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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III

Even with an embarrassingly bad single-player Campaign, the Multiplayer and Zombies experiences are enough to cement this game as one of the franchise's greats.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III Game Cover
41%Game Brain Score
gameplay, graphics
story, monetization
30% User Score Based on 13,179 reviews
Critic Score 54%Based on 8 reviews

Platforms

Xbox Series X|SPCXbox Game PassWeb BrowserPlaystation 5CloudPlaystation 4Xbox OneXbox Cloud GamingXboxWindowsPlayStation
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III Game Cover

About

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is a single player and multiplayer open world shooter game with warfare and violence themes. It was developed by Beenox and was released on November 10, 2023. It received neutral reviews from critics and negative reviews from players.

The game brings "open combat, " offering players more choices in approaching the single-player missions. Makarov returns as the chief villain of the new campaign. The newly introduced Carry Forward system will let players keep their progression and inventory from Modern Warfare II. Multiplayer fans can expect 16 maps at the launch and at least 12 coming later. Zombies mode will also return and sh…

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30%
Audience ScoreBased on 13,179 reviews
gameplay192 positive mentions
story284 negative mentions

  • story
    1,687 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of the campaign in "Modern Warfare III" has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players describing it as rushed, poorly written, and lacking depth. Critics note that the campaign, which can be completed in around 3-4 hours, primarily consists of "open combat missions" that feel more like recycled Warzone gameplay rather than a cohesive narrative experience. While some players appreciated the graphics and certain mission designs, the overall sentiment is that the story fails to engage and does not live up to the standards set by previous installments in the series.

    • “Campaign: the story picks up where mw2 left off, offering an engaging narrative filled with classic COD moments.”
    • “While some plot points may feel familiar, the overall execution is top-notch, with stunning visuals and cinematic moments that keep you hooked.”
    • “The storyline is captivating, and the characters are well-developed, making you feel invested in their journey.”
    • “Campaign was literally just DMZ maps with little-to-no story.”
    • “The story is a hot mess, but hey at least Alex is back again to say yes ma'am to the ugly-faced long-nosed hobbit.”
    • “The campaign is a total joke they clearly slapped together in a few months as the story is totally non-nonsensical (even for COD standards) and somehow managed to make the titular AC130 mission boring.”
  • gameplay
    704 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III" has received mixed reviews, with many players noting that it feels like a rehash of previous titles, particularly "Modern Warfare II," lacking significant innovation. While some appreciate the smooth mechanics and nostalgic map designs, others criticize the game for its unbalanced gameplay, server issues, and a campaign that feels rushed and uninspired. Overall, the experience is described as enjoyable yet frustrating, with a blend of solid gunplay and movement mechanics overshadowed by persistent technical problems and a lack of fresh content.

    • “The character development is solid, and the missions vary from intense firefights to stealthy operations, keeping the gameplay fresh.”
    • “Mw3's gameplay is a masterclass in balance and innovation.”
    • “The gun mechanics are refined to perfection, offering a satisfying heft and feedback with every trigger pull.”
    • “This is just plain boring multiplayer gameplay with bots.”
    • “Imagine paying $70 for a game that is literally a copy paste of Modern Warfare 2019 with worse graphics and gameplay.”
    • “Disappointingly, it fails to innovate or bring anything new to the table, resulting in a lackluster and predictable gameplay loop.”
  • graphics
    392 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of Modern Warfare 3 have received mixed reviews, with some praising the stunning visuals and smooth character animations, while others criticize the game for graphical glitches, frame rate drops, and a perceived downgrade from previous titles. Many players noted that while the graphics can be impressive on high settings, performance issues and optimization problems detract from the overall experience, leading to frustration during gameplay. Overall, the game's visuals are seen as a highlight, but they are marred by technical issues and a lack of innovation compared to earlier entries in the franchise.

    • “While some plot points may feel familiar, the overall execution is top-notch, with stunning visuals and cinematic moments that keep you hooked.”
    • “First off, the graphics are nothing short of jaw-dropping.”
    • “Mwiii boasts outstanding graphics, surpassing expectations within the Call of Duty franchise.”
    • “Imagine paying $70 for a game that is literally a copy-paste of Modern Warfare 2019 with worse graphics and gameplay.”
    • “Frame rate drops, texture pop-in, and other graphical glitches are all too common, detracting from the overall experience.”
    • “The graphics are questionable even on the highest settings.”
  • monetization
    254 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization strategy of the game has been widely criticized as aggressive and predatory, with many reviewers labeling it a blatant cash grab. Players express frustration over the overwhelming presence of microtransactions, advertisements, and a battle pass system that detracts from the overall experience, making it feel more like a marketing platform than a polished game. Overall, the sentiment is that the game's monetization undermines its quality and respect for the player base, leading to a negative reception among long-time fans.

