Do you need to play the MW2 campaign before Modern Warfare 3?

After multiple sequels, remasters, and even complete remakes, it can be challenging to keep up with Call of Duty from both technical and lore standpoints. Modern Warfare 3 (MW3), the third installment in the ongoing trilogy, is no exception.

While the Modern Warfare 2 campaign serves as a prologue of sorts, this article discusses whether you can skip it and go straight to Modern Warfare 3.

---

Is it necessary to play the MW2 campaign before Modern Warfare 3?

Modern Warfare 2 lore and characters

Modern Warfare 2 (Image via Activision)

You do not need to complete the Modern Warfare 2 campaign before beginning Modern Warfare 3. However, understanding the lore of the MW2 campaign might enhance the experience. It is a direct sequel to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019), which kicked off the rebooted series and was developed by Infinity Ward.

Captain Price was organizing Task Force 141 to face the threat posed by Zakhaev Junior when we last checked in with him at the end of Modern Warfare 2019. Modern Warfare 2 picks up three years later, with Task Force 141 fully established and operating globally. While plot specifics are scarce, the MW2 campaign begins with a US strike killing a foreign general.

This nation vows vengeance, and Task Force 141 joins forces with Mexican Special Forces and Shadow Company and travels to the Middle East, Europe, and Mexico, before returning to the United States to avert a worldwide disaster.

The missions require the crew to maneuver gunships, fight inside a convoy, locate high-value targets, and operate quietly underwater. You'll need to become a "true Tier One Operator" to survive, according to the developer.

---

Transitioning from Modern Warfare 2 to Modern Warfare 3

While Modern Warfare 2's lore is profound and entertaining, it is not required to enjoy Modern Warfare 3. The campaign of Modern Warfare 3 is a direct sequel to 2022's MW2 campaign, following the rebooted story's altered timeframe.

Vladimir Makarov, the original Call of Duty villain, returns to create worldwide chaos in the game. While he isn't the same man we met in the original Modern Warfare trilogy, this version of the character has a history with Price and Task Force 141.

Makarov and his private army will launch false flag strikes all around the world, blaming Farah Karim's Urzikstan Liberation Front and TF141. The campaign puts you in the shoes of Makarov's Konni Force and Task Force 141 members, committing crimes and dealing with the consequences.

There are various reasons why the MW2 campaign can be skipped before MW3. While there are recurrent characters and overall tales, the plot of each game is distinct and can be appreciated without prior knowledge of the series. Modern Warfare 3 gives new players enough context and backstory to comprehend the plot and character motives.

Secondly, the gaming mechanics and concepts are consistent between the games, making it possible for you to leap into any game in the series without feeling lost or overwhelmed.