Modern Warfare 3: The Armory Unlocks System Explained

MW3 provides players with a multiplayer experience that includes familiar elements from the original MW2, but it also introduces the Armory, a new system that has stirred up some controversy among the community. Learn more about the Armory Unlocks System in Modern Warfare 3 (MW3) here.

What is the Armory in MW3?

Upon reaching level 25, players can access the Armory, which is a new system for unlocking items. You can view the Armory from the lobby by pressing Y on Xbox or Triangle on PlayStation. The Armory has faced criticism for introducing time-gated progress and creating a barrier for players who simply want to enjoy their favorite items.

I’ve played every Call of Duty game from the last ten years, and the nicest thing I can say about the Armory is, “At least it’s not CoD Vanguard’s Loot Boxes.” Its inclusion feels wholly unnecessary, but since we’re stuck with it, here’s how it works.

How to use the Armory in MW3

Every item in the Armory costs points, and you can only obtain 4 per day. You earn points by completing Daily Challenges and can get three daily from the Multiplayer Mode. You receive one more point to spend if you finish all three daily tasks in Modern Warfare Zombies. If you manage to complete every Daily Challenge, multiplayer wins grant more points. This is good in theory, but some Challenges demand the use of items you may not have unlocked yet.

Items must be placed in a queue to allocate points to them, and this is where it gets confusing. Even if an item is obtainable in the Armory, it may have another way to unlock it.

Take the MK. 3 Reflector Optic, for example. It costs 2 points in the Armory, but if you check the Optics page for a weapon, it clearly states it can be unlocked by leveling the MTZ-556 to level 2.

Considering the limit on daily points, it’s pretty sneaky, but I digress.

I recommend checking the Armory menu frequently and only queuing one item at a time to ensure your points go where you want them. Unfortunately, you’ll need to micromanage to get the most from the Armory system.

What items should I unlock in the Armory first?

There’s no ‘correct’ order to unlock Armory items, but I recommend prioritizing these two items:

• Ghost T/V Camo
• Covert Sneakers

UAVs are incredibly powerful, and the Ghost T/V Camo stops you from showing up on their scans. Covert Sneakers are MW3’s version of the popular Dead Silence Perk and are great counters to players who sit in corners listening for audio cues.

Related: How do Contraband Weapons work in Modern Warfare Zombies? Explained