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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (the 2023 game) received mixed critic reviews overall, with a much harsher user-rating snapshot on Metacritic. The divide makes more sense by mode: the campaign drew the most consistent criticism, while multiplayer and open-world Zombies appealed to some reviewers. Whether it is worth buying depends largely on which mode you want and how much you value it over Modern Warfare II (2022).
What did critics think of Modern Warfare III?
Metacritic’s accessed snapshot, viewed in 2026, gives the game a 56 Metascore from 60 critic reviews and classifies the reception as “Mixed or Average.” Of those reviews, 6 (10%) are positive, 42 (70%) mixed, and 12 (20%) negative. That distribution points to broad disagreement or qualified reactions rather than a uniform verdict.
Metacritic’s user score in the same 2026 snapshot is 2.5 from 2,542 ratings, labeled “Generally Unfavorable.” Its displayed distribution is 14% positive, 11% mixed, and 75% negative. User ratings are not a representative survey, and the score and rating count can change.
These are separate measures, not interchangeable grades. Steam showed 44% positive from 10,364 English reviews in a search-result snapshot accessed in 2026, labeled “Mixed”; that storefront measure is also volatile. Metacritic’s overview and Steam’s store page provide the relevant rating contexts.
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#1 Best Overall
- ADAPT OR DIE IN A FIGHT AGAINST THE ULTIMATE THREAT
- Combat means making choices — different loadouts, different paths through the mission. Combat missions that provide more player choice. There is no one-size-fits-all solution – it is your choice whether to take the stealthy approach or go loud taking on any and all foes.
- One of the greatest collections of Multiplayer maps ever. Launching with new Ground War maps boasting innovative play spaces and the epic return and evolution of the popular War Mode
How do the campaign, multiplayer, and Zombies compare?
| Mode | Review picture | GameSpot score |
|---|---|---|
| Campaign | Critics more often faulted its short length, open-ended missions that disrupt the expected cinematic pace, and weak narrative payoff. | 5 |
| Multiplayer | Several reviews were more positive about its familiar, fast-feeling play and selection of popular maps. | 7 |
| Open-world Zombies | Divisive: some reviewers liked the large-scale, mission-based format or its accessibility for newcomers; others found it derivative or dull. | 7, alongside multiplayer |
GameSpot’s overall score is 7; its campaign review is scored 5, while its multiplayer and Zombies review is scored 7. Those are GameSpot’s own scores, not aggregate ratings or direct equivalents of Metacritic’s Metascore. See GameSpot’s review listing. The critical split is best understood as mode-dependent: a player focused on competitive matches or cooperative Zombies may respond differently from someone buying mainly for a cinematic campaign.
Who is most likely to enjoy it?
- Consider it if multiplayer is your priority. Reviews found more to like in the familiar competitive loop and the map selection than in the campaign.
- Consider it if you want open-world cooperative Zombies. The format has fans among reviewers, though it is not a consensus strength.
- Be more cautious if you mainly want a campaign. Criticism focused on its short run, mission structure, and narrative payoff.
- If you own Modern Warfare II (2022), weigh novelty and price. Reviewers questioned how much had changed and whether the game justified full price. That is a critical value judgment, not an objective finding that the game is merely downloadable content.
There is no current street price established here. Compare the price you can actually pay with the value you expect from your preferred mode rather than relying on an assumed launch or sale price.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What game is this, and which platforms support it?
Activision says Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III launched worldwide on November 10, 2023, with a Campaign, Multiplayer, and open-world Modern Warfare Zombies. Its launch announcement identified 16 Core 6v6 Multiplayer maps. Sledgehammer Games led development with Infinity Ward; Treyarch led Zombies development with Sledgehammer, and Activision published the game. See Activision’s launch announcement.
Activision lists PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC through the Microsoft Store, Battle.net, and Steam. Editions and disc compatibility matter when buying a physical copy:
Rank #3
- ADAPT OR DIE IN A FIGHT AGAINST THE ULTIMATE THREAT
- Combat means making choices — different loadouts, different paths through the mission. Combat missions that provide more player choice. There is no one-size-fits-all solution – it is your choice whether to take the stealthy approach or go loud taking on any and all foes.
- One of the greatest collections of Multiplayer maps ever. Launching with new Ground War maps boasting innovative play spaces and the epic return and evolution of the popular War Mode
- The Xbox Cross-Gen Edition covers Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
- The PlayStation 4 Cross-Gen Edition includes the PS4 game and a free digital upgrade for PS5, but the disc is still required to play the PS5 version.
- The PS5 edition is playable on PS5 only.
- Physical editions do not work on a digital-only PS5 or Xbox Series S.
Check Activision’s edition FAQ for the listed formats, and confirm the live listing before purchase because availability and subscription entitlements can change.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Bakker & Elkhuizen
- Mouse
- Colour: Black
- Package Dimensions: 14.8 L x 9.2 H x 10.2 W (cm)
- Model number: BNEEVR4S
Rank #4
- KONTROLFREEK PERFORMANCE THUMBSTICKS - are the world’s most advanced thumb grips. They provide an advantage in gameplay by increasing the controller’s arc distance and maximizing agility, accuracy and grip
- UPGRADES AIMING - Mixed-rise thumbsticks for upgraded aiming and control
- NEW DESIGN - New officially-licensed Call of Duty MW3 design
- IMPROVES GRIP - Mid-rise hybrid, 6.5mm left stick upgrades grip and movemet
- BETTER ACCURACY - High-rise hybrid, 10mm right stick increases precision for faster and more accurate aiming
How to make a buying decision
- Choose your main mode. Decide whether you are buying for campaign, competitive multiplayer, or open-world Zombies; reviews do not rate those experiences equally.
- Compare it with what you already own. If you have Modern Warfare II (2022), consider the reviewers’ concerns about novelty and value alongside the modes you would actually play.
- Check the edition against your hardware. Verify console generation and whether your system accepts discs; a PS4 Cross-Gen disc requires the disc to play its PS5 upgrade.
- Judge the price you see against that use. No current retail price is established here, so check the seller’s listing and edition details directly.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
