Can I Play Old MW3 on Xbox One? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is: yes, you can play the original Modern Warfare 3 (2011) on Xbox One, thanks to Microsoft’s backwards compatibility program. However, there’s a crucial distinction to make, especially considering the recent release of the new Modern Warfare III (2023). This article will clarify the situation, ensuring you know exactly what you can and can’t play, and answering some crucial related questions.
The Difference Between Old and New MW3
It’s essential to understand that there are two games called “Modern Warfare 3”.
- The Original Modern Warfare 3 (2011): This game, released in 2011, is part of the original Modern Warfare trilogy and was initially available on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. It’s this older title that is now backwards compatible on Xbox One.
- The New Modern Warfare III (2023): This game, released in 2023, is a reboot of the Modern Warfare series and is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. It’s a completely different game from the 2011 version, with a new campaign, multiplayer experience, and updated graphics.
Therefore, when we talk about playing “old MW3″ on Xbox One, we specifically mean the 2011 version originally released on the Xbox 360. The newest Modern Warfare III (2023) is natively available on Xbox One and does not need backward compatibility to run.
How to Play the Original MW3 on Xbox One
If you own the physical disc for the Xbox 360 version of Modern Warfare 3 or previously purchased it digitally on your Xbox account, you can play it on your Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S console. Here’s how:
- For Physical Discs: Insert the Xbox 360 disc into your Xbox One console. Your console will then start the game using backward compatibility.
- For Digital Copies: If you purchased the game digitally on your Xbox 360 account, it should be available in your “Ready to Install” section on your Xbox One console.
Important Notes on Backwards Compatibility
- Disc Required: For physical copies, you must keep the disc in the console while playing.
- Digital Only for Xbox One S All-Digital Edition and Xbox Series S: Only digital copies of backwards-compatible games work on these consoles due to the lack of a disc drive.
- Potential Regional Restrictions: Some games or downloadable content may not be available in all regions.
The Modern Warfare Trilogy and Backwards Compatibility
It’s worth noting that the Modern Warfare Trilogy on Xbox is fully accessible on Xbox One. This means that in addition to Modern Warfare 3 (2011), you can also play:
- Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
These games, like the original MW3, were initially released on Xbox 360 but are now playable via backwards compatibility on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To ensure you have all the details, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions about playing Modern Warfare games on Xbox One:
1. What versions of MW3 can I play on Xbox One?
You can play both the original Modern Warfare 3 (2011) via backward compatibility and the new Modern Warfare III (2023) natively on Xbox One.
2. Can I play the new MW3 campaign early on Xbox One?
Yes, you could play the new MW3 (2023) campaign early access if you pre-ordered the digital version of the game. This early access started on November 2nd, 2023.
3. Do I need to own Modern Warfare 2 (2022) to play Modern Warfare 3 (2023)?
Yes, the game is now integrated into a launcher called “Call of Duty HQ”. This means that to launch the new Modern Warfare 3 (2023), you need to launch it through the Call of Duty HQ, meaning you must own Modern Warfare 2 (2022).
4. What other Call of Duty games are backwards compatible on Xbox One?
Besides the Modern Warfare games, the following Call of Duty titles are backwards compatible on Xbox One:
- Call of Duty 2
- Call of Duty 3
- Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
- Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
- Call of Duty: Black Ops
- Call of Duty: Black Ops II
- Call of Duty: Ghosts
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
5. Can I play old Xbox games on Xbox One?
Yes, some original Xbox games are playable on Xbox One via backwards compatibility. However, not all original Xbox games are compatible.
6. Can I use my old Xbox 360 game disc on my Xbox One?
Yes, if the game is backwards compatible, you can use your old Xbox 360 game disc to play it on your Xbox One, but must keep the disc in the console while playing.
7. Are the old CoD servers safe to play on?
This depends on the platform. If you’re playing on Xbox 360, Activision has fixed the servers for games starting with COD 4. However, on PC, many older CoD games are vulnerable to security issues.
8. Can I play the original MW3 on PS5?
Yes, the original MW3 is playable on PS5 through backwards compatibility. Some features available on the PS4 version may be missing on the PS5.
9. When was the original MW3 released?
The original Modern Warfare 3 was released in November 2011.
10. When was the new MW3 (2023) released?
The new Modern Warfare III was released on November 10, 2023.
11. What platforms is the new MW3 available on?
The new Modern Warfare III (2023) is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
12. How do I access the MW3 campaign?
For the new Modern Warfare III, launch Call of Duty HQ, and then navigate to the Modern Warfare III section. Select the Campaign tile to begin.
13. Does the “Call of Duty HQ” affect gameplay?
The Call of Duty HQ is a unified launcher for multiple CoD titles. It requires launching games through it and some players find this clunky to use.
14. Can I play CoD WW2 on Xbox One?
Yes, Call of Duty: WWII is available on Xbox One.
15. Will I have to purchase a game again if I own it digitally?
If you own a digital copy of a backwards compatible game on your Xbox account, you do not need to purchase it again. It should be available in your “Ready to Install” section.
Conclusion
To summarise, you can play the original Modern Warfare 3 (2011) on Xbox One via backward compatibility, assuming you either own the physical disc or a digital copy. Also, you can play the new Modern Warfare III (2023) natively on your Xbox One, as it is built for the console. Knowing this distinction is key to understanding your options and enjoying these classic Call of Duty experiences on your console. Happy gaming!