Competitive modes in shooters are more popular than ever, like MW3 Ranked Play. Both casual and hardcore players like to dive into the mode. It provides a fresh experience, allowing them to pursue the goal of getting a high ranking by the end of the season. Each recent iteration of Call of Duty features the mode. MW3 is no different, allowing players to compete on new and classic MW2 maps.
However, as more players join the game, they may be curious about Ranked Play. It may seem straightforward from an outside perspective. But, there is a little more to it than you may think. Therefore, we have written this article to provide a more explained approach. That way, players can anticipate what to expect when they begin. Below are the details of what to know about MW3 Ranked Play.
What is MW3 Ranked Play?
MW3 Ranked Play is the competitive mode in Call of Duty: MW3 where players compete to rise through ranks. It differs from regular gameplay though. Unlike the regular mode which is 6v6, MW3 Ranked Play is 4v4. Also, players must win matches to earn points and rank their designated tiers. In addition to this, if they lose, they will lose points. The risk of this is that they can be relegated to a lower rank tier. The ultimate goal is to reach the highest rank possible, which is Top 250.
However, it is a more intense experience than the regular game. This is due to players having more skill and experience with the game. Therefore, rather than being casual, the games are faster-paced. Additionally, players know the ins and outs of all of the maps and how each weapon works. Plus they know which weapon loadouts are the best to use. Moreover, they are more than likely to play with others they know to ensure full communication and coordination.
Ranks & Divisions in MW3 Ranked Play
There are various ranks to go through in MW3 Ranked Play. Additionally, these ranks are split up by different divisions (essentially groupings) that separate them. However, to get these, players must reach an SR (skill ratings) threshold to do so. The players’ SR differs based on a few factors. These include win/loss, amount of kills and deaths, and presence through match performance. Because of this, players need to play methodically and contribute as much as they can to make a difference. There are many ranks for players to ascend through in MW3 Ranked Play and they are:
| Rank Division | SR Required |
| Bronze 1-3 | 0-899 |
| Silver 1-3 | 900-2099 |
| Gold 1-3 | 2100-3599 |
| Platinum 1-3 | 3600-5399 |
| Diamond 1-3 | 5400-7499 |
| Crimson 1-3 | 7500-9999 |
| Iridescent | 10,000 |
| Top 250 | 10,000+ |
In total, there are 20 different ranks to climb through in MW3 Ranked Play. Except for Iridescent and Top 250, every other division has three tiers to progress through. They too are included within the SR required pool when advancing through them. But with so many to climb through, you may be curious about how they work.
How Do The Ranks Work?
When a season ends in MW3, the ranks are reset, giving a goal to continue towards in a new season. This is similar to other games with a ranked mode, like Fortnite. However, there is a big difference. Rather than go back to the beginning, each skill division gets a different placement when the new season starts. To clarify, players in Bronze will start at the tier 1 level of the Bronze division. All players in Silver through to Crimson will start at a division lower than where they finished. But with three demotions protection matches right off the bat. For example, if you end at Crimson 3, you will begin the next season at Diamond 3. The same goes for players in Iridescent and Top 250, however, they get relegated down to tier 1 of Diamond.
While this may sound like a bad trade-off, you fortunately do not get reset completely back to the lowest rank. Additionally, the demotion protection matches are a huge benefit. This gives players a few chances to earn a good amount of SR. That way, you are not instantly facing being demoted, rather have a good chance to gain a skill tier.
Do You Earn Rewards for Playing MW3 Ranked Play?
Yes, players earn rewards for playing in the ranked mode for MW3. However, they must achieve certain ranks and get a specific amount of wins to get rewards. The rewards range from weapon blueprints to loading screens, and charms to decals.
Players unlock varying rewards at each of the following wins:
- 5 wins
- 10 wins
- 25 wins
- 50 wins
- 75 wins
- 100 wins
Additionally, the following are the different rewards that players can earn for where they finish in the ranks for MW3 Ranked Play for that season:
- Bronze – MW3 Current Season Bronze Emblem.
- Silver – MW3 Current Season Silver Emblem.
- Gold – Animated Gold Emblem & Weapon Camo from the current MW3 Season.
- Platinum – Animated Platinum Emblem & Weapon Camo from the current MW3 Season.
- Diamond – Animated Diamond Emblem & Weapon Camo from the current MW3 Season.
- Crimson – Animated Crimson Emblem & Weapon Camo from the current MW3 Season.
- Iridescent – Iridescent Animated Emblem, Weapon Camo, and Calling Card from this season.
- Top 250 – Top 250 Animated Emblem, Weapon Camo, and Calling Card from this season.
