Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 gets its Season 3 Reloaded update today, May 1, and with it a long list of new content.
The Reloaded update is rolling out across all platforms, and Activision has published the patch notes detailing all the changes. Players can expect various gameplay improvements, weapon balance changes, and bug fixes.
There are two new 6v6 maps, a new weapon (BAL-27 Assault Rifle), three new Aftermarket Parts, and three new modes (Escort, Minefield, and Arcade).
But the headline change is probably the addition of Weapon Prestige Camos, a new progression system for players to “flex mastery of their favorite weaponry in Modern Warfare 3.” The debut Weapon Prestige Camo is One Trick, unlocked upon earning 150,000 Weapon XP. This camo coats the entire surface of your weapon in molten gold, and it’s animated. Activision said players can expect a new Weapon Prestige Camo in each of the remaining Seasons ahead of Modern Warfare 3.
#MW3 Season 3 Reloaded introduces Weapon Prestige Camos!
Today, we debut One Trick, a camo that coats the entire weapon surface in molten gold. Unlock it by earning 150K Weapon XP with any weapon. Choose wisely; this requirement must be met on a per-weapon basis. pic.twitter.com/7IKXoZBKdq
— Sledgehammer Games (@SHGames) May 1, 2024
As for Zombies, there’s a new story mission (Union), a new Dark Aether Rift, new acquisitions and schematics, and a new Warlord (Rainmaker).
Modern Warfare 3’s Season 3 Reloaded update launches hot on the heels of Microsoft’s tease of the next mainline Call of Duty game, which fans believe is called Black Ops V. Expect that to be revealed in June as part of the Xbox Showcase event, with a release date reportedly set for late October. Until then, the focus is on Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone.
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 Season 3 Reloaded patch notes in full:
NEW MAPS
Grime (6v6)
Take to the derelict streets of London in an all-new, medium-sized map that supports all varieties of gameplay.
Checkpoint (6v6)
Deploy to a familiar locale as the Stronghold portion of Rebirth Island has been modified to support 6v6 Multiplayer gameplay. Developed in partnership with our friends at Beenox.
NEW WEAPON
BAL-27 (Assault Rifle)
A bullpup prototype weapon designed to increase fire rate over time while the trigger is squeezed. The first 4 shots are slower to fire but highly accurate.
Unlock it via the classified sector in the Season 3 Battle Pass.
NEW AFTERMARKET PARTS
JAK Wardens (Lockwood Mk2)
Relive the glory days, stir up the hornet’s nest, and take down your enemies, leaving no loose ends with these museum-worthy akimbo lever-action Shotguns.
Unlock it today today via the Season 3 Week 5 Challenges!
JAK Patriot (M16)
Converts the M16 into a fully automatic rifle with a heavy ported barrel built to provide superior recoil control and firing aim stability.
JAK Atlas Kit (AMR9)
Converts the AMR9 into an extremely lethal and accurate 5-round burst carbine chambered in 556.
NEW MODES
Escort
In a game of strength and endurance, each team gets a turn to escort a MAW to its destination as the opposing team tries to stop it at all costs.
Minefield
Watch your step! Deadly mines are deployed at the death site of players, triggered by the presence of the fallen player’s team.
Arcade
Fight for control of weapons kitted with game-changing modifiers available for pickup around the map, all the while not forgetting to PTFO.
NEW EVENTS
In addition to limited-time Double XP and the ongoing Vortex: Vi.Rus Mainframe events, the Call of Duty Endowment has a two-week event on the horizon.
Call of Duty Endowment: U Assist Veterans
Complete the CODE UAV Challenge to help military veterans navigate their career search while earning rewards.
GLOBAL
CUSTOMIZATION
Resolved an issue preventing the Wheelson-HS Killstreak from running over enemies while the Fire Breather Skin is equipped.Slash Damage Tracers on the Dino Might Blueprint will now consistently play.Improved visual effects when removing the Barrel from the Viral Ignition Blueprint.
PROGRESSION
Introducing Weapon Prestige Camos
In Season 3 Reloaded, we’re introducing Weapon Prestige Camos, a new progression system for players to flex mastery of their favorite weaponry in Modern Warfare III.
