Best controller settings for Modern Warfare 3: Sensitivity, aim assist, movement, more

❘ Updated: 2024-03-08T11:47:47

Activision

You can tweak your settings in Modern Warfare 3 as per your preferred playstyle. So if you’re looking for an ideal sensitivity, aim assist, and other settings, here are the best controller settings for MW3 Season 3 for better movement and aim.

New content has made its way into Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3, through the Season 3 update. Along with the addition of MORS Sniper, FJX Horus SMG, and Gladiator Melee at the time of launch, the devs have introduced 4 new maps, with two more making their way into the game in the mid-season update.

Of course, to enjoy the new content and maintain a decent performance in your matches, you’ll need to find the right controller settings.

That said, here are the best controller settings for MW3, saving you some time in finding the right sensitivity, aim assist, inputs, and more.

Best Modern Warfare 3 controller settings
Best Aim Assist type
Best Aim Response Curve
Best FOV settings for MW3
How to find the best Modern Warfare 3 controller settings

Best Modern Warfare 3 controller settings

Inputs

Button Layout Preset: Tactical
L1 Button Ping: Off
Flip L1/R1 with L2/R2: If you want faster button press time or play with claw grip, you could turn this on
Stick Layout Preset: Default
Controller Vibration: Off
Trigger Effect: Off

Modern Warfare 3 introduces a new Deadzone Input Test, that lets you accurately test your sticks’ deadzone in real-time and precisely configure them.

Reducing your Deadzone settings to their minimum values enhances both your reaction time and fine-aim control, resulting in quicker responses and greater accuracy.

The Deadzone Input Test gives you deep customization of your sticks and button behaviors.

Aiming

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

For optimal gameplay in Modern Warfare 3, we suggest starting with a sensitivity setting of 6, though sensitivity is a matter of personal preference. As you gain experience, consider gradually increasing your sensitivity to a level that feels comfortable.

Higher sensitivity settings enable faster turning, giving you an advantage in reacting to enemies approaching from various angles.

Aim Assist

Target Aim Assist: On
Aim Assist Type: Black Ops

Motion Sensor Aiming

Motion Sensor Behavior: Off

The best controller settings will help you dominate Modern Warfare 3.

Gameplay

Movement Behaviors

Automatic Sprint: Off
Sprint/Tactical Sprint Behavior: Toggle
Auto Move Forward: Off
Tactical Sprint Behavior: Double Tap
Grounded Mantle: On
Automatic Airborne Mantle: Partial
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
Slide Cancel Sprint: On

Combat Behaviors

Aim Down Sight Behavior: Hold
Change Zoom Activation: Off
Equipment Behavior: Hold
Weapon Mount Activation: ADS + Melee
Weapon Mount Exit Delay: Medium
Tactical Stance Activation: ADS + Melee
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

Vehicle Behaviors

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

Overlays Behavior

Ping Wheel Delay: Moderate
Double Tap Danger Ping Delay: Moderate
Killstreak Wheel Behavior: Hold

Best Aim Assist type for MW3

There are four different types of aim assist in Modern Warfare 3.

If you want to ensure your aim assist is perfectly tuned when playing Modern Warfare 3, then you can take it a step further by ensuring you’re using the best Aim Assist type. Here’s what each type means:

Default: Traditional aim slowdown near target used in Modern Warfare games.
Precision: Strong aim slowdown that only kicks in when aiming closer to the target. Recommended for accurate players.
Focusing: Strong aim slowdown that also kicks in when narrowly missing the target. Recommended if you’re new to analog aiming.
Black Ops: Traditional aim slowdown near target used in Black Ops games.

The Focusing type is ideal if you’re new to shooter games, but once you gain confidence, it’s advisable to transition away from it as you may feel aim assist to be overly powerful.

While there isn’t a significant distinction between Black Ops and Default aim assist types, experimenting with both could determine which suits your preferences.

Best Aim Response Curve for MW3

Modern Warfare 3 offers you three types of Aim Response Curve that change how your aim rate responds to your thumbstick movements, so here’s a breakdown of the three types you’ll find in the game:

Standard: Simple power curve map from aim stick to aim rate
Linear: Aim stick maps directly to aim rate
Dynamic: Reverse S-curve mapping for fine aim rate control

When it comes to the Aim Response Curve, you might favor the Standard option for its natural feel. However, if you’re skilled and comfortable with the controller, we suggest using the Dynamic option for finer control. Lastly, avoid the Linear option altogether for the best experience.

Best Modern Warfare 3 FOV settings

We suggest adjusting your Modern Warfare 3 Field of View within the range of 100 to 115. This strikes a balance, allowing you to have a broad view of your surroundings to avoid surprise attacks while ensuring that enemy players remain reasonably visible and easy to track, without appearing too small.

Although it might not be immediately apparent, your FOV setting can have a significant impact on both your controller and mouse and keyboard performance when playing Modern Warfare 3.

How to find the best Modern Warfare 3 controller settings

Rust is a fan-favorite map from the MW3 roster.

Unfortunately, there won’t be a list of settings that work perfectly for everyone, so the most effective approach to finding the best controller settings is making the most of MW3 by testing different configurations until you find the one that suits your preferences and play style.

To do this, we recommend you head to the Rust map in a Private Match. Set the bots to Recruit level difficulty and you’ll be free to experiment with different settings and sensitivities to find the best for you.

Those are the best controller settings for the Modern Warfare 3 Season 3. For more, be sure to check out our other guides: