Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
Modern Warfare III Open Beta Early Acccess is Live
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III Beta: Everything You Need to Know
Welcome to the Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® III Beta!
It’s time to get your hands on the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III Beta. Whether you’re a brand-new player looking for fast-paced, high-octane action or you’re a veteran player of the Call of Duty franchise readying up for the return of some classic Multiplayer maps, this article will get you up and running for everything Beta related.
The Modern Warfare III Beta will be split into two different weekends, with more maps and game modes scheduled throughout the Beta. The Multiplayer maps will be instantly familiar to anyone who has played Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009), featuring the latest technical advancements and modern movement mechanics for a completely refreshed experience.
Keep this page bookmarked for more info on additional maps, modes, and progression releasing with Weekend Two.
Now, let’s get to it!
Weekend Two: October 12–16
Weekend Two gives all platforms a chance to try Modern Warfare III Multiplayer, first to those who preorder the game and then for everyone regardless of preorder status.
PC Early Access: Players who preordered the game on PC via Steam or Battle.net can begin playing the Beta on Thursday, October 12 at 10 AM PT.
Open Beta: Starting on Saturday, October 14 at 10 AM PT, the Beta becomes available to PC players regardless of their preorder status.
PC players can download the Beta from Steam or Battle.net. Those who preorder digitally do not need a Beta code to participate; you’re automatically registered to participate in the Early Access period. If you purchased Modern Warfare III through a participating retailer, you should have received a Beta code printed on the retail receipt or sent via email on an online receipt.
Get more details on accessing the Beta by visiting the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III Beta FAQ.
PC Beta Specifications
Minimum
- OS: Windows 10 64 Bit (latest update)
- CPU: Intel Core i5-6600 or AMD Ryzen 5 1600
- RAM: 12 GB
- Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 / GeForce GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon RX 480
- Video Memory: 3 GB
- Storage Space: SSD with 65 GB available space (25 GB with COD HQ downloaded)
- Network: Broadband internet connection
- Sound Card: DirectX Compatible
Recommended
- OS: Windows 10 64 Bit (latest update) or Windows 11 64 Bit (latest update)
- CPU: Intel Core i5-6600 or AMD Ryzen 5 1600
- RAM: 16 GB
- Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 / GeForce RTX 3050 or AMD Radeon RX Vega
- Video Memory: 6 GB
- Storage Space: SSD with 65 GB available space (25 GB with COD HQ downloaded)
- Network: Broadband internet connection
- Sound Card: DirectX Compatible
Recommended Drivers for NVIDIA/AMD
- NVIDIA: 537.58
- AMD: 22.9.1
Weekend Two: Maps and Modes
In addition to all the Weekend One content, Weekend Two is scheduled to bring two more maps and two more game modes, including the debut of Cutthroat featuring 3v3v3 combat.
Core Map
Highrise
TACTICAL INTEL: Ascend to the rooftop of a New York City skyscraper. Break out across the multilevel terrain, exploring the offices on either side, the helipad, the maintenance tunnels, and the infamous crane leading to huge longshot potential for those who brave its heights.
Ground War Map
Orlov Military Base
TACTICAL INTEL: The Orlov Military Base is narrow and full of corners and warehouses with plenty of windows to fire from. Keep an eye on everything, and either clear it out or use the fast vehicles to blaze a trail down the path to your objective.
Modes
- Cutthroat: Engage in vicious 3v3v3 combat, where the last team standing or that captures the overtime flag wins the round.
- Search & Destroy: Take turns defending and destroying bomb sites. No respawns.
Weekend Two: Progression
Players can obtain a maximum level of 30 during the second weekend of the Beta, adding more unlockable items in addition to gaining access to the challenge-based Armory Unlocks. For the unlocks between Levels 1 and 20, consult the Weekend One section earlier in this blog.
Unlocks for Level 21: New Weapon
Renetti (Handgun): A burst-fire pistol with a staggering fire rate and controllability in the right hands. Unlock the full-auto Aftermarket Parts Conversion Kit for the Renetti after completing an in-game challenge at max weapon level.
Unlocks for Level 22: New Field Upgrade
Deployable Cover (Field Upgrade): Portable, rapidly deployable ballistic cover.
Unlocks for Level 23: New Killstreak
Mosquito Drone (Killstreak): Explosive drone that circles the area around where the drone is launched. It dive-bombs enemies it spots and explodes.
Unlocks for Level 24: New Perk
Bone Conduction Headset (Perk): Reduces combat noise, allowing improved identification of enemy footsteps and gunshots.
Unlocks for Level 25: New Feature
Upon reaching Level 25, a new level of content opens to the player. Armory Unlocks give Operators the ability to unlock more items for their Loadouts, but instead of earning this gear simply by leveling up, players must complete specific in-game challenges to access them. Consider looking through your Loadout options at this point to see which items you can unlock, as well as the challenge required to unlock them.
