Modern Warfare 3 will be a unique Call of Duty experience. The game’s main storyline will take fans into uncharted waters while the smell of something familiar lingers over our heads. We may be familiar with characters like Gaz, Ghost, Price, and the dastardly Vladimir Makarov, but we have no idea how their story will unfold this time around.
The same strange mixture will be present in multiplayer as all maps from Modern Warfare 2 (2009) return at launch. We will take over old positions with new weapons, strategies and more than ten years of experience. Not to mention, all of our MW2 (2022) and Warzone 2.0 gear will work with us thanks to the new Carry Forward system.
If November seems like a long time for you, we’ve got some ideas on which games are worth replaying to prepare for the next era of your favorite franchise.
Related: Modern Warfare 3 Details Revealed: Classic MW2 Maps, Zombies, Campaign Teaser
Content
- Modern Warfare (2019) & Modern Warfare 2 (2022)
- CoD Games to Return to Before MW3: Modern Warfare 2 (2009)
- Wild Card Choice and #Call of Duty: Vanguard
Modern Warfare (2019) & Modern Warfare 2 (2022)
Okay, first I’m going to get the obvious stuff out of the way. If you’re not quite up on the details of the rebooted Task Force 141 story, then it’s definitely worth revisiting both campaigns here. In my opinion, the current version is the best version, and while no one will forget the ending of the original Modern Warfare 2 anytime soon, we have a more compelling story to tell in the series.
There’s high tension, higher stakes, and some of the most dynamic characters in Call of Duty’s long history. All of this is made better by the first game’s moral system, which allows you to shape parts of the journey as the game progresses. Modern Warfare 2 also introduced some exciting new characters and locations that formed a wonderful bridge between where we’ve been and where we’re going.
It’s easy to look back on older games with rose-colored glasses, but MW (2019) stands the test of time in every way. I replayed both games for our Story So Far review over the summer, and it may have been even more fun this time around.
We’ll have a better idea of which multiplayer modes are closest to Call of Duty Next, but knowing that Modern Warfare 3 had a big focus on movement, I think getting a good dose of both prequels will set you up for success regardless for what.
CoD Games to Return to Before MW3: Modern Warfare 2 (2009)
Call it predictable too, but it is what it is when game elements are pulled directly into the reboot. Often considered the pinnacle of Call of Duty, the original Modern Warfare 2 is a special game no matter how you look at it.
Not only did it improve on the Call of Duty 4 formula that redefined the entire multiplayer first-person shooter genre, but MW2 also featured a stellar campaign that cemented Task Force 141’s place in the hearts of fans. It’s been 12 years since we first experienced it, but great camaraderie, disgusting betrayals and great gunplay all help Modern Warfare 2 stand the test of time.
No conversation about MW2 would be complete without mentioning the maps, and that’s why they all return in Modern Warfare 3. Some of CoD’s most iconic locations, with names like Terminal, High Rise, Junkyard, and Rust, debuted in this game and left an indelible mark. mark on the franchise and the industry as a whole.
We may have left behind the days of having to choose one attachment (or two if you had the Glitter perk), but many of Infinity Ward’s innovations have remained throughout future releases, and for good reason. Let’s not forget that this was the first CoD game where you could choose your own killstreaks. It’s classic, pure and unforgettable.
Whether you’ve played for hundreds of hours like I have, or you’re just starting to experience it for the first time, I envy every minute you spend running around old stomping grounds.
Call of Duty: Vanguard Wild Card Picks
Vanguard may seem like an unconventional choice, but given what we’ve heard about the speed of Modern Warfare 3, it looks like Sledgehammer Games is kicking things up a notch this year.
MW2 (2022) dramatically slowed down the pace of the franchise, aiming for something more in line with the classic games, and its predecessor may have played a role in that. Vanguard is by far the most addictive game in the entire series.
Black Ops 4 5v5 playlists are a close second, but thematically, I wouldn’t be surprised if MW3 carries some of that iconic, pure SHG adrenaline. You won’t get much out of replaying the campaign (it’s fantastic, but not very relevant), but going back to some MP matches would be a good idea to prepare for the chaos to come.
It’s also worth thinking about the feel of the weapon. Each major studio has its own style of gunplay, and since Sledgehammer hasn’t had time to reinvent the wheel yet, it’s reasonable to assume that MW3 and VG will share a similar ideology in this regard.
This will help you get back into the history of Call of Duty. If you’re looking for more information about Modern Warfare 3, check out our beta guide so you can get into the game as soon as possible.
