GamingCall of Duty

Modern Warfare 3 (COD 2023): Warzone, maps, release date & everything we know

Modern Warfare 3 logo with art from reveal video in backgroundActivision

CoD 2023 has been made official: Call of Duty players will be experiencing a new version of Modern Warfare 3 this year. With more information coming out as the launch date fast approaches, here’s everything we know about this year’s COD title.

When Modern Warfare 2 (2022) first launched, there was much speculation and a number of rumors floating around, suggesting that the game would be the first in COD history to have a two-year cycle, meaning there wouldn’t be a new game in 2023.

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As the year went on, though, that rumor started to die down, as reports started to come out that there would be a large expansion to MWII and, now, a full-fledged premium title, which has now been confirmed to be Modern Warfare III, developed by Sledgehammer Games.

Here’s everything we know about the 2023 COD title, known officially as Modern Warfare 3, so far.

Contents

Modern Warfare 3 release date

Modern Warfare 3 launches on all platforms on Friday, November 10, 2023.

This release date was originally leaked back in May, then later confirmed by Activision on August 8.

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This aligns with the usual timeframe for Call of Duty launches, but of course, unforeseen delays could always change things down the line. We’ll be sure to keep you posted should any new details arise.

Official Modern Warfare 3 promotional materials leaked on July 24 as a new Monster Energy campaign revealed our first proper look at the game’s logo and artwork.

With Captain Price front and center once again, and a mysterious face in the backdrop behind him, this year’s release hones in on a red color palette — as later confirmed by the logo reveal on August 8.

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Official Modern Warfare 3 logoActivision
The MW3 logo is red now, as opposed to MW2’s blue coloring.

Who is developing Modern Warfare 3?

Sledgehammer Games is developing Modern Warfare 3, giving Treyarch the full three years they expected to push out the 2024 COD title.

This means only a two-year gap for Sledgehammer, who also developed Call of Duty: Vanguard in 2021.

If true, it’s unclear why exactly this decision was made to have SHG leading development on the game, though as with all Call of Duty titles now, they will receive support from all other Activision studios including both Infinity Ward and Treyarch.

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What will happen to Warzone?

Thus far, there has been no official confirmation on what exactly will happen with Warzone when Modern Warfare 3 launches.

As mentioned in the original leaks, Modern Warfare 3 is apparently going to bring a whole new map to Warzone, as well.

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They state that Las Almas, the location from the Modern Warfare 2 campaign, will feature as the BR’s new large-scale map, slated to launch at the start of Season 1 in December 2023.

Modern Warfare 3 Multiplayer features

According to reports that surfaced on July 17, Modern Warfare 3 will offer an experience closer to that of earlier titles. This theory is based on leaked images that are believed to have come from an Alpha build of this year’s Call of Duty.

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Two big features that contribute toward this are the return of Red Dots on the minimap and a traditional Perk system. Enemy players will show up on the minimap when firing unsuppressed guns and Perks won’t have to be earned as the game progresses.

MW3’s Perks will be categorized by Gear in four slots: Helmet, Vest, Gloves & Boots. Which Gear you use will determine which Perks you have access to. The presentation may be different but if the reports are correct then this should function similarly to the Perk system seen in most Call of Duty entries.

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Something for fans to get excited about is the expected return of Ninja. The iconic Perk that reduces or even silences footsteps is anticipated to make a comeback after not being present in Modern Warfare 2.

Modern Warfare 3 Zombies

There will apparently be a Zombies mode in MW3, but it has been dubbed ‘Outbreak 2.0’, a reference to the Outbreak mode from the 2020 franchise entry Black Ops Cold War.

Reportedly, it is not decided yet whether this will be part of the premium offering or a free-to-play addition.

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Modern Warfare 3 campaign details

Modern Warfare 3 will indeed feature a full campaign, much like last year’s entry. The story continues where MW2 (2022) left off, as Makarov comes into the picture once again.

This time around, however, the campaign is structured a little differently. Rather than strictly linear missions from start to finish, the game is now built around ‘Open Combat Missions.’ The intention here is to give the player more control over how they tackle various scenarios.

Whether you prefer a stealthy approach with silenced weapons, or a more explosive run through swarms of hostiles, the choice is seemingly yours, rather than being told how to play through a given mission.

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Modern Warfare 3 key dates

These are the key dates according to the original leak, with only the date of release confirmed thus far:

  • Beta weekend 1 (PS4/PS5) – October 6, 2023 – October 10, 2023
  • Beta weekend 2 (PS4/PS5/Xbox One/Xbox Series X|S/PC) – October 12, 2023 – October 16, 2023
  • Campaign Early Access (PS4/PS5/Xbox One/Xbox Series X|S/PC) – November 2, 2023
  • Full Release (PS4/PS5/Xbox One/Xbox Series X|S/PC) – November 10, 2023
  • Season 1 Launch & New Warzone Map – December 5, 2023

It’s worth noting that none of these dates — besides Full Release — have been confirmed by Activision or any of the development studios, so take it all with a pinch of salt now as we await official information about the game.

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