After several sequels, remasters, and even complete remakes, it can be a bit tricky keeping up withCall of Dutyfrom both a technical and lore perspective. If you haven’t been keeping up with them as they release, but are looking to jump intoCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, be wondering: do you needMW2to playMW3campaign?
IsMW2required to play theMW3campaign?
Even though the campaign ofCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3was originally intended to be a DLC toMW2,it is not required to play theMW3campaign. In fact, all ofCall of Duty: MW3is a standalone game, and technically a follow-up sequel toMW2.
Also, even though some of the assets fromMW2are shared and used inMW3, you do not need to own or haveMW2installed to play theMW3campaign. It will automatically download the files when you installModern Warfare 3.
Should you play theMW2campaign before playing theMW3campaign?
Honestly, yes, you probably should.Even though it’s not necessarily a requirement, the narrative ofCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3continues right whereMW2left off, and is a direct connection. It even features the same characters and progressive story of the previousMW2campaign.
From a gameplay perspective, you obviously can jump intoMW3and enjoy it without ever having played the previous campaign. However, to fully understand and appreciate the story of the short campaign inMW3, you will definitely want to have played through the previous campaign.
It’s also worth keeping in mind that originallyMW3was intended as a DLC add-on toMW2. So the story directly involves and intertwines between the characters and story ofMW2. As such, it’s certainly recommended you play theMW2campaign before jumping into theMW3campaign.
