Long story short, Nikto isn't in Modern Warfare right now - but will be available at some point over the course of Season 1.

However, unlike Mara who is unlocked as soon as you purchase the Season 1 Battle Pass, Nikto is MIA when you browse through all the tiers.

Nikto, alongside Mara, headlines the Season thanks to a cinematic when players start the game once Season 1 has arrived.

How to get Nikto in Modern Warfare explained

Nikto is an Allegiance Operator, found at the end of the 'Spetsnaz' group.

The game will tell you to unlock Nikto, you must 'Unlock by purchasing Operator in the Store'.

The Store, if you haven't already found it, is at the far end of the Multiplayer menu. However, if you go through each entry, you'll notice that Nikto isn't there.

At the time of writing, Nikto isn't available in Modern Warfare. However, he will eventually become available in the Store at a later time sometime this Season.

This is further confirmed in a blog post by Activision, saying: "Be on the lookout for a multitude of bundles for sale in the Store throughout Season One. These bundles will include the other new Operator Nikto, new watches such as the 'Tomagunchi', a variety of Operator skins, and weapon blueprints like the Area 51 submachine gun blueprint!"

So, as of right now, it's a case of waiting until Nikto appears.

Another point worth clarifying with the wording when it comes to his availability: Nikto will not unlock if you purchase any Operator in the Store.

Though new Store items appear to rotate in and out regularly, Nikto won't appear if you start buying these, as he simply isn't available at the time of writing - so it's a case of waiting until Activision push the button.