To unlock a Weapon Prestige Camo, players must earn a set amount of Weapon XP for any weapon of choice, including those carried forward from MWII. Weapon Prestige Camos are earned on a per-weapon basis, rewarding commitment and giving those of you completionists a grind to keep you busy for Seasons to come.
Our debut Weapon Prestige Camo is One Trick. Unlocked upon earning 150,000 Weapon XP, this camo coats the entire surface of your weapon in molten gold – and yes, it’s animated.
You can expect to see a new Weapon Prestige Camo in each of the remaining Seasons ahead. We look forward to seeing which weapons you choose first for your journey to prestige!
MULTIPLAYER
UIX
Increased the number of allowed favorite Attachments from 10 to 30.Weekly Challenges that reward an Aftermarket Part will now display the base Weapon in the information modal.Added Locked and Unlocked filter options to Calling Cards in the Customization menu.Bug FixesUnlocked Calling Cards that required Challenge completion once again indicate the fulfilled criteria.Resolved an issue causing the Customization menu to not appear properly on ultrawide displays.Addressed an exploit allowing multiple Attachments to be equipped to a single slot on a Weapon in the Gunsmith.Quick Equip option in Bundles is once again available while using a mouse and keyboard input device.Pros and Cons are no longer hidden when viewing locked Attachments.Prompt to perform a Finishing Move on enemy Operators is now visible while using a Juggernaut Recon.Weapon ammo count no longer disappears after performing a Finishing Move while using a Juggernaut Recon.Bomb Drone Killcams no longer display overlapping overlay effects.
GAMEPLAY
In Hardpoint, increased preference for spawns further from enemies and nearer to spawn points recently used by a teammate.Bug FixesWeapons with a charged fire ability now function properly when the Manual Fire Behavior option is set to Hold.Swapping from tac-stance to aiming down sight will no longer cause a jarring recoil animation.
PROGRESSION
Resolved an issue preventing the DG-58 Miro Barrel Attachment from unlocking.Kills without reloading Challenges will no longer continue to track between matches.DM56 Priceless Camo Challenge description once again matches the tracking requirements.
MAPS
6 StarTransparent glass doors in the Security area have been swapped with opaque glass doors to better communicate the lack of penetrability.Added bullet collision to the DJ booth in the Club to prevent unintended kills through the wall.Reworked Hardpoint capture point locations, sizes, and associated spawns.P1: ClubP2: Garden (New)P3: Lightwell (New)P4: Infinity Pool (New)P5: Security (New)EmergencyAdded additional spawn points in Team Deathmatch, Domination, and Hardpoint.GrowhousePolished environment in several areas of the map where there were visual glitches and inconsistencies.InvasionAdded an additional spawn point near P3 in Hardpoint.KarachiAdded additional spawn points near P3 in Hardpoint.
MODES
InfectedLimited-time holiday variant of the mode icon is no longer used.One in the ChamberRadar pings are no longer active until three alive players remain.
WEAPONS & ATTACHMENTS
Assault Rifles
BP50Increased hipfire spread minimum from 2.4deg/s to 3deg/s (+25%).Increased hipfire spread maximum from 6.7deg/s to 7.2deg/s (+7%).Increased moving hipfire spread maximum from 4.7deg/s to 5.2deg/s (+11%).SVA 545Increased hipfire spread minimum from 2.6deg/s to 3.3deg/s (+27%).Increased hipfire spread maximum from 7.3deg/s to 7.8deg/s (+7%).Increased moving hipfire spread maximum from 5.3deg/s to 5.8deg/s (+9%).RAM-7Increased hipfire spread minimum from 2.6deg/s to 3deg/s (+15%).MTZ-556Increased hipfire spread minimum from 2.6deg/s to 3.1deg/s (+19%).Increased hipfire spread maximum from 7deg/s to 7.4deg/s (+6%).Increased moving hipfire spread maximum from 5.3deg/s to 5.4deg/s (+2%).Holger 556Increased hipfire spread minimum from 2.6deg/s to 3.4deg/s (+31%).Increased hipfire spread maximum