Key Highlights
- Massive gameplay updates for MW3 multiplayer including new maps, modes, progression and economy changes.
- Warzone gets the new Urzikstan map with updated mechanics plus holiday events and rewards improvements.
- Zombies receives expanded content like new Wonder Weapons and story developments.
- Battle Pass introduces Operators Nolan and Dokkaebi alongside mystery BlackCell squadmate Abolisher.
Multiplayer Revitalisations
A key focus for the Season 1 update is delivering some highly-requested Multiplayer improvisations to Modern Warfare III, especially regarding map variety, gameplay pacing and economy adjustments.
- New Maps and Modes Several new 6v6 and 2v2 maps arrive alongside returning modes like Gunfight to freshen up core Multiplayer. A surprise addition is the fan favourite Infected mode down the line. Feature-rich Ranked Play also debuts mid-season.
- Progression and Rewards Changes
Prestige Levels now go beyond 55 with exclusive challenges and cosmetics at each tier. Legendary Shards removed from various ritual activities to respect time investment. Overall, progression feels smoother and more rewarding. - Sandbox and Balance Pass Crucible finally gets some affection with updates geared toward spawn points and map exploits. Weapons like the powerful Stasis subclass also underwent systematic rebalancing.
Warzone’s Urkizstan Map and Features
The other major component for Season 1 is the introduction of the new Urzikstan map for Warzone. Set across diverse environments, the expansive landscape holds strong replay value.
- New Map with Updated Mechanics Urzikstan brings brand new traversal options through drivable trains and horizontal ziplines. A backup pistol ensures aquatic gunfights feel fairer. Loots get colour coding and spreading improvements.
- Player-Friendly Improvements Revisions like manual gas mask controls and easier contract activations cater to quality-of-life. Default perks grant bonuses related to movement and ammo handling. The Gulag also gets rebuilt with new gameplay dynamics.
- Holiday Festivities
Special holiday events arrive mid-season like the Slay Ride LTM. Festive loot and challenges let players partake in seasonal joy across the wintry Urzikstan environments.
ZOMBIES
Rounding off Modern Warfare III’s PvE offerings, Zombies receives substantial updates furthering the chaotic story in engaging ways.
- New Story Developments A gateway breach needs investigating, pulling players deeper into the Dark Aether for their first big clash. This sets up the next Zombies narrative act with new scheduled content.
- Additional Weapons and Mechanics Players gain access to more tools like the ally-converting V-R11 Wonder Weapon to face the dangers ahead. New systems also arrive such as Dark Aether Rifts that offer greater challenges and rewards.
- Upcoming DLC Teasers Later down the line, the reveal of Makarov’s general Dokkaebi hints at future story developments likely tied to post-launch Zombies expansions.
Talking of zombies, Infected will be back too in mid-season which is a very popular mode for COD veterans. It involves one player starting out as the infected, and every kill they get turns that player into an infected as well. The game ends when all are killed or the timer runs down to zero.
S1 BATTLE PASS
The Season 1 Battle Pass brings the usual wealth of cosmetics to unlock across 100 Tiers including fresh Operators Nolan and Dokkaebi.
- New Operators Joining as new squadmates are spymaster Dokkaebi and Makarov’s ruthless lieutenant Nolan, both tied to furthering their own agendas.
- Bonus BlackCell Teammate Immediately accessible by getting the premium BlackCell version is the mysterious Abolisher, clad in blacked-out gear. Their background seems heavily redacted…
- Expanded Armoury A host of new weapon blueprints arrive through Battle Pass Tiers or Aftermarket conversion kits. Tracer rounds and reactive camos add flair alongside a Purifier flamethrower underbarrel.
- Smooth Player Investment Removed Shard costs combined with the single seasonal progression structure respects player investment across Modern Warfare III’s extensive PvE and PvP breadth.
There’s a heck of a lot more details on the official Call of Duty website for you to dive into, so head on over to there as this was just an overview of sorts and a chance for you to catch the launch trailer. If you thought this article was long, wait until you see their’s.
- No Discounts as Activision Details Pricing
- Mystery Phone Line Teases Zombies
- Campaign Duration and 200GB File Size Faces Criticism
COD MW3 S1 officially launches on December 6th 2023.