Do You Need Modern Warfare 2 to Play Modern Warfare 3?

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Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023)

By Mohsen Baqery

Published Nov 16, 2023

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Is MW2 Required to Play MW3?

Should MW2 Owners Still Pay for MW3?

Will MW3 Multiplayer Replace MW2’s?

Are Modern Warfare 2 and 3 Connected?

Despite its turbulent release, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has attracted a growing fan base within the franchise. However, skeptical players still question whether it justifies its price tag. One particular point of confusion revolves around whether Modern Warfare 3 is a standalone game or if it is more of a Modern Warfare 2 expansion or DLC.

To shed light on the launch controversies, this guide clarifies the connection between the 2022 and 2023 installments, helping readers understand if owning MW2 is necessary to play MW3.

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Is MW2 Required to Play MW3?

Modern Warfare 3 is a standalone game and does not require ownership or purchase of MW2. The 2023 version is sold separately at full price ($70) and is not an expansion of the 2022 reboot of CoD: Modern Warfare 2.

The confusion surrounding MW3’s release arose when critics metaphorically condemned it as an MW2 DLC due to its unexpectedly short campaign and lack of fresh content. However, Activision, the publisher, considers MW3 to be a AAA game and has committed to providing long-term support and updates.

Should MW2 Owners Still Pay for MW3?

Modern Warfare 2 owners must purchase Modern Warfare 3 separately; owning one does not grant access to the other. However, certain content from MW2 will transfer to MW3 and Warzone, regardless of the previous title’s ownership.

Currently, there is no distinct advantage to owning both MW2 and MW3. However, MW2 players who have unlocked weapons and camos prior to MW3’s release will have a head start in the first season, as their arsenal will be accessible in the new multiplayer.

Will MW3 Multiplayer Replace MW2’s?

Following the Pre-season, Modern Warfare 3 will launch its separate multiplayer mode, independent of MW2’s multiplayer experience. The servers for the previous installment will remain active. However, the two games, along with Warzone 3.0, will have shared events and seasonal content.

It's important to note that MW2’s content is Cross Forward, meaning its weapons, camos, and cosmetics will carry over to the new game. However, MW3’s arsenal is not Cross Backward and won’t be available in the previous title.

Are Modern Warfare 2 and 3 Connected?

In terms of the story, MW3 isthe sequel to the 2022 reboot of Modern Warfare 2. The campaign continues the narrative, featuring familiar characters such as Captain John Price, Farah Karim, Colonel Shephard, Kyle ‘Gaz’ Garrick, and John ‘Soap’ MacTavish. However, the two game’s multiplayer modes are unconnected.