Modern Warfare 3: MW3 release date, weapons, campaign

MW3's release date, game modes, and gameplay details have been officially released by Call of Duty and excitement is at an all-time high for the upcoming CoD title.

With MW2 (2009) maps returning in MW3, slide & reload cancelling back, the new Cutthroat 3v3v3 mode, and countless other additions, it's safe to say there's a lot to look forward to in MW3.

So, let's break down everything you need to know about MW3 ahead of its release, so you're caught up on everything Modern Warfare 3.

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Modern Warfare 3 Release Date

MW3's release date is November 10, 2023, as confirmed by the official Call of Duty Twitter account.

Players who pre-order MW3 will also get Open Beta early access, Campaign early access, and the Soap Operator Pack.

If you're confused about which edition of MW3 to order, check out our breakdown of all the MW3 editions.

Modern Warfare 3 Gameplay & Movement Changes

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MW3 is going to be a whole different experience for CoD fans when compared to MW2, just because of the sheer amount of gameplay changes Sledgehammer has introduced.

MW3 Movement Changes

Let's begin by breaking down all of the significant movement changes and mechanics coming with MW3:

• Increased Tac Sprint duration
• Increased strafe speeds
• Increased ADS movement
• Tac Sprint recharges while sprinting
• You can fire immediately after sliding
• Reload cancelling is back
• Slide cancelling is back

As you can see, there's plenty to digest and it's guaranteed to speed up the pace of multiplayer, at least movement-wise.

MW3 Gameplay Changes

Here are all the primary gameplay changes coming with MW3 multiplayer:

• Classic mini map
• Map Voting
• 150 Health
• Gear Perk System
• All perks activate at the beginning of a match
• 16 remastered MW2 (2009) maps

A lot of heavily requested features are coming back for MW3, with map voting being a particular highlight for the community.

Modern Warfare 3 Maps: 16 MW2 (2009) Maps Remastered

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Call of Duty has confirmed that all 16 of the original MW2 (2009) maps are being fully remastered and returning in MW3.

While this is disappointing for some fans who wanted completely fresh content, for others it's a dream come true and a chance to get a huge nostalgia trip. Here's the full list of maps coming:

• Underpass
• Wasteland
• Afghan
• Derail
• Estate
• Favela
• Highrise
• Invasion
• Karachi
• Quarry
• Rundown
• Rust
• Scrapyard
• Skidrow
• Sub Base
• Terminal

The devs have also confirmed that brand new core multiplayer maps are planned to come out after release, but no details have been shared about them just yet.

Modern Warfare 3 Zombies

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Zombies is coming to Modern Warfare 3 but not in its usual form. For the first time, players will be able to team up with other squads in a DMZ-style Zombies mode to try to survive.

Fighting against massive hordes of undead on the biggest Call of Duty Zombies map ever, this is going to be a truly exhilarating experience.

With secrets to uncover and a Dark Aether story to follow, this open-world PvE extraction mode is aiming to introduce a fresh and exciting spin on the typical Zombies formula.

Modern Warfare 3 Multiplayer Game Modes

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When it comes to MW3's multiplayer, the devs have confirmed that we can expect the standard modes like TDM, Domination, Hardpoint, and Kill Confirmed.

On top of that, Sledgehammer is bringing something fresh to the table with Cutthroat. This 3v3v3 game mode pits three separate squads against each other on the core maps.

We're likely to hear more about the other modes coming in MW3 in the near future, so stay tuned.

Modern Warfare 3 Campaign & Story

Call of Duty gave us our first official look into an aspect of the MW3 campaign with the Makarov reveal trailer.

The incredible cinematic showcased the infamous CoD villain being escorted through a maximum security prison by a set of guards. Scenes from outside the facility also showed a group of soldiers attempting to break into the prison and presumably help Makarov escape.

This would make sense and ultimately be the perfect setup for Makarov as the threat and villain in MW3. While we do not know his plans at this time, given his reputation in the series, it's safe to say it's not going to be easy to take him down.

In terms of how the campaign will play, it's been revealed that MW3 will feature Open Combat Missions, which are designed to empower a player's decisions like never before. These will feature additional paths and provide players with multiple ways of completing an objective.

Gameplay of this was shown off at Gamescom 2023, where we also learned that kill streaks will be making an appearance in the campaign for the first time. In the trailer, we see the player progress through a mission in the early stage of the game.

In the trailer, we see the player grapple their way to the top of a tower under the cover of rain and darkness. After taking out a couple of guards silently, they proceed to complete the mission in a stealthy manner, with night vision goggles and all. That is until the team changes tack and goes in all guns blazing.

Interestingly, the mission seems to take place in the prison area of Verdansk, which has been rumoured to make a return in Modern Warfare 3. Overall, there seems to be a variety of ways in which players can approach this mission, which is a departure from previous Call of Duty campaigns.

Modern Warfare 3 Leaked Weapons & Gun List

Call of Duty leaker Phantom__Ice has created a list of all the leaked MW3 weapons so far, and it's certainly got fans excited.

However, with the news that all MW2 guns, blueprints, and Operators will be carrying over to MW3, it's hard to know how many new guns the devs will introduce.

Either way, here's the list of leaked MW3 weapons so far:

Assault Rifles

• AK 556 (AK 101)
• MCW (ACR)
• CDG 58
• MTZ - 556 (CZ Bren)
• ANVL - B (F2000)
• Holger (G36c)

SMGs

• Coscar 635 (Colt 635)
• Striker 45 (UMP)
• Rival 9 (Scorpian Evo)
• Lach 9 (SMG 45)
• WSP 9 (UZI)
• SAR 9 (SAR 109T)

Battle Rifles

• Bushmaster ACR
• XM5
• CZ Bren 2

DMR

• CZ Bren DMR
• ACR DMR
• SL8
• SVK

Sniper Rifles

• CDelta (Unknown)
• AMR 50
• Chukavin SVCh
• KVB 73 (Unknown)

LMG

• MG 36
• QBZ 95 LSW
• PKP
• PKM
• FN EVOLYS

Pistols

• Glock 21
• Micro Uzi
• RHs 12
• M93 Raffica

Again, make sure to take this list with a pinch of salt at this time as this information is all based on leaks.

Who is developing Modern Warfare 3?

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Sledgehammer Games is the developer creating MW3, with Treyarch expected to be tackling the CoD title launching in 2024.

Sledgehammer's back catalogue of CoD games includes WWII, Advanced Warfare, and of course, Vanguard. With the reception towards these titles, particularly Vanguard, being mixed at best, Sledgehammer will be looking to score a win with the community in MW3.

Of course, only time will tell whether that's the case and we'll be sure to update this hub as more details are revealed about MW3.  Be sure to check out our Call of Duty homepage for all of the latest news and guides.