Having optimal controller settings in Modern Warfare 3 (MW3) is essential for adjusting to this year’s rapid gameplay. Key elements like aim assist, sensitivity settings, and deadzone configurations significantly influence your performance.
For Call of Duty enthusiasts, fine-tuning controller settings is an ongoing endeavor. You’ll experiment with sensitivity adjustments, different aim assist configurations, and various deadzone settings to discover what works best for you. However, it won’t be long before the urge to make further changes arises.
Though this adjustment process may feel cumbersome, it’s vital. Inadequate controller settings can severely compromise your gameplay experience. The challenge lies in determining which settings are most effective, especially as Sledgehammer Games continues to introduce new options with every game update.
By examining the configurations of many top pros and streamers and reviewing the available options, we’ve compiled the best controller settings for MW3.
Best MW3 Controller Settings
Input Settings
| Button Layout Preset | Default or Tactical |
| Bumper Ping | Off |
| Flip L1/R1 with L2/R2 | Off |
| Stick Layout Preset | Default |
| Controller Vibration | Off |
| Trigger Effect (PS5) | Off |
Deadzone Input Settings
Modern Warfare 3 features a helpful tool for detecting stick drift in controllers. The Deadzone Input Test displays both the left and right sticks, as well as the triggers, allowing for adjustments to counteract drift and sensitivity issues.
Lowering your deadzones to the minimum will enhance precision in aiming. Nonetheless, if you encounter stick drift, you may need to increase the Left and Right Stick Min settings accordingly to prevent unwanted cursor movement. Ideally, these settings should correspond to the stick drift percentage indicated by the test.
For instance, if your controller shows a 2% stick drift along any axis, then set the Left and Right Stick Min to at least 2. However, a slightly higher value, like 5 on both sticks and triggers, is often more effective for most players.
Aiming Settings
Aiming
| Horizontal Stick Sensitivity | Between 5 – 10 |
| Vertical Stick Sensitivity | Between 5 – 10 |
| ADS Sensitivity Multiplier | 0.90 |
| Vertical Aim Axis | Standard |
| Tactical Stance Sensitivity Multiplier | 1.00 |
| Aim Response Curve Type | Dynamic |
| Aim Response Curve Scale | 1.00 |
| ADS Sensitivity Multiplier (Focus) | 1.00 |
| ADS Sensitivity Transition Timing | Instant |
| Custom Sensitivity Per Zoom | Off |
Aim Assist
| Target Aim Assist | On |
| Aim Assist Type | Default |
| Third Person ADS Correction Type | Assist |
Motion Sensor Aiming
| Motion Sensor Behavior | Off |
Best Gameplay Settings
Movement Behaviors
| Automatic Sprint | Preference |
| Slide Maintains Sprint | Preference |
| Sprint/Tactical Sprint Behavior | Toggle |
| Auto Move Forward | Off |
| Tactical Sprint Behavior | Preference |
| Grounded Mantle | Preference |
| Automatic Airborne Mantle | Partial |
| Automatic Ground Mantle | Preference |
| Slide/Dive Behavior | Tap to Slide |
| Plunging Underwater | Trigger |
| Parachute Automatic Behavior | 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 | Medium |
| Tactical Stance Activation | ADS + Down Button |
| Tactical Stance Behavior | On Toggle |
| Interact/Reload Behavior | Tap To Reload |
| Armor Plate Behavior | Apply One |
| ADS Stick Swap | Off |
| Backpack Control | Directional Buttons |
| Depleted Ammo Weapon Switch | On |
| Quick C4 Detonation | Preference |
| Manual Fire Behavior | Preference |
| Action Behavior | Paired |
Vehicle Behaviors
| Vehicle Camera Recenter | Short Delay |
| Camera Initial Position | Free Look |
| Lean-Out Activation | Melee |
Overlays Behavior
| Scoreboard/Map/Stats Behavior | Toggle |
| Ping Wheel Delay | Moderate |
| Double Tap Danger Ping Delay | Moderate |
| Wheels Behavior | Hold |
Best Aim Assist Settings
While using a controller, it’s critical to ensure that Target Aim Assist is On. In addition to activating aim assist, players should consider the various aim assist types available.
We suggest using the Default Aim Assist Type. Although the Black Ops Aim Assist gained popularity in MW2 and early MW3, recent adjustments mean that the Default setting is currently the most effective.
The aim assist options in MW3 include:
- Default: Provides regular aim slowdown near the target typical in Modern Warfare games.
- Precision: Delivers a strong aim slowdown when aiming closely to the target; ideal for accurate players.
- Focusing: Implement strong aim slowdown that activates when just missing the target; suited for those new to analog aiming.
- Black Ops: Applies traditional aim slowdown near targets akin to the mechanics in Black Ops titles.
Best Aim Response Curve
Modern Warfare 3 features three distinct Aim Response Curves, each offering a unique feel to thumbstick movements.
While many players prefer the Standard Aim Response Curve, we recommend experimenting with the Dynamic option for finer control, although it may require some adjustment time.
- Standard: Basic power curve mapping from aim stick to aim rate.
- Linear: Direct mapping of aim stick movements to aim rate.
- Dynamic: Uses reverse S-curve mapping for enhanced aim control.
How to Change Controller Settings
Altering your controller settings in Modern Warfare 3 is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to access the appropriate menu:
- Launch Modern Warfare 3 or Call of Duty HQ on your gaming platform.
- When you’re on the main menu, press start.
- Navigate to the settings tab by pressing RB or R1, which is denoted by a white cog icon.
- Click ‘Controller’ to access the controller settings menu.
Ultimately, the best controller settings depend on personal preference. If any of our suggestions don’t resonate with you, feel free to make adjustments that better suit your play style.
Consider loading up a Private Match with bots to experiment with settings until they feel just right. Afterward, you can further enhance your gameplay by optimizing other aspects, such as the best MW3 loadouts and optimal PC settings for FPS.
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