What are Open Combat Missions in MWIII?

Task Force 141’s rules of engagement have changed to fight the ultimate threat. Learn from Sledgehammer Games and Infinity Ward about Modern Warfare III’s Open Combat Missions in this deep dive.

Open Combat Missions

Open Combat Missions are a new type of mission that will be introduced in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III. These missions give players more freedom to approach the action in a variety of different ways.

In an Open Combat Mission, players will be able to choose their own path through the level, select their own weapons and equipment, and even use stealth or brute force to achieve their objectives. This will allow players to play the game in a way that suits their own playstyle.

For example, one player might choose to sneak through the shadows, taking out enemies one by one. Another player might prefer to go in guns blazing, using heavy weapons and explosives to clear the way. And still another player might try to find a balance between stealth and firepower.

The choice is up to the player.

Fixed Objectives, Open Combat

Open Combat Missions still have fixed objectives but how you accomplish them is up to you.

Although these missions begin with a set loadout, you can find a variety of other equipment including additional weapons, Supply Boxes, and other opportunities to change or confirm your approach to what you think is “the most advantageous way to completing the objectives.”

Return to Gora Dam

The Intel Drop video showcases several Campaign Open Combat Missions, including one based at Verdansk’s Gora Dam.

Unlike the Gora Dam that players remember from 2019, the Gora River’s waters run deep in 2023. From atop the Dam, Simon “Ghost” Riley – who players control as part of this mission – must defuse several bomb sites in the vicinity of the dam, one of which is on a moving truck.

How Ghost completes this mission is in your hands.

Ghost is armed with a fully kitted-out Assault Rifle for weapons-free engagements, but also has a silenced Sidearm, a pair of binoculars, a lethal and tactical grenade, as well as additional equipment that may contain even more options for completing the mission. This is just Ghost’s infil ordnance; you have a wide variety of weaponry, armaments and other items to optionally gather as the mission progresses, and your tactics change and adapt.

Ten (of Many) Examples of What to Do in Open Combat Missions

In short, Open Combat Missions are not linear. They can be approached from numerous angles, including altering strategies at any point during the mission.

Here are ten true-to-the-franchise actions and strategies to use in an Open Combat Mission:

• Stealth: Remain undetected by enemies. This can be done by using silenced weapons, staying in the shadows, and avoiding contact with enemies.
• Guns a-Blazing: Go in with guns blazing and take on enemies head-on. This is a more risky strategy, but it can be effective if you are well-equipped and skilled.
• Using a Loadout: Use your loadout to your advantage. This includes your weapons and equipment. For example, you can use a silenced weapon for stealth missions or a powerful weapon for all-out assaults.

• Picking up Enemy Ordanance: Pick up enemy weapons and equipment. This can be helpful if you run out of your own supplies.
• Scavenging for More: Find additional loadout items, item boxes, and even the ability to swap to another loadout mid-mission. This gives you even more options for completing your objectives.
• Moving around: You’re not limited to moving on foot in Open Combat Missions. You can also use vehicles, swim, and even use parkour to get around. This gives you a lot of freedom to approach the mission in your own way.
• Parachuting, Parkour, and More: Whether its jumping off the Gora Dam or mantling onto balconies, Open Combat Missions offer plenty of verticality and unconventional movement options.
• In Water: If there is a body of water in an Open Combat Mission, you are free to dive into it and swim.
• Vehicles: There are plenty of vehicles to be found in Open Combat Missions, don’t be afraid to use them to your advantage.

Vehicles and more in Open Combat Missions in the Campaign of #MWIII #CallofDuty #MW3 pic.twitter.com/MegWN9k156

— EliteGamerInsights (@EliteGInsights) August 22, 2023

• Killstreaks and Interactable Items: Use killstreaks and interactable items to your advantage. For example, you can call in an airstrike or use a grappling hook to reach a difficult-to-access area.
• Remember: during an Open Combat Mission, you can change your approach at any moment. Just keep in mind what many Multiplayer veterans will tell you is key to mission success: Play to finish objectives.

Essentially, Open Combat Missions are based in ideals of player choice and challenge. You’ll be intentionally challenged by enemies in a variety of different ways, in part because “if you get no resistance as you’re going through, then there is no reason to try different strategies.” Pitts explains.

Though the resistance your adversaries bring is as impressive as it is varied, there is still a great deal of room to improvise your way to victory: “You may even decide to challenge yourself on some of these. Like, ‘What’s the fastest I can do this?’ or ‘Can I just bring a knife to a gunfight?’ and really push the bounds of what you can bring as a player.

Next Mission: Call Of Duty Next on October 5

With a deep dive into Open Combat Missions completed, let’s talk about what’s Next.

Call of Duty: Next returns on October 5, 2023, and can be watched live on the Official Call of Duty Twitch® Channel or Call of Duty YouTube® Channel.

With the help of Call of Duty developers and community representatives, Call of Duty: Next is the premier showcase for Modern Warfare III Multiplayer, a look forward to what’s coming to Call of Duty: Warzone™, as well as the livestream where updates from Call of Duty’s mobile experiences will be shared.