Armory Unlocks: Challenges to unlock weapons, Equipment, Perks, Killstreaks, and cosmetics.
Unlocks for Level 26: New Killstreak
Juggernaut Recon (Killstreak): Juggernaut Recon gear delivered by care package. The suit is equipped with a radar that pings nearby enemies. Contains a riot shield, Haymaker, and smoke grenade.
Unlocks for Level 27: New Weapon
WSP Swarm (SMG): Ultracompact and maneuverable, this 9 mm submachine gun overwhelms targets with a fast fire rate.
Unlocks for Level 28: New Field Upgrade
A.C.S. (Field Upgrade): The Automated Computer Spike slowly captures points and temporarily hacks nearby enemy devices.
Unlocks for Level 29: New Perk
Commando Gloves (Perk): Reload while sprinting.
Unlocks for Level 30: New Lethal Equipment and Perk
Throwing Knife (Lethal Equipment): Retrievable knife that is lethal on impact.
Demolition Vest (Perk): Resupply Lethal and Tactical Equipment every 25 seconds.
Top 3 Tips for Weekend Two
- Weekend Two introduces Highrise, a classic skyscraper map featuring incredible power positions accessible to those willing to make the climb. Get up on the crane, scale the walls to reach the rooftop, and explore other ways to interact with the map using the modern movement system.
- Play the new Cutthroat game mode to start working on your 3v3v3 strategies. Rounds can be highly strategic or all-out chaos; with practice, you’ll learn how to succeed in both situations.
- With both Ground War maps live during Weekend Two, it’s time to test out those long-ranged Loadouts. Put those Sniper Rifles and Launchers to good use.
Weekend Two: Beta Rewards
Earn rewards by reaching Player Level milestones throughout the Beta that will persist through the launch of Modern Warfare III when it releases on November 10. These rewards include items that can be displayed in your Showcase for all to see.
The rewards and the level you must reach to earn each one, are as follows:
- Level 2: Animated Emblem
- Level 7: Weapon Charm
- Level 9: Animated Calling Card
- Level 11: Sticker
- Level 15: Vinyl
- Level 20: Weapon Blueprint
- Level 24: Sticker
- Level 30: Operator Skin
Additionally, you can earn Battle Pass XP tokens for use in Modern Warfare II and Warzone by playing the Beta. You will receive 1-hour Battle Pass XP tokens based on the number of days you played (maximum 6 tokens per player). To earn a token, you must log-in and complete at least one Beta match that day to qualify. Once the Beta concludes, your account will be granted the tokens based on the number of days played.
Enhance your experience with NVIDIA RTX. Learn more at Nvidia GeForce.
Ready Up — Preorder Now
Lock in your preorders now to receive immediate rewards in Call of Duty: Warzone™ and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II as well as for Modern Warfare III later in November.
Additionally, if you pre-ordered the Vault Edition, make sure to equip the Nemesis Operator Pack Operators as well as the two Weapon Vaults that will be available during the Beta!
Both physical and digital editions of the game can be pre-ordered on your platform of choice, with all editions detailed in our preorder guide here.
For more details on everything coming to Modern Warfare III, read the full announcement here and stay tuned for further intel.
Stay frosty.
© 2023 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, CALL OF DUTY WARZONE, and MODERN WARFARE are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
For more information, please visit www.callofduty.com and www.youtube.com/callofduty, and follow @Activision and @CallofDuty on X, Instagram, and Facebook. For Call of Duty Updates, follow @CODUpdates on X.
Introducing Urzikstan, the Next Big Map Coming to Warzone
Prepare to take the battle to a new metropolis in Urzikstan, the new big Battle Royale map announced at Call of Duty®: Next, set to arrive in Call of Duty: Warzone™ in December as part of Season 01.
The massive, free-to-play offering leverages the latest technology as well as learnings from millions of players and over three and a half years of Call of Duty: Warzone. Featuring new gameplay features and an expanded narrative, Urzikstan represents the next chapter in Call of Duty, beginning with the launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare® III on November 10.
For full details on everything covered at Call of Duty: Next, see our official recap of the event here.
The Lay of the Land
Positioned in Western Asia on the eastern border of the Black Sea, Urzikstan plays an important role in the Modern Warfare series. Bordering the Republic of Adal — the location of Call of Duty: Warzone’s Al Mazrah map — Urzikstan has only recently come out from under the thumb of dictator Roman Barkov due to a joint operation between the CIA, SAS, and the Urzikstan Liberation Force founded by Farah Karim following the Tobrak Prison Break.
Though no longer occupied by General Barkov, Urzikstan faces new threats in the form of the Allegiance and the ultranationalist forces commanded by Viktor Zakhaev, both factions recently bolstered by Barkov’s remaining soldiers seeking vengeance after their defeat.
As part of an elite, multinational force, it’s up to you and your fellow Operators to determine the next chapter of the beleaguered region. It’s a difficult task, but one we know you’re up to.
