Modern Warfare 3 campaign walkthrough mission 1 – Operation 627

Operation 627 is the Modern Warfare 3 campaign’s first mission and tasks you with infiltrating a Russian Gulag in the Katovian Sea. Alongside Rook and Ivan and equipped with an MTZ 556 Hybrid and a Rival 9, you’ll make your way through the gulag relying on a spot of stealth and then open combat to reach your target, prisoner 627.

Our guide has a full walkthrough of MW3 Operation 627 to help you make it through alive. Once you’ve wrapped up Operation 627, be sure to check out our Modern Warfare 3 Precious Cargo walkthrough.

Modern Warfare 3 Operation 627 walkthrough

Operation 627 starts in the sea below the gulag with the objective of locating prisoner 627. Swim towards your fellow squadmates. Brace yourself when prompted then aim and shoot the fire line launcher to hook onto the prison roof.

Once you reach the top, equip your night goggles and follow Rook and Ivan. Shoot one of the two guards near the searchlight. Pick up the Kastov 74U dropped by one of the guards if you want.

Follow Rook and Ivan down into the prison yard. Take cover behind the crates. After the explosion goes off, pick off all the enemies in the yard, using cover as necessary to avoid taking on too much damage. The yard contains about half a dozen enemies, but if you go for clean head shots, they shouldn’t be too much trouble.

Mid-way through the fight, an enemy posts up in a window; take them out as a priority then pick off any stragglers. Enemies drop various weapons at this point, including the Lachmann 762, Kastov 74U, and Minibck, so take your pick if you want to switch things up.

After the fight, lift the hatch to enter the tunnels. At the end of the air duct, open the gate. Belay down, picking off guards on each level as you go. The prisoners will start rioting as well to help thin out guard numbers and distract them. If you do get overwhelmed at any point you can belay back upwards to regen health then go in for another attempt.

Reach the bottom and follow Rook and Ivan into Sub level X-4. Take a left and take out the two guards that pop out, then continue down to the prison cell area. Breach the cell door to trigger a cutscene and meet prisoner 627 – Commander Vladimir Makarov.

Escape with Makorov

After regaining control, follow Ivan, Rook, and Makarov up the stairs. At the top, wait for Makarov to open the door, then take out the three guards that appear behind the iron gate at the back. The next room is an armoury containing a Lockwood 680, Kastov 762, Pulemyot 762, and KV Inhibitor Variable Zoom. For some close quarters oomph, the Lockwood is a solid choice here.

When ready, go through the door at the back of the armoury into the locker room. Four guards patrol the area and they are on high alert, so advance methodically, picking them off one by one.

Ride the elevator and trigger another cutscene where you’ll have a dialogue option. Pick as you see fit, though ‘The Prisoners’ appears to be the answer Makarov wants to hear. Exit the elevator into the prison yard and press on. Be careful not to take out any prisoners or you’ll be booted back to the last checkpoint.

Avoid fire from the watchtower using any of the cover spots while you wait for an airstrike. With the watchtower emplacement dealt with press on. Things get a bit hairy at this point. Make for the right side of the yard, taking out the guards on the walkway above and the ground below as you go. Rely on the prisoners for supporting fire. An enemy helicopter will start circling above, but won’t shoot so no need to worry about it here.

Press on until you reach the tunnel, at which point the helicopter will turn its guns on you and your squad. Follow Makarov through the door. Make a beeline for the cliff-side before sliding down and leaping into the sea to trigger a cutscene and the end of Operation 627.