Best gear in MW3 ranked

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✓ At a glance
  • We recommend the Bone Conduction Headset, Ghost T/V Camo, and Mag Holster to maximize your combat efficiency in-game.
  • These can be unlocked by leveling up or via Armory Unlock challenges.

Despite its revamped structure, MW3 still includes some familiar gear that enhances your performance in combat. While it can take a while to unlock new equipment, they’re well worth the time investment. Here are our top gear recommendations based on our extensive time in-game. These will have you outgunning foes across all skill levels.

The best gear

We’ve ranked the top 10 items you can equip in the Gear section of your loadout before a multiplayer match. Keep in mind that you won’t have immediate access to these items if you’re just starting out. You will need to unlock these items by leveling up or completing challenges. Here are our best picks:

A player checks out the Threat Identification System in the game.
Use the Threat Identification System to tag enemies fast. Image captured by VideoGamer.

10. Threat Identification System

While ADS (aiming down sight), this item automatically pings enemy locations in crosshairs. While it can be annoying in modes like Ground War where loads of enemies will be moving about, it can help you alert teammates to nearby foes. It’s not as good as some of the other items on this list but it will let you give allies a heads-up before a direct engagement.

A player checks out the Tac Mask in the game.
Rely on the Tac Mask when stuns and flashes annoy you. Image captured by VideoGamer.

9. Tac Mask

While being able to surprise an enemy who tries to stun or flash you can give you an advantage, this doesn’t happen very often. Usually, you’ll be able to head to safety after being hit by tactical equipment unless you’re really close to an opponent. So it’s a situational item that isn’t as effective as some of the other choices in Modern Warfare 3.

A player checks the Signal Jammer item in the game.
The Signal Jammer cuts off enemy mines. Image captured by VideoGamer.

8. Signal Jammer

This item emits a signal that disrupts placed enemy claymores and mines. It also warns of nearby enemy equipment, letting you plan your route accordingly. The Signal Jammer is a decent pick in modes like Domination where enemies contest specific areas. Foes may ignore paths after placing mines there, letting you surprise them with a sneak attack. Despite that, we’d recommend the EOD Padding instead if you’re worried about explosive damage.

A player checks the Data Jacker item in the game.
The Data Jacker lets you create radar pings. Image captured by VideoGamer.

7. Data Jacker

With this item equipped, enemies you kill drop a smartphone. Collecting the smartphone generates a radar ping from that location, letting you catch enemies by surprise. You’ll be able to wipe out squads this way and assist your allies as well. It pairs well with the Kill Confirmed game mode, considering that you need to get dog tags from fallen enemies. You’ll also get a radar ping now, helpful for spotting nearby foes. But despite its utility, there are better choices in the game.

A player checks out the Mission Control Comlink in the game.
The Mission Control Comlink reduces the cost of killstreaks. Image captured by VideoGamer.

6. Mission Control Comlink

If you want to work your way towards killstreaks fast, the Mission Control Comlink lowers the killstreak cost by 125 and the scorestreak cost by 125. If you’re certain of your skill, you won’t need this item. But if you’re just starting out, you’ll be able to call in helpful UAV scans and cruise missiles faster with this gear pick.

A player checks the Blacklight Flashlight in the game.
See enemy footsteps with this flashlight. Image captured by VideoGamer.

5. Blacklight Flashlight

If being able to see recent enemy footsteps sounds familiar, that’s because it’s basically the old Tracker perk from older Call of Duty titles. You can use this to track enemies and catch ones low on health to finish. It’s a handy way to rack up kills for scorestreaks as well, especially with SMGs and shotguns for close-range tussles. Maps with tight corridors like Meat are perfect for this gear choice.

A player checks out the EOD Padding item in the game.
Block explosive damage with this gear choice. Image captured by VideoGamer.

4. EOD Padding

If you aren’t a fan of grenades and launchers, this is a solid choice. It lowers the damage from explosives, letting you contest objectives and keep going after stray grenades and mines strike your character. I prefer it to most of the gear on this list simply because of how often it can save you from a quick death.

A player checks out the Mag Holster in the game.
The Mag Holster buffs your reload speed. Image captured by VideoGamer.

3. Mag Holster

This gear offers faster reloads. While some attachments can offer this bonus on individual weapons, this one improves your entire loadout. Think of it as Fast Hands from MW2. Remember that you can wear the Gunner Vest instead to gain this bonus too. Being able to reload faster will minimize the time you expose yourself without being in a position to shoot.

A player checks out the Ghost T/V Camo in the game.
Pick the Ghost T/V Camo for stealthy flanks. Image captured by VideoGamer.

2. Ghost T/V Camo

When you move, this item blocks detection by UAVs, enemy radar sources, and Heartbeat Sensors. It’s a must-have for players who prefer a stealthy approach. Pair it with a suppressed weapon to get kills without opponents noticing. It’s easily one of the best choices when it comes to stealth combat. Another alternative worth considering is the Hijacked IFF Strobe, keeping you undetectable by AI targeting systems like drones and thermal optics.

A player checks the Bone Conduction Headset in the game.
Hear enemies clearly with this item. Image captured by VideoGamer.

1. Bone Conduction Headset

By reducing combat noise, this item boosts the identification of enemy footsteps and gunshots. It’ll let you direct your energy accordingly, either via flanking routes or pointing out enemy locations to your friends. By enhancing audio cues, you’ll be able to take down enemies before they see you.

About the Author

Nico Vergara

Nico Vergara is a Trends Writer for VideoGamer.com. When not writing about or playing RPGs, he spends time playing basketball, watching the latest movies, and brooding about his favorite sports teams.

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 (2023)

  • Platform(s): PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox Series X
  • Genre(s): Action, Shooter