Does Modern Warfare 3 have Hardcore?

Modern Warfare 3 player holding gun with smoke from fire in background
Credit: Activision

Modern Warfare 3 player holding gun with smoke from fire in background
Credit: Activision
November 20, 2023: Modern Warfare 3 is out now and we've got all the MW3 Hardcore intel you need to know in our guide.

For those looking for an alternative playlist, Modern Warfare 3 Hardcore is the place to go.

Thanks to a faster time to kill than core game modes, this particular Modern Warfare 3 playlist is a staple of the franchise. Featuring a limited head-up display (HUD) and with the majority of the gun list able to score kills with a single shot, many gravitate towards Hardcore as a quick way of unlocking some of the coveted mastery camos in multiplayer.

Before we reveal all about Modern Warfare 3 Hardcore, be sure to take a look at the best Striker loadout and when the first double XP event is likely to take place.

Does Modern Warfare 3 have Hardcore mode?

Fans of Hardcore will be pleased to know Modern Warfare 3 will feature Hardcore as one of several playlists that will be available at launch. Sledgehammer Games confirmed the news following the initial reveal of the game. The developer says: "Hardcore mode is not affected" by adjustments to player health levels.

Modern Warfare 3 players parachuting towards ground with armoured vehicles in foreground
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Credit: Activision

Modern Warfare 3 Hardcore explained

Hardcore is the usual fast-paced action from the standard selection of game modes but instead of the longer time to kill, most weaponry is capable of eliminating a target with a small amount of ammunition.

The adjustments don't stop there. A limited HUD means the minimap only appears when there's a UAV flying overhead, and there's no way of telling how many bullets you have left in the magazine during a heated gunfight.

A faster time to kill may not float everyone's boat, but Modern Warfare 3 Hardcore is particularly useful if you're attempting to rank up weapons fast, especially if it's an underpowered pistol or a launcher that constantly produces hitmarkers during 6v6 and Ground War matches.

Modern Warfare 3 Hardcore game modes

The following game modes will be available to play as soon as the Modern Warfare 3 servers are switched on:

  • Team Deathmatch
  • Domination
  • Kill Confirmed
  • Search and Destroy

Once the game launches, we'll be sure to update our guide with other game modes that have received a Hardcore twist.

There you have it, that's everything there is to know about Modern Warfare 3 Hardcore. For more, check out the best MCW loadout and all of the early Season 1 intel.