To start, let’s go over the lay of the land with a preview of all 11 major points of interest, starting from the north and working our way down. These sites mark your next destination for various operations, from squad versus squad Battle Royale matches to Ground War missions and more.
Urzikstan’s 11 Major Points of Interest
Levin Resort
Tourists and business travelers alike used to flock to the Levin Resort, enjoying the poolside seating and abundant shopping and services within. It’s now a vacant site, the nearby statues of General Barkov defaced following his downfall. Tread carefully through the resort courtyard, where vantage points from multiple angles present danger to those below.
Popov Power
The workhorse of Urzikstan, Popov Power supplies energy to the growing region. Fight around the plant’s cooling towers and containment structures and utilize the full run of its industrial buildings to flank and ambush enemy squads.
Orlov Military Base
Missile silos lie at the heart of the Orlov Military Base alongside bunkers and facilities built into the mountainous terrain that dominates the northern portion of the map. Scattered barricades throughout provide squads with a means of defense when pushing into the area.
Seaport District
Hit up the docks of the Seaport District, where rusty fishing boats lie anchored, waiting for their next venture into the Black Sea. Eliminate enemies by taking up a position in one of the surrounding maritime buildings or use a more nautical approach by diving into the water and repositioning to an ideal vantage point.
Urzikstan Cargo
The major site of imports and exports in the region, Urzikstan Cargo offers powerful vantage points over the waterways and beyond via its cargo cranes. Prepare for close-quarters mayhem as squads battle it out between the stacked containers below.
Old Town
Once the heart of the region, Old Town has seen better days since construction moved south. Skirmish through dilapidated buildings and get a sense of the region’s early history where the population first set down its roots.
Low Town
Far from the riches of Zaravan, Low Town is home to ramshackle living quarters where buildings stand on wooden stilt foundations over muddy, trash-strewn walkways. Don’t let the run-down appearance fool you — the area’s centralized location makes it a key location for ambushing enemies crossing the map.
Hadiqa Farms
Hadiqa Farms is ideal for those seeking a more rural setting. With fewer buildings than the other areas, the combat here is focused on the ground. Keep a long-ranged weapon in tow when navigating here, as cover can be hard to come by when traversing the wide-open fields.
Zaravan City
Old and new construction alike sit side by side as the city grows ever taller. Utilize the horizontal ziplines to quickly traverse from skyscraper to skyscraper, or opt for the streets below. Bring along a vehicle if you do; you’ll want a quick escape if things go sideways, and the freeway through downtown provides the perfect route to your next destination.
Zaravan Suburbs
Battle in the outskirts of Zaravan City, an affluent suburb featuring rooftop gardens, solar panels over ancient archways, and a state-of-the-art concert hall and community center. This is an ideal point from which to launch an attack into the city without needing to cross waterways or bridges.
Shahin Manor
Deploy to the exquisite Shahin Manor, adorned with the flag of Urzikstan and situated far from the hustle and bustle of the city. Watch for enemies overhead as you ascend the double staircase rising over the marble-floored foyer and prepare for close-quarters combat throughout.
More on the Way
Stay tuned for more info on Urzikstan, including a much more detailed look at the map as we get closer to its launch alongside Season 01 in December. In the meantime, continue dropping into the current Call of Duty: Warzone maps to ensure your skills are up to par when the new battleground goes live.
Stay frosty.
© 2023 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, CALL OF DUTY WARZONE, and MODERN WARFARE are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners.
For more information, please visit www.callofduty.com and www.youtube.com/callofduty, and follow @Activision and @CallofDuty on X, Instagram, and Facebook. For Call of Duty Updates, follow @CODUpdates on X.
Early Download for the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III Open Beta
Zombies Reveal Trailer | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
Make your way through the open world in a fight for survival against the undead in Modern Warfare Zombies.
Recap — Call of Duty: Next and Call of Duty Endowment (C.O.D.E.) Bowl IV
In anticipation of the November 10 launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, the Call of Duty: Next event showcases a huge sampling of upcoming content across multiple modes and titles. Starting with Modern Warfare III, viewers will get their first in-depth look at Multiplayer and Zombies, followed by major announcements for both Call of Duty: Warzone™ and Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile. What a way to celebrate Call of Duty’s 20th anniversary!
Plus, immediately after Call of Duty: Next, military esports teams from the U.S., U.K., and Canada join top Call of Duty streamers to compete for the Call Of Duty Endowment Bowl IV presented by USAA, with the winning team taking home the C.O.D.E. Bowl Trophy and bragging rights for their service branch of the military.
Modern Warfare III Multiplayer
Modern Warfare III celebrates the 20th anniversary of Call of Duty with one of the greatest collections of Modern Warfare Multiplayer maps ever assembled, including all 16 launch maps from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009).
To introduce Modern Warfare III Multiplayer, Sledgehammer Games developers Greg Reisdorf, Adam Iscove, and Kim Weigend were invited to the stage to present and share a selection of the maps, modes, and new features coming to the game.
