Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Players Aren't Happy About the Game's Riot Shields

Game ZXC

Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023)

By Raul Landaverde

Published Nov 11, 2023

Highlights

Players of Modern Warfare 3 are frustrated with riot shields and are demanding changes to the defensive weapon due to its impact on the game's time-to-kill compared to Modern Warfare 2.
The multiplayer component of Modern Warfare 3 has been well-received by Call of Duty fans, but the overuse of riot shields by enemy players reduces the overall enjoyment of the game.
Sledgehammer Games has the opportunity to make balance adjustments to reduce the effectiveness of riot shields and address other issues in the game, such as challenges not being completed. Listening to player feedback is crucial for the developers.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 players are frustrated with riot shields, and many community members demand changes to the defensive weapon due to the game's increased time-to-kill (TTK) compared to 2022's Modern Warfare 2. Although Sledgehammer Games made several balance adjustments ahead of the launch of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, riot shields appear to have been unaffected.

Modern Warfare 3's multiplayer and open world Zombies modes were made accessible on November 10, which is just a week after the campaign's early access launch. The campaign was heavily criticized by fans and reviewers alike, and the massive file size of Modern Warfare 3 exacerbated the complaints from fans about the latest Call of Duty installment. However, the multiplayer component has many of the features and changes that the community wanted in Modern Warfare 2, including a longer TTK and a more responsive sliding mechanic. What's more, overall player reception for Modern Warfare 3's multiplayer appears to be positive for longtime Call of Duty fans. There's still room for improvement in multiplayer, though, as fans experience problems combating those using riot shields.

Call of Duty Players Forced to Download Massive MW3 Update Even if They Don't Have the Game

Call of Duty players take to social media to decry an enormous Modern Warfare 3 update that's being forced upon them even if they don't own the game.

The use of riot shields by enemy players is becoming a hindrance due to the game's lack of counters. For example, semtex grenades and other lethal weapons may take down a riot shield user, but players must then respawn in order to reuse the lethal item of their choosing. Modern Warfare 3 players are also questioning Sledgehammer Games' decision to keep the riot shield in Modern Warfare 3, arguing that it should not have been one of the weapons brought over by Call of Duty's Carry-Forward system. Chambers1041 and other players in the community note that the increase in health to 150 HP was necessary, but the use of riot shields extends the TTK even further since players can place them on their backs, making Modern Warfare 3's multiplayer an unpleasant experience when multiple riot shield users are playing in a match.

Chamber1041's Reddit post brings up the issue surrounding turtling, which allows Modern Warfare 3 players to constantly negate damage while the shield is on their back. After running out of lethal items, players must resort to shooting a riot shield user's legs and feet in order to secure a kill and stay alive. Although some players still argue that the riot shield does not have a true counter in Modern Warfare 3, Reddit users like Silver_Branch3304 and ThatRandomIdiot point out that the drill charge may be the best equipment in the game for combating riot shield users due to its versatility.

Riot shields continue to be a point of contention for Call of Duty fans, but Sledgehammer Games could make some balance adjustments to reduce the TTK against riot shield users in Modern Warfare 3. Infinity Ward previously nerfed riot shields in Modern Warfare 2, so the possibility for nerfs in Modern Warfare 3 remains if Sledgehammer Games continues to listen to player feedback.

Riot shields are not the only element of Modern Warfare 3's multiplayer that Sledgehammer Games may need to address, however. Some Modern Warfare 3 players are having issues completing challenges, so a new update will need to address this problem in order to help players obtain their rewards.