Modern Warfare 3 Guide: How To Unlock Every Weapon

In Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (CoD: MW3), you can get different weapons as you level up and progress in the game. Some weapons require you to complete specific missions or in-game tasks. To maximize your experience, consider completing daily challenges to earn extra experience points (XP) and level up faster.

Unlocking Primary Weapons: Assault Rifles (MW3)

Weapon	In-game Description	How to Unlock
SVA 545	Fires the first two rounds almost simultaneously, making it a lethal weapon.	Reach Level 18
MTZ-556	A close-quarters assault rifle with a high fire rate. Unlocked automatically at the start of the game.	Unlocked Automatically
MCW	Adaptable assault rifle with excellent recoil control and versatility.	Reach Level 12

Unlocking Primary Weapons: Assault Rifles (MW2)

Weapon	In-game Description	How to Unlock
KASTOV-74U	Rifle optimized for short to medium distances, with maneuverability.	Level up KASTOV 545 to Level 13
KASTOV 545	Uses 5.45×39 rounds for less recoil and a higher rate of fire.	Level up KASTOV 762 to Level 23
KASTOV 762	A hard-hitting rifle with 7.62×39 rounds, perfect for controlled shots.	Reach Level 23
M4	A versatile rifle suitable for various combat scenarios.	Unlocked automatically
M16	Tuned for mid to long-range, with a 3-round burst and increased range.	Level up 556 ICARUS to Level 13
TAQ-56	Full-auto rifle chambered in 5.56x45mm with high fire rate.	Reach Level 19
STB 556	Ideal for mid to long-range fights with modularity and accuracy.	Reach Level 41
ISO Hemlock	A powerful rifle designed for different ammunition types, offering battlefield advantage.	Unlock by getting 50 Longshots with any Assault Rifle.
CHIMERA	A rifle with an integrated suppressor and subsonic .300 BLK rounds, great for close-quarters combat.	Unlock by getting 2 Operator Kills with any Assault Rifle in 15 matches.
M13B	Features a short-stroke piston system for a high rate of fire and low recoil.	Defeat the Chemist in DMZ (Radiation Zone) and get his dropped weapon.
M13C	A .300 BLK counterpart, versatile and hard-hitting as the main weapon or sniper support secondary.	Unlock by getting 35 Hipfire Operator Kills with any Assault Rifle.
TEMPUS RAZORBACK	A full-auto 5.56 weapon with exceptional manufacturing and modularity.	Unlock by getting 35 Operator Kills while mounted with any Assault Rifle.
FR AVANCER	Aggressive bullpup rifle with a high fire rate and exceptional maneuverability.	Unlock by getting 35 Headshot Operator Kills with any Assault Rifle.
TR-76 GEIST	A hard-hitting bullpup assault rifle chambered in 7.62 x 39 mm. Highly modular, unlocked in Battle Pass (Season 6).	Unlocked in the Battle Pass (Season 6)

Unlocking Primary Weapons: Battle Rifles (MW3)

Weapon	In-game Description	How to Unlock
MTZ-762	A fully automatic Battle Rifle with hard-hitting 7.62 rounds.	Reach Level 10
BAS-B	A powerful Battle Rifle chambered in .277 Fury, offering all-around reliability and performance.	Reach Level 17

Unlocking Primary Weapons: Battle Rifles (MW2)

Weapon	In-game Description	How to Unlock
SO-14	A select-fire rifle adaptable to different situations, from long-distance to close quarters.	Level up EBR-14 to Level 12
TAQ-V	A moderate fire rate, heavy-hitting 7.26 rounds, and controllable recoil for medium to long-range engagements.	Level up TAQ-56 to Level 11
FTAC RECON	A high-powered .458 Battle Rifle with severe damage at medium range.	Level up M4 to Level 13
LACHMANN-762	A bullpup, semi-automatic rifle chambered in 6.8 Wrath, designed for distance shooting and exceptional damage output.	Unlocked by getting 30 Headshot Operator Kills with any Battle Rifle.