Modernizing Classic Multiplayer Maps
The event began with gameplay focused on five of the 16 launch maps from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) that will be available on Day One: Favela, Estate, Skidrow, Rust, and Highrise. All five of the presented maps will be available to play in the Beta.
Sledgehammer Games aims to stay true to what made these maps so special to the Call of Duty community by offering faithful modernizations of the classic experience that players know and love, a great way to celebrate Call of Duty’s 20th anniversary.
Through matches of Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, and Kill Confirmed, we saw how the maps have been graphically modernized while maintaining a high level of authenticity compared to their original versions. With modes like Hardpoint and Kill Confirmed (released after 2009 when the maps originally appeared), players got the chance to see how their favorite modern modes stack up on these classic maps.
For more on the modernization process, see our Intel Drop: Modernizing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) Maps.
More at Launch . . . : While Next was focused on Core Multiplayer in Modern Warfare III, the studio confirmed that new Ground War maps and a War mode map will launch on Day One, with more info on the way.
. . . And Post-Launch: Expect at least 12 new Core 6v6 maps in post-launch seasons, including three all-new maps deploying with Season 01 plus three more new maps in Season 02.
New and Returning Gameplay Features
In addition to introducing some of the new features introduced by Modern Warfare III, the developers discussed some returning fan-favorite elements:
Map Voting: Map Voting returns between matches, giving players greater autonomy over their gameplay experience.
Classic Minimap: Series veterans should be right at home with the classic minimap, wherein red dots appear on the map to temporarily show the position of enemies who fire unsuppressed weapons.
Dead Silence: Persistent silent movement returns in the form of boots that can be equipped in one’s Loadout, offering stealth advantages to those seeking a low profile.
Increased Health: Core Multiplayer health is being increased to 150 points, thus increasing the Time-to-Kill (TTK).
Movement and Combat Changes
Modern Warfare III features fast, responsive movement, allowing players to swiftly navigate the map in search of their next target and objective.
- Cancel slide and reload animations to quickly adjust your tactics on the fly.
- Mantle objects more quickly and while sprinting.
- Fire immediately while sliding, including a Perk that allows aiming down sights (ADS) while sliding.
- Increased Tactical Sprint duration. Tactical Sprint recharges while sprinting.
- Increased base strafe speeds while ADS.
Tac-Stance: Toggle in and out of the new Tac-Stance at any time, a perfect middle ground between Hip Fire and ADS. Tac-Stance balances mobility with accuracy for more aggressive play with supported weaponry, dramatically increasing ADS movement speed while introducing bullet spread. Operators can fire in Tac-Stance while sliding as well.
Weapons and Operators
As mentioned in our Carry Forward article, your inventory from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II will carry forward into Modern Warfare III. That said, a whole slate of brand-new weapons and Operators are also being developed for Modern Warfare III, including the Rival 9 SMG, Longbow Sniper Rifle, and Warden Kortac Operator.
Loadouts: New Gear
Perks are active from the moment the match begins to the end, now represented across four different categories: Vest, Gloves, Boots, and Gear. The items you pick in these categories supply your Operators with various Perk-like abilities. They do not modify your Operator’s appearance in-game, so you can choose the items that offer the best playstyle benefits without effecting your style.
Vests: Equip a variety of Vests that offer special abilities in addition to determining which kinds of items are able to be equipped within your Loadout. For example, the Engineer Vest disables Lethal Equipment, but provides two Tactical Equipment pieces and an extra Gear slot.
Gloves: Adjust your weapon and Equipment handling with Gloves that increase weapon swap speed, allow you to throw equipment farther, reload while sprinting, and more.
Boots: Further enhance your mobility options with Boots that eliminate footstep sounds, increase climbing and mantling speed, and more.
Gear: The Gear slot features a greater variety of items that affect your Operator, from EOD Padding that reduces non-Killstreak explosive and fire damage to the Bone Conduction Headset, which reduces combat noise for improved identification of enemy footsteps and gunshots.
Aftermarket Parts
A new feature coming to Gunsmith and Loadouts is Aftermarket Parts, which allow players to dramatically alter the function of a weapon beyond the effect of attachments unlocked in the normal course of Gunsmith.
Aftermarket Parts introduce new progression paths for weapon leveling that offer truly unique weapon configurations for enhanced playstyle customization. To access this new feature, players must first obtain a supported weapon’s max level and then complete an in-game challenge to unlock the new gear.
From converting an LMG into a bullpup design for more aggressive play to using 3D-printed parts to transform a Handgun into an SMG, Aftermarket Parts turn everything you know about your most familiar weapons on their head. Read more about the feature in our Aftermarket Parts blog.
Equipment
Players were also given a peek into some new items coming to Modern Warfare III Loadouts, including:
Breacher Drone (Lethal Equipment): Deploy a slow-moving explosive drone that explodes on proximity to an enemy or on impact. The Breacher Drone can be countered by EOD Padding or shot out of its flight path before reaching its destination. According to Sledgehammer Games’ playtest sessions, this is one of the most fun new Equipment additions.