    • “The way in-game purchases and the battle pass are shoved down your throat when you already paid $70 for the game is a gross look for Activision.”
    • “My main issue is that everything, and I mean everything enjoyable, requires in-app purchases, which can be observed by the obnoxious price of $70+tax for this game.”
    • “For $70, you think you would be getting a true AAA game, not a slapdash DLC that includes enough microtransactions to make every other game blush.”
    • “Overall, it feels like a cash grab rather than a well-crafted game.”
    • “Essential items and cosmetic upgrades are locked behind exorbitant paywalls, making the game feel like a cash grab rather than a polished product.”
    • “This game is a blatant cash grab that robs you, the consumer, of your time, money, and self-dignity.”
  • stability
    246 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's stability has been widely criticized, with numerous players reporting frequent crashes, glitches, and performance issues such as frame rate drops and texture pop-ins. While some users have experienced minimal problems, the overall consensus indicates that the game is plagued by significant bugs that detract from the gameplay experience, making it feel unfinished and poorly optimized. Many players express frustration over the game's instability, particularly in multiplayer and zombies modes, leading to a general recommendation to avoid purchasing until these issues are resolved.

    • “As with the previous two, good story, good graphics, and no glitches/crashes at all.”
    • “Game is fun, runs great; I don't know why people have issues, probably don't even try to fix them or have a bad PC.”
    • “All out, no issues with gameplay and no glitches as of yet.”
    • “Game costs 70 bucks, first time it launches, I make an account, instantly crashes, refuses to launch for another 20 minutes, I get 3 different errors, try multiple troubleshooting methods.”
    • “Where do I start? The game consistently keeps crashing. If you are able to play without it crashing, it glitches like you're using a bad dial-up connection.”
    • “This game is a rushed, buggy, piece of garbage that consists of recycled content that they have been refusing to drip-feed us in MW2 for a year.”
  • optimization
    178 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players reporting significant performance issues, including stuttering, crashes, and packet loss, making it unplayable for some. While a few users noted smooth performance on high-end systems, the overall consensus highlights a lack of polish and numerous bugs, particularly in the zombies mode. Despite some improvements in graphics and multiplayer performance, many feel the game is poorly optimized for PC, leading to frustration among players.

    • “The game is very well optimized; I have around 200-250 fps with DLSS 3, and the graphics have been changed to look more appealing. There are so many things to do in the game that makes you want to return and play every day, so I will give it 10 out of 10 in every aspect.”
    • “I think it's great; it's optimized out of the gate for me with no performance issues or weird crashes like when MW2 came out.”
    • “The multiplayer gameplay is amazing though and best in class when it comes to optimization.”
    • “This game just seems to be horribly optimized for the PC and a waste of money when I can't even play the game when I want to.”
    • “In terms of game optimization, it is a pile of shit. My PC configuration (CPU 5800H, GPU Nvidia 3060, flash stick 16GB) cannot even reach 60 FPS on the lowest picture quality, with the lowest frame rate dropping to only 10+, which greatly hindered my gaming experience.”
    • “Absolutely horrendous performance, servers that kick the player out at random, and just a general lack of polish, especially in regards to the game's zombies mode.”
  • grinding
    116 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed feedback, with many players finding it tedious and time-consuming, often requiring extensive hours to unlock desired items or progress. While some appreciate the challenge and camaraderie it fosters among friends, others criticize it as overly burdensome and frustrating, particularly due to the reliance on daily tasks and the lack of immediate rewards. Overall, the grinding experience is seen as a significant factor that can detract from enjoyment, with some players feeling it consumes too much of their time and effort.

    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
    • “The camo grinding is obnoxious and I get it being hard, but it should be fun.”
    • “Unlocking everything using a system that is dependent on my team's performance is incredibly stupid and tedious.”
    • “This game is a waste of time; there's no effort even put into this. You could put more time and effort grinding out camos and whatnot than what the devs put into this game. It lacks creativity as everything is reused from Warzone.”
  • humor
    80 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is largely perceived as unintentional, with many players finding the game's mechanics, campaign length, and microtransaction practices to be laughably poor. While some aspects, like absurd character interactions and references to pop culture, are noted as amusing, the overall sentiment leans towards frustration rather than genuine humor, with players often mocking the game's shortcomings. Despite this, some players still find enjoyment in the chaotic multiplayer experience, leading to moments of laughter with friends.

    • “Actually received a ban from Call of Duty yesterday, which is pretty hilarious since this game hasn't even been installed in months.”
    • “Am I regretting my purchase after spending 6 hours without breaks laughing and talking trash with my friends and randoms online?”
    • “The campaign feels like it's spitting in the face of MW2019 and MWII, which is hilarious because those games don't even have particularly good stories.”
  • emotional
    38 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game has received mixed to negative feedback, with many players expressing disappointment in the campaign's lack of depth and emotional resonance compared to previous titles. Critics describe the storyline as clichéd and predictable, failing to evoke any real emotional investment, while some players lament the decline of the series' once-immersive single-player experiences. Despite a few mentions of gripping moments, the overall sentiment reflects a sense of heartbreak over the game's narrative shortcomings.

