Will Modern Warfare 3 Have Hardcore Mode?

Yes, Modern Warfare 3 (MW3) will absolutely feature a Hardcore mode. This fan-favorite mode will be included among the various playlists available at launch, providing players with a diverse range of playstyles to choose from. Developers confirmed the return of Hardcore mode when they announced the launch of Modern Warfare 3, ensuring that fans of this intense gameplay experience won’t be disappointed. The mode is designed to cater to players who prefer a more realistic and challenging take on the Call of Duty formula.

What is Hardcore Mode in Call of Duty?

For those unfamiliar, Hardcore mode drastically alters the typical Call of Duty gameplay experience. It’s designed to increase the difficulty and realism, removing several elements that are commonly present in regular game modes. Here are some key features that define Hardcore:

• Reduced Health: Players have significantly reduced health, meaning that just a few shots can be fatal. This makes engagements quicker and much more lethal.
• Friendly Fire On: In Hardcore, friendly fire is enabled. This means that you can damage or even kill your teammates, requiring a higher level of awareness and coordination.
• Minimal HUD: The heads-up display (HUD) is stripped down considerably, removing elements like mini-maps, enemy nameplates, and ammo counters. This forces players to rely on their senses and spatial awareness.
• Limited Regenerating Health: Unlike the standard modes, health does not automatically regenerate. You’ll need to find health packs or rely on specific perks to regain health.
• Strategic and Tactical Focus: With less health and the risk of friendly fire, gameplay becomes more strategic. Players must think carefully about their movements and engagements, encouraging a more tactical approach.

These changes result in a slower-paced, more tense, and often much more rewarding gameplay experience. Hardcore is perfect for players seeking a greater challenge and a more realistic combat simulation.

Why Do Players Love Hardcore?

The appeal of Hardcore mode lies in its unique approach to Call of Duty. It’s a favorite for many reasons, including:

• Increased Realism: The reduced health and minimal HUD provide a more realistic feel to the combat. It makes every shot count and heightens the tension, leading to more immersive gameplay.
• Elevated Challenge: Hardcore mode is undeniably more difficult than standard modes, pushing players to hone their skills, improve their aim, and think strategically. This challenge is a major draw for players seeking a tougher experience.
• Teamwork and Communication: The presence of friendly fire forces players to communicate and coordinate more effectively, resulting in more structured and tactical gameplay.
• Variety of Gameplay: Hardcore mode offers a distinct departure from the fast-paced, arcade-like feel of regular Call of Duty matches. This change of pace is appreciated by many players looking for a break from the standard experience.
• Higher Skill Ceiling: While lethal, Hardcore provides a very even playing field. The skill-based elements of the game become the most important factor in a gun fight.

MW3 Game Modes at Launch

Alongside Hardcore, Modern Warfare 3 will feature a variety of other game modes, ensuring that players have plenty of options to choose from. Some of the confirmed modes include:

• Team Deathmatch: The classic, straightforward team-based elimination mode.
• Deathmatch/Free-For-All: Every player for themselves in a free-for-all elimination challenge.
• Search and Destroy: An objective-based mode where players take turns attacking and defending bomb sites.
• Domination: Teams compete to capture and hold control points across the map.
• Hardpoint: Teams battle for control of a rotating hardpoint objective.
• Control: A strategic mode that combines elements of both Domination and Search and Destroy.
• Headquarters: Teams compete to capture and hold a single headquarters objective.
• Gun Game: A fast-paced mode where players cycle through weapons with each elimination.

These modes, combined with the addition of Hardcore, will create a robust multiplayer experience for players of all preferences.

MW3 Zombies: A Different Take

In addition to the traditional multiplayer modes, Modern Warfare 3 will also feature a Zombies mode. However, this time, it will differ significantly from the typical round-based gameplay fans are familiar with. MW3 Zombies will adopt an extraction-shooter genre style, akin to MW2’s DMZ mode, combining elements of Modern Warfare maps with the familiar Treyarch gameplay loop. This mode will be PvE only, with teams working together to complete missions, collect essence, and extract safely. This new format is sure to bring a fresh and unique experience to the Zombies franchise.

Campaign and Carry Over

Modern Warfare 3 will also feature a single-player campaign, with early access available prior to the official launch. For players who spent time in Modern Warfare 2, all unlocked Operators and Operator Skins will carry forward into Modern Warfare 3. This means all Operators obtained via challenges or purchased will be available in MW3. This continuity adds value for returning players, making their previous investment feel even more worthwhile.

Remastered Maps and New Warzone Experience

Excitingly, MW3 will include remastered maps from 2009’s Modern Warfare 2, offering a nostalgic yet fresh experience for both new and returning players. Some of these classic maps include Afghan, Derail, Estate, Favela, Karachi, Highrise, Invasion, Quarry, Rundown, Rust, Scrapyard, Skidrow, Sub Base, Terminal, Underpass, and Wasteland. In addition to the classic maps, a new Warzone experience is also on the horizon. With leaked information suggesting that the Las Almas location from the Modern Warfare 2 campaign may be featured in a large-scale map launching with Season 1 in December.

Modern Warfare 3: A Direct Sequel

Modern Warfare 3 will serve as a direct sequel to 2022’s Modern Warfare II. The campaign follows the events of MW2, making it a continuation of the narrative. It’s slated to be released on November 10, 2023, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

FAQs About MW3 and Hardcore Mode

1. Is Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) in MW3?

Yes, Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) will be present in Modern Warfare 3. This means the game will attempt to match you with players of similar skill levels.

2. Will there be new maps besides the remastered ones?

Yes, alongside the remastered maps, MW3 will introduce new maps specific to the game.

3. How long is the MW3 campaign?

The MW3 campaign is relatively short, typically taking around 3-5 hours to complete, depending on play style and skill level.

4. Is MW3 a reboot or a continuation?

MW3 is the third entry in the rebooted Modern Warfare sub-series, and a direct continuation of Modern Warfare 2.

5. Are the events in MW3 Zombies canon?

Yes, Zombies are considered canon to the Modern Warfare story, with events from previous Black Ops games falling into the same universe.

6. Will MW3 have traditional round-based zombies?

No, MW3 will not have traditional round-based Zombies. It will feature an extraction-shooter style mode.

7. What platforms will MW3 release on?

MW3 will release on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

8. Does MW3 have a new Warzone map?

Yes, there is a new Warzone map coming, with leaks suggesting it will be set in Las Almas.

9. Will DMZ be in MW3?

DMZ will not be carried forward into the new Warzone experience and will not be featured in MW3.

10. How does the MW3 Zombies mode work?

MW3 Zombies is PvE only with teams working together to complete missions, collect essence, and extract. It is based on an extraction-shooter format.

11. Are all 2009 MW2 maps remastered for MW3?

Yes, the 16 maps from the original MW2 at launch have been remastered for the new MW3.

12. Will there be DLC for MW3?

Historically, Call of Duty games have had DLC content. This will likely be in the form of new maps and game modes.

13. Is there a single M13 per match in MW3’s DMZ?

The M13 drops once per round, and once picked up that’s it for that match. Note this is from DMZ, not related to MW3 release.

14. Can I use my MW2 operators in MW3?

Yes, all unlocked Operators and Operator Skins from MW2 will carry over into MW3.

15. Does MW3 have a separate app?

MW3 is not a separate app. It is integrated into the existing Call of Duty app.