MODERN WARFARE 3 FIELD GUIDE

Modern Warfare 3 Spec Ops Missions

All 24 Spec Ops missions: 16 original missions and eight DLC missions, with pictures, objectives and player requirements. Earn up to 48 base-game stars and 24 more across the DLC.

Stars, tiers and co-op

The base game has four tiers of four missions: Tier 1 is available immediately; Tiers 2, 3 and 4 unlock at Spec Ops ranks 5, 10 and 15. Each mission has a maximum of three stars. Stay Sharp and Charges Set use time and civilian-target conditions; other missions award one, two or three stars for Regular, Hardened or Veteran. Your best result counts, for 48 base-game stars. DLC adds eight more missions and another 24 possible stars. Firewall and Fire Mission require two players.

Mission Mode uses fixed objectives. Survival uses waves on multiplayer maps, and the Chaos Pack adds a separate combo-based Chaos mode. Read the Survival guide or browse the map pictures.

Tier 1 4 Tier 2 4 Tier 3 4 Tier 4 4 Collection 1 DLC 2 Collection 2 DLC 2 Collection 3: Chaos Pack DLC 4

Tier 1

Stay Sharp mission gameplay screenshot from the original Modern Warfare 3 (2011).

Stay Sharp training-course gameplay. Picture source

Tier 1 · Spec Ops

Stay Sharp

Finish the target course quickly without shooting civilian cutouts. Both speed and clean target selection matter.

Mission: 01 / 24 · Obstacle course
Location: Training course, Alberta, Canada
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Available from the start
Stars: 1 star: finish; 2 stars: within 40 seconds; 3 stars: within 28 seconds with no civilian targets hit.
Approach: Memorize moving targets and switch to a second weapon instead of reloading in a target group.

Call of Duty Guide: Stay Sharp · Original game image

Milehigh Jack mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 3 (2011).

Milehigh Jack mission loading screen. Picture source

Tier 1 · Spec Ops

Milehigh Jack

Play an Inner Circle hijacker, fight through the presidential plane and capture President Vorshevsky alive.

Mission: 02 / 24 · Timed aircraft assault
Location: Russian presidential aircraft
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Available from the start
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Keep the president out of your firing line during the final breach and be ready for the last security agents.

Call of Duty Guide: Milehigh Jack · Original game image

Over Reactor mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 3 (2011).

Over Reactor mission loading screen. Picture source

Tier 1 · Spec Ops

Over Reactor

Board a submarine, prevent its reactor from melting down, then fight back to the extraction helicopter.

Mission: 03 / 24 · Reactor emergency
Location: Russian submarine, New York Harbor
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Available from the start
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Thermal vision helps through smoke; cover the reactor controls before operating them.

Call of Duty Guide: Over Reactor · Original game image

Hit and Run mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 3 (2011).

Hit and Run mission loading screen. Picture source

Tier 1 · Spec Ops

Hit and Run

Eliminate Colonel Farhan and Captain Mahad, rescue embassy hostages and defend the extraction zone.

Mission: 04 / 24 · Assassination and rescue
Location: Boosaaso, Somalia
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Available from the start
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Prepare for the defense before signaling the rescue helicopter and deal with enemy Little Birds promptly.

Call of Duty Guide: Hit and Run · Original game image

Tier 2

Toxic Paradise mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 3 (2011).

Toxic Paradise mission loading screen. Picture source

Tier 2 · Spec Ops

Toxic Paradise

Use a protective Juggernaut suit to retrieve six chemical samples and reach the extraction zone.

Mission: 05 / 24 · Chemical sample recovery
Location: Paris, France
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Reach Spec Ops level 5
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Collect samples from cleared positions and use air-support markers against groups that rush the objectives.

Call of Duty Guide: Toxic Paradise · Original game image

Firewall mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 3 (2011).

Firewall mission loading screen. Picture source

Tier 2 · Spec Ops

Firewall

A ground player hacks checkpoints and reaches the subway while a second player operates security sentry guns. Two players are required.

Mission: 06 / 24 · Timed cooperative escort
Location: Canary Wharf, London
Players: Two players required
Unlock: Reach Spec Ops level 5
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: The ground player must clear blind spots the turrets cannot reach and activate computers to open new camera sectors.

Call of Duty Guide: Firewall · Original game image

Fatal Extraction mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 3 (2011).

Fatal Extraction mission loading screen. Picture source

Tier 2 · Spec Ops

Fatal Extraction

Gather five pieces of intelligence dropped by enemies, locate the safehouse target and designate it for an airstrike.

Mission: 07 / 24 · Intelligence recovery
Location: Sherbro, Sierra Leone
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Reach Spec Ops level 5
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Check elevated and side positions for sentry guns before collecting exposed intel; keep watch for hyenas.

Call of Duty Guide: Fatal Extraction · Original game image

Hostage Taker mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 3 (2011).

Hostage Taker mission loading screen. Picture source

Tier 2 · Spec Ops

Hostage Taker

Sneak through the crash site and rescue Alena Vorshevsky. Three additional hostages are optional score objectives.

