Uncrowned Guard

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023) marks another thrilling entry in the iconic series, delivering intense combat, a gripping campaign, and robust multiplayer modes. While the game itself is not free-to-play (F2P) and seems unlikely to transition to such a model in the foreseeable future, there are opportunities for players to experience parts of MW3 without the initial purchase price. This guide will explore those opportunities and what they mean for interested gamers. Understanding MW3's Access Options Premium Purchase Model: At its core, MW3 maintains the traditional premium purchase model. This means players need to buy the game to enjoy the full spectrum of content, including the campaign, multiplayer modes, and any special events or content updates. Free-to-Play Weekends: Occasionally, MW3 opens its doors to non-owners through free-to-play weekends. These events allow full access to certain parts of the game, typically multiplayer modes, for a limited time. These weekends serve as excellent opportunities for players on the fence to experience the game firsthand before committing to a purchase. No Game Pass or Subscription Services: As of now, MW3 is not available on Xbox Game Pass or any other subscription service, and there are no immediate plans to include the game in such services until at least the 2024 release cycle. This stance further underscores the game's premium model approach. How to Make the Most of Free-to-Play Weekends Stay Informed: Follow Call of Duty on social media and subscribe to newsletters to get timely information on upcoming free-to-play weekends. These are your ticket to experiencing MW3 without buying the game outright. Prepare Ahead: Free-to-play weekends can be crowded, with servers experiencing higher loads than usual. Ensure your gaming setup is ready ahead of time to maximize your playtime during these events. Explore Widely: Use the opportunity to explore as much of the game as possible. Dive into different multiplayer modes, experiment with various loadouts, and get a feel for the game’s mechanics and content offerings. Progress Retention: Typically, any progress made during free-to-play weekends, such as leveling up or unlocking gear, will carry over if you decide to purchase the game. This means your efforts during the weekend won't go to waste. Future Outlook While MW3 remains a premium title without immediate plans for a transition to F2P or inclusion in subscription services like Game Pass, the landscape of gaming is always evolving. The decision to not add Call of Duty to Game Pass until a later release indicates a strategic approach to game distribution and monetization. However, free-to-play weekends offer a glimpse into the game, enticing potential buyers and keeping the community vibrant. Conclusion Call of Duty: MW3 (2023) offers a mix of traditional purchase models with periodic access through free-to-play weekends, allowing gamers a taste of its high-octane action without upfront cost. While the game stands firm in its premium roots, these events represent a valuable opportunity for engagement and exploration for interested players. Keep an eye out for these free access periods and prepare to jump into the fray, experiencing firsthand what MW3 has to offer. View full record

Introduction In 2023, the Call of Duty series returns with MW3, a direct sequel to the prior year's game, continuing the high-octane narrative and action that fans have come to expect. This guide delves into the MW3 campaign, offering insights into the story, characters, missions, and the unique narrative experience it provides. Campaign Overview The MW3 campaign brings back the notorious villain Makarov, escalating the stakes in this third installment of the reboot trilogy. Players will join forces with Task Force 141 in a series of globe-trotting missions designed to thwart Makarov's nefarious plans. With 14 missions incorporating traditional linear levels and the innovative Open Combat Missions, the campaign promises a blend of strategy, action, and freedom. Features Open Combat Missions: A new addition to the series, these missions offer players larger levels and multiple ways to achieve objectives, enhancing the sense of agency and tactical flexibility. Direct Sequel: For the first time, we see a direct sequel in consecutive years within the Call of Duty series, hinting at the continuation of the storyline in Modern Warfare 4. Campaign Rewards Completing the MW3 campaign not only offers a rich narrative experience but also rewards players with: Unique Operators such as Corso, Pathfinder, Jabber, and Doc. Exclusive Calling Cards and XP Tokens. A special Campaign Completion Emblem and Weapon Blueprint. Each of the 14 missions provides a specific reward, encouraging thorough exploration and completion of the campaign. Narrative Deep Dive The campaign's narrative focuses on Task Force 141's efforts to prevent Makarov from igniting a global conflict. The story spans several days and involves intricate plots, including terrorist attacks meant to incite war between Russia and Urzikstan. Players will navigate through intense combat scenarios, strategic deployments, and dramatic story arcs featuring beloved characters like Price, Soap, Ghost, and Gaz. Conclusion The MW3 campaign for 2023 delivers a compelling follow-up to its predecessor, blending intense action, strategic gameplay, and a gripping narrative. Whether you're engaging in Open Combat Missions or following the linear storyline, MW3 offers a diverse and rewarding experience. With the promise of Modern Warfare 4 on the horizon, completing the MW3 campaign is an essential step for fans eager to see how the saga continues. Strategies for Success Embrace the flexibility of Open Combat Missions to find new strategies and approaches. Pay attention to the story to better understand mission objectives and enemy motivations. Utilize rewards from the campaign to enhance your multiplayer experience. MW3's campaign is not just a prelude to multiplayer but a fully-fledged adventure that enriches the game's world and sets the stage for future developments in the series. View full record

