Want to unlock all the best guns, perks, and cosmetics in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3? Ranking up fast is the key. At launch, MW3 has 55 levels, each with challenges to complete. The grinding can be slow, but using these tips will have you prestiging in no time.
Assess the Three XP Types
Modern Warfare 3 tracks XP (experience points) across three categories:
- Weapon XP: Levels up guns by getting kills and completing challenges.
- Rank XP: Increases overall rank, unlocking equipment and perks.
- Battle Pass XP: Earns tokens to unlock operators, blueprints, and cosmetics.
Focus on earning high amounts of Rank and Battle Pass XP to level up your player profile quickly.
Activate XP Tokens

XP tokens are by far the fastest way to rank up in MW3. Open the Multiplayer menu and activate a token for either Battle Pass, Rank, or Weapon XP. Tokens boost XP gains for 30, 45, or 60 minutes of real-time play.
Be strategic with tokens. Don’t activate one if you only have a short time to play. And target the XP type you need most.
Complete Challenges Daily
Check the Challenges tab often. Daily challenges offer 2,500 XP each, while weekly challenges award 10,000 XP.
Daily challenges refresh every 24 hours, so make these a priority. The weekly ones refresh on Sundays.
Optimize Your Playlist
Not all multiplayer modes are equal for earning XP. The best ones are:
- Ground War: Huge player counts and long matches.
- Kill Confirmed: Awards XP for both kills and collecting dog tags.
- Hardpoint: Extended hill battles award tons of score.
Avoid shorter modes like Team Deathmatch. Longer matches equal more kills, score, and XP.
Win, Win, Win
Wins are rewarded with XP tokens in Modern Warfare 3. Do everything you can to get the W:
- Party up with skilled teammates
- Refine your best loadouts
- Play the objective
- Use high-tier scorestreaks
Winning matches regularly results in leveling up much faster.
Double XP — Activate It!
Special events like 2XP weekends are the perfect time to grind out levels. Make it a priority to play MW3 during these events to maximize XP gains.
Leveling up fast takes some work, but utilizing these tips will have you ascending the ranks in no time. Prestige awaits!
FAQ
Q1: How can I rank up fast in Modern Warfare 3?
A: Use XP tokens, complete challenges, play high XP modes like Ground War, win matches, and utilize 2XP events.
Q2: What is the fastest way to rank up?
A: XP tokens are the fastest method. Activate them in the Multiplayer menu for instant XP boosts.
Q3: How much XP do challenges give?
A: Daily challenges give 2,500 XP and weekly challenges give 10,000 XP.
Q4: What are some good multiplayer modes for earning XP?
A: Ground War, Kill Confirmed, and Hardpoint are great for earning XP quickly.
Q5: Do I earn XP in Zombies mode?
A: Yes, but multiplayer modes are better for quickly ranking up.