Unlocking Primary Weapons: SMG (MW3)

Weapon	In-game Description	How to Unlock
RIVAL-9	A lightweight, 9mm submachine gun built for agility and quick room clearing.	Reach Level 14
AMR9	A fully automatic submachine gun chambered in 9mm, perfect for close to mid-range combat.	Reach Level 21
STRIKER	A hard-hitting and controllable submachine gun chambered in .45 Auto, reliable at close to mid-range.	Unlocked automatically

Unlocking Primary Weapons: SMG (MW2)

Weapon	In-game Description	How to Unlock
VEL 46	A maneuverable submachine gun chambered in 4.6x30mm with moderate recoil.	Unlocked automatically
MX9	A submachine gun conversion of the rifle receiver, performs well at close to mid-range with subsonic ammo.	Level up STB 556 to Level 13
LACHMANN SUB	A compact, fully automatic 9mm submachine gun with a modular system for covert and close-quarters operations.	Level up LACHMANN-556 to Level 12
VAZNEV-9K	An enhanced 9mm version of the AK Platform with a high rate of fire for short to mid-range engagements.	Level up KASTOV-74U to Level 13
FSS HURRICANE	Sacrifices range and stopping power for increased ammo capacity and enhanced stability.	Level up FTAC RECON to Level 16
MINIBAK	Shreds in close-quarters combat with a high rate of fire, straight blowback system, and a high-capacity magazine.	Level up KASTOV-74U to Level 18
PDSW 528	Rapid-fire, compact polymer frame, and high-velocity ammunition make it a powerhouse for room clearing.	Reach Level 5
FENNEC 45	Excels at room clearing and holding down the front line with a blinding fire rate. Subsonic ammo hides kill skulls from the enemy team.	Reach Level 38
BAS-P	An aggressive fire rate and modular frame make it perfect for customizing your submachine gun. Subsonic ammo hides kill skulls from the enemy team.	Unkown.
ISO 45	Dominates room clearing with a high fire rate and the stopping power of .45 Auto rounds.	Unlocked by getting 45 Kills without taking damage with any SMG
LACHMANN SHROUD	This stealthy and lethal 9mm submachine gun features burst and semi-auto fire modes. Unlocked by getting 30 Operator Hipfire Kills with any SMG.	Unkown.
ISO 9MM	Sweeps the battlefield clean with a high fire rate, maneuverability, and exceptional steadiness. Unlocked in the Battle Pass (Season 6).	Unlocked in the Battle Pass (Season 6)

Unlocking Primary Weapons: Shotguns (MW3)

Weapon	In-game Description	How to Unlock
RIVETER	A full-auto .410 shotgun designed around an assault rifle receiver.	Reach Level 26
LOCKWOOD 680	A versatile 12-gauge pump shotgun that can be modified for different scenarios.	Unlocked automatically

Unlocking Primary Weapons: Shotguns (MW2)

Weapon	In-game Description	How to Unlock
LOCKWOOD 300	A break-action shotgun with extended range and a tight pallet spread.	Reach Level 36
EXPEDITE 12	A semi-auto shotgun with a regulated gas system, ergonomic stock, and standard rail.	Reach Level 9
BRYSON 890	A mag-fed pump-action shotgun ideal for room clearing with detachable magazines.	Level up BRYSON 800 to Level 16
BRYSON 800	A reliable and highly customizable pump-action shotgun. Configurable for close or medium range.	Unlocked automatically
KV BROADSIDE	The fastest-firing semi-auto firearm in the shotgun class, bringing the power of the 12 gauge to the Kastov Platform.	Unlocked by getting 50 One-shot-kills with any Shotgun
MX GUARDIAN	A fully-automatic 12-gauge shotgun. Unlocked by getting 30 Point Blank Operator Kills with any Shotgun	Unlocked by getting 30 Point Blank Operator Kills with and Shotgun.

Unlocking Primary Weapons: LMG (MW3)

Weapon	In-game Description	How to Unlock
HOLGER 26	A highly modular light machine gun chambered in versatile 5.56 ammunition.	Unlocked automatically
PULEMYOT 762	A belt-fed heavy machine gun chambered in 7.62, providing excellent suppressive fire.	Reach Level 23

Unlocking Primary Weapons: LMG (MW2)

Weapon	In-game Description	How to Unlock
SAKIN MG38	A belt-fed light machine gun delivering devastating 7.62 rounds at a high fire rate.	Unlocked automatically
HCR 56	Lays out full-auto fire from a controllable receiver, ideal for squad support or solo hunting.	Level up STB 556 to Level 20
556 ICARUS	A lightweight squad-support weapon with increased ammo capacity.	Level up M4 to Level 18
RAAL MG	Uses titanium construction, a low fire rate, and a reciprocating barrel to mitigate .338 recoil.	Reach Level 25
RPK	Features a long, heavy barrel, high ammo capacity, and a steel receiver capable of sustained full-auto fire.	Level up KASTOV 762 to Level 16
RAPP H	A belt-fed 7.62mm receiver with modularity of the Lachmann Meer platform, offering versatility in the light machine gun class.	Level up LACHMANN-556 to Level 16

