Will MW3 Be Physical? Everything You Need to Know About Physical Editions
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Yes, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (MW3) will have physical editions available for PlayStation and Xbox consoles. This is great news for collectors and those who prefer having a physical copy of their games. Pre-orders are currently being accepted at participating retailers, and these physical editions come with a key incentive for early adopters – Early Access to the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III Open Beta. Let’s delve into the details of what this means for you.
Physical Editions: What to Expect
The physical releases of MW3 are not limited to a single console generation, which is beneficial for gamers who haven’t yet upgraded.
PlayStation Availability
The PlayStation 4 version of MW3 is a cross-gen edition, meaning that purchasing it also grants you a free digital upgrade to play on PlayStation 5. This ensures that even those with older hardware can still buy a physical version. Important to note is that the game disc is required to play the PlayStation 5 version. This isn’t a free pass; you will still need the disc inserted for authentication on your PS5.
Xbox Availability
Similarly, the Xbox versions of MW3 are also cross-gen compatible. This means that the game disc purchased for Xbox One is also playable on Xbox Series X/S, making it a cost-effective option for gamers across Microsoft’s console ecosystems.
What’s Included
All physical editions will include the game itself, along with the promised early access to the Open Beta for those who pre-order. This is a significant advantage over simply purchasing the game on release day, allowing players to get an early taste of the multiplayer experience.
Digital vs Physical: Which is Right for You?
While physical editions offer a tangible product, the digital space has its own offerings with the Vault Edition. The MW3 Vault Edition is indeed digital-only and includes the base game, any applicable pre-order bonuses, and a variety of additional in-game content. This means players who opt for the Vault Edition will not have a physical copy of the game.
The choice ultimately boils down to personal preference. If you value owning a physical copy of the game, and are interested in the early access beta, purchasing a physical edition is the way to go. If you’re interested in digital convenience and the additional content bundled in the Vault Edition, then the digital version is for you.
The Collector’s Box
For die-hard fans, there is also a special option. Walmart will offer an exclusive Call of Duty Modern Warfare III Collector’s Box. This box will include a physical disc, along with a range of collector’s items.
Pricing and Release Details
The standard edition of MW3 is priced at $70, aligning with other premium AAA releases. You can pre-load the game on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox. Pre-ordering the campaign will allow early access starting November 1, while the full game will be available on November 8, with official launch on either November 9 or 10, depending on your timezone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the MW3 Vault Edition Digital Only?
Yes, the MW3 Vault Edition is exclusively available as a digital download and does not come with a physical disc.
2. What is the Price of the Standard Edition of MW3?
The standard edition of MW3 is priced at $70.
3. Does MW3 have Cross-Gen Compatibility?
Yes, both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One physical versions are cross-gen compatible and offer free digital upgrades to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S respectively.
4. Will I Need the Disc to Play the PS5 Version If I Buy the PS4 Physical Edition?
Yes, the game disc is required to play the PlayStation 5 version even if you’ve upgraded digitally.
5. When Can I Pre-Order and Play MW3?
You can pre-order now, with campaign early access beginning November 1, and the full game launching November 8 (or 9/10 based on time zone).
6. Will MW3 have Early Access?
Yes, pre-ordering any physical edition grants Early Access to the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III Open Beta.
7. Is There a Special Collector’s Edition of MW3?
Yes, Walmart is offering an exclusive Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III Collector’s Box, including a physical copy of the game and other collectibles.
8. Is MW3 a Remake of the Original Modern Warfare 3?
No, MW3 is not a remake. It is a direct sequel to 2022’s Modern Warfare II and continues the story with new twists, although some elements and characters may be familiar.
9. Will Vladimir Makarov be in MW3?
Yes, Vladimir Makarov, the iconic villain, will be returning in MW3, although his character might have a slightly different presentation than fans remember from the original trilogy.
10. Is There a “No Russian” Mission in the New MW3?
No, the controversial “No Russian” mission is from the original Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 and is not present in the new MW3. The new game has an all new story, albeit with shared characters and themes.
11. What is the Setting of the new Modern Warfare 3?
Modern Warfare 3 continues the story of its predecessors, with America experiencing a form of World War III on its own soil.
12. How Long is the Campaign of MW3?
The MW3 campaign is relatively short, with average completion times ranging from 3-5 hours.
13. What Multiplayer Features are Confirmed for MW3?
Confirmed features include the return of map voting and classic minimap behavior (red dots when an enemy fires an unsuppressed weapon).
14. How many Copies of MW3 Have Been Sold?
While the article mentions the 2011 MW3 sold 30.71 million copies, it’s too soon to know the sales figures for the 2023 Modern Warfare III.
15. Will there be a physical release of MW3 in Russia?
Previous articles have mentioned that the Russian Government had blocked and banned all console versions of Modern Warfare 2, due to its “offensive content”. While this does not directly mean MW3 will be banned in Russia, it may impact the physical availability of the game in Russia.
This information should equip you with everything you need to know about the physical release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III. Whether you’re a seasoned Call of Duty veteran or a newcomer, MW3 offers both physical and digital options to suit your preference. Make sure to pre-order your copy from participating retailers to ensure your early access.