MW3 season one: Vortex limited-time game mode, explained

It’s always fun when the different worlds and modes of Call of Duty collide, like in the Vortex limited-time mode in Modern Warfare 3’s season one.

Vortex can be compared to a popular LTM like Zombie Royale in Warzone, which combined the undead from Zombies mode with the battle royale game and created some of the most fun players have had in CoD in recent years.

Here’s everything we know so far about the Vortex game mode in MW3.

What is Vortex in MW3?

Vortex in MW3 is a limited-time game mode where players can use the Ray Gun from Zombies against other players. If you’ve ever dreamed of running around with the Ray Gun in multiplayer (and who hasn’t?), then this is the mode for you.

“Enter the flames of the Vortex to fight for cataclysmic rewards,” Activision said. “In this event, players will progress through the 15 available rewards by playing in the Vortex-themed maps Tetanus, Satan’s Quarry, and Sporeyard.”

Activision has described the limited-time mode as a free-for-all mode, so there are no teams involved. It’s unclear right now if you can party up and play the mode with friends, so be prepared to fly solo if you’re trying to Ray Gun other enemy players into oblivion.

In Vortex, there will be three playable maps, which Activision says are “remixed” multiplayer maps named Satan’s Quarry (Quarry), Sporeyard (Scrapyayrd), and Tetanus (Rust).

What’s also unclear at this point is what kind of gear or weaponry the players who don’t get the Ray Gun will use. It’s possible that you may spawn with a unique loadout, or you could possibly bring in your own custom loadout as well. More will be revealed closer to the mode’s launch.

When is Vortex coming to MW3?

The Vortex LTM is coming to MW3 on Jan. 3, 2024. The event will follow right after the CODMAS event ends, and it will last until Jan. 17.

How to use a Ray Gun in MW3 multiplayer

To use a Ray Gun in MW3 multiplayer, you have to play the Vortex limited-time mode.

“In this free-for-all mode, one player spawns in with the infamous Zombies Wonder Weapon, the one-shot Ray Gun,” Activision said. “Whoever eliminates the Operator with the Ray Gun becomes the new owner of this powerful and otherworldly pistol.“

So, if you’re not lucky enough to spawn with the Ray Gun in your hands, you must be the player to eliminate the one who did. That’s how to get the Ray Gun and begin turning your online foes into Zombies fodder.