How to unlock Ranked Play in Modern Warfare 3

Modern Warfare 3 Season 1 Reloaded finally brings Ranked Play into the game. You can now take on the challenge of playing like you’re in the Call of Duty League…that is if you can unlock MW3 Ranked Play.

How to start playing Ranked Play in Modern Warfare 3

The only way to participate in Ranked Play in Modern Warfare 3 is to reach at least level 55. Hit 55 once and you’re eligible to play Modern Warfare 3 Ranked Play. If you haven’t quite hit level 55, you need to get back to grinding XP.

Related: All Ranked rewards in Modern Warfare 3 (MW3)

What are the Ranked Play rules in Modern Warfare 3?

Modern Warfare 3 Ranked Play is interesting because it is 4v4 matches of Search & Destroy, Hardpoint, and Control that mirror the strict esports level of play that the Call of Duty League (CDL) enjoys. Since Ranked Play follows CDL rules, some Killstreaks, Equipment, and weapons are restricted.

There is grace in Ranked Play in that you’ll have access to all unrestricted gameplay items like the locked HRM-9 and TAQ Evolvere in Ranked Play even if you haven’t fully unlocked them yet. What isn’t forgiving is that there is friendly fire, so be careful.

As you win, you’ll rank up through the eight Skill Divisions and Tiers. At the start of each season, you’ll be reset by three Tiers. You’ll climb the Skill Division ladder by earning SR (Skill Rating) through wins, kills, and playing the objective.

If you win three matches in a row, you’ll earn a Hot Streak which gives you a flaming rank for 72 hours or until you lose. Subsequently, you’ll receive SR penalties when repeatedly doing friendly fire, being inactive, and leaving matches early.

Now you know how to play Ranked Play in Modern Warfare 3 and you have a general sense of how it’ll go. If you wanna take a break from the sweaty action and try out some arguably even sweatier action, you should learn how to get and use Covert Exfils in Warzone.