Most Popular Shooters on Steam Chart 2023 (Full Year)

Most Popular Shooters on Steam Chart 2023 (Full Year)

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CoD Encounters Major Server Glitch, Halts Ranked Play in MW3 and Warzone In an unexpected turn of events, fans of "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3" and "Warzone" found themselves facing a significant setback as developers temporarily suspended Ranked Play across both titles. This decision came in response to a widespread server malfunction that stripped players of their ranks and in-game achievements overnight, casting a shadow over the gaming community. Unraveling the Minot Myer Mystery The root of the chaos was traced back to the notorious Minot Myer bug, a glitch familiar to the CoD community for its disruptive potential. This bug effectively reset player levels to one, erasing all signs of progress and achievements. The developers quickly acknowledged the issue, promising a swift resolution and urging patience from the player base as they scrambled to rectify the problem. Impact and Immediate Actions In a bid to stabilize the situation, the game's creators announced the temporary shutdown of Ranked Play in both "Modern Warfare 3" and "Warzone." This measure was deemed necessary to prevent further progress loss and to maintain the integrity of the competitive experience. The statement from the developers also noted that Modern Warfare's Zombies mode would be offline until a fix was implemented. The gaming community was initially alarmed by the loss of progress, fearing permanent damage to their accounts. However, reassurances were made that all player achievements and levels would be restored upon deploying a corrective update. This disruption wasn't the only issue plaguing Ranked Play; an update introduced on February 21 had previously rendered Cruise Missiles uncontrollable, stripping players of a crucial killstreak tool. This added layer of technical difficulties underscores the challenges faced by the developers in maintaining a smooth competitive environment. As the CoD team works diligently to resolve these issues, players are left to anticipate the return of Ranked Play, hoping for a swift and seamless restoration of their hard-earned progress and the competitive integrity of their favorite games. View full article

In a move that has the Destiny 2 PvP community buzzing with excitement, Bungie has announced a significant twist to its Crucible Labs playlist: a new game mode that strips away the use of abilities, leaving players to rely solely on their weaponry skills. This daring update aims to refresh the player versus player (PvP) experience, drawing both seasoned veterans and newcomers back into the competitive arena. A Fresh Take on PvP For a long time, Destiny 2's PvP modes have been a battleground for players armed with not just their guns but a wide array of supernatural abilities. This dynamic has defined the game's combat, making it as much about strategic ability use as it is about shooting prowess. However, feedback from the community has highlighted a craving for a more traditional, gunplay-focused experience. Responding to these calls, Bungie's latest update through the Crucible Labs, a testing ground for new gameplay modifications, introduces "Checkmate: Hardware," a mode that promises pure gun-on-gun action. Player Enthusiasm and Community Response The announcement of the ability-free modifier within the Crucible Labs playlist has been met with widespread approval from the game's community. This modifier, known as "Hardware," levels the playing field by removing abilities, focusing combat purely on the use of primary, special, and heavy weapons obtained from crates around the map. This significant shift has sparked a wave of anticipation, with players expressing their excitement over the prospect of a mode that prioritizes shooting skill above all. The community's reaction has been largely positive, with many players expressing their intent to return to PvP engagement, drawn by the allure of a more straightforward, skill-based combat system. What This Means for Destiny 2 PvP The introduction of Checkmate: Hardware represents a pivotal moment for Destiny 2's PvP scene. By offering a gameplay experience free from the complexities of abilities, Bungie is not only catering to a segment of its player base looking for a pure test of shooting skill but also shaking up the competitive landscape. This mode could potentially attract players who previously felt alienated by the ability-centric nature of Destiny 2's PvP, offering a new way to engage with the game. As Patch 7.3.6 rolls out, bringing this innovative mode into the fray, the community waits with bated breath to see how it will reshape the PvP experience. Bungie's willingness to experiment with the fundamental aspects of Destiny 2's PvP through initiatives like Crucible Labs underscores the developer's commitment to evolving the game in response to player feedback. Checkmate: Hardware is not just a new game mode; it's a testament to the dynamic and responsive relationship between Bungie and the Destiny 2 community, promising fresh challenges and renewed excitement for the game's competitive future. View full article

