Modern Warfare 3 Has A New Style Of Campaign Missions, Here's How They Work

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III has been officially announced, and one addition to the formula this year are what's called "Open Combat Missions" for the campaign. But what are these and how do they work? Here's everything we know so far about Open Combat Missions in Modern Warfare III.

What are Open Combat Missions?

In addition to the more cinematic, linear, and focused missions that fans have come to know and expect from Call of Duty, Modern Warfare III has Open Combat Missions that give players more freedom. Players will have "numerous additional choices" for how to complete a mission, Activision said in a blog post.

"For example, if you prefer to use stealth techniques, you may wish to undertake an OCM with a lights-out approach, using night-vision goggles and suppressed weapons and complete your objectives without your adversaries knowing you were even there," the company said. "However, if loud explosions and reckless abandon are part of your repertoire, strap extra armor plates onto your torso and hit those targets head-on."

Vehicles and equipment

Modern Warfare III's Open Combat Missions feature a number of vehicles that players can use. Additionally, there will be a variety of tactical and lethal equipment available, and players can pick and choose to suit their preferences.

Multiple angles

In terms of the playable space in Open Combat Missions, Activision said there will be a "sizable landscape" for these missions. This will allow players to approach objectives in different ways. "You can truly play how you want to play, and Open Combat Missions will support it," Activision said.

Won't replace traditional missions

Campaign creative director David Swenson said in an interview with Xbox that Call of Duty's trademark missions will still be in Modern Warfare III. These Open Combat Missions will not replace them.

"Call of Duty campaigns are known for these epic, cinematic, storytelling, narrative-driven missions that take the audience on a thrill ride and Modern Warfare III has all of that," Swenson said. "But we've also added Open Combat Missions that provide opportunities for you to tackle a mission objective however you want to do it according to your playstyle."

"These aren't side missions, they are campaign missions woven seamlessly into the story, and they offer you more choices than you've ever had before," the developer added. "If you want to sneak through the entire level, you can. There are also vehicles, cleverly hidden loot boxes, and weapon crates on these Open Combat Missions, some of which contain killstreaks which we are calling Armaments since you don't need to streak any kills to earn them."

Modern Warfare III launches on November 10, and a multiplayer beta will be held before that. The campaign will be playable up to a week early for people who preorder. For more, you can read up on what's new in Modern Warfare III and how to preorder the game.