The Mechanics of Open Combat Operations in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

The full campaign of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 continues the story from where Modern Warfare 2 left off. However, this year's game introduces a new addition called Open Combat missions. These missions will provide players with a larger playable area and more freedom to choose how they want to accomplish their objectives. While most missions in Modern Warfare 3 follow a linear style of play, the Open Combat missions offer a refreshing change with increased options for players.

During these missions, you will be given a specific objective, but the blog suggests that there are numerous possibilities for how you can achieve it. In your initial playthrough of an Open Combat mission, you will receive a predetermined loadout that matches the mission's narrative. This loadout includes the Spotter Scope, which allows you to carefully survey the surroundings for potential enemy threats, label enemies, locate equipment, and gather information about points of interest.

The Spotter Scope proves to be advantageous as one of your main tasks is to procure better equipment. Within the mission area, there is an abundance of loot available, ranging from additional weapons and killstreaks to armor plates. You have the opportunity to scavenge this extra gear to align with your preferred style of gameplay. This could involve acquiring armor plates to engage in a loud and aggressive approach or selecting suppressed weapons to aid in executing a stealthy strategy.

In these missions, you have the freedom to explore different paths instead of following a linear route. You can discover ziplines and ascenders that will help you reach higher ground for a better view, allowing you to choose your preferred route. A Tac-Map will provide an overview of the objective and its location, while a minimap will highlight nearby items and enemies.

The minimap also displays the current alert level of the enemy. When you are spotted, the borders on the minimap will turn yellow, indicating that they are aware of something in their vicinity, but not your exact location. If you are sighted, the borders will turn red to confirm that they know where you are. At this point, an enemy may even activate an alarm to call for reinforcements.

If you ever find yourself in a situation where the enemy outnumbers and overwhelms you, one option is to retreat into the surroundings by utilizing an ascender and parachute. This enables you to swiftly disappear from sight. According to the blog, by remaining concealed long enough, the adversaries will eventually abandon their direct pursuit and instead begin searching the nearby area for your presence.

After successfully finishing an Open Combat mission, you have the option to replay the mission and personalize your initial loadout. This customization is based on the weapons and items you discovered during your previous playthrough.

Modern Warfare 3 is set to release on November 10, but if you digitally preorder, you can start playing the campaign as early as November 2. Below, you will find all the details regarding preload and start times for both the early access period and the full release of Modern Warfare 3.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am excited about the new Open Combat missions in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. These missions offer a refreshing change from the linear style of play that is typically found in Call of Duty games. I appreciate the freedom to choose how I want to accomplish my objectives and explore different paths through the mission area.

The addition of the Spotter Scope and the ability to procure better equipment also add a new level of strategy to the game. I can't wait to experiment with different loadouts and tactics to find the best way to complete each mission. Overall, I think the Open Combat missions are a great addition to Modern Warfare 3 and I can't wait to play them when the game releases on November 10th.