How do Modern Warfare 3 Open Combat Missions work?

Modern Warfare 3 Open Combat Missions are one of several new innovations making their way to Sledgehammer Games' latest entry into the Call of Duty franchise. Modern Warfare 3 is a direct sequel to 2022's Modern Warfare 2 and comes with an all-new way to experience the single-player campaign.

Typically, most Call of Duty campaigns feature a clear path to completing the task at hand. This time around, the developer has taken a different route to enhance gameplay along with introducing an extensive gun list to master.

Before we take a closer look at how Modern Warfare 3 Open Combat Missions work, check out our other guides containing the latest Season 1 intel and how to unlock the Soap Operator Pack.

Modern Warfare 3 Open Combat Missions explained

Modern Warfare 3 Open Combat Missions provide players with a number of additional choices to make when working through a mission. For example, if you want to channel your inner Ghost and perform some stealth tactics, you can do so using a new approach known as Lights Out.

The Lights Out option involves using night-vision goggles, silenced weaponry, and allow you to complete the level without alerting a single enemy to your location.

Here's a closer look at all of the Modern Warfare 3 playstyles you can use during an Open Combat Mission. You can even use a selection of perks and equipment as part of a loadout:

• Guns a Blazing - Engage in a fully-fledged assault focused on a 'weapons free' motto.
• Stealth - Remain hidden from the enemy by using suppressed weapons and using close-quarters takedowns to your advantage.
• Enemy Ordnance - Use weapons and utility that's dropped by the enemy over the course of a mission.
• Your own Loadout - Use your favourite weapons, equipment, and more to complete the task at hand and create a strategy suited to your style of play.
• On Foot - Use the go-to movement strategy involving boots-on-ground combat.
• Scavenging - You can find a number of items thanks to the addition of special loadout crates that appear during the mission.
• Fast Moving - Use parachutes and parkour to add even more verticality and unorthodox tactics to complete the objective.
• Water-based - Use surrounding water for extra stealth or as a different route to the next checkpoint.
• Vehicular Warfare - Utilise a wealth of vehicles to your advantage whether it's faster transport or to clear out large groups of opposition.
• Killstreaks - During Open Combat Missions, there are several killstreaks to use alongside the ability to throw flammable canisters to kill multiple enemies as fast as possible.

Playing with stealth in mind isn't everyone's preferred style of play. For a loud approach, use vehicles to navigate the area and a wealth of firepower to get the job done.

Credit: Activision

How many Modern Warfare 3 Open Combat Missions are there?

Sledgehammer Games says half of the campaign will feature Modern Warfare 3 Open Combat Missions while the other will feature more linear objectives to complete.

The addition of Open Combat Missions is an excellent way to inject a breath of fresh air into the single-player story, allowing players to complete the missions in a variety of ways. We'll try to stay stealthy, but there are no guarantees...

That's all there is to know about the Modern Warfare 3 Open Combat Missions. For more, check out our guides showcasing intel on Tac Stance and campaign early access.