from 7.5deg/s to 7.8deg/s (+4%).Increased moving hipfire spread maximum from 5.5deg/s to 5.8deg/s (+5%).MCWIncreased hipfire spread minimum from 2.6deg/s to 3.2deg/s (+23%).Increased moving hipfire spread maximum from 5.3deg/s to 5.6deg/s (+6%).DG-56Increased hipfire spread minimum from 2.4deg/s to 2.8deg/s (+17%).Increased moving hipfire spread maximum from 3.3deg/s to 5deg/s (+52%).Added medium damage range, 29 damage to 38.1m.Decreased minimum damage from 29 to 25 (-14%).FR 5.56Decreased sprint to fire time from 231ms to 216ms (-6%).Decreased aim down sight time from 260ms to 250ms (-4%).Increased aim down sight movement speed from 2.7m/s to 2.9m/s (+7%).Increased bullet velocity from 680m/s to 720m/s (+6%).600mm FR Longbore BarrelRemoved hipfire spread minimum benefit.Decreased hipfire spread penalty by 8%.Decreased aim down sight speed penalty by 20%.Replaced aiming idle sway penalty with benefit.435mm FR 435 BarrelRemoved movement speed penalties.Removed hipfire spread penalties and benefits.Increased recoil control benefit by 5%.Added firing aim stability benefit.Removed bullet velocity benefit.Removed damage range penalty.Decreased aim down sight speed penalty by 2%.Decreased aim down sight movement speed penalty by 3%.Removed aiming idle sway penalty.395 FR Minibore BarrelReplaced hipfire spread minimum penalty with benefit.Added sprint to fire speed benefit.Removed aiming idle sway penalty.FR Sprinter StockRemoved tactical sprint speed benefit.Added aim down sight speed benefit.Decreased aiming idle sway penalty.Added flinch resistance benefit.Recon Stock PadRemoved crouch movement speed benefit.Added movement speed benefit.Replaced hipfire spread penalty with benefit.Added sprint to fire speed benefit.Removed aim down sight speed benefit.FR Anchor CombRemoved tactical sprint speed penalty.Decreased sprint to fire speed penalty by 3%.Added aiming idle sway benefit.FR TON-618 CombDecreased aim down sight speed penalty by 18%.Removed aiming idle sway benefit.Added firing aim stability benefit.FR Giga CombIncreased aim down sight speed benefit by 2%.Removed aim down sight movement speed penalty.Added flinch resistance penalty.RMT Rear GripIncreased aim down sight speed benefit by 2%.45 Round MagazineDecreased movement speed penalties.Decreased aim down sight speed penalty by 4%.60 Round MagazineDecreased movement speed penalties.Decreased aim down sight speed penalty by 7%.
Many FR 5.56 Attachments have been reworked to increase their appeal and the overall viability of the Weapon.
Lachmann-762 (MWII)Increased maximum damage range from 19.3m to 30.5m (+58%).Increased near-medium damage range from 37.1m to 43.2m (+16%).Increased medium damage range from 48m to 55.9m (+16%).M13C (MWII)Increased maximum damage range from 17.8m to 25.4m (+43%).Increased near-medium damage from 27 to 28 (+4%).Increased near-medium damage range from 33.5m to 39.4m (+17%).Increased leg and foot damage multipliers from 0.88x to 1x (+14%).
Battle Rifles
SOA SubverterAdded near-medium damage range, 33 damage to 38.1m.Decreased minimum damage from 33 to 26 (-21%).
The SOA Subverter is now a 6-shot kill within the minimum damage range.
MTZ-762Decreased aim down sight time from 280ms to 260ms (-7%).JAK Thunder LMG KitDecreased aim down sight time benefit by 20ms.FTAC Recon (MWII)Fire Type: Semi-AutoIncreased minimum damage from 45 to 50 (+11%).
Within its maximum damage range, the FTAC Recon is now a guaranteed 3-shot kill, or 2-shot kill to the head.
Fire Type: Full-AutoIncreased upper torso, arm, and hand damage multipliers from 1x to 1.1x (+10%).
Within its near-medium damage range, the FTAC Recon (full-auto) 3-shot kill with 1 to the head and 2 to the upper torso,
SO-14 (MWII)Fire Type: Semi-AutoIncreased maximum damage from 46 to 50 (+9%).Increased near-medium damage from 35 to 46 (+31%).Increased medium damage from 32 to 40 (+25%).Increased minimum damage from 30 to 38 (+27%).
Within its maximum damage range, the SO-14 is now a consistent 3-shot kill.
