Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Gaming
  3. Guides

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

By and

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.

Recommended Videos

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.

Related: 
Best new movies to stream on Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, HBO Max, and more

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.

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

Editors’ Recommendations

Is FragPunk cross-platform
Key art shows Fragpunk characters.

It takes something special for a new hero shooter to stand out from the competition. Games like Apex Legends and Valorant have already established dedicated fanbases that are hard to convert to a new game. FragPunk sets itself apart by letting players use special Shard Cards that completely change the rules of the game in addition to individual heroes. Being free and available on all platforms will certainly get people to check it out, but if it isn't a cross-platform game then it may not be able to hold people's attention if the player base gets too low. Let's draw our Shard Card to see whether or not FragPunk will be cross-platform.
Is FragPunk cross-platform

FragPunk is available for free on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC starting March 6 and will have full crossplay enabled from day one. There will be no barriers for players on consoles or PC to play with and against one another in heated FPS action. Being a 5v5 game with no offline modes, this will give the game the best shot at keeping a healthy pool of players for people to matchmaker with. However, for those who feel PC players have an advantage over console players using a controller, you can disable crossplay if you wish.

Read more
Is Sniper Elite: Resistance cross-platform?
A sniper holds a gun at night in Sniper Elite: Resistance.

Unlike the other shooters such as Black Ops 6 or Fortnite, most people don't think too much about the multiplayer component of Sniper Elite: Resistance. You can have a fantastic time slinking through the levels, finding a perch, and watching your bullet soar across the map and into your target's eye alone, but the game gets much more fun when you bring a friend along in co-op. Or, you can enjoy the traditional multiplayer PvP modes. Either way, you will want to have a friend to watch your back while you're lining up your perfect shot, but what if they are playing on a different platform? Not even all of the best multiplayer games have cross-platform support, so let's zero in on Sniper Elite: Resistance and see if it lands its shot.
Is Sniper Elite: Resistance cross-platform?

Yes, Sniper Elite: Resistance will allow you to play online in co-op, Axis Invasion, and any of the regular PvP multiplayer modes across all platforms. That includes PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Only the Switch is left off this list, with there being no plans to release a port for that system. However, with the Switch 2 just around the corner, it is possible a version will be released on the more powerful hardware later on. You can also disable crossplay if you feel at a disadvantage against PC players, for example.

Read more
Is Smite 2 cross-platform?
Gods fight each other in Smite 2.

MOBA games tend to be some of the best PC games, but they tend not to work on consoles. However, much like Valorant and Path of Exile 2, Smite 2 is embracing the console space. Featuring a huge cast of legendary Gods and other legendary figures, this is one of the most approachable games in the genre. The first game is on our list of all cross-platform games, but can the same be said about its free-to-play sequel? Here's everything you need to know about Smite 2's cross-platform support.
Is Smite 2 cross-platform?

Even before Smite 2 left its early access period, we knew the good news that it supports full crossplay support on all platforms. Currently, that includes PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC. While the first game was available on the Switch, it seems this sequel is a bit too big for that console, but there is a good chance it comes to the Switch 2 when that eventually releases.

Read more