Optimal Controller Configurations for Modern Warfare 3

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 provides a wide array of controller settings to optimize your sensitivity, movement, and aim assist.

While these settings may feel overwhelming, selecting options tailored to your playstyle can significantly enhance your gameplay, allowing you to execute slide cancels effortlessly and preventing unexpected deaths from climbing walls during jumps (we’ve all experienced that).

Below are the recommended controller settings for MW3 Season 6, applicable for Xbox, PlayStation, or PC players.

Top MW3 Controller Settings

Input Settings

Button Layout Preset: Tactical
Bumper Ping: Off
Flip L1/R1 with L2/R2: Enable this if you prefer quicker button response times or use a claw grip.
Stick Layout Preset: Default
Controller Vibration: Off
Trigger Effect: Off

Modern Warfare 3 features a new Deadzone Input Test, allowing you to assess your sticks’ deadzone in real-time for precise configuration.

By minimizing your Deadzone settings, you can enhance reaction times and aim control, leading to quicker responses and improved accuracy.

Modern Warfare 3 Deadzone Input Test — Activision

The Deadzone Input Test allows for extensive customization of stick and button behavior.

Aiming Settings

Horizontal Stick Sensitivity: 6
Vertical Stick Sensitivity: 6
ADS Sensitivity Multiplier: 0.90
Sensitivity Multiplier:
- Third Person Sensitivity Multiplier: 1.00
- Ground Vehicles: 1.00
- Air Killstreak: 1.00
- Tablet: 1.00
Vertical Aim Axis:
- On Foot: Standard
- Third Person: Standard
- Ground Vehicles: Standard
- Air Vehicles: Standard
Tac-Stance Sensitivity Multiplier: 0.90
Aim Response Curve Type: Dynamic
- Aim Response Curve Slope Scale: 1.00
ADS Sensitivity Multiplier (Focus): 0.90
ADS Sensitivity Transition Timing: Instant
Custom Sensitivity Per Zoom: Off

We recommend starting with a sensitivity setting of 6; however, this is subjective. As you gain experience, consider gradually increasing your sensitivity to a level that feels most comfortable.

Higher sensitivity settings facilitate quicker turning, providing a significant advantage in reacting to enemies from various angles, though they may compromise fine aim control.

MW3 aiming settings controller — Activision

The ideal aiming settings will empower you to eliminate enemies with ease.

Aim Assist Settings

Target Aim Assist: On
Aim Assist Type: Default
Third Person ADS Correction Type: Precision

Motion Sensor Aiming

Motion Sensor Behavior: Off

Gameplay Settings

Movement Behaviors

Automatic Sprint: Off
Slide Maintains Sprint: (Disabled when Automatic Sprint is off)
Sprint/Tactical Sprint Behavior: Toggle
Auto Move Forward: Off
Tactical Sprint Behavior: Single Tap Run
Grounded Mantle: Off
Automatic Airborne Mantle: Off
Automatic Ground Mantle/Hang: Off
Slide/Dive Behavior: Slide Only
Plunging Underwater: Free
Parachute Auto-Deploy: Off
Sprinting Door Bash: On
Ledge Climb Behavior: Mantle Only

Combat Behaviors

Aim Down Sight Behavior: Hold
Change Zoom Activation: Sprint/Tactical Sprint/Focus
Equipment Behavior: Hold
Weapon Mount Activation: ADS + Melee
Weapon Mount Exit Delay: Short
Tactical Stance Activation: ADS + Down Button
Tactical Stance Behavior: On Toggle
Interact/Reload Behavior: Tap to Reload
Armor Plate Behavior: Apply All
ADS Stick Swap: Off
Backpack Control: Directional Buttons
Depleted Ammo Weapon Switch: On
Quick C4 Detonation: Grouped
Manual Fire Behavior: Press
Akimbo Behavior: Independent

Vehicle Behaviors

Vehicle Camera Recenter: Short Delay
Camera Initial Position: Free Look
Lean-Out Activation: Melee

Overlays Behavior

Scoreboard/Maps/Stats Behavior: Toggle
Ping Wheel Delay: Moderate
Double Tap Danger Ping Delay: Moderate
Wheels Behavior: Hold

Optimal Aim Assist Type for MW3

MW3 controller settings Aim Assist type — Activision

The Black Ops and Default Aim Assist offer comfort for both new and seasoned players.

The Default is regarded as the best Aim Assist Type in Modern Warfare 3, although using Black Ops doesn’t present any significant disadvantages.

If you’re new to shooter games, the Focusing type might be ideal, but as you gain confidence, it’s advisable to transition away from it, as you might find the aim assist overly dominant.

Here’s an overview of each type:

Default: A traditional aim slowdown that activates near the target in Modern Warfare games. This is the most effective in MW3.
Precision: A strong aim slowdown that activates only when aiming closely at the target.
Focusing: A strong aim slowdown that engages when narrowly missing the target. Recommended for beginners in analog aiming.
Black Ops: A traditional aim slowdown near the target used in Black Ops games.

Aim Response Curve Settings

MW3 controller settings Aim Response Curve — Activision

The Dynamic Aim Response Curve ensures quick movements towards your targets.

The best Aim Response Curve option in MW3 is Dynamic, providing the most precise control. While the Standard option may feel more natural, it’s advisable to avoid Linear settings entirely.

Here’s a breakdown of the three types available in the game:

Standard: A straightforward power curve mapping from the aim stick to the aim rate.
Linear: The aim stick directly correlates to the aim rate.
Dynamic: An innovative reverse S-curve mapping for fine-tuning aim rate control.

Optimal FOV Settings

The ideal FOV setting ranges from 100 to 115, striking a balance that provides a wide view of your surroundings while keeping enemy players visible and manageable to track.

Finding & Testing Controller Settings

Since there is no one-size-fits-all settings list, the best method to determine your ideal MW3 controller settings is through testing various configurations until you find one that fits your style and preferences.

We suggest visiting the Rust map during a Private Match. Set the bots to Recruit difficulty, allowing you the freedom to explore different settings and sensitivities to identify what works best for you.

If you want to take your game a step further, consider utilizing the best audio and PC settings.

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