Vortex Play guide in Modern Warfare 3 2023 (CoD MW3). Learn more about the Limited Time Mode Season 1, Free For All Modes, release date, new maps, use the Ray Gun, rewards & more!
How To Play Vortex
Free For All, First 25 Kills Win
Vortex is a Free-For-All Mode for 8 players. All players fight each other to get the highest number of kills, and the first player with 25 kills wins the match.
Randomly Spawned With A Ray Gun
At the beginning of one match, one player will randomly spawn with the Wonder Weapon, Ray Gun. When another player shoots down the Ray Gun's owner, they will instantly become the new owner without picking it up.
An Instant-Kill Gun With High-Velocity
The Ray Gun is a weapon guaranteed to kill enemies with one shot, and its velocity is faster than in the Zombies mode. Owning it gives you a significant advantage in winning the match.
Owner Is Visible On Map
The map reveals Ray Gun's owner's location, making them easily locatable by other players.
Vortex: War's Domain Rewards
Earning XP To Unlock Rewards
| Start Date | January 3, 2024 |
| End Date | January 17, 2024 |
Earn XP to unlock exclusive rewards. You can also equip the featured operator skin to earn bonus XP at the end of every match.
Event Rewards
| Reward | Description | Requirements |
| The Goat | Weapon Sticker | 9,500 XP |
| 30M Double XP Token | Consumable | 21,500 XP |
| Through the Smoke | Large Decal | 36,900 XP |
| 45M Double Weapon XP Token | Consumable | 56,350 XP |
| Ghost Fire | Charm | 81,100 XP |
| Skull Fire | Large Decal | 112,450 XP |
| Volcanic | Emblem | 152,300 XP |
| A Little Rusty | Calling Card | 202,950 XP |
| 1H Double Battle Pass XP Token | Consumable | 267,200 XP |
| Winged Fire | Weapon Sticker | 348,900 XP |
| 1H Double XP Token | Consumable | 452,550 XP |
| Forged In Flames | Calling Card | 584,250 XP |
| Putrid Skulls | Weapon Sticker | 751,500 XP |
| 1H Double Weapon XP Token | Consumable | 963,950 XP |
| Magma | Camo | 1,233,700 XP |
CoD MW3 Vortex Maps
The Vortex takes place in 3 remixed new maps:
Satan's Quarry
The remixed version of Quarry. It is the largest map in Vortex and has more obstacles to hide behind. If you get the Ray Gun, you can gain an advantage by moving and hiding in a tall building.
Sporeyard
The remixed version of Scrapyard. It consists of narrow weaves surrounded by warehouses, forcing close-range combat.
Tetanus
The remixed version of Rust. It is a small desert map during a planetary storm. The dominant feature is a central tower. Hide behind obstacles or fight for the top spot.
Afghan
Derail
Estate
Exhibit
Favela
Greece
Highrise
Invasion
Karachi
Meat
Quarry
Rundown
Rust
Scrapyard
Shipment
Skidrow
Sub Base
Terminal
Training Facility
Underpass
Wasteland
Popov Power (Ground War) 
Operation Spearhead (War Mode)
Orlov Military Base (Ground War) 
Levin Resort (Ground War)