Mosquito Drone (Killstreak): Deploy an explosive drone that circles the area where it’s launched, dive-bombing onto approaching enemies. Listen for audio and visual cues on the receiving end of this Killstreak to pinpoint and destroy it.
A.C.S. (Field Upgrade): Toss the Automated Computer Spike onto objective points to contribute to your team’s score without taking yourself out of the action. The A.C.S. also hacks enemy Equipment, turning a deployable item against its original owner.
Comm Scrambler (Field Upgrade): Deny enemy Killstreaks and Field Upgrades from being used within the vicinity of the Comms Scrambler. Its area of effect is clearly visible on the minimap; enemies can choose to play around its vicinity or target the item directly to get rid of it. In addition, teammates are hidden from enemy UAV pings while in range of a friendly Comms Scrambler.
Game Modes: Cutthroat, Ground War, War
After showing off some classic 6v6 Core matches, the Sledgehammer Games developers turned to the new Cutthroat game mode, along with confirmation on the return of Ground War and War.
Cutthroat: A brand-new mode to the franchise, Cutthroat introduces 3v3v3 action on Core Multiplayer maps. Operators have only one life per round; eliminate the enemy teams or capture the overtime flag to win the round. Will you charge in gunning for everyone, or let the other two teams whittle each other down first? The opportunities are endless in this new chaotic mode arriving at launch.
Ground War: Players who love large-scale Multiplayer battles will be glad to know that Ground War is returning in Modern Warfare III. Compete in sections of the map that players will experience later this year in Call of Duty: Warzone.
War Mode: War mode is back! In this classic mode that was originally featured in Call of Duty: WWII (2017), players enter a vast, purpose-built landscape, with the focus on competing in linear engagements and progressing the battle through a series of objectives. Secure capture points, escort an armed tank, and launch an ICBM — this is War.
Modern Warfare Zombies
Special guests Kevin Drew and Miles Leslie of Treyarch joined the presenters at Call of Duty: Next to reveal Modern Warfare III’s third game mode: Zombies.
For the first time in franchise history, the beloved Zombies game mode will be fully featured in the Modern Warfare universe! In this iteration, teams of players will cooperate in an open-world, pure player-versus-environment (PvE) setting featuring multiple squads who can work together (or go their own way) when facing down multiple threats, masses of the shambling undead, and clandestine enemy forces in an increasingly terrifying series of hostile environments!
In this extraction-based mode, beware of the expanding Aether Storm which will consume the map as the match progresses. Work together, move fast, and dig deeper into the Dark Aether narrative.
For New and Veteran Slayers Alike
For new players, there’s never been a better time to become a Zombies fan. With vehicle support to navigate the map more quickly, more enemy density than ever before, and multiple squads working together toward a common objective — to contain and prevent the outbreak from spreading — there’s plenty to look forward to as a fresh player, including a series of rewards and upgrades specific to this mode.
Returning fans will feel right at home with core Zombies features, including the escalating tension as the match progresses, as well as classic features like Pack-A-Punch, Perk Colas, the Mystery Box and Wonder Weapon. And, perhaps most important of all, there are new secrets to discover . . . which you’ll have to find on your own.
Replayability: In the extraction-based gameplay featured in this iteration, players will be able to store and use weapons they’ve successfully exfilled within their future matches, including fan favorites like the Ray Gun. For the first time ever, you’ll be able to start future matches with these classic weapons!
Throughout the map, players will additionally find blueprints that allow them to create acquisitions outside of the match, providing benefits like starting a deployment with Juggernog.
Enemies, Both Living and Undead
Zombies features much greater enemy density this time around, and it’s not just the undead you’ll be fighting. Battle against mercenary soldiers working for the Terminus Outcomes PMC hired by the main antagonist Viktor Zakhaev. In addition to a variety of undead and otherworldly creatures, prepare to face one of the biggest Zombies creatures to ever appear in the mode.
For more on the Zombies narrative, see our article on Operation Deadbolt.
Call of Duty: Warzone
Senior Creative Director Ted Timmins of Raven Software joined the desk to discuss the next chapter of Call of Duty: Warzone. Players will descend on Urzikstan, a brand-new big map where the Middle East meets Eastern Europe, designed with 11 memorable main points of interest alongside many other smaller areas.
The main points of interest to visit in Urzikstan are as follows:
- Levin Resort
- Popov Power
- Zaravan City
- Shahin Manor
- Low Town
- Orlov Military Base
- Hadiqa Farms
- Zaravan Suburbs
- Old Town
- Seaport District
- Urzikstan Cargo
To situate yourself in this new and nostalgic map, which is also the main theater of operations in Modern Warfare Zombies, be sure to consult our Urzikstan Tac-Map POI Overview!