Fire Type: Full-AutoDecreased sprint to fire time from 307ms to 261ms (-15%).Decreased aim down sight time from 290ms to 270ms (-7%).Decreased torso, arm, hand, leg, and foot damage multipliers from 0.8x to 0.74x (-8%).
Submachine Guns
RAM-9Increased horizontal recoil from 16.9deg/s to 17.6deg/s (+4%).Increased vertical recoil from 42.9deg/s to 44.4deg/s (+3%).Decreased maximum damage range from 12.7m to 11.2m (-12%).AMR9Increased near-medium damage from 25 to 29 (+16%).Increased medium damage from 23 to 24 (+4%).Increased minimum damage from 21 to 22 (+5%).Increased lower arm and hand damage multipliers from 1x to 1.1x (+10%).HRM-9Increased medium damage range from 30.5m to 33m (+8%).WSP-9Decreased sprint to fire time from 110ms to 66ms (-40%).WSP SwarmDecreased maximum damage range from 6.9m to 5.6m (-19%).
Shotguns
KV BroadsideJAK JawbreakerRemoved aim down sight spread.Decreased hipfire spread penalty from 100% to 30%.Muzzle Attachments can now be equipped.RiveterDecreased aim down sight spread by 10%.
Decreased spread while aiming down sight allows a more consistent 3-shot kill within the Riveter’s medium damage range.
.410 Gauge Ball AmmunitionIncreased aim down sight spread by 10%.Increased maximum damage from 33 to 37 (+12%).Increased near-medium damage from 26 to 33 (+27%).Increased medium damage from 21 to 27 (+29%).Increased minimum damage from 19 to 25 (+32%).
With the Ball rounds equipped, the Riveter now performs considerably better within its 3-shot kill range.
Light Machine Guns
DG-58 LSWDecreased horizontal recoil from 7.28deg/s to 6.35deg/s (-13%).Decreased vertical recoil from 52.65deg/s to 47.89deg/s (-9%).Increased minimum damage from 33 to 35 (+6%).Increased torso, arm, and hand damage multipliers from 1x to 1.1x (+10%).
With the DG-58 LSW, a 4-shot kill is now possible if 2 shots hit the torso.
TAQ EradicatorDecreased sprint to fire time from 252ms to 210ms (-17%).Decreased aim down sight time from 340ms to 330ms (-3%).Holger 26Increased neck damage multiplier from 1.1x to 1.2x (+9%).
Marksman Rifles
MTZ InterceptorDecreased maximum damage range from 38.1m to 30.5m (-20%).
Sniper Rifles
MORSIncreased aim down sight time from 560ms to 580ms (+4%).Decreased lower leg and foot damage multipliers from 1x to 0.95x (-5%).HVP Anti-Materiel Slug AmmunitionIncreased bullet velocity penalty from 15% to 20%.
While equipped with HVP Anti-Materiel Slug Ammunition, the MORS can no longer one-shot kill to the lower leg or foot.
Handguns
COR-45Increased movement speed from 5.2m/s to 5.4m/s (+4%).RenettiIncreased movement speed from 5.2m/s to 5.4m/s (+4%).TYRIncreased movement speed from 5.1m/s to 5.3m/s (+4%).WSP StingerIncreased movement speed from 5.7m/s to 5.9m/s (+4%).P890 (MWII)Increased movement speed from 5.2m/s to 5.3m/s (+2%)..50 GS (MWII)Increased sprint speed from 5.7m/s to 5.8m/s (+2%).X12 (MWII)Increased movement speed from 5.2m/s to 5.4m/s (+4%).Increased sprint speed from 6m/s to 6.1m/s (+2%).Basilisk (MWII)Increased movement speed from 5.1m/s to 5.3m/s (+4%).FTAC Siege (MWII)Increased movement speed from 5.1m/s to 5.3m/s (+4%).GS Magna (MWII)Increased sprint speed from 5.7m/s to 5.8m/s (+2%).9mm Daemon (MWII)Increased movement speed from 5.3m/s to 5.5m/s (+4%).Akimbo 9mm Daemon Rear GripRemoved 10% movement speed penalty.Decreased hipfire spread minimum from 2.4deg/s to 1.7deg/s (-29%).Decreased hipfire spread maximum from 5.5deg/s to 5deg/s (-9%).Removed 26% damage penalty.Increased lower torso, arm, and hand damage multipliers from 1.1x to 1.3 (+18%).
