MW3 Season One Reloaded update to leave Ranked Play out upon release cover image

MW3 Season One Reloaded update to leave Ranked Play out upon release

MW3 Season One Reloaded won’t feature Ranked Play immediately. It looks like we’re going to have to wait a little longer for more 4v4 action.

It's already a disappointing start to MW3's Season One Reloaded update for Call of Duty fans.

Players looking to grind for hours through Ranked matches won’t be able to sink their teeth into COD’s fast-paced, competitive gameplay once Season One arrives on Wednesday, Jan. 17. Fans have been waiting since early December for the mid-season update, and might have to wait a little longer.

Why is Ranked Play turned off in MW3 Season One Reloaded?

MW3’s Season One Reloaded update is set to introduce a boatload of new content, alongside an entirely new competitive period. Currently, we have no specific reasons for turning off Ranked Play—but, we have a rough idea why.

All we know is that it’s going to be unavailable right off the bat, according to CODUpdates post on X today. However, the Ranked Play employees will be “performing checks before enabling the mode for all players.” 

A collection of possible reasons floating around the internet might explain why, but these would all be speculation. One of the most prevalent theories from fans is Season One’s impact on the COD servers. The community suggests that the slow release of Ranked Play might mitigate the surge of gamers logging on for the Season One Reloaded action.  

What’s new in the MW3 Season One Reloaded update?

(Image via Sledgehammer Games)
(Image via Sledgehammer Games)

Fans have a lot to expect in the upcoming MW3 Season One Reloaded. Prepare to feast your eyes on new maps, game modes, and zombie-based changes.

Firstly, players will be able to experience the new 6v6 map Rio once Reloaded arrives, alongside three new game modes. These modes include:

  • Team Gunfight
  • Headquarters
  • Infected

The infamous A-Train and the Firecracker cosmetic will be wearable once the Season One Reloaded update commences. Finally, the new Warlord Dokkaebi for MWZ is going to arrive. Bundle all these goodies together, and player's beliefs of packed servers start to make sense.

Keep an eye on esports.gg for more Call of Duty news and guides.