What are the Call of Duty MW3 modes? The Call of Duty series has long led the charge in terms of unique and exhilarating game modes. From the iconic thrills of Search and Destroy to the classic Team Deathmatch and Domination. Over the years, we’ve also seen several new modes that have become staples, such as Gun Game and Ground War. But what can we expect from 2023’s Modern Warfare 3? Well, here’s everything we know about the MW3 modes in multiplayer.
Call of Duty MW3’s game modes will see even more new arrivals that set it on course to be one of the best competitive FPS games once it debuts. With several new features and a slate of new MW3 guns, maps, and new modes, MW3 multiplayer might just be the best yet. So, mark the MW3 release date down on your calendars and take a look at the MW3 pre-order details before checking out all the Modern Warfare 3 (2023) modes.
Call of Duty MW3 modes
The Call of Duty MW3 (2023) modes are:
- Team Deathmatch
- Deathmatch/Free-For-All
- Domination
- Hardpoint
- Search and Destroy
- Headquarters
- Control
- Gun Game
- Ground War
- Invasion
- War
- Cutthroat
Alongside series staples like Team Deathmatch and Domination are several new modes such as Cutthroat and even long-lost War mode from COD WW2 (2017). Perhaps the best news though is that the MW3 maps rotation will depend on what mode you’re playing, so each map is tailored to the type of mode. For example, Team Deathmatch is designed for 6v6 core maps, Ground War and Invasion take place on larger Battle Maps, while War has a separate map pool altogether.
However, whether some of the new game modes introduced in more recent games will return is a much more interesting question. MW2 (2022) introduced several new game modes, such as Bounty, Prisoner Rescue, and Knock Out. Meanwhile, Modern Warfare (2019) introduced Cyber Attack among others. Since MW3 is a continuation of these titles, we’d expect them to make a return, though Activision is yet to confirm.
With so many multiplayer game modes, it’s possible that some of the lesser-played modes will be removed to streamline the experience. Regardless, hopefully, we will see even more variety when it comes to the modes on offer, since MW1 (2019) and MW2 (2022) pushed the boat out when it comes to unique modes that changed up the gameplay.
If you’d like to find out more about each of the Call of Duty MW3 modes in multiplayer, read below.
Call of Duty MW3 Team Deathmatch
Perhaps the most iconic and most popular mode of all, Team Deathmatch is a 6v6 game mode with the only objective being to defeat opponents to reach the score limit before the enemy. It’s incredibly simple but it’s hard to deny just how fun and intense this mode can get.
Call of Duty MW3 Deathmatch
Deathmatch, also known as Free-For-All is exactly what it says on the tin. It follows the same rules as Team Deathmatch but there are no teams, so players are all competing against each other with only one victor.
Call of Duty MW3 Domination
Another one of the most popular modes, Domination is Team Deathmatch with a twist. Two teams of six will have to fight for control of three zones across the map. One flag is placed in the middle of the map while the other two are placed near the main spawns. It’s an intense mode that rewards forward-thinking as players can control areas of the map and enemy spawns.
Call of Duty MW3 Hardpoint
In Hardpoint, two teams of six battle it out for control of a single rotating objective. The team who controls this point will earn a point every second until the point rotates to a new position. Having the objective move around the map keeps players on their toes and certainly makes for some chaotic moments.
Call of Duty MW3 Search and Destroy
While not being the most played mode, Search and Destroy is certainly a series staple. In this 6v6 mode, players only have one life and must work together to attack or defend objectives. Teams can either win by defeating the enemy or by completing the objective. If you’re a fan of intense action found in the likes of Rainbow Six Siege or Counter-Strike, then Search and Destroy is the mode for you.
Call of Duty MW3 Gun Game
In Gun Game, players progress through the full weapon arsenal by defeating enemies. Starting with a basic pistol, each kill sees you upgraded to the next weapon until one player earns a kill with every single weapon.
Call of Duty MW3 Ground War
Ground War is a large-scale 32v32 mode introduced in Modern Warfare (2019), brought back in MW2 (2022), and continued in MW3 (2023). Effectively, Ground War is Domination but on a much larger scale, with bigger teams fighting on large maps with more zones to capture and control. Ground War is also a unique mode because it frequently features vehicles, such as tanks, jeeps, and helicopters.
Call of Duty MW3 Invasion
Invasion is one of the most unique experiences in the MW3 modes list for 2023’s game, featuring PvPvE action. Introduced in MW2 (2022), Invasion is a large-scale Team Deathmatch style mode where teams compete to reach a total kill count. However, there are also AI enemies to take on which reward less points for defeating. Taking place on the large Battle Maps seen in Ground War, Invasion offers a unique experience found nowhere else in COD.
Call of Duty MW3 War Mode
War Mode is a more linear, narrative mode with an attacking and defending team, first introduced (and last seen) in Call of Duty WW2 (2018). After a long time away, however, War Mode is returning in the MW3 game modes list.
Due to the unique set up of the mode, featuring an attacking and defending team progressing through objectives, War Mode features its own map pool. While there’s only one War map at launch, it’s expected that more will be added as post-launch content.
Call of Duty MW3 Cutthroat
Cutthroat is a new MW3 mode involving 3v3v3 action on the standard core maps rotation. What this mode entails exactly is currently unknown, though it sounds like Team Deathmatch with three teams rather than the standard two. If so, you can expect even more chaos in this mode that could be a blast.
Well, that covers all the Call of Duty MW3 modes confirmed to feature in multiplayer. Alongside the standard multiplayer aspect of the game, there’s also the overhauled MW3 Zombies mode, as well as the MW3 campaign. With so much variety on offer, chances are, Modern Warfare 3 will be among the best FPS games once it is released.