Unlocking the full arsenal in Modern Warfare 3 just got a strategic upgrade with the new Armory system. Once you hit level 25, the game hands you the keys to a vast collection of weapons, attachments, perks, and equipment-but with a twist: you must complete daily challenges and prioritize your unlock queue to claim them. This system not only rewards skill and persistence but also adds a fresh layer of tactical decision-making to your progression, making every match count more than ever.
Here’s an explainer on how armory unlocks work in Modern Warfare 3, how it relates to challenges, and the best armory unlocks to get first.
How to get armory unlocks in Modern Warfare 3
To get armory unlocks in Modern Warfare 3, you first need to reach level 25 in the game, which grants access to the Armory system. Once unlocked, you can select up to three weapons, attachments, killstreaks, or equipment to prioritize by adding them to your unlock queue. Progress towards these unlocks is made by completing daily challenges, which typically involve tasks like getting kills with certain weapons or winning multiplayer matches. Each completed challenge earns points that contribute to unlocking the selected items, with some requiring more points than others. Additionally, playing and completing challenges in Zombies mode can also earn points towards armory unlocks. Managing your queue and completing these challenges efficiently is key to unlocking your desired gear faster.
First, you need not worry about armory unlocks until you reach level 25, as they’re unavailable until then. When you do hit level 25, you’ll be given a brief rundown, but even then, it’s still somewhat confusing.
How do armory unlocks work in Modern Warfare 3?
In Modern Warfare 3, Armory Unlocks become available once players reach level 25, allowing them to unlock weapons, attachments, perks, equipment, killstreaks, and cosmetics through completing Daily Challenges. Players can queue up to three unlocks at a time and earn points by finishing these challenges, which include tasks like getting kills with specific weapons or winning multiplayer matches. Each unlock requires a certain number of points, typically ranging from 2 to 8, with attachments generally needing fewer points than weapons. Players can also earn additional points by completing bonus challenges in multiplayer or Zombies mode. This system lets players prioritize which items to unlock first, providing more control over their progression compared to traditional leveling systems.
Essentially, some specific weapons, attachments, killstreaks, and equipment are unlocked via armory unlocks rather than the usual leveling up process, and it works as follows:
- You can complete armory unlocks simply by completing daily challenges, and each armory unlock has a set number of daily challenges you must complete to unlock the item in question.
- You can pick and choose which armory unlock you work on next by navigating to the armory unlock challenges and picking three to go into your queue.
- As you complete one, the next will automatically be selected. If you don’t queue any, the game will seemingly assign them at random. (One thing to also note is that Zombies mode also has its own daily challenges, so you can also contribute to armory unlocks by slaying some undead.)
So when it comes to unlocking individual items through the armory unlock system, pick which armory unlocks you want to work on, then start completing your daily challenges.
How to get bonus armory challenges in Modern Warfare 3
To get bonus Armory challenges in Modern Warfare 3, you first need to reach level 25 to unlock the Armory Unlock Challenges system. Each day, you can complete three daily challenges to earn points towards unlocking weapons, perks, equipment, and more. After completing these three daily challenges, a bonus daily challenge becomes available, which can be completed infinitely to continue earning points. Additionally, winning multiplayer matches can grant extra unlock points once the daily challenges are exhausted. You can also complete daily Zombies challenges for additional points. If you want to switch your focus to a different unlock, simply activate a new Armory Unlock Challenge, and your progress will transfer to the new item. This system allows you to unlock content faster and prioritize the items you want most.
Once you complete three daily challenges, you may think you’re unable to complete any more until the next day, but that’s incorrect.
Upon completing three daily challenges, you’ll unlock the bonus daily challenge, which is essentially infinite. All you need to do for this is win a match. This will earn you one point towards an armory unlock, but since it doesn’t expire, you can earn as many armory unlock points as you like in one day, provided you can win enough matches.
The easiest way to win matches is very much the same way you level up fast – make sure you’re playing the objective, and are contributing to your team’s victory.
