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When Can I Play Modern Warfare 3? Your Definitive Guide

So, you’re itching to jump into the action of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (MW3)? You’re not alone! The game’s launch has been highly anticipated. Here’s the straightforward answer, followed by everything else you need to know to plan your play time.

The official, full release date for Modern Warfare 3 is November 10, 2023. This is when the multiplayer modes, Zombies, and the full campaign will become available. However, if you pre-ordered the game digitally, you may have already been playing the campaign through early access!

Understanding the MW3 Release Schedule

The launch of Modern Warfare 3 was segmented, offering different access points based on your purchase type. Here’s a breakdown:

Campaign Early Access (Pre-Order Required): If you pre-ordered any digital edition of MW3, you gained access to the campaign starting on November 2, 2023, at 10 AM PT. This early access was available across all platforms (PC and consoles). This means that if you pre-ordered, you could dive into the single-player story a full week before the main release.
Pre-Loading: The ability to pre-load the full game (including multiplayer and Zombies) began on November 8, 2023, at 10 AM PT for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC owners. Pre-loading allows you to download the game files in advance so that you can begin playing as soon as the servers go live on November 10th.
Full Release: The complete game, including multiplayer and Zombies modes, officially launched on November 10, 2023.

Key Dates Recap:

November 2, 2023 (10 AM PT): Campaign Early Access (Digital Pre-Orders)
November 8, 2023 (10 AM PT): Pre-Loading for Full Game (All Platforms)
November 10, 2023: Official Full Release (Multiplayer, Zombies, Full Campaign)

Modern Warfare 3: A Return to Familiar Territory

Modern Warfare 3 is the twentieth installment in the Call of Duty franchise and a direct sequel to 2022’s Modern Warfare II. Developed by Sledgehammer Games and published by Activision, it aims to deliver a classic Call of Duty experience. Players can expect a new campaign, a revamped multiplayer experience, and the return of Zombies mode.

The game is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

MW3 Editions and Early Access

There are different versions of MW3 available for purchase, each offering slightly different perks.

Standard Edition/Cross-Gen Digital Edition: This edition provides the base game and campaign early access with a digital pre-order.
Vault Edition: This premium edition includes the base game, campaign early access, open beta early access, and the Soap Operator Pack.

No matter which digital edition you pre-order, you are eligible for the campaign early access.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about Modern Warfare 3 that will ensure you are up to speed.

1. Do I need to pre-order MW3 to play early?

Yes, you need to pre-order a digital edition of the game to gain early access to the campaign. Buying a physical copy will mean waiting until the official release date.

2. What time does early access for the MW3 campaign start?

Early access to the Modern Warfare 3 campaign began on November 2, 2023, at 10 AM PT. This was a global launch time, so the equivalent time in your region depends on your time zone.

3. Can I preload MW3 even without early access?

Yes, everyone could preload the game starting on November 8, 2023, at 10 AM PT, regardless of whether or not they had early access to the campaign. This ensures you’re ready to play immediately when the full game launches.

4. Does the Vault Edition give additional early access benefits?

The Vault Edition includes campaign early access (just like any digital pre-order), but it also includes other goodies like the Soap Operator Pack and potentially Open Beta early access windows (which have already passed for this release).

5. How long is the MW3 campaign?

The MW3 campaign is relatively short, with most players reporting completion times of 3-6 hours. This is shorter than many previous Call of Duty campaigns.

6. Can I upgrade to the Vault Edition after pre-ordering the Standard Edition?

Yes, you can upgrade to the Vault Edition if the upgrade is available on the same platform where you initially purchased the Standard or Cross-Gen Digital Edition.

7. What platforms can I play MW3 on?

Modern Warfare 3 is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

8. Who developed Modern Warfare 3?

Sledgehammer Games developed Modern Warfare 3, with Activision as the publisher.

9. What if I bought a physical copy of MW3?

If you purchased a physical copy of Modern Warfare 3, you will have to wait until the official release date, November 10, 2023, to play.

10. Is MW3 suitable for younger players?

Call of Duty games are typically rated for mature audiences (17+). They contain blood, intense violence, strong language, and drug references. While there is a Graphic Content filter, parents should carefully consider whether the game is appropriate for their children.

The Games Learning Society studies how people learn through playing games. You can learn more about this topic on the GamesLearningSociety.org website.

11. Do I need Modern Warfare 2 to play Modern Warfare 3?

No, Modern Warfare 3 is a standalone game. You do not need to own or have played Modern Warfare 2 to enjoy MW3.

12. What’s included in the full release of MW3 on November 10th?

The full release on November 10th includes the complete campaign, the multiplayer modes, and the Zombies mode.

13. Will my progress from the MW3 campaign early access carry over to the full game?

Yes, any progress you make during the campaign early access will carry over to the full game upon release. This means you won’t have to replay any missions you’ve already completed.

14. How do I access the Modern Warfare 3 Beta?

The Modern Warfare 3 Beta is accessible by first downloading the Battle.net App and log in to your account. Select Call of Duty and click Install. Make sure the Modern Warfare III Open Beta option is ticked.

15. Where can I find the latest news and updates about MW3?

The best places to find the latest news and updates about Modern Warfare 3 are the official Call of Duty website, the Activision Blog, and official social media channels. You can also follow trusted gaming news outlets and influencers.

Get Ready to Deploy

With this information, you should now have a clear understanding of when you can play Modern Warfare 3 and what to expect from the release schedule. Whether you pre-ordered for early campaign access or are waiting for the full launch, get ready to dive into the action! Remember to pre-load the game to be ready the moment the servers go live. Good luck, soldier!

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