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Is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 cross-platform?

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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is the latest addition to the award-winning franchise that most of us have been playing for well over a decade. Beyond the enhanced graphics, refined mechanics, and new gameplay features, one of the biggest draws to the COD world has always been online multiplayer. Not only does multiplayer return for MW3, but there’s more to love about the competitive space than ever before. 

But not everyone owns the same version of Call of Duty. Some of us are playing on our next-gen consoles, while others are rocking gaming PCs. So what does this mean when it comes time to join others online? Does MW3 support cross-platform gameplay? The answer is a bit more complex, but here’s all the facts.

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Does Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 have cross-platform support?

Soliders take cover behind a riot shield in a Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 promo image.
Infinity Ward, Sledgehammer Games / Activision

Yes, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has full cross-platform support. This means that you can squad up with players on any console — PlayStation, Xbox, or PC — and enter the battlefield together. This is true for any online mode in the game.

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You can also count on cross-progression being integrated if you ever decide to swap to another platform. You will still need to actually own copy of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 on each system you want to play on — it doesn’t have cross-buy — but the option is still nice if you ever decide to change your primary gaming platform.

What is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 available for?

As it stands, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is available for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows. Considering past COD releases haven’t garnered Nintendo support, we doubt we’ll be seeing the newest game for the Switch.

At this time, the game still sells brand-new for $70. It’s likely this premium price tag will stick around through at least summer 2024.

Will Modern Warfare 3 work without Modern Warfare 2?

A soldier with a Pack-A-Punch weapon fires at zombies from behind cover.
Infinity Ward

Both MW3 and MW2 are standalone releases. You can own either of the games without owning the other, and you’ll still be able to play. When it comes to online gameplay though, MW2 is Cross Forward with MW3. This means you’ll be able to carry over a lot of your MW2 arsenal into your MW3 gameplay.

However, MW3 weaponry and other elements are not Cross Backward with MW2.

Do you have to own Modern Warfare 3 to play Warzone? 

No, you do not. Activision’s popular COD tie-in title is a standalone game that is totally free to play. And if you’re thinking about doing so because of the new gear and weaponry in MW3, all of these items are available in Warzone. 

You will however need a PlayStation Plus account, or a subscription to Xbox Game Pass to experience the online multiplayer for Modern Warfare 3.

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Jesse Lennox
Jesse Lennox
Jesse Lennox has been a writer at Digital Trends for over four years and has no plans of stopping. He covers all things…
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