In the evolving landscape of online multiplayer games, Bungie's Destiny 2 stands out for its continuous efforts to refine and enhance player experience. The game's developers have introduced a series of significant changes to the matchmaking system, striving to balance competition, skill levels, and the enjoyment of playing with friends. This article delves into the recent adjustments and the rationale behind these changes, marking a new chapter in the Destiny 2 Crucible's matchmaking saga. Enhanced Matchmaking Systems Bungie has initiated several key updates to Destiny 2's matchmaking, aiming to cater to the diverse preferences of its player base. The introduction of the outlier protection matchmaking system replaces the previous skill-based matchmaking in modes like Iron Banner and Control, prioritizing a balanced play environment. Competitive matchmaking now emphasizes rank-based matchups, ensuring players face opponents of similar skill levels. Additionally, Bungie is experimenting with a "Snake Draft" lobby balancer, testing various configurations to perfect this feature. The upcoming 7.3.5 update promises further refinements. Playlist tooltips will be updated for clarity on the matchmaking style applied to each mode. Moreover, adjustments to the Snake Draft lobby balancing aim to enhance how it accommodates fireteams, making it easier for players to enjoy the Crucible with friends without facing undue disadvantages. A Transparent Approach to Matchmaking Bungie acknowledges the complexity of matchmaking systems and the challenges in satisfying the entire spectrum of player preferences. High-level players often seek competitive games against equally skilled opponents, while others prefer showcasing their prowess across a broader player base. To address this, Bungie is committed to offering separate systems and experiences tailored to different player types within the Crucible. The previous skill-based and fireteam-based matchmaking systems added unnecessary friction, particularly when playing with friends. Bungie's new strategy aims to reduce this friction, facilitating a more enjoyable experience for groups while ensuring solo players are not disadvantaged. Behind the Scenes: Matchmaking Mechanics Explained Bungie has clarified several misconceptions about its matchmaking systems. Contrary to some beliefs, the systems do not enforce a fixed kill-death ratio or win ratio, nor do they compromise connection quality for the sake of skill balancing. The three primary matchmaking systems — outlier protection, rank-based, and open skill — maintain high connection quality standards, with outlier protection and rank-based systems even showing slightly better average connection quality than open skill. Skill deltas, representing the range of player skills, play a crucial role in the feel of a match. Bungie aims for skill deltas under 500 to ensure competitiveness, with greater deltas allowing for more varied experiences without overwhelming less skilled players. The goal is to avoid the extremes, ensuring matches are neither too one-sided nor discouragingly competitive for the majority of players. Already Implemented Changes: Outlier Protection Matchmaking: Replaced skill-based matchmaking in Iron Banner and Control with this new system, aiming to improve match quality by protecting against skill extremes. Rank-Based Competitive Matchmaking: Updated to match players based on their ranks rather than broad skill levels. Snake Draft Lobby Balancer: Undergoing tests with different configurations to optimize team balancing. Upcoming in Update 7.3.5: Playlist Tooltips: Will be updated for clarity on the matchmaking style used for each mode. Snake Draft Enhancements: Plans to refine how this system accounts for fireteams. Matchmaking Complexity and Challenges: Matchmaking systems strive to balance competitive fairness with enjoyable gameplay, which becomes complex due to varying player preferences. High-level players often seek competitive matches, while newer or casual players might prioritize a learning-friendly environment. Previous Systems: Skill-based and fireteam-based matchmaking systems previously made playing with friends difficult and were seen as counterproductive to the goal of making Destiny a friendlier game to play with companions. Lobby Balancing Issues: Historically, balancing teams in lobbies has been challenging, often resulting in uneven matches that detract from player enjoyment. PvP Strike Team's Role: The team has made substantial changes to matchmaking systems, aiming to address past issues and improve player experience. Matchmaking Systems Do Not: Force players into a specific kill-death or win ratio. Intentionally create cycles of winning and losing for individual players. Compromise connection quality for other matchmaking criteria. How Matchmaking Systems Work: Different matchmaking systems (outlier protection, rank-based, and open skill) aim to maintain a balance between competitive fairness and connection quality, with nuances in how they achieve this. Rank-Based Matchmaking: Focuses on matching players within similar ranks, with adjustments for placements and measures to combat smurfing. Open Skill Matchmaking (CBMM): Prioritizes quick match formation and connection quality, with a broad skill range. Loose Skill-Based Matchmaking: An earlier system aimed at matching based on skill, but it presented challenges, especially for high-skill players and those playing with friends. Outlier Protection: A recent approach that tries to prevent extreme skill mismatches by setting thresholds for skill deltas, aiming to keep matches competitive without overly penalizing mixed-skill groups. Fireteam-Based Matchmaking Challenges: The developers acknowledge the inherent difficulties in balancing the matchmaking system for different fireteam configurations. They've noted the adverse effects on the Trials ecosystem when restricting matchmaking to only trios or penalizing duos. Such restrictions historically led to decreased participation and skewed the competitive environment, making it less inclusive and enjoyable for a significant portion of the player base. Population and Accessibility Concerns: A major concern is maintaining a healthy player population. Restricting matchmaking to only allow trios, or disadvantaging duos, could significantly reduce the player base, leading to longer matchmaking times and a less diverse skill range within matches. Ensuring that Trials and other PvP modes remain accessible to solo players and duos is crucial for keeping the game vibrant and engaging for everyone. Improving the Trio Experience: Instead of limiting who can queue together, the focus is on making playing as a trio more rewarding and enjoyable. By enhancing the rewards for trio play and adjusting the Passage of Ferocity and introducing the Passage of Persistence, the goal is to incentivize forming full fireteams without penalizing those who prefer or are only able to play in smaller groups. Lobby Balancing Over Matchmaking Adjustments: The emphasis on refining lobby balancing rather than overhauling matchmaking indicates a nuanced approach to ensuring fair and competitive matches. By experimenting with new lobby balancing techniques, like the Snake Draft system, and making adjustments based on ongoing data analysis and player feedback, the developers aim to improve match quality and fairness. Ongoing Adjustments and Communication: The commitment to continuous testing, iteration, and communication with the player base is evident. By outlining specific changes already implemented and those planned for the near future, the developers are signaling an open and responsive approach to balancing PvP play. View full article

