All CoD Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer modes so far

All CoD Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer modes so far
Courtesy of Activision

Written by 

Alex Garton

Published 

1st Nov 2023 15:16

Modern Warfare 3's game modes are one of the important aspects of the multiplayer experience, so it's key that you know the exact selection Sledgehammer has opted to go for.

Whether you enjoy the classics like Search & Destroy and Domination, or are looking forward to new game modes like Cutthroat, there's something for everyone.

So, let's break down every mode available to play in Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer and how they work, so you can identify your favourites.

Every Modern Warfare 3 game mode in multiplayer

MW3 Operator in blue outfit
Click to enlarge

In total, there are currently thirteen game modes available to play in Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer. There's also the Firing Range that acts as a practice arena for you to improve your aim and test out loadouts.

Here's the full list of MW3 multiplayer modes:

MW3 Game Mode Description
Cutthroat Three teams go head to head. First team to reach the round win limit wins.
Team Deathmatch Eliminate enemy players until the score limit is reached to win.
Domination Capture, hold and defend objectives to earn points. First team to the score limit wins.
Search & Destroy Teams alternate between detonating and defusing a bomb. No respawns.
Kill Confirmed Recover dog tags to score for your team and deny enemy scores.
Free-For-All Defeat everyone. The first player to reach the score limit ends the game. The top three players win.
Hardpoint Capture the Hardpoint and hold it against attack. The first team to reach the score limit wins.
Control Take turns attacking and defending the objective.
Gun Game Be the first player to score a kill with each one of the provided weapons.
War Progress through linear objectives to push the battle line and win.
Ground War Large-scale conflict featuring vehicles. Capture and hold objectives to score. Captured objectives open forward spawning locations for your team.
Invasion A massive and chaotic battle with a mix of Players and AI fighting alongside each other and against each team.
Hardcore Features a limited HUD, low health, friendly fire enabled, and other changes to gameplay; and is also scheduled for launch.
Firing Range Practice arena to test loadouts and refine your aim.

So, there you have it, that's every mode available to play in Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer and how each of them works.

We expect this list to be continually expanded upon throughout MW3's life cycle, and we'll be sure to update our list as soon as new modes arrive.

Now that you're familiar with every MW3 mode, why not learn how to unlock the Lockpick Operator ahead of launch? Don't forget to check out our MW3 homepage for all the latest CoD guides, news, and explainers.

Alex Garton
About the author
Alex Garton
Alex is a Senior Writer at GGRecon. With a BA (Hons) in English, he has previously written for Dexerto & Gfinity. Specialising in Call of Duty & Apex Legends, he loves (attempting) to improve his aim in competitive shooters and will always make time for a single-player RPG.
Why trust GGRecon?

Established in 2019, we don’t just cover games - we live them. Our expert team is full of dedicated gamers, qualified journalists, and industry insiders who collectively boast decades of experience covering gaming and esports. This deep-rooted expertise allows us to provide authoritative and nuanced perspectives first-hand from a team who are playing, and researching every game covered on our website. 

Our foundation is built on a profound commitment to editorial independence, ensuring our content remains free from external influence and advertising pressures and is held to the highest level of editorial conduct, integrity, and quality. 

Every article on GGRecon comes from rigorous research, informed analysis, and a passion for gaming that resonates with our readers. We uphold these standards through a transparent editorial policy, accessible here, which governs our processes and maintains our accountability.

Trending
Best MW3 Sniper Rifle loadouts & classes, ranked (Season 3 Reloaded)
How to unlock Blazon animated camo in Warzone & MW3
Best Modern Warfare 3 guns & meta loadouts ranked (Season 3 Reloaded)
Best MW3 Search & Destroy loadouts, guns, equipment & more (Season 3 Reloaded)
Best Akimbo Pistols loadouts in MW3, from attachments to perks in Season 3 Reloaded