As players can see, there are various incentives for playing in MW3 Ranked Play. Many of the items are cosmetics and mainly bragging rights for which rank you reached. As other players can see which designs they are, attaining the highest rank in the Top 250 group is the ultimate goal. Additionally, by garnering wins, you can also earn weapon blueprints. However, these vary from season to season on what weapons to expect from them.
The Best Ways to Earn SR in MW3 Ranked Play
The two ways to earn SR in MW3 Ranked Play are by winning matches and getting plenty of kills. While it may seem obvious, these are the fastest ways. Therefore, ignoring the K/D ratio is best, and being as involved in the objective is recommended. Earning more SR can help you get promoted through all of the ranks more efficiently. However, by staying more passive, you are open to earning less SR. And with that, you could risk being relegated to a lower rank. Additionally, by not playing the objective, you risk losing matches, which takes SR away.
But, if you opt to play objectives less, taking down more enemies to compensate is the alternative. Overall, being present and contributing to your team is what earns you SR. So be sure you create load-outs for weapons that are both powerful and you have lots of experience with. By doing the two ways, you can begin to earn more and more SR as time goes on, even if you take some losses with your team.
How to Play MW3 Ranked Play
To play MW3 Ranked Play, players must first unlock it. To do so, you must reach level 55 in the multiplayer portion of the game. The reasoning behind this is for a couple of different things. The first is that it helps players get comfortable with the game mechanics, weapons, and items. Secondly, it allows players to unlock all of the base game items, from arsenal to killstreaks. Therefore assisting the players have options when they go into the competitive mode.
By doing this, it transitions players to a more level playing field when they arrive. Rather than having them try ranked out right away with only a couple of items in the full arsenal to use. While level 55 takes a while to get to, it is a great way to train players and get them used to the movement of MW3 and learn the various maps. It makes the standard multiplayer mode feel like a prologue to ranked play for many players in the community.
What Modes & Maps Are Available in MW3 Ranked Play?
When it comes to modes, in MW3 Ranked Play, there are: Control, Hardpoint, and Search & Destroy. Additionally, the game features a sizeable roster of maps that players see throughout the rotation of the competitive mode. The reasoning behind the limited modes is to promote teamwork through ranked play. Therefore, they have selected the game modes that require the most amount of communication in the game. Players curious about the map and game rotations can see our details below:
- Control: 6 Star, Grime, Highrise, Incline, Invasion, Karachi, Rio, Tokyo
- Hardpoint: Highrise, Incline, Invasion, Karachi, Paris, Rio, Tokyo, Vista
- Search and Destroy: 6 Star, Grime, Incline, Karachi, Rio, Sub Base, Tokyo, Vista
With each season, the maps can change. Rather than some being taken out, more are added in, especially if they are new additions to the game. Therefore, it may be a good idea when new maps are a part of it, to practice on them. Allowing you to learn choke points as well as good flanks.
MW3 Ranked Play Tips
There are some things to know about ranked play in MW3 that may help to succeed. Such as building a reliable team, consistent practice, and more. Because the mode is more competitive, being prepared makes all the difference between success and failure. For starters, players should aim to get a good team together to communicate well. Gathering friends to fill up a team can make all the difference, leading to more efficient communication. Furthermore, when playing the game, if no one is on, be sure to practice in regular multiplayer. Brushing up on your movement and accuracy can give you the upper edge on the enemy team.
As stated earlier, getting those wins and many kills will help increase your SR at a fast rate. In turn, this will lead to you being promoted soon or earning more SR than you lose if a match becomes a loss. A very important thing to remember is that your time is limited in a season. Because they only go on for a couple of months, you must make sure to get as much playtime in ranked as possible. There are many ranks to climb through. If you want to get to the higher echelons, you gotta start as early as you can on ranked.
Overall, developing these habits can help you build a good strategy for success within MW3 Ranked Play. There will be times when matches will be hard fought and that kills with be lesser. But like any other Call of Duty, practicing can help you in competitive play.
MW3 Ranked Play Provides Good Competition
All-in-all, MW3 Ranked Play is a different way to compete against others in the game. In a positive way, by experiencing more amped-up gameplay. It’s fast-paced, with high stakes and new goals to work towards. While MW3 can be tough, there is a good deal of satisfaction when being promoted to the next rank division. Plus, earning the different rewards can be bragging rights to your friends and others. Just make sure to find loadouts that work for you before diving in so you can learn how they feel. While the regular game mode is fun, there is just something about ranked play in the game that turns it up to another level.
That is everything to know about MW3 Ranked Play. From the different maps and modes, how to play in it, and much more. While it may seem daunting with all the information, players are sure to succeed. Our guide aims to help you prepare for what is to come by participating in it. Above all else though, be sure to have fun and bring friends with you when start the competitive side of Call of Duty MW3.