Unlock Exclusive Gear and Outfits Now The Division 2 has once again elevated the gaming experience for its agents with the launch of the Veiled Tactics Apparel Event, now live across the gaming platform. This limited-time event, running from February 20th to March 12th, 2024, offers players the chance to unlock 19 exclusive new pieces of gear, including five distinctive outfits that are set to redefine battlefield fashion. Collect and Conquer: The Fashion Arsenal Agents participating in the Veiled Tactics Apparel Event can look forward to collecting pieces from five unique outfits: - Scrim - Handle - Rig - Skully - Sewer Rat (Uniform) Each outfit promises to blend seamlessly with the game's dynamic environments, providing not just a visual treat but also a tactical advantage in the urban battlefield. Key Acquisition and Rewards: Your Path to Glory The event introduces a straightforward way for players to earn keys and unlock these exclusive apparel items. By simply logging in during the event, players will be greeted with a free Apparel Event Key, kickstarting their collection journey. Further keys can be obtained for every four SHD levels achieved, with Season Pass owners receiving an additional three keys. For those looking to complete their collections swiftly, keys can also be directly purchased with Premium Credits. In a push to ensure player satisfaction, the event guarantees no duplicates in Event Caches. Players can track their collection progress and identify missing items through the Apparel menu in-game. Completionists can look forward to exclusive rewards, including the Sewer Rat Gloves for outfitting their agents in all five event outfits, and the coveted Sewer Rat Uniform upon completing the cache collection. Share the Wealth: Gifting Keys In the spirit of camaraderie, "The Division 2" also allows for the gifting of Apparel Event keys. Players can now purchase keys with Premium Credits and send them to friends or clan members, ensuring everyone has a chance to enjoy the full extent of the event's offerings. This feature is available directly through the Apparel Cache menu, adding a layer of social interaction to the event. Join the Ranks The Veiled Tactics Apparel Event is open to all "Warlords of New York" expansion owners who have completed the New York campaign. With the event's close on March 19th, 2024, players are encouraged to use their keys and complete their collections to not miss out on these exclusive rewards. As the event unfolds, agents are reminded to share their new looks and battlefield achievements on social media using the hashtag #TheDivision2Photos, fostering a vibrant community of fashion-forward tacticians. Don't miss your chance to stand out and show off your tactical style in "The Division 2" with the Veiled Tactics Apparel Event. Log in, unlock, and transform your agent into the epitome of battlefield fashion. View full article

