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Modern Warfare 3 system requirements – minimum, recommended specs

We take a look at what you may need to be able to run the latest instalment

Reviewed By: Kevin Pocock

Last Updated on October 13, 2023
Modern Warfare 3 system requirements.
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Now that the highly anticipated 20th lineup in the Call of Duty franchise is finally here, many are eager to find out the Modern Warfare 3 system requirements. Gamers worldwide are already making a mental checklist, trying to gauge if their PC setup will be up to the task of handling the latest entry in the Modern Warfare series.

Stepping into the realm of Modern Warfare 3 (2023) brings a fresh wave of excitement, as all 16 maps from its predecessor MW2 get modernized with new modes and gameplay features. The hype about the Modern Warfare 2 follow-up It’s not just about the narrative and gameplay but also ensuring that your gaming rig is primed and ready for the action.

MW3 confirmed minimum specs

Now that we’ve got the official specs from Activision confirming exactly what you’ll need to run the MW3 beta, the good news is that there’s not too much of an amp-up from the hardware needed to run Modern Warfare 2 (2022). Therefore, if you had no problems running MW2, there’s not much cause for concern when it comes to the latest Modern Warfare.

With the release of the beta finally here, here’s the starting point to gauge if your current rig will get you playing Modern Warfare 3:

Minimum requirements:

  • OS: Windows 10 64 Bit (latest update)
  • CPU: Intel Core i5-6600 or AMD Ryzen 5 1600
  • RAM: 12 GB
  • Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 / GeForce GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon RX 480
  • Video Memory: 3 GB
  • Storage Space: SSD with 65 GB available space (25 GB with COD HQ downloaded)

Now, if you’re aiming to not just run the game but to truly immerse yourself in the world of Modern Warfare 3 with higher details and smoother gameplay, the following recommended requirements might be more up your alley.

Recommended requirements:

  • OS: Windows 10 64 Bit (latest update) or Windows 11 64 Bit (latest update)
    CPU: Intel Core i5-6600 or AMD Ryzen 5 1600
    RAM: 16 GB
    Video Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 / GeForce RTX 3050 or AMD Radeon RX Vega
    Video Memory: 6 GB
    Storage Space: SSD with 65 GB available space (25 GB with COD HQ downloaded)

Sledgehammer Games and Infinity Ward will undoubtedly retain certain elements from Modern Warfare 2’s specifications. However, players should brace themselves for a heftier game size with MW3 (2023). The introduction of fresh, innovative modes in both the campaign and multiplayer segments promises a richer and more expansive gaming experience. We expect the system requirements for the full game will be almost identical to those in the beta, but we’ll let you know when the full launch gets closer if that looks set to change.

Ensure your rig is ready to plunge into the action and make the most of what promises to be another blockbuster in the Call of Duty series.

Can you run Modern Warfare 3 run on PC?

Yes, Modern Warfare 3 will be available on PC, as long as you have at least Windows 10 64 Bit. In fact, we’ve outlined the MW3 best keyboard and mouse settings to ensure PC gamers are getting the most responsiveness and accuracy out of their setup. Paired with the best keyboard and best mouse for Modern Warfare 3, you’ll be all set to be an absolute beast on the battlefield.

How much will Modern Warfare 3 cost?

Beyond the modern Warfare 3 predicted system requirements, price is also key of course. There are three versions available for MW3, and two different prices, as follows: The standard and cross-gen editions of the game (available for consoles and PC) will be $69.99 / £69.99. It includes:

  • Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
  • Early Access to the Open Beta
  • Early Access to the Campaign
  • Soap Operator Pack

Then there’s the Vault edition of the game, available across all platforms costing $99 / £99. It includes the same as the standard / cross-gen edition, plus:

  • Nemesis Operator Pack,
  • 2 Weapon Vaults
  • BlackCell (1 Season)
  • +30 Additional Tier Skips
  • Playstation exclusive +5 Battle Pass Tier Skips

Looking to jump into the MW3 beta ahead of the full release? To find out more about the beta and early access, check out this guide on the MW3 beta start time and much more!

Kevin is the Editor of PC Guide. He has a broad interest and enthusiasm for consumer electronics, PCs and all things consumer tech - and more than 15 years experience in tech journalism.