Best controller settings for MW3 on PC, Xbox, PS5 (2023) for a great experience

If you’re looking for the best controller settings for MW3, whether it’s PC, Xbox, or PS5, you’ve come to the right place.

Most of the time controller settings are a secondary thought. Not for Call of Duty, though, where carefully calibrated sensitivity settings go a long way. Getting your aim on point is essential, and figuring out how to master movement will only be possible if you’re comfortable with your controller inputs.

Before you start on the controller settings – you might first want to check out the best controller for Modern Warfare 3. While its campaign might not be great, we praised the game’s gunplay in our Modern Warfare 3 review. Now that the game is out, read on for the best controller settings.

MW3 best controller settings

You’ll want to customize all of your control settings before you jump into your first game – but there’s quite an extensive range of options you’re going to need to play with. Let’s simplify them for you: Deadzone Input, Aim, and Movement. We extensively tested all these options to give you the best settings to dominate enemies with a controller across all of MW3’s modes.

Best MW3 controller settings for input

Use these settings for input in Modern Warfare 3:

• L1 Button Ping – Off
• Button Layout Preset – Tactical
• Flip L1/R1 with L2/R2 – Your choice
• Stick Layout Preset – Default
• Controller Vibration – Off
• Trigger Effect – Off (PS5 DualSense only)

Deadzone input for MW3 controller settings

You’re going to want to have a play with the deadzone input test too, which will calibrate your controller’s deadzones accurately. If you reduce your deadzone settings to the minimum, you’re going to introduce the least chance of error and increase your accuracy. Just remember to account for stick drift.

Here are the Deadzone inputs we recommend in MW3:

• Left Stick Min: 0.3
• Left Stick Max: 0.99
• Right Stick Min: 0.3
• Right Stick Max: 0.99
• L2 Button: 0.0
• R2 Button: 0.0

✓ Antony’s annotation

Use MW3’s deadzone input test to correctly map values

While the values above are a good way to start, try the game’s input test to find what works for you.

Best MW3 controller settings for aim

Use these controller settings for the best possible aim in the game:

• Horizontal Stick Sensitivity – 7
• Vertical Stick Sensitivity – 7
• ADS Sensitivity Multiplier – 0.85
• Sensitivity Multiplier (Ground and Tablet) – 1.00
• Verticle Aim Axis (On Foot and Ground Vehicles) – Standard
• Tac-Stance Sensitivity Multiplier – 0.85
• Aim Response Curve Type – Dynamic
• ADS Sensitivity Multiplier (Focus) – 0.85
• ADS Sensitivity Transition Timing – Instant
• Custom Sensitivity per Zoom – Off

Everyone’s sensitivity settings will be slightly different. I am pretty used to playing FPS games on a high sensitivity, though others might be averse to that. Try what works best for you, as the sensitivity options are pretty flexible. It’s the other settings that are a bit more important to nail:

• Target Aim Assist – On
• Aim Assist Type – Black Ops
• Motion Sensor Behavior – Off

While the Default, Precision, and Focusing Aim Assist types are great, we prefer the Black Ops aim assist option. It returns from the Black Ops games with its traditional aim slowdown for the right sticks on analog controllers. This aim slowdown kicks in when near a target, making it simple to land shots on foes. If you’re new to shooters, we’d recommend trying out Focusing before deciding. As for accurate players, Precision might be more up their alley.

Best MW3 controller settings for movement and gameplay

These settings will have you navigating the game’s open spaces and tight corners with ease. Here are the best Modern Warfare 3 controller settings for great movement:

• Automatic Sprint – Automatic Tactical Sprint
• Auto Move Forward – Off
• Tactical Stance Behavior – Double Tap or Toggle
• Grounded Mantle – On
• Automatic Airborne Mantle – Partial
• Automatic Ground Mantle – Off
• Invert Slide / Dive behavior – Standard
• Plunging Underwater – Trigger
• Sprinting Door Bash – On
• Ledge Climb Behavior – Hold

These settings affect combat behaviors and vehicle behaviors in the game:

• Aim Down Sight Behavior – Hold
• Change Zoom Shared Input – Off
• Equipment Behavior – Hold
• Weapon Mount Activation – ADS + Melee
• Tactical ADS Activation – ADS + Down
• Interact / Reload Behavior – Prioritise reload
• ADS Stick Swap – Off
• Weapon Mount Exit Delay – Medium
• Depleted Ammo Weapon Switch – On
• Quick C4 Detonation – Grouped
• Vehicle Camera Recenter – Short Delay
• Camera Initial Position – Free Look
• Lean-Out Activation – Melee
• Ping Wheel Delay – Moderate
• Killstreak Wheel Behavior – Hold

Is it worth tinkering with controller settings in MW3

As someone who used to ignore modifying controller settings, I can verify that these do make a difference in the game. While firefights do come down to skill, being more comfortable with your controller of choice goes a long way in enhancing your aim. Being able to look around at a pace that you prefer will also help with situational awareness. And when you’re in a heated tussle with or against friends, little things like these can mean the difference between a loss and a close finish.

These options are what we recommend as the best controller settings for Modern Warfare 3. Use a Private Match to further refine these settings based on your personal preference and make adjustments. We had another go at calibrating these settings now that Modern Warfare 3 is live.

These tips should help you irrespective of whether you play on PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, or PlayStation 5 (PS5). Some of these can help mouse and keyboard players too. In the meantime, check out the Best Equipment in MW3 and the best Renetti loadout, attachments and perks.

MW3 best controller settings FAQ

What is the best aim response curve in MW3?

We recommend a Dynamic response curve in MW3.

How do I improve my aiming?

Use the right sensitivity settings and practice to improve in MW3.