Modern Warfare 3 Mutation mode explained

The Modern Warfare 3 Mutation mode adds plenty of unique twists on Sledgehammer Games' standard multiplayer offering. 

Arriving as part of the Altered Strain event taking place during Season 4 Reloaded, the mode sees players infected with DNA strands giving them a variety of game-changing abilities and additional ammunition allowing the Human team to eliminate the opposition as fast as possible.

With that said, find everything there is to know about the MW3 Mutation mode in this guide.

MW3 Mutation mode explained

The Mutation mode sees a team of Human operators facing off against a group of Mutants across a variety of different game modes. Unlike the standard modes, teams will switch at half-time and the one with the highest score at the end will win.

Humans will consist of players using the Operator skins of their choice along with the "usual loadouts and weapon blueprints" available in multiplayer. Alongside the usual multiplayer features, Humans will also have access to additional ammunition to deal with the enemy team.

According to the Call of Duty blog, Mutants are "DNA-altered undead" and possess different abilities that stop the Humans in their tracks.

Killstreaks are also available in the Mutation mode. For player-controlled eliminations, they'll earn one point towards a streak. For every five Mutant kills not controlled by players, five points towards a streak are earned. During a Mutation match, players can use an SAE, Remote Turret, and Juggernaut.

MW3 Mutation mode abilities

With the Mutants not having access to a loadout, they'll have a unique set of classes to choose from. Below is a full list of the classes and the different abilities on offer:

• Camouflaged Sneaker: Move towards the enemy with an electrified leap and disorient them with an EMP. Activate the cloak to become partially invisible for a short amount of time
• Contaminated Sludger: Capable of exploding in a large radius, spraying an acid blast that deals close-range damage and pools on the ground for slow, prolonged damage to Humans that stand in it
• Radioactive Beast: Charges the enemy and shellshocks them while increasing the health and movement speed of teammates. The Howl reveals nearby enemies on the minimap and highlights them for the entire team
• Mutated Leaper: Increased movement speed, stronger melee damage, and the ability to spot enemy from around corners

MW3 Mutation augmentations explained

The MW3 Mutation mode is part of the Altered Strain event meaning players can unlock a range of different augmentations by collecting DNA during matches. 

Here's the list of the different augmentations available: 

• Repocket: Kills may replenish tactical ability
• Attuned: Juggernaut earn rate is reduced
• Galvanized: Temporarily reduces damage from incoming explosives
• Flop Shot: Diving from elevated surfaces creates a small explosion upon landing
• First Strike: Faster cooldown on the first ability used after respawning

That's all there is to know about the MW3 Mutation mode and how it works. For more Call of Duty, check out our Black Ops 6 hub for all the intel on 2024's release and early information on what Season 5 of MW3 has in store.