Summary
The recent Makarov reveal trailer for 2023’sCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3has some fans theorizing the controversial No Russian level is being brought back. No Russian is considered one of the most contentious stages in gaming, due to it featuring a terrorist act in which the player can participate. It’d be shocking for aCall of Dutygame to revisit No Russian, but there are clues it may be happening. By no means has it been confirmed forCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, though, as yet.
No Russian is a level found in the originalCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, as well as the 2020Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Remasteredre-release. In the level, players take on the role of an undercover CIA agent named Joseph Allen who has infiltrated aRussian terrorist cell led by Vladimir Makarov. The stage involves the group performing a mass shooting an international airport. The player is allowed to either directly participate in the mass shooting or allow it to happen passively. An option to skip the mission before it begins is also available.
RELATED:Call of Duty Explains How Content Will Carry Forward from Modern Warfare 2 to MW3
There are several key aspects of the recentCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3that have led fans tospeculate about No Russian’s return. The trailer revolving around Makarov alone sets an expectation since he is an important figure in the No Russian level. The trailer also features a brief sequence showing civilians running with or from the player, as well as civilian victims of an apparent terrorist attack. Context is removed from this sequence, however, leaving room for doubt.
The theory that someCall of Dutyfans believe is thatCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3won’t recreate the classic No Russian level. Instead, the new game will feature a different take on No Russian. The trailer reveals what could be the start of the invasion of Verdansk, a key moment in the currentCall of Dutystory. TheAl-Qatala attack on Verdansk Stadiummay become the setting for No Russian, instead of an international airport in Russia.
Another possibility goes back to theending sequence of 2022’sCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. In a post-credits scene, Makarov orders the hijacking of an airplane and even goes so far as saying “No Russian.” In the newModern Warfare 3trailer, a sequence shows a downed airplane. The two may be unrelated, but at this point, Activision’s hints toward the return of the No Russian stage seem undeniable.
There are still questions about whetherCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3will have a new version of No Russian in its campaign. Just because Activision is teasing its return as part of its marketing doesn’t mean it will be in the game. And if it is inCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, it may be different in significant ways, to try and avoid controversy and condemnation. Activision certainly hasCall of Dutyfans' attention, at the very least.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3releases November 10 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
MORE:Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’s Theme Could Be More Revealing Than It Seems
