How to unlock all Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 operators

Modern Warfare 3 operators
(Image credit: Activision)

There are several ways to unlock Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 operators, though only a handful will be available initially. You won't be completely without choice if you played Modern Warfare 2, however, as you'll have access to any operators you acquired while playing it.

Modern Warfare 3 is adding 25 operators into the mix so you'll have plenty to choose from once you gain access to them—perhaps collecting them will help take your mind off the eye-watering 200GB needed to install the game. With that in mind, here I'll list every Modern Warfare 3 operator, as well as how to unlock them.

SpecGru operators

(Image credit: Activision)

The 25 Modern Warfare 3 operators are broken up into two factions. The first faction, SpecGru, boasts 13 operators, including Price and Ghost. 

You can check out how to unlock them, as well as the other operators in this faction below.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Price (Nemesis Reactive Skin)Modern Warfare 3 Vault Edition.
Ghost (Nemesis Reactive Skin)Modern Warfare 3 Vault Edition.
Blueprint (Mil-Sim)Initially available.
Rocket (Mil-Sim)Initially available.
BylineUnlocked after completing a multiplayer challenge.
ScorchUnlocked after completing a challenge in Modern Warfare Zombies.
RipperUnlocked after completing a challenge in Modern Warfare Zombies.
PathfinderUnlocked after completing a campaign challenge.
WarriorCall of Duty Endowment “Warrior” Pack (November 10).
RiptideUnlocked after completing a multiplayer challenge.
BBQUnlocked after completing a multiplayer challenge.
JabberUnlocked after completing a campaign challenge.
JetUnlocked after completing a multiplayer challenge.

KorTac operators

(Image credit: Activision)

On the other side, the KorTac faction brings 11 operators to the table, one of which is Makarov, the antagonist known to veterans of the Modern Warfare series. 

Here's how you unlock this faction's characters.

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Warden (Nemesis Reactive Skin)Modern Warfare 3 Vault Edition.
Makarov (Nemesis Reactive Skin)Modern Warfare 3 Vault Edition.
Blaze (Mil-Sim)Initially available.
Thirst (Mil-Sim)Initially available.
AlpineUnlocked after completing a multiplayer challenge.
EnigmaUnlocked after completing a multiplayer challenge.
BantamUnlocked after completing a multiplayer challenge.
DocUnlocked after completing a campaign challenge.
RaptorUnlocked after completing a multiplayer challenge.
CorsoUnlocked after completing a campaign challenge.
SwaggerUnlocked after completing a multiplayer challenge.
Sarah James
Senior Guides Writer

Sarah started as a freelance writer in 2018, writing for PCGamesN, TechRadar, GamingBible, Red Bull Gaming and more. In 2021, she was offered a full-time position on the PC Gamer team where she takes every possible opportunity to talk about World of Warcraft and Elden Ring. When not writing guides, most of her spare time is spent in Azeroth—though she's quite partial to JRPGs too. One of her fondest hopes is to one day play through the ending of Final Fantasy X without breaking down into a sobbing heap. She probably has more wolves in Valheim than you.

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