Elevating PvP Rewards to Match PvE The game developers are determined to make the Crucible as rewarding as PvE activities. Recent updates have already improved the end-of-match rewards significantly, offering players more Glimmer, a better chance at Enhancement Cores, and Crucible Engrams. Additionally, PvP players can now enjoy double rewards boosters and weapon focusing, further aligning the rewards with those found in strike activities. Introducing Artifice Armor to Competitive Crucible A major highlight of the updates is the introduction of Artifice Armor to Competitive Crucible, marking the first time high-stat armor is available through PvP. This armor, which includes pieces for Hunters, Titans, and Warlocks, can be earned through a new tier in the Competitive Division weekly challenge. Once players complete this challenge, they have a chance to earn Artifice Armor pieces on subsequent victories, giving Year-1 Crucible gear a significant boost and providing PvP players an endgame reward pathway that parallels PvE offerings. Game Mode Innovations and Updates The game is not just stopping at rewards; it's also enhancing its game modes. Competitive modes are being reevaluated to ensure they offer a true test of skill and mastery. The introduction of a new king of the hill mode called Collision and updates to existing modes like Sparrow Control and 3v3 Clash aim to refresh the PvP experience. Furthermore, the introduction of the Passage of Persistence in Trials seeks to balance the effort and reward for achieving Flawless victories, alongside improvements to the reward system for Trials participants. Trials and Competitive Changes The Trials of Osiris is also seeing adjustments, with the introduction of Flawed card rewards and updates to the Passage of Ferocity to make the journey to Flawless more forgiving. Additionally, the Competitive scene will benefit from an increased drop chance for Exotic weapon catalysts and the strategic addition of Artifice Armor as a reward for high-level play. Looking Ahead With these updates, Destiny 2 aims to revitalize its competitive landscape, offering players more reasons to engage in PvP activities. The introduction of Artifice Armor, along with the adjustments to game modes and the reward system, demonstrates Bungie's commitment to providing a rewarding and enjoyable experience for all players, regardless of their preferred playstyle. As the game continues to evolve, these updates mark a significant step towards a more inclusive and rewarding competitive scene. View full article