Melee
GladiatorDecreased standing lunge distance to 1.3m, matching that of the Combat Knife.
PERKS
Climbing BootsRemoved this Perk and applied its effects to all players by default.Increased climbing and mantling speed. Reduces fall damage.All-Terrain BootsAdded a new Perk to the Boots category, replacing Climbing Boots.Significantly increased movement speed. Disables Tactical Sprint.Running Sneakers (Boots)Improved sprint to fire time while using Tactical Sprint by 25%.Stalker BootsIncreased strafe speed is now omnidirectional, rather than lateral.Added walking smoothness benefit, decreasing the bounciness of the reticle while aiming down sight.Commando GlovesImproved sprint to fire speed by 10%.Added the ability to cancel a reload by using Tactical Sprint.Assault GlovesImproved hipfire spread while moving by 15%.
EQUIPMENT
EMD Grenade (Tactical)Tracking devices are now destroyed by enemy EMP and DDoS effects.Decreased tracking device duration from 30s to 20s (-33%).
FIELD UPGRADES
Trophy SystemDecreased the total number of shots fired from 3 to 2.
ZOMBIES
NEW CONTENT
STORY MISSION: UNION
A new anomaly has appeared in the Exclusion Zone and Dr. Jansen has gone through the portal alone. Operation Deadbolt Strike Teams must now conduct a rescue mission with Ravenov’s help to get her back before it’s too late.
NEW DARK AETHER RIFT
Seek out and attune the required relics after completing the Season 3 Reloaded Story Mission to re-open the Dark Aether Rift for subsequent runs. Complete the objectives within to acquire new powerful schematics.Dark Aether Rifts are unlocked by solving a hidden quest, which activates after completing the new Season 3 Reloaded Story Mission.
NEW ACQUISITIONS AND SCHEMATICS
Dead Wire Detonators: Electrify your blasts for massive damage using the Dead Wire Detonators, adding the Dead Wire Ammo Mod effect to all of your explosive armaments, including Lethals and Launchers.Note: Dead Wire Detonators do not apply to Wonder Weapons.Golden Mask Filter: Forget the constant search for a functioning gas mask when approaching strongholds and other areas where gas threatens to suffocate incoming Operators. Attaching the Golden Mask Filter to a gas mask causes its charge to self-regenerate over time. The mask can still break if its charge is fully used up in one go, though the filter will be reapplied to the next one you find.Sergeant’s Beret: With the undead roaming around, you’ve got enough to worry about before taking Zakhaev’s Mercs into consideration. Don the Sergeant’s Beret to trick the faction into thinking that you’re one of their own. As a bonus, you’ll gain a Merc Bodyguard who fearlessly follows you into the action.
NEW WARLORD: RAINMAKER
Challengers of the new Warlord Rainmaker will need to plan their tactics carefully when approaching this artillery and demolitions expert. Find him in his fortress on Rahaa Island in the southeastern Urzikstan Exclusion Zone, where he’s supported by an army that he’s only too willing to expend in pursuit of annihilating Operation Deadbolt.
GAMEPLAY UPDATES
Stash Storage IncreasedThe Stash storage limit has been doubled, allowing Players to store 20 acquisitions instead of 10.Exfil Based Schematic CooldownWhen Players successfully exfil they will now also receive Schematic cooldown time in addition to their Insured Weapon cooldown time reward.
PATCH NOTES
GAMEPLAY
Addressed an issue that would knock back Containment Levels by one Tier when Players exfil from a Story Mission.Addressed an issue that prevented equipped Lethals and Tacticals from saving when traveling to a Dark Aether Rift or Story Mission if the Player had expended all of them.
ALLIES
ZombiesHell HoundsFriendly (Pet) Hell Hounds acquired from a Dog House in the Medium and High Threat Zones will no longer reset their Tier when entering and exiting the Aether Storm.
CUSTOMIZATION
Weapon BlueprintsMORSSituation Hazard BlackCellAddressed an issue that prevented the Desync Dismemberment Death Effect from always applying to enemy kills.
UI/UX
Players can now interact with the Containment Level UI on the Strike Team Ready menu.The Containment Level splash screen when a Player exfils will now correctly display their Containment Level progression gained during the match.
STABILITY
Added various crash and stability fixes.
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at [email protected] or confidentially at [email protected].