Scavenger (perk)

Scavenger is a Tier 1 Perk, unlocked at level 13, appearing in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Scavenger partially restocks a player's weapon loadout if they walk over scavenge packs dropped by enemy corpses, regardless of any loadout differences between the player and the dead player. This perk also acts as a replacement for the ammo perks from the other games such as Bandolier and Frag x3, since it allows the player to restock on equipment.

Uses
"Grenade spam" is not a large problem with this perk because grenade throw range has decreased in Modern Warfare 2 and players must find packs in order to restore grenades. Additionally, since a fallen comrade is likely to be within a kill zone staked out by opposing players, and since a fallen enemy is likely to be followed by more enemies, Scavenger will most likely be useful to acquire extra ammunition following a skirmish and less a source of unlimited equipment.

With Scavenger, bodies will still drop weapons. Running over a weapon that utilizes the same caliber and magazines as the current weapon will not pickup ammo unless the weapon has the same attachment as one in use. For example, if using an M16A4 and running over an M16A4 with FMJ, ammo will not increase. Indeed, even picking up the Camo M16A4 will not increase the ammo for your standard M16A4. You will instead have two separate ammo counts. Well organized teams consider standardizing their weapon camo and attachments to facilitate ammo transfer.

Scavenger is usually the preferred perk in the first tier slot amongst players with higher killstreak setups. This is most likely because players need more kills before obtaining any killstreaks, which necessitates the need for more ammo replenishment.

Disadvantages
If a player using Scavenger has the Javelin or AT4 unequipped, Scavenger will not replenish the Javelin's or AT4's ammo unless they are held. However, when either weapon is equipped its maximum ammo can be exceeded by picking up a spare rocket. However, resupplying these secondary weapons do not resupply the player's primary weapon. This discrepancy is most likely a glitch. It is also not much use on hardcore modes since players will not need to expend nearly so much ammo.

When the player runs over a Scavenger backpack, a "resupply" noise will be made, which can alert enemies of the player's position.

Pro Version
The Pro version of Scavenger is unlocked once a player has resupplied 100 times while using Scavenger. Scavenger Pro allows the player to spawn with Full ammo for the weapons he or she has, replacing the Bandolier perk from previous games.

The Pro version is not always useful, since ammo can be resupplied without it.

However, Scavenger Pro is most useful for players who spend a long time distant from action, since their opportunities to resupply will be few and far between; the increased starting ammo count will permit them to extend their stay at the location of their choice.

Tips

 * Scavenger is very useful for players who have weapons with low ammo counts to start with, such as the AT4, RPG-7, SCAR-H, Thumper or the AA-12.
 * Scavenger is also useful for players who use Cold-Blooded (particularly with a Silencer) instead of Stopping Power. In this situation, Scavenger helps compensate for the increased number of rounds it takes to take down enemy players.
 * Scavenger is useful when using the Throwing Knife, as it is unnecessary to find the knife after having thrown it.
 * Despite what players may think, Scavenger Pro does not increase the starting ammo for Launchers as they are already loaded with maximum ammo; only regular Scavenger actually applies.

Trivia

 * The scavenger bags left by enemies are only picked up when the player is in need ammunition for the currently equipped weapon, equipment, special grenades. Even if the player's secondary weapon is completely out of ammo, the bag will not be picked up unless the empty weapon is taken out or equipment is used.
 * If the player is cooking a grenade, running over a backpack will not grant another grenade until that grenade is thrown. The same goes with reloading weapons. If a weapon has full ammo, but has not reloaded yet, the player cannot get the scavenger bag until he/she reloads.
 * The scavenger packs required to get the Pro version of this perk are in common supply, making the Pro challenges easily completable.
 * In Hardcore game modes, a hitmarker (x) appears when a Scavenger bag is picked up, which confuses some players, making them think they damaged someone.
 * A scavenger bag can be found in the bank in the campaign level "Wolverines".
 * The description for this perk is wrong, as you can resupply from dead allies and even your dead bodies along with enemies.