In an ambitious move to rejuvenate Destiny 2's player-vs-player (PvP) component, the game's PvP Strike Team has outlined a comprehensive strategy to invigorate the Crucible with fresh content, improved maps, and a more engaging gameplay experience. The team's recent update sheds light on their philosophy, ongoing issues, and a roadmap of upcoming changes aimed at rewarding loyal players and attracting new ones. A Renewed Focus on Maps and Gameplay The Crucible's arenas are the stages upon which players' battles unfold, but the current selection has grown stale. The PvP Strike Team acknowledges that the repetitive nature of existing maps has dulled the excitement of the game mode, leading to a decline in the PvP player base. To address this, substantial quality-of-life updates have been implemented, including improvements to spawn points and the reduction of spawn traps on several maps. These changes are designed to enhance the flow of matches and ensure a variety of experiences across different game modes. Notably, updates are not just limited to tweaking old maps. The team has also announced the introduction of three new maps set to debut in May, each designed with specific game modes in mind to provide a balanced and fresh experience. These new arenas, set in the visually striking locales of Europa and Neomuna, as well as a terraformed Pyramid Ship, aim to offer PvP enthusiasts new stories to create and battles to wage. Addressing Core Issues for a Better Crucible The Strike Team has identified five key areas that require attention: map diversity, rewards, game modes, sandbox balance, and matchmaking. By focusing on these aspects, the team aims to craft a more rewarding and varied PvP experience. The introduction of new maps is just the beginning, with further updates expected to address the remaining concerns directly. One significant aspect of these changes is the emphasis on ensuring that maps are suited to the game modes they host, avoiding the previous mismatched experiences that detracted from gameplay quality. The upcoming maps have been designed with both team and individual play in mind, promising a better fit for modes like Dominion, Clash, Survival, and the new mode, Collision. Looking Ahead: The Future of the Crucible As Destiny 2 continues to evolve, the PvP Strike Team's efforts to refine and expand the Crucible signal a promising future for the game's competitive scene. With the introduction of new maps and the promise of ongoing adjustments to core gameplay elements, the team is set on providing a dynamic and engaging PvP experience. These changes represent a commitment to not only maintaining the Crucible's existing fan base but also to drawing in new players by offering an accessible, varied, and rewarding competitive environment. As we look forward to the May update and beyond, the Crucible appears set for a renaissance, promising to offer players new challenges, rewards, and stories in the ever-expanding universe of Destiny 2. View full article

In a strategic move to unite gamers across different ecosystems, Xbox has announced the release of four beloved titles on Nintendo Switch and Sony platforms this spring. This initiative underlines Xbox's commitment to making its gaming experiences more accessible, fostering a more interconnected and diverse gaming community. Bridging Worlds with Cross-Platform Releases Xbox's commitment to expanding its gaming community is highlighted by the introduction of fan favorites to new platforms. Pentiment, Obsidian Entertainment's highly acclaimed narrative adventure game, is slated for release on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch. Following closely, Hi-Fi RUSH, the rhythm-based action game from Tango Gameworks/Bethesda Softworks, will groove its way onto PlayStation 5. Obsidian's Grounded and Rare's Sea of Thieves are also set to make their debut on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, complete with cross-play functionality to ensure a seamless multiplayer experience across Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Fostering Community Through Cross-Play The introduction of these titles on new platforms is more than just an expansion of their player base; it's a step towards building a unified gaming community. With cross-play support, Xbox is knocking down the barriers that have traditionally segmented gamers. Titles like Grounded and Sea of Thieves are set to benefit significantly from this, enabling friends to join forces or face off against each other, regardless of their console preference. A Future Full of Possibilities Xbox's broader strategy includes not only making its games more accessible but also ensuring that its console continues to offer a premier gaming experience. This includes day-one Game Pass access for first-party titles, a commitment to hardware innovation, and a focus on compatibility and cloud features. The upcoming releases of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Avowed, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle further demonstrate Xbox's dedication to delivering quality content across all its platforms. As Xbox titles like Minecraft, Call of Duty, Overwatch, and Diablo have already shown, games can transcend platform boundaries to build vibrant, inclusive communities. With this latest announcement, Xbox is not only extending an invitation to more players to explore its rich gaming universes but also reinforcing its vision of a unified gaming future where everyone is welcome. View full article