Mission: 08 / 24 · Stealth rescue
Location: Presidential aircraft crash site
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Reach Spec Ops level 5
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Avoid the helicopter searchlight and line up a clear shot on Alena's captor in the final slow-motion encounter.

Call of Duty Guide: Hostage Taker · Original game image

Tier 3

Charges Set mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 3 (2011).

The training-course loading image used by Charges Set and Stay Sharp. Picture source

Tier 3 · Spec Ops

Charges Set

Run the training course in reverse with two explosive breaches and new target arrangements. Avoid civilian cutouts.

Mission: 09 / 24 · Breach obstacle course
Location: Training course, Alberta, Canada
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Reach Spec Ops level 10
Stars: 1 star: finish; 2 stars: within 45 seconds; 3 stars: within 33 seconds with no civilian targets hit.
Approach: Use each slow-motion breach to identify every target before moving, and check both bridge and ground targets near the finish.

Call of Duty Guide: Charges Set · Original game image

Resistance Movement mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 3 (2011).

Resistance Movement mission loading screen. Picture source

Tier 3 · Spec Ops

Resistance Movement

Rescue captive rebels and escort them toward the landing zone through occupied streets. Seven rebels can be saved.

Mission: 10 / 24 · Stealth escort
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Reach Spec Ops level 10
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Coordinate suppressed shots on paired guards; alerted captors can execute rebels before you reach them.

Call of Duty Guide: Resistance Movement · Original game image

Little Bros mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 3 (2011).

Little Bros mission loading screen. Picture source

Tier 3 · Spec Ops

Little Bros

Reach the Little Bird, enter an office building and destroy sensitive data before escaping the explosion.

Mission: 11 / 24 · Demolition and extraction
Location: Berlin, Germany
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Reach Spec Ops level 10
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Use thermal vision through smoke and clear an escape route before arming the bomb.

Call of Duty Guide: Little Bros · Original game image

Invisible Threat mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 3 (2011).

Invisible Threat mission loading screen. Picture source

Tier 3 · Spec Ops

Invisible Threat

Locate and disarm eight IEDs in a Juggernaut suit. A Predator drone identifies devices and provides fire support.

Mission: 12 / 24 · Bomb disposal
Location: Berlin, Germany
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Reach Spec Ops level 10
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Use the drone to clear the area around the next IED; in co-op, the rooftop player covers the bomb technician.

Call of Duty Guide: Invisible Threat · Original game image

Tier 4

Server Crash mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 3 (2011).

Server Crash mission loading screen. Picture source

Tier 4 · Spec Ops

Server Crash

Survive the jeep ride, download Volk's plans in his underground hideout and return to the escape vehicle.

Mission: 13 / 24 · Download and escape
Location: Paris, France
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Reach Spec Ops level 15
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Prepare claymores and ammunition before connecting the DSM, and save room to retreat from the exit-route Juggernaut.

Call of Duty Guide: Server Crash · Original game image

Smack Town mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 3 (2011).

Smack Town mission loading screen. Picture source

Tier 4 · Spec Ops

Smack Town

Fight from a helicopter, land to destroy two drug caches and return to extraction.

Mission: 14 / 24 · Contraband demolition
Location: Boosaaso, Somalia
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Reach Spec Ops level 15
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Prioritize rooftop RPG threats during the flight; in co-op, one player can remain airborne to support the demolition.

Call of Duty Guide: Smack Town · Original game image

Flood the Market mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 3 (2011).

Flood the Market mission loading screen. Picture source

Tier 4 · Spec Ops

Flood the Market

Retrieve three encryption-code laptops on the trading floor, then defend the rooftop upload.

Mission: 15 / 24 · Code retrieval and upload
Location: New York Stock Exchange
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Reach Spec Ops level 15
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Clear rear routes before starting the transfer and remain near the terminal so the upload is not interrupted.

Call of Duty Guide: Flood the Market · Original game image

Fire Mission mission loading screen from the original Modern Warfare 3 (2011).

Fire Mission mission loading screen. Picture source

Tier 4 · Spec Ops

Fire Mission

An AC-130 gunner supports a ground operative disabling anti-air defenses and infiltrating the base. Two players are required.

Mission: 16 / 24 · Timed cooperative assault
Location: Eastern Siberia, Russia
Players: Two players required
Unlock: Reach Spec Ops level 15
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Clear the runner's next approach early and leave indoor enemies to the ground player; heavy gunship fire can kill your partner.

Call of Duty Guide: Fire Mission · Original game image

Collection 1 DLC

Co-op snowmobile gameplay in Black Ice. Original Modern Warfare 3 (2011).

Co-op snowmobile gameplay in Black Ice. Picture source

Collection 1 DLC · Spec Ops

Black Ice

Ride into a diamond mine, trigger the weapons facility's self-destruct sequence and escape by helicopter.

Mission: 17 / 24 · Snowmobile infiltration and sabotage
Location: Diamond mine, Eastern Siberia
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Requires Collection 1
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Preserve speed through the snowmobile approach, then follow the exit promptly once the self-destruct begins.