Unlocking Primary Weapons: Marksman Rifles (MW3)

Weapon	In-game Description	How to Unlock
MTZ INTERCEPTOR	A high-powered Marksman rifle chambered in 7.62. Control mid to long distances with this semi-auto weapon.	Unlocked automatically
MCW 6.8	Chambered in 6.8, this highly modular Marksman Rifle features exceptional damage and reliability.	Reach Level 25

Unlocking Primary Weapons: Marksman Rifles (MW2)

Weapon	In-game Description	How to Unlock
EBR-14	The semi-automatic EBR-14 is chambered in 7.62x51mm NATO and balances fire rate long-range lethality.	Unlocked automatically
SP-R 208	The pillar of the Bryson bolt rifles, the SP-R 208 is a bolt-action rifle designed for precise shots at longer distances.	Reach Level 7
LOCKWOOD MK2	The Lockwood Mk2 is a high-power, lever-action rifle with old-west sentiments and modern-day aesthetics.	Reach Level 28
LM-S	The LM-S is a highly accurized semi-automatic rifle available to military and police. Precision manufacturing provides unmatched accuracy for long-range engagements.	Level up LACHMANN-762 to Level 17.
TAQ-M	The TAQ-M offers long-range support with a 6.5mm sniper round and modular design.	Level up TAQ-56 to Level 20.
SA-B 50	Optimized for speed and precision, the SA-B 50 bolt-action rifle features a pistol grip and lightweight frame for increased maneuverability.	Level up SP-R 208 to Level 13.
CROSSBOW	Unknown.	Clear all challenges in the Path of the Ronin event (Season 2).
TEMPUS TORRENT	Unknown.	Unlocked by getting 25 Double Kills with any Marksman Rifle.

Unlocking Primary Weapons: Sniper Rifles (MW3)

Weapon	In-game Description	How to Unlock
LONGBOW	A lightweight, heavily modified sniper rifle designed for precision shooting and repeat shots thanks to recoil control and magazine capacity.	Reach Level 28
KV INHIBITOR	This semi-auto sniper rifle chambered in .338 offers undeniable recoil control and stability for the discerning operator.	Unlocked automatically

Unlocking Primary Weapons: Sniper Rifles (MW2)

Weapon	In-game Description	How to Unlock
SIGNAL 50	Featuring a reciprocating barrel that mitigates the recoil of the devastating .50 Cal cartridge, this anti-material rifle is built for consistent shots on target to take out anything you aim at.	Reach Level 44
MCPR-300	The Multi-Caliber Precision Rifle is a cutting-edge sniper rifle, chambered for the powerful .300 magnum round. This modular bolt-action rifle is ready to adapt to the ever-evolving needs of the operator.	Unlocked automatically
LA-B 330	A bolt-action sniper rifle with a hammer-forged barrel and chambered in .300 magnum.	Level up SA-B 50 to Level 16.
SP-X 80	The SP-X 80 is a .300 magnum sniper rifle designed for long-range target acquisition and elimination.	Level up LA-B 330 to Level 16.
CARRACK .300	This semi-auto bullpup sniper rifle features an exceptionally high fire rate and a unique design for best-in-class handling and stability when on the move.	Unlocked by getting 25 Operator One Shot Kills with any Sniper Rifle.
FJX IMPERIUM	Engineered destruction at its finest, this anti-personnel, bolt-action sniper rifle intervenes in tense situations with hard-hitting .408 rounds.	Unlocked by getting 30 One Shot Kill with any Sniper Rifle.
VICTUS XMR	Hard-hitting, bolt action sniper rifle with .50 cal BMG ammunition. Its tungsten sabot tipped bullets are fast and powerful, but require precise shots over long distances.	Reach A7 Tier in the Battle Pass (Season 1)

Unlocking Secondary Weapons: Handguns (MW3)

Weapon	In-game Description	How to Unlock
WSP STINGER	Keep your enemies close with this highly effective, room-clearing SMG with a blazing fire rate.	Reach Level 16
RENETTI	A burst-fire pistol with a staggering fire rate and controllability in the right hands.	Unlocked automatically
COR-45	Semi-auto ballistic pistol chambered in .45 ACP. Delivers excellent handling and recoil control and overall performance. NEW – Semi-auto ballistic pistol chambered in .45 Auto.	Unknown.

