# Is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III worth buying?

> Mostly no, as of 2026. MW3 (2023) has a short campaign and newer CoD games now get the support; buy it only cheaply for its classic maps or Zombies.

As of 2026, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023) is worth buying only at a discount and only if you want its specific content. Its campaign is short and was widely criticized, and newer Call of Duty releases now receive the seasonal updates, events and most of the player base. Its strongest parts were multiplayer built on remastered maps from Modern Warfare 2 (2009) and an open-world Zombies mode.

## What MW3 does well

- **Classic maps:** launched with remastered maps from 2009's Modern Warfare 2, such as Rust, Terminal and Favela.
- **Fast movement and gunplay**, including a large weapon pool carried over from MW2 (2022).
- **Open-world Zombies:** large-map PvE with extraction-style missions.

## Where it falls short

- **Campaign:** short, with many open-ended "Open Combat" missions that critics found weak.
- **Feels like an expansion** of Modern Warfare II (2022) rather than a full new game.
- **Aging support:** newer Call of Duty games are now the focus, so updates and matchmaking populations shift there.

## Who should buy it

1. Fans of the 2009 maps who want them with modern mechanics.
2. Zombies players who like the open-world format.
3. Anyone who finds it on a deep discount.

Everyone else is better off with the newest Call of Duty or a free option such as Warzone.

## FAQ

**How long is the MW3 campaign?**
About 3–5 hours for most players, which is short even by Call of Duty standards.

**Should I buy MW3 or Black Ops 6?**
Black Ops 6 (2024) is newer and generally better reviewed, especially its campaign and movement. Black Ops 7 (2025) and Modern Warfare 4 (2026) are newer still, so check recent reviews before choosing.

**Was MW3 free if you owned MW2?**
No. It was a separate full-price game, though progress and many weapons carried over.

**Is MW3 the worst Call of Duty?**
Its campaign is often ranked among the series' weakest, but its multiplayer was received much better.

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https://gamevoyages.com/is-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-3-worth-buying/ · Game Voyage · Checked 2026-11-01