Movement and Combat Changes
As with Modern Warfare III’s Multiplayer, Call of Duty: Warzone will also feature changes to movement and combat mechanics, compared to the current iteration of Warzone:
- Cancel a slide by jumping or crouching again. This does not reset the Tactical Sprint. Operators begin sliding more quickly, slide farther, and can shoot in Tac-Stance while sliding. You can also ADS while sliding. The speed penalty for successive slides has also been decreased.
- Jump higher, faster, and ADS while jumping more quickly. Reduced slowdown when landing from a jump and reduced sprint-out delay after jumping.
- Toggle on Tac-Stance for a hybrid of hip-firing and ADS, granting faster strafe and movement speed with a penalty to accuracy.
- Use the ‘Stim’ Tactical item to give yourself a short movement speed increase to help evade an encounter.
Call of Duty: Warzone Operators have a base health of 150, allowing players to react and reposition during skirmishes.
UI Updates
A new chapter of Warzone represents an opportunity for the return of some of the most-loved User Interface updates that Warzone has had over the years.
Classic Mini-Map: The classic minimap that includes red dots will return, offering similar intel to the one available in Multiplayer, giving players something new to consider when building their Loadout with suppressors.
Weapon and Loot Rarity: To help players loot up in the heat of combat, weapon and loot rarity has returned – including a unique colour for ‘Custom Weapons’.
Dedicated Ammo Slots: Players will now be able to carry each ammo type in dedicated inventory slots, and can still use the Backpack to carry more in excess if they wish.
Quality of Life Updates
It wouldn’t be a new chapter of Warzone without a suite of improvements to the core gameplay, and importantly this upcoming year will carry forward ALL the current Quality of Life updates to Warzone.
Gas Mask Animation: The Gas Mask is now automatically worn when equipped into your Loadout. It can be manually unequipped and stowed away in the Backpack or dropped in moments when battling in the closing gas.
Dedicated Pistol Sidearm: In certain situations, such as swimming and climbing ladders, the player will now always equip a dedicated pistol sidearm to be able to engage in armed combat to keep fights fair and balanced at all times.
Updated Contracts: Contracts are now easier to find in the world thanks to a new Laptop item, combined with all new rewards and smaller Quality of Life improvements to each Contract type.
Improved Circle Pacing
The density of Urzikstan warranted a need to revisit the pacing and sizing of the gas circles, so with the upcoming Warzone experience you can expect a faster-paced Battle Royale to get to the action sooner.
New Features
Modern Warfare III Equipment: To celebrate the new experience, Call of Duty: Warzone will come complete with a spread of new Lethals, Tacticals, Field Upgrades and Killstreaks cherry-picked from Modern Warfare III.
Horizontal Ziplines: In addition to the vertical ziplines Operators can use to reach the top of buildings or other high objects (known as “ascenders”), new horizontal ziplines are also featured in the map. Cross to adjacent buildings more quickly or reposition from a disadvantageous situation with this new way to traverse the structures across Urzikstan.
Drivable Train: The train is now controllable for the first time; Operators can make the Train travel forwards, backwards, or stop the Train outright. This “moveable” POI will have a Buy Station and UAV Tower, as well as a handbrake in the rear carriage (known as the “Caboose”!) giving it the potential of being a core aspect of a player’s strategy throughout the match – especially if the circle closes on it...
New Champions Quest: While saving the details for the community to discover on their own, a new Champions Quest is confirmed for Urzikstan as an in-season update, a highly challenging but rewarding task reserved for the most elite squads.
Warzone-Exclusive Perks: The new chapter will come with Perks that are only in Warzone and have been built and balanced for the Warzone experience;
- Shrouded: Drops a Smoke Grenade automatically when downed.
- Combat Scout: Pings an enemy when they are hit with a bullet.
- Irradiated: Move faster and take less damage when in the Gas.
- Resolute: Increases movement speed when damaged.
The Return of the “Big Game Bounty” Contract: A fan-favorite Contract from the past returns, where the player with the most eliminations in the match is marked and the reward is an Advanced UAV – a potential game changer.
The Gulag
The Gulag was a breakthrough feature for Call of Duty: Warzone, allowing players the opportunity to test their skills and get the chance to return to the match. New Gulag features include:
Ascender Overtime Finisher: Replacing the overtime flag capture is an exfil Ascender positioned in the middle of the map. Be careful: The enemy Operator can fire at you as you’re zipping up for the exfil!
Gulag Public Event: Public Events may also occur within the Gulag, such as Cash Grab (more money on the floor) and Locked & Loaded Weapons (AMG + SMG loadout with full armor), helping the victor by bringing back some much-needed items into the match.
NVG Gulag: As an in-season update, the Gulag will occasionally go dark, equipping Operators with night-vision goggles for a fun new twist on the Gulag experience.