Unlocking Secondary Weapons: Handguns (MW2)

Weapon	In-game Description	How to Unlock
P890	For close-quarters situations, the P890 semi-automatic pistol takes advantage of accuracy, reliability, and a hard-hitting .45 Auto round. Subsonic ammo hides kill skulls from the enemy team.	Unlocked automatically
X12	A light semi-auto 9mm pistol with specialized and tactical modification options. The polymer frame keeps the weight down and the integrated rail allows laser attachments.	Reach Level 31
X13 AUTO	The highly specialized, fully automatic trigger assembly of the X13 delivers a staggering 20 rounds per second while sacrificing a great deal of accuracy and effective range.	Level up X12 to Level 10.
.50 GS	A powerful semi-automatic pistol. Control the recoil and the .50 Cal rounds will do the rest.	Reach Level 13
BASILISK	A double-action revolver firing .500 Cal rounds, the Basilisk kicks hard but hits harder. Unstoppable in the right hands.	Reach Level 39
9MM DAEMON	This modern, tactical pistol chambered in 9mm is deadly from the hip and features best-in-class semi-automatic fire rate.	Unknown.
GS MAGNA	This fully automatic .50 GS boasts a thunderous rate of fire and enough power to put an end to anyone foolish enough to cross your path. Hold down the trigger and let this .50 Cal speak for itself.	Unknown.

Unlocking Secondary Weapons: Launchers (MW3)

Weapon	In-game Description	How to Unlock
PILA	Portable infrared surface-to-air missile with a free-fire option. Self-propelled missiles have a higher speed and moderate explosive yield.	Unlocked automatically

Unlocking Secondary Weapons: Launchers (MW2)

Weapon	In-game Description	How to Unlock
STRELA-P	From a recoilless rifle, launch a high-velocity, low-damage ultra-precise missile that is devastating against vehicles.	Reach Level 14
JOKR	Attack vehicles where armor is weakest with the JOKR. This fire-and-forget launcher is portable and drops a high-explosive payload from above.	Reach Level 24
RPG-7	An infantry-carried launcher that fires a rocket-propelled grenade for high damage. Unguided missile requires manual aiming.	Reach Level 32

Unlocking Secondary Weapons: Melee Weapons (MW3)

Weapon	In-game Description	How to Unlock
Riot Shield	Ballistic-proof and explosive-resistant shield with increased melee damage.	Reach Level 37

Unlocking Secondary Weapons: Melee Weapons (MW2)

Weapon	In-game Description	How to Unlock
Combat Knife	A CQC tactical knife. Standard military issue, employed for fast, quiet, and deadly wetwork.	Reach Level 17
Dual Kodachis	To be confirmed.	Reach B13 Sector of the Battle Pass (Season 2)
Dual Kamas	Cut down your enemies with each swing of these curved and deadly blades.	Unlocked by getting 100 Kills with any melee weapon.
Tonfa	This hard-polymer, edgeless melee weapon delivers blunt trauma without risk of dulling or breaking. Versatile, comfortable, and lethal in the right hands.	Unknown.
Pickaxe	This heavy-duty Melee Weapon enables quiet and deadly operations behind enemy lines with best-in-class damage and range.	Unknown.

Unlocking Secondary Weapons: Tactical Equipment

Weapon	In-game Description	How to Unlock
Flash Grenade	Blinds and deafens targets.	Unknown.
Battle Rage	Experimental stimulant that gives you an adrenaline rush. Health regenerates quickly and Tactical Equipment is resisted.	Unknown.
EMD Grenade	Applies a tracking device to enemies hit, revealing them on your team’s minimap.	Unknown.
Smoke Grenade	Deploys a smoke screen that blocks vision and automated targeting systems.	Unknown.
Scatter mine	Throw a field of mines across a wide area that detonate when enemies come within range.	Unknown.

Unlocking Secondary Weapons: Lethal Equipment

Weapon	In-game Description	How to Unlock
Frag Grenade	Cookable fragmentation grenade.	Unknown.
Breacher Drone	Explosive drone that explodes on proximity to an enemy or on impact.	Unknown.
Semtex	Timed sticky grenade.	Unknown.
Thermobaric Grenade	Cookable grenade. Creates a large explosion that stuns, leaves a fiery residue, and increases the lethality of explosives for a period of time.

Whether you prefer Assault Rifles, Battle Rifles, SMGs, Shotguns, LMGs, or Marksman Rifles, this guide provides you with a comprehensive list of weapons, their in-game descriptions, and the conditions necessary to obtain them. Now, armed with this knowledge, you can strategically level up, complete challenges, and customize your loadouts to dominate the battlefield in MW3. Best of luck in your quest for unlocking all the weapons and achieving victory in the game!