All MW3 Ranked Play Skill divisions, ranks, modes, maps & rewards
If you're going to compete at the top level in MW3 Ranked Play, you'll need to know the Skill divisions, ranks, modes, maps & rewards to succeed and know what is at stake.
Despite not being included in Modern Warfare 3 at launch, developer Sledgehammer Games has confirmed Ranked Play will arrive with the Season 1 Reloaded update.
Ranked Play is a different type of game mode in Call of Duty that lets players show off their true competitive skills. Completing matches earns players a rank, and this can either increase or decrease depending on your performance in subsequent matches in the game.
We've been waiting a while to sink our teeth into some Ranked Play, so here's a full rundown of the skill divisions, ranks, modes, maps, and of course, the rewards.
When is Ranked Play coming to MW3?
Ranked Play will be available in Modern Warfare on January 17, 2024, with the release of the Season 1 Reloaded patch.
Ranked Play modes, rules & Skill Divisions
Ranked Play is a competitive mode that becomes available to players in MW3 once they reach level 55. The experience allows competitors to play like the pros in 4v4 matches using the same settings, maps, and modes as the CDL. Keep in mind, certain weapons, Killstreaks, and Equipment are restricted in Ranked Play and friendly fire is enabled - so be careful!
Everyone will begin their first season in Bronze I and by winning matches, players can earn Skill Rating (SR) and advance through the eight Skill Divisions: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Crimson, Diamond, Iridescent, and Top 250. The amount of SR you earn is determined by your personal and team performance.
In terms of modes in Ranked Play, there are three in total:
- CDL Search & Destroy: No respawning; 1.5-minute round timer; Friendly Fire enabled. Supported maps include Highrise, Invasion, Karachi, Skidrow, and Terminal.
- CDL Hardpoint: 5-minute time limit; 250 score limit; 60-second objective rotation; Friendly Fire enabled. Supported maps include Invasion, Karachi, Skidrow, Sub Base, and Terminal.
- CDL Control: 30 lives per team; 1.5-minute time limit; 3-round win limit; Friendly Fire enabled. Supported maps include Highrise, Invasion, and Karachi.
Remember at the end of each Ranked season you will be dropped back three Tiers and the highest Skill Division you can start a new season is Diamond I. This gives the devs a chance to reset the ladder and allow other players to make a bid for the Top 250.
What maps will feature in MW3 Ranked Play?
Not every MW3 is suitable for Ranked Play, so only a select of locations are enabled. Here's the full list below:
- Highrise
- Invasion
- Karachi
- Skidrow
- Sub Base
- Terminal
You can check which maps are available in each specific mode above, as not all of them are active in all of the three modes.
Modern Warfare 3 Ranked Play rewards
Everyone loves rewards, especially when it's for a Skill Division you've reached, as it marks an achievement. For starters, let's break down the standard rewards that anyone can earn for just participating in Ranked:
- Win five Ranked Play matches to earn the “MWIII Season 1 Competitor” Weapon Sticker
- Win 10 Ranked Play matches to earn the “Pro Issue Gutter Knife” Weapon Blueprint
- Win 20 Ranked Play matches to earn the “Script Writer” Weapon Charm
- Win 30 Ranked Play matches to earn the “Built Different” Large Decal
- Win 40 Ranked Play matches to earn the “MWIII Ranked Play Season 1” Loading Screen
- Win 50 Ranked Play matches to earn the “MWIII Season 1 Ranked Veteran” Weapon Camo
Next, there are the exclusive rewards that are only obtainable by reaching a specific Skill Division by the end of the season:
- Bronze & Silver: Season 1 Emblem
- Gold through Crimson: New Ranked Play–themed Operator Skins and Weapon Charms, as well as Skill Division Animated Emblem reward
- Iridescent: “MWIII Season 1 Iridescent” animated Calling Card, Skill Division’s Operator Skins, Animated Emblem, and Weapon Charm rewards
- Top 250: Exclusive Top 250 Operator Skins, a Weapon Charm, a unique animated Emblem and Calling Card
- Number one in the world: All of the above and a unique one-of-a-kind animated Emblem and Calling Card for the #1 ranked player of the season.
So, now you know everything about MW3 Ranked, be sure to check out our MW3 homepage and if you're looking for the best loadouts in the current meta, check out our MW3 weapons tier list.
About The Author
Alex Garton
Alex is a Senior Writer at GGRecon. With a BA (Hons) in English, he has previously written for Dexerto & Gfinity. Specialising in Call of Duty & Apex Legends, he loves (attempting) to improve his aim in competitive shooters and will always make time for a single-player RPG.
