Forgot password
Enter the email address you used when you joined and we'll send you instructions to reset your password.
If you used Apple or Google to create your account, this process will create a password for your existing account.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Reset password instructions sent. If you have an account with us, you will receive an email within a few minutes.
Something went wrong. Try again or contact support if the problem persists.
MW3 character firing a weapon
Image via Activision

You can play Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer right now—sort of

Just a taste.

Fans looking to try out Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer again ahead of the Nov. 10 launch can do so in-game right now—and there’s nothing illegal or frowned upon about it.

Recommended Videos

Included in today’s massive 100 GB-plus update for Call of Duty is MW3’s multiplayer pre-load, meaning all of the files for the new game’s online component can be found in the game. This means MW3’s multiplayer is playable, but only if you’re offline.

If you pre-ordered the game digitally, you’ll have access to MW3’s suite of options in the CoD HQ app. You’ll notice that the options are blocked off for multiplayer and Zombies, but if you turn off internet access on your console or PC (after selecting the “Go Offline” option when met with a Connection Failed error), you can find a new option called Local Multiplayer.

In Local Multiplayer, you can set up a game in any of MW3’s modes and maps, and then fill the lobby with bots to play with and against. And voila! You’re getting a small taste of MW3’s multiplayer ahead of the game’s launch tomorrow night.

If nothing else, it’s a good way to practice and get used to MW3’s weapons, maps, and movement, especially if you’ve been playing the slower MW2. And it’s nice to just go back to some of MW2 2009’s classic maps, like Afghan, Terminal, Scrapyard, and more.

Screenshot of MW3 menu before launch
This is what happens if your internet is disabled. Screenshot by Dot Esports
Screenshot of MW3's local multiplayer lobby menu on Nov. 8.
MW3’s offline Local Multiplayer lobby. Screenshot by Dot Esports

MW3’s servers will go online worldwide on PC tomorrow at 11pm CT and on consoles in a rolling loadout in every region’s local time at midnight. At that point, all of MW3’s modes will be playable for real, including multiplayer, Zombies, and the campaign for those who haven’t already tried it in early access.


Dot Esports is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy
Author
Image of Scott Duwe
Scott Duwe
Senior Staff Writer
Senior Staff Writer & Call of Duty lead. Professional writer for over 10 years. Lover of all things Marvel, Destiny 2, Metal Gear, Final Fantasy, Resident Evil, and more. Previous bylines include PC Gamer, Red Bull Esports, Fanbyte, and Esports Nation. DogDad to corgis Yogi and Mickey, sports fan (NY Yankees, NY Jets, NY Rangers, NY Knicks), Paramore fanatic, cardio enthusiast.