Call of Duty: Warzone Launch Content
While Urzikstan represents a brand-new map for Call of Duty: Warzone, the game will also support Vondel and Ashika Island in the following Playlists:
Battle Royale (Urzikstan, Vondel)
Resurgence (Vondel, Ashika Island)
Plunder (Urzikstan)
In a special announcement, in partnership with our friends at High Moon Studios and Beenox respectively - we are also excited to announce the return of Fortune’s Keep and Rebirth Island in 2024, with more details to come next year.
20th Anniversary Daily Login Rewards
With the upcoming Modern Warfare III Beta, there’s never been a better time to jump into Call of Duty. To celebrate the game’s 20th anniversary, earn daily login rewards for a whole week starting today, featuring cosmetics like the Classic Captain Price Operator Skin and more.
Vault Edition Exclusive: Soul Harvester Tracer Weapon Blueprint*
Also at Next, we introduced the Vault Edition exclusive Soul Harvester Tracer Weapon Blueprint, featuring an eye-catching design that fuses the aesthetics of Dark Aether energy with the sinister allure of black chrome. The blueprint comes equipped with tracer rounds and custom death effects that allow you to slay your enemies with style. The Soul Harvester will be available starting October 17 in Modern Warfare II and Warzone, and comes to Modern Warfare III on launch day (November 10th).
You’ll find the blueprint useful in your quest to capture Souls as part of an in-game event during The Haunting. Monsters and agents killed with the Soul Harvester will drop bonus Souls which can be redeemed for rewards in The Haunting events tab.
And when Modern Warfare Zombies launches on November 10th, the Soul Harvester will come equipped with the Dead Wire ammo mod giving every bullet the chance to stun and damage the undead hordes with electricity.
Play the Modern Warfare III Beta, Starting Right After Next
Now’s your chance to play Modern Warfare III Multiplayer during the Open Beta, featuring the maps and several of the new weapons and Operators seen during Next. Plus, if you have preordered the Vault Edition, you get to use the amazing FATE Weapon Vaults and Nemesis Operator Skins, including some incredible-looking skins for Makarov, Price, Soap, and brand-new operator, Warden.
This post will be updated throughout the day, showcasing all the latest information revealed at Call of Duty: Next.
Follow along and watch the event online – with a chance to earn in-game rewards for tuning in.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is published by Activision. Development for the game is led by Sledgehammer Games, in partnership with Infinity Ward. Development for Modern Warfare Zombies is led by Treyarch, working closely with Sledgehammer Games. Development for Call of Duty: Warzone is led by Raven Software with Sledgehammer Games, Beenox, High Moon, and Activision Shanghai. Additional development support for Modern Warfare III provided (in alphabetical order) by Activision Central Design, Activision Central Technology, Activision QA, Activision Shanghai, Beenox, Demonware, High Moon Studios, Raven Software, and Toys for Bob.
© 2023 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, CALL OF DUTY WARZONE, and MODERN WARFARE are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
For more information, please visit www.callofduty.com and www.youtube.com/callofduty, and follow @Activision and @CallofDuty on X, Instagram, and Facebook. For Call of Duty Updates, follow @CODUpdates on X.
#CODNext Showcase Event followed by C.O.D.E. Bowl IV
- Modern Warfare III Live Gameplay Reveals
- Zombies infecting the #MW3 universe
- The future of #Warzone
- The #Warzone mobile experience
- C.O.D.E. Bowl IV
Multiplayer Trailer | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
Tune into #CODNext on October 5 for the premiere of live Multiplayer gameplay.
Gunsmith Brings Aftermarket Parts and More to Modern Warfare III
If you’re wanting to perfect your favorite weapon in Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® III’s Gunsmith, there’s a new and innovative way to dramatically alter the function of your weapon, thanks to Conversion Kits, part of the Aftermarket Parts system coming to Gunsmith in the Modern Warfare III Beta in October and at release on November 10.
In the following Intel Drop, Sledgehammer Games’ systems designer Nick Carraro and design director Zach Hodson reveal the purpose of Aftermarket Parts and how they transform the weapons you’ve mastered into completely new experiences.
“Think of them as remixes for the guns,” Nick says. “It’s a way for players to come back to a weapon that they may have already mastered or played out and it’s going to give them an entirely new dimension to interact with the gun in a way that regular attachments can’t.”
You can choose a Conversion Kit that’s going to absolutely turn that gun’s identity on its head and give you an entirely new way to play with the weapon.”
Zach adds, “They’re nearly a new gun. [Aftermarket Parts] are powerful, meaningful changes to these weapons.”
Let’s dig a little further into the upcoming feature as well as some other enhancements coming to Gunsmith in Modern Warfare III:
New Challenges, New Playstyles
Gunsmith functions much in the same way it does in Modern Warfare II. Players still gain Weapon XP to unlock attachments for a specific weapon and its associated Weapons Platform, in addition to gaining alternative progression routes at launch. You can choose from familiar attachment options like the Barrel, Muzzle, Magazine, Optic, Laser, Rear Grip and more to create the optimal version of each weapon, depending on your playstyle.
