-language support found in Western versions. Hard-Coded Restrictions
: In these "exclusive" regional versions, the English localization files are often completely omitted from the installation. Console Limitations
: On platforms like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, changing the system language or location to a different region often fails to unlock English menus if the software itself is region-locked to a specific localized version (e.g., Japanese or Chinese). PC Platform Hurdles
: While Steam typically allows language changes via the "Properties" tab, users with region-restricted keys often find that English is simply not listed as an option. Implementing the English Patch
Since there is often no official "patch" or separate download provided by the developers for these specific regional versions, the community relies on manual file replacement for PC versions. File Acquisition
: Users must acquire the "english" localization folder and specific files (such as localized_english_iw07.iwd
) from a version of the game that officially supports English. Replacement Process
: These files are manually placed into the game's installation directory (typically under
: In some cases, to trick the game into loading the new files, the English files must be renamed to match the original localized files (e.g., renaming the English folder to "russian"). Official Alternatives and Workarounds
While manual patches are common for PC, console players have limited options: Reinstallation by Region
: Some users have reported success by uninstalling the game, switching their console's location to a region like the United Kingdom or the USA, and then reinstalling the digital version. Separate Downloads Modern Warfare Remastered (which often came bundled with Infinite Warfare If you own the game legally: The Steam
), Activision occasionally released separate language packs on the PlayStation Network, though this was rarely extended to the standard Infinite Warfare regional releases.
Anyone with Italian PS4 account can help. LANGUAGE SELECTION
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare , players often find themselves locked into specific regional languages, such as Russian, Chinese, or Italian, with no native in-game menu option to switch back to English. Unlike subsequent titles that introduced more robust language selectors, Infinite Warfare heavily restricts localizations based on the digital store region or the physical disc's origin. Console Workarounds (PS4/Xbox)
For console users stuck with a foreign version, standard system settings often fail to change the in-game text. However, some community-tested methods have proven successful:
Region Reinstallation: Uninstall the game, change your console’s system location to the United Kingdom or United States, and then reinstall the game. This can sometimes force the digital store to pull the English asset depot.
Voice vs. Text: In some versions, like the Japanese release, you can change the voices to English in the settings, but the menus and HUD may remain locked in the regional language. PC Manual Language Patching
On PC, users who cannot find an "English" option in the Steam properties tab can attempt a manual file replacement.
Depot Identification: Steam manages English assets via specific depots, such as Depot 292733. Manual Replacement:
Locate your game’s main folder (e.g., Steam\steamapps\common\Call of Duty Infinite Warfare\main).
Back up existing localization files (e.g., localized_russian_iw07.iwd).
Replace them with the English equivalents (localized_english_iw07.iwd) obtained from a reliable source or another installation.
Registry Edit: Some advanced users use the Windows Registry Editor (regedit) to navigate to the game's software folder and manually change the language string from a regional code to en_US. Exclusive Audio Packs
Depot 292733 (Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare English) - SteamDB
Note: This does not violate Steam's ToS but disables cloud saves temporarily.
\Steam\steamapps\common\Call of Duty Infinite Warfare\zone.japanese, german, or french (depending on your region).Result: Full English audio and text. This is the "exclusive patch" the forums rave about.