Call of Duty Guide: Black Ice · Original game image · Collection 1

The second player escapes captivity during Negotiator. Original Modern Warfare 3 (2011).

The second player escapes captivity during Negotiator. Picture source

Collection 1 DLC · Spec Ops

Negotiator

Escape captivity, rescue hostages through a series of breaches and defuse a bomb before the final rescue.

Mission: 18 / 24 · Hostage escape and rescue
Location: Himachal Pradesh, India
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Requires Collection 1
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Move quickly between hostage rooms while keeping a clear firing line; in co-op, the first player must rescue the captive partner.

Call of Duty Guide: Negotiator · Original game image · Collection 1

Collection 2 DLC

Activating the EMP during Kill Switch. Original Modern Warfare 3 (2011).

Activating the EMP during Kill Switch. Picture source

Collection 2 DLC · Spec Ops

Kill Switch

Combine ground infiltration, sniper overwatch and Reaper support to detonate an EMP, then escape by boat.

Mission: 19 / 24 · EMP sabotage
Location: Vladivostok, Russia
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Requires Collection 2
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Prepare for the EMP to disable electronic sights and air support; solo play switches between the two operatives.

Call of Duty Guide: Kill Switch · Original game image · Collection 2

Pit Boss tank support in Iron Clad. Original Modern Warfare 3 (2011).

Pit Boss tank support in Iron Clad. Picture source

Collection 2 DLC · Spec Ops

Iron Clad

Escort the Pit Boss tank through enemy positions and demolish obstacles on the way to a landing craft.

Mission: 20 / 24 · Tank escort
Location: Hamburg, Germany
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Requires Collection 2
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Clear threats and obstructions before advancing the tank; solo players issue orders from the ground.

Call of Duty Guide: Iron Clad · Original game image · Collection 2

Collection 3: Chaos Pack DLC

The recon drone searches the warship in Arctic Recon. Original Modern Warfare 3 (2011).

The recon drone searches the warship in Arctic Recon. Picture source

Collection 3: Chaos Pack DLC · Spec Ops

Arctic Recon

Scout a Russian warship with an armed recon drone, place four beacons and evacuate before the missile strike.

Mission: 21 / 24 · Drone reconnaissance and demolition
Location: Kuvalda warship, Siberia
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Requires Collection 3: Chaos Pack
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Use thermal drone vision to identify beacon sites, then clear the route for the operator who must plant them.

Call of Duty Guide: Arctic Recon · Original game image · Collection 3: Chaos Pack

Guiding a Starstreak missile from the hotel roof in Vertigo. Original Modern Warfare 3 (2011).

Guiding a Starstreak missile from the hotel roof in Vertigo. Picture source

Collection 3: Chaos Pack DLC · Spec Ops

Vertigo

Use the laser-guided Starstreak against incoming helicopters, defend the hotel roof and escape with parachutes.

Mission: 22 / 24 · Rooftop defense and escape
Location: Hotel Oasis, Dubai
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Requires Collection 3: Chaos Pack
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Keep the missile aimed at its target, then prepare for ground attackers while waiting for the parachute drop.

Call of Duty Guide: Vertigo · Original game image · Collection 3: Chaos Pack

The castle infiltration area in Light Em Up. Original Modern Warfare 3 (2011).

The castle infiltration area in Light Em Up. Picture source

Collection 3: Chaos Pack DLC · Spec Ops

Light 'Em Up

Use helicopter support and thermal equipment to break into the castle, rescue a captured teammate and evacuate.

Mission: 23 / 24 · Night hostage rescue
Location: Makarov's castle, Czech Republic
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Requires Collection 3: Chaos Pack
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Use thermal vision to find defenders in darkness and clear a route before moving the hostage.

Call of Duty Guide: Light 'Em Up · Original game image · Collection 3: Chaos Pack

Calling for care-package support during Special Delivery. Original Modern Warfare 3 (2011).

Calling for care-package support during Special Delivery. Picture source

Collection 3: Chaos Pack DLC · Spec Ops

Special Delivery

Recover sensitive material and rescue a downed Osprey's crew with air support and care-package equipment.

Mission: 24 / 24 · Recovery and rescue
Location: Chinese hydroelectric dam
Players: Solo or two-player co-op
Unlock: Requires Collection 3: Chaos Pack
Stars: 1 star: Regular; 2 stars: Hardened; 3 stars: Veteran. Complete the mission on the chosen difficulty.
Approach: Use sentries and ammunition drops to secure progress through Juggernauts and infantry before pushing toward the crash site.

Call of Duty Guide: Special Delivery · Original game image · Collection 3: Chaos Pack

Edition notes

Original Modern Warfare 3 (2011), with the complete 2012 DLC season. Multiplayer and Spec Ops references cover the PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 versions and the Mac port where available. Wii includes Survival but omits Spec Ops Mission Mode and DLC; other features also differ. The separate DS game Defiance and Modern Warfare III (2023) are outside this guide.

Original Call of Duty game imagery © Activision. Mission pictures, map loading screens and menu icons are credited with each entry.

References