How Long to Complete the New Call of Duty? Modern Warfare III Campaign and Beyond
The burning question on every Call of Duty fan’s mind is: How long will it take to complete the latest installment? The answer, as is often the case with video games, isn’t a simple one. It largely depends on your approach, skill level, and what exactly you mean by “complete.” For the recently released Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023), the campaign mode clocks in at around 3-5 hours for most players. This is a significantly shorter campaign than its predecessor, Modern Warfare II (2022), which typically required 6-8 hours to complete.
However, “completion” in the world of Call of Duty encompasses far more than just the single-player campaign. There’s the multiplayer experience, Special Ops missions, and, in the case of Modern Warfare III, the return of the popular Zombies mode. Therefore, while the campaign might be a quick playthrough, the overall lifespan of the game is considerably longer.
Campaign Length: A Closer Look
The Modern Warfare III campaign features 14 or 15 missions (reports vary slightly), with individual mission lengths ranging from just a few minutes to up to 30 minutes. This variability is due to the game’s design, which incorporates both linear and more open combat scenarios. If you’re a skilled player who focuses on the objectives and minimizes unnecessary exploration, you’ll likely finish closer to the 3-hour mark. On the other hand, if you prefer a more methodical approach or struggle with some of the tougher encounters, expect to spend around 5 hours with the campaign.
Despite its shorter length, the campaign is a direct sequel to Modern Warfare II, continuing the narrative and setting the stage for the multiplayer and other modes. However, some players have noted that the campaign’s narrative might be shorter on thrills and somewhat predictable.
More Than Just the Campaign: Other Modes
Special Ops (Spec Ops)
Modern Warfare III’s Special Ops mode offers more than just a single-player experience. This includes Survival and Mission modes and features 24 objective-based missions, adding many more hours of gameplay. These missions are designed for cooperative play, but some can technically be attempted solo (although this is extremely challenging).
Multiplayer
Call of Duty’s multiplayer mode is where the majority of players spend most of their time. The time required to complete this mode is virtually endless, depending on how long you engage with its progression system, daily and weekly challenges, and overall level of competitiveness.
Zombies Mode
The return of Zombies mode in Modern Warfare III also considerably expands the game’s overall playtime. This mode, a fan favorite, offers a completely different experience from the main campaign and Special Ops, with its own progression system, unlockables, and strategic depth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide additional clarity about completion times and other aspects of the latest Call of Duty:
1. How many missions are in the Modern Warfare III campaign?
The Modern Warfare III campaign includes either 14 or 15 missions depending on the source. While most state 15, a few sources cite 14, but this has no impact on the typical play time.
2. How long does it take to complete Modern Warfare II’s campaign?
The campaign in Modern Warfare II (2022) is longer, generally taking 6-8 hours to complete on average.
3. Does Modern Warfare III’s campaign have multiple endings?
No, there is only one primary ending to the Modern Warfare III campaign.
4. Is the Modern Warfare III campaign a sequel or prequel?
The Modern Warfare III campaign is a direct sequel to the events of Modern Warfare II (2022).
5. Does Modern Warfare III have a Spec Ops mode?
Yes, Special Ops (Spec Ops) returns in Modern Warfare III, featuring both Survival and Mission modes.
6. How many Spec Ops missions are in Modern Warfare III?
There are 24 objective-based Spec Ops missions in Modern Warfare III.
7. Can you play Spec Ops solo in Modern Warfare III?
While designed for co-op, it’s technically possible to attempt Spec Ops solo, though it’s extremely challenging.
8. Will Survival mode return to Call of Duty?
Despite a cult following, the return of the classic Survival mode is considered unlikely, due to its lack of broad popularity and the current focus on Zombies mode.
9. Is the 2023 Modern Warfare III connected to the 2011 Modern Warfare 3?
No, the Modern Warfare III (2023) is a sequel to Modern Warfare II (2022), and not connected to the original Modern Warfare 3 (2011), though both share the same name and are parts of the same franchise.
10. Is there a Zombies mode in Modern Warfare III?
Yes, Modern Warfare III features the return of the popular Zombies mode.
11. Is the MW3 campaign considered good?
The campaign has received mixed reviews, with some players finding the narrative short and somewhat unfulfilling despite some intense action.
12. What are the hardest Spec Ops missions in Modern Warfare II?
Commonly cited as the hardest Spec Ops missions in Modern Warfare II are “Snatch n Grab,” “Wetwork,” and “Estate Takedown.”
13. Does Modern Warfare 2 Spec Ops spoil the campaign?
Spec Ops in Modern Warfare II can potentially spoil parts of the single-player story as it uses scenarios from it.
14. What is the hardest hitting sniper in Modern Warfare II?
The Victus XMR is often considered the hardest-hitting sniper in Modern Warfare II.
15. How long does it take to “complete” Modern Warfare overall?
The definition of “complete” is subjective. While the Modern Warfare III campaign can be completed in 3-5 hours, the multiplayer and other modes can provide hundreds of hours of gameplay, easily making the game last as long as the player wants to enjoy it.
Conclusion
The Modern Warfare III campaign provides a relatively short, albeit action-packed, experience. While its length might disappoint some, it’s important to remember that the Call of Duty experience is far more extensive. Between the multiplayer, Special Ops, and the return of Zombies, Modern Warfare III offers a significant amount of gameplay for those willing to dive in. So, while the campaign may only take a handful of hours to complete, the game’s overall playtime potential is nearly limitless.