    • “The campaign mode is a cinematic marvel, with a storyline that is both gripping and emotionally charged.”
    • “This campaign truly left a void in my heart, so deep that the only thing that made me feel better was to go replay the previous campaigns.”
    • “The anticipation for MWIV is soaring due to lingering questions and the emotional impact of the ending.”
    • “I love Warzone and think it's great, but that kind of gameplay doesn't work if you just copy-paste a fabricated, boring story around it.”
  • replayability
    30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Replayability in the game is mixed, with multiplayer being highlighted as fun and engaging, though some players feel it lacks the depth of previous titles. The Zombies mode offers significant replay value, but has suffered from neglect and a stale gameplay loop over time. Conversely, the campaign is widely criticized for its lack of replayability, being described as short, boring, and poorly designed.

    • “Zombies is the best part of MWIII and provides tons of replay value for those looking to 100% everything it has to offer. However, now that we are three seasons into the game, I can say that it's gone into a state of neglect as there are hardly any worthwhile updates being made for the mode, and the gameplay loop is becoming stale after a few rounds in succession.”
    • “Multiplayer is actually very fun and has replay value.”
    • “The campaign, while short, was really fun. I actually really liked the weapons-free missions; they have a lot of replayability and from a technical perspective, they are really impressive.”
    • “The campaign is easily the worst in the franchise by far, even worse than Ghosts and BO3, with zero replay value.”
    • “Really great campaign with much variety but sadly close to none replayability value.”
    • “The campaign is absolute garbage; it's insanely boring and short, half of it is created through 'open combat missions' which are sold as some amazing new open world experience that opens new avenues for gameplay and replayability but is, in reality, a pathetic rehash of assets to speed along production of the campaign.”
  • music
    30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game, composed by Sarah Schachner, is praised for its haunting and electrifying quality, significantly enhancing both the campaign and multiplayer experiences. However, players express frustration with others blasting poor-quality music through their microphones, although muting options mitigate this issue. Some fans miss the contributions of previous composers and are critical of the inclusion of mainstream artists, feeling it detracts from the overall experience.

    • “The soundtrack, composed by Sarah Schachner, is both haunting and electrifying, enhancing every moment of the campaign and multiplayer experiences.”
    • “The narrative wove an exceptionally captivating story, complemented by an outstanding musical score that elevated the gaming experience.”
    • “And one last thing, the music is lovely, but I missed Kevin Sherwood, along with Elena Siegman, Malukah, and the other contributors.”
    • “The only thing I don't like is the players who do not turn their microphones off or play absolutely horrible music over their microphones, but you can mute them, so it really isn't a huge problem.”
    • “...wait... this game has a soundtrack?”
    • “Everyone in multiplayer screaming into their mics or blasting music into their mics.”
  • atmosphere
    16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is a mixed bag, with some players praising the immersive audio design and specific missions like "Frozen Tundra" for their calming visuals. However, many criticize the introduction of cosmetic skins and monetization strategies that detract from the game's thematic integrity, leading to a less cohesive and engaging experience. Overall, the game's atmosphere is seen as diminished compared to previous titles, lacking the rich storytelling and strong vibes that once defined it.

    • “Frozen tundra was the best looking mission with its snowy calm atmosphere.”
    • “The open world missions, story, and atmosphere are great.”
    • “The audio design in MWIII contributes to immersive gameplay, with authentic gun sounds enhancing the overall atmosphere.”
    • “Sells you slop every year, cranks up $40 skin bundles that ruin the atmosphere and the theme of the game and cares more about brand deals and redirecting you to the store or battle pass instead of making more meaningful content.”
    • “Final fail is not having the ability to turn off awful skins that totally ruin the atmosphere. If I wanted to be killed by celebrities, superheroes, and aliens, I'd play Fortnite.”
    • “The look, feel, and atmosphere of this game are worse than most indie FPS games.”
  • character development
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is highly polarized among reviewers; while some praise it as solid with varied missions that enhance gameplay, many criticize it for being lacking and poorly executed, particularly in comparison to previous titles. Several users express disappointment over the rushed story and the missed potential of key characters, leading to a general consensus that character development falls short.

    • “The character development is solid, and the missions vary from intense firefights to stealthy operations, keeping the gameplay fresh.”
    • “It lacks the character development and plot altogether.”
    • “There was barely any character development for any of the characters we saw.”
    • “It lacks the character development and plot altogether.”
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14h Median play time
75h Average play time
4-87h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 82 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is a open world shooter game with warfare and violence themes.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, Web Browser, PlayStation 5 and others.

On average players spend around 75 hours playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III was released on November 10, 2023.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III was developed by Beenox.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III has received negative reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its story.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is a single player game with multiplayer and local co-op support.

Similar games include Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, Call of Duty®, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Call of Duty: Warzone and others.