How to Fix “Instance Inventory is Idle” in CoD MW3

Get back in the game sooner!

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Diving
Image via Sledgehammer Games

If you’re struggling to play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 due to a litany of bugs and errors, then finding a fix is paramount to having a good time. Here is how to fix the “instance inventory is idle” error in CoD: MW 3.

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How to Resolve “Instance Inventory is Idle” in Modern Warfare 3

It seems many people currently suffer from the “instance inventory is idle” error in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, and to fix the issue, we have a few suggestions:

  • First and foremost, this error typically occurs when trying to play DMZ. If that’s your case, then try to back out to the main menu and then access the Battle Royale game mode instead. From there, back out once more and re-enter the DMZ game mode.
  • Another option is to sit patiently and wait for the error to resolve itself. By now, developer Sledgehammer Games and Activision are aware of the issue and are likely working on a hotfix on their end. It’s only a matter of time.
  • Lastly, try restarting the game. You might give it the kick the game requires to let you into DMZ.

Keep your eyes on the official Call of Duty accounts on social media to see if they are posting timeframes for any issues to be resolved if it is on the developer’s end.

Reinstalling MW3

In the most extreme cases, some users have found that a total reinstall of the game resolves the problem altogether. But hey, this is a massive download. We’re talking about uninstalling and reinstalling 200 GB of content, which isn’t feasible for many.

While we don’t generally recommend uninstalling and reinstalling as an option, it’s a last resort. You’re better off attempting one of the other handful of fixes we offered up here or just waiting, as much as the anticipation kills. You’ll be in-game before long.

How to Verify Integrity of Game Files on Steam

Sometimes game files get corrupted during download, causing a litany of bugs, and they need to be checked. While this isn’t guaranteed to fix the “instance inventory is idle” error, it’s one possible solution.

To verify the integrity of your game files on Steam, you’ll need to complete the following steps:

  • Go to your games library in Steam.
  • Right click on the game on you want (Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3), and click on Properties.
  • Tab over to Local Files.
  • Click Verify Integrity of Game Cache.

Steam will then perform a check, and after it’s finished, you should be good to go. It won’t fix every bug in the game, but it will at least clean up any corrupted game files for you.

In the meantime, why not explore the best Striker loadout in Modern Warfare 3?!

About the Author

Brandon Morgan

Brandon began writing in 2012, for websites such as OnlySP, before transitioning to digital marketing in 2016 to learn the ins and outs of SEO. In mid-2023, Brandon returned to write strategy guides for Prima Games, IGN, DualShockers, and more, with a focus on ARPGs, RPGs, and Survival games. His past coverage includes Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, Starfield, Skull and Bones, and many more!