Modern Warfare 3 Captain Price
Image via Activision

How to Fix Packet Burst in MW3

Let's hope this one is gone for good.

Plenty of online problems plague Call of Duty. MW3 is no different this time around. Here is how to hopefully fix your Packet Burst problems in Modern Warfare 3.

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How to Fix Packet Burst In Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3

Packet Burst is an issue when your game is either receiving too much data at once or not enough. The burst part of the term comes from the fact that the data is not coming in consistently like it is supposed to. This could be several different issues.

To fix Packet Burst, you will need to try many different solutions, and there is no guarantee that this isn’t a server-side issue on Modern Warfare 3.

First, you’re going to want to restart your game. It’s the least time-consuming problem and also potentially the easiest solution.

If this does not work, it’s time to reset your router if you’re playing on Wifi. This isn’t too time-consuming and should hopefully resolve any internet weirdness on your end from the equation.

If the problem persists, you should try and hardwire your ethernet into your console or PC if you’re still using Wi-Fi. Wi-fi can often be inconsistent and spotty, especially on new release days.

A last resort you can also attempt is to turn off crossplay. This will no longer enable you to be able to play with your friends or players on other platforms. You’ll be locked to whatever console you’re on. This severely limits who you can interact with in MW3 but might also give you a more stable connection.

If you still have issues, keep your eyes peeled on the official Mw3 channels like X and other places. This is an excellent way to gauge if the problem persists on the game’s end.

How to disable Crossplay to Fix MW3 Packet Burst

Screenshot by Prima Games

To disable crossplay, you’ll need to do the following.

  • Head to the settings in your game
  • Click on “Account & Network” near the bottom
  • Now toggle Crossplay off

Now that this is complete you’ll need to re-enable it form the same menu if you wish to play with friends on other platforms again. However, we recommend trying to see if this fixes your packet burst issues.


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About the Author

Jesse Vitelli

Jesse loves most games, but he really loves games that he can play together with friends and family. This usually means late nights in Destiny 2 or FFXIV. You can also find him thinking about his ever-expanding backlog of games he won't play and being constantly dehydrated. Do not contact him.