However, for certain weapons that reach max level, players will be able to transform their design using Aftermarket Parts. At launch, Modern Warfare III will feature several sets of Aftermarket Parts, which take the form of Conversion Kits. To access these kits, you’ll need to complete in-game challenges that become available once the supported weapon obtains max level. Finish that final challenge, and the Conversion Kit is yours. Consider it the final, impressive reward for finishing a weapon’s progression path.
New Weapon, New Attachments
Pay attention to and cycle through your weapon’s attachment selection when equipping Conversion Kits. New Aftermarket Parts might become available as attachments that weren’t accessible using the base weapon, and some previously available attachments may become restricted. Because the weapon is fundamentally changed, so are the ways it can be modified.
Conversion Kit Examples: Three Aftermarket Weapons
To give you a better idea of the kinds of changes Aftermarket Parts bring to a weapon, here are three Conversion Kit examples, beginning with the bullpup LMG conversion mentioned in the video. The examples shown below also come paired with example attachments to give an idea of how you can further customize your weapon’s lethality in the field in conjunction with Aftermarket Parts.
Aftermarket Parts Loadout #1: Pulemyot LMG
Unlock Challenge at Max Level: Get 25 Kills while hip firing or using Tac-Stance.
Transform this belt-fed machine gun with the Bullpup Conversion Kit, greatly increasing the weapon’s mobility and handling, rate of fire, and recoil off the hip and when in Tac-Stance. What was once a behemoth weapon can now be used to run and gun without giving up the LMG’s deep ammo reserves.
Add some Aftermarket Parts in the form of recoil pads fitted to the Stock for greater accuracy, as well as the Aftermarket Bullpup Barrell for improved bullet velocity and damage range. This provides a solid foundation for aggressive play that can only be further improved through the use of additional attachments.
Aftermarket Parts Loadout #2: Renetti Handgun with Full-Auto Carbine
Unlock Challenge at Max Level: Get 30 Kills with five attachments equipped.
Through use of 3D-printed parts, you can convert the burst-fire Renetti into a full-auto Handgun reminiscent of an SMG. Gain increased bullet velocity, range, and rate of fire at the cost of some mobility and recoil control. The conversion also supports Tactical Stance, unavailable with the base model, offering greater options in how you approach each fight.
Pair the Conversion Kit with a larger Magazine to minimize reloads and you’ll be firmly in SMG territory. Add a Barrel to further extend your damage range, or focus on hip-firing improvements for fighting at top speed.
Aftermarket Parts Loadout #3: WSP Swarmwith Akimbo Brace Stocks
Unlock Challenge at Max Level: Unlock via weekly challenge in the preseason.
Add additional support to the weapon’s frame, allowing Operators to place one WSP Swarm in each hand for an aggressive Akimbo stance that sacrifices some damage range and mobility for the advantage of overwhelming your opponents with a rain of fire. With dual weapons, you’ll no longer be able to aim down sights, so get up close and make it count.
Complement the Akimbo Conversion Kit with a Laser that improves hip-fire accuracy; for aggressive stealth play, try equipping a Suppressor with the Hollow Point Ammunition to stagger enemies without giving up your position.
Other Gunsmith Enhancements
The new Gunsmith is bringing additional innovations to the overall weapons system. These include more shared attachments and the removal of certain penalties when equipping small Optics.
Attachment Unlocks: For new Modern Warfare III weapons, attachments such as Grips, Barrels, Magazines, and Stocks will no longer require players to use a specific weapon after they’ve already been unlocked for another one. For example, the Assault Stock attachment is available for both the AMR9 SMG (at Level 8) and the Riveter Shotgun (at Level 12). If your AMR9 is already progressed to Level 8 or higher, the Stock will be available on the Riveter immediately, and vice versa.
1x Optic Attachments: As opposed to their counterparts in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, new 1x zoom Optic attachments will no longer penalize your Operator’s Aim Down Sights speed, allowing faster target acquisition when using these sights.
Modern Warfare III Launches November 10
Lock in your preorder now and immediately receive items for Modern Warfare II and Call of Duty: Warzone™ as well as items for Modern Warfare III redeemable when the game launches in November. Preorder rewards include Campaign Early Access and Open Beta Early Access for Modern Warfare III.
Both physical and digital editions of the game can be preordered on your platform of choice, with all editions detailed in our preorder guide here.
Stay frosty.
© 2023 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, CALL OF DUTY WARZONE, and MODERN WARFARE are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
For more information, please visit www.callofduty.com and www.youtube.com/callofduty, and follow @Activision and @CallofDuty on X, Instagram, and Facebook. For Call of Duty Updates, follow @CODUpdates on X.
Season 06 BlackCell Battle Pass Upgrade |Modern Warfare II & Warzone
Augment your Battle Pass to its full potential when you upgrade to BlackCell in Season 06 of Call of Duty Warzone and MWII 🔋