So much like we explain in our guide on how to level up fast, make sure you’re playing the objective and contributing to your team’s victory.
Best armory unlocks in Modern Warfare 3
The best armory unlocks in Modern Warfare 3 offer a mix of powerful weapons, useful equipment, and valuable perks that enhance gameplay. Top choices include the Longbow sniper rifle, known for its precision and effectiveness; the Rival-9 submachine gun, favored for its fast-fire rate and close combat capability; and the Marksman Gloves, which reduce flinch and sway during aiming, benefiting quickscopers. Essential gear like Covert Sneakers provide stealth by silencing footsteps, while lethal equipment such as Semtex grenades add tactical versatility. Additionally, the Ghost T/V Camo is highly prized for its ability to block detection from UAVs and enemy sensors, making it ideal for stealth-focused players. These unlocks become available starting at level 25 through the armory system and can be prioritized via daily challenges and winning matches to efficiently enhance your loadout.
With 58 armory unlocks available in total – not including weapon attachments, which are found via the gunsmith for your selected weapon – you may be wondering which items to focus on first.
Here are some of our recommendations:
- Aftermarket Parts: This is a broad category, but Aftermarket Parts can only be unlocked via armory unlocks or weekly challenges, and since you can dictate the pace of the former, it’s highly recommended.
- Marksman Gloves: These are arguably the best gloves in the game, especially for those of you using a mid-long range build such as our best MCW loadout or best BAS-B loadout, since they help you stay accurate.
- Covert Sneakers: If you’re sick and tired of people knowing where you are because of your footsteps, these are what you need, as they muffle the sound.
- Trophy System: For anyone playing the objective in respawn-based modes such as Domination and Hardpoint, having a Trophy System to destroy any incoming throwables or equipment is a huge help.
- VTOL Jet: The VTOL Jet is essentially the old Harrier killstreak from MW2 2009 and is one of the best killstreaks in the game, so comes highly recommended.
- Semtex: A sticky version of a Frag Grenade, the Semtex is a series classic and often preferred to its five-second-timer sibling.
- Rival-9: It didn’t quite make our list of the best guns in MW3, but the Rival-9 is a highly capable SMG that you’ll want to have in your arsenal if you’re sprinting around.
How do armory challenges influence my weapon unlock strategy in MW3
Armory challenges in Modern Warfare 3 significantly shape your weapon unlock strategy by requiring you to complete daily challenges to earn points toward unlocking specific weapons, attachments, perks, equipment, and killstreaks. Once you reach level 25, you gain access to the Armory Unlock system, where you can prioritize up to three items in a queue to unlock by completing these challenges. Each item requires a set number of points, typically earned by finishing daily objectives such as getting kills with certain weapons or winning multiplayer matches. You can also switch your active unlock challenge at any time, transferring your progress to a new item if you change your mind. This system encourages strategic planning about which gear to unlock first, as you must balance your daily challenge efforts and prioritize items that best fit your playstyle or meta preferences. Additionally, bonus challenges and Zombies mode challenges provide alternative ways to earn points, making it possible to unlock desired weapons faster than through normal leveling alone.
How do completing daily challenges shape my weapon unlock choices in MW3
Completing daily challenges in Modern Warfare 3 directly influences your weapon unlock choices by acting as the primary currency for progressing through the Armory Unlock system. Each weapon, attachment, perk, or piece of equipment requires a set number of daily challenges to be completed-typically between two and eight-to unlock. You activate the unlock challenge for a specific item, then complete the daily objectives, such as getting kills with certain weapons or winning matches, to earn progress points toward that item. After finishing your three daily challenges, you can continue earning points by winning multiplayer matches, which count as bonus challenges and help speed up unlocks. This system encourages you to prioritize which weapons or gear you want to unlock first and plan your daily gameplay around completing those challenges efficiently. Moreover, you can switch your active unlock challenge at any time, transferring your progress to a new item, allowing flexibility in your unlock strategy. Overall, daily challenges shape your unlock path by gating progression and rewarding consistent, targeted play.
