Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is potentially seen as MW2 DLC on PS5 according to the Trophy-website PowerPyx, meaning it would not be receiving a Platinum Trophy on the console. Screenshots have been shared showing the game being categorized as DLC for Modern Warfare 2, which would prevent the granting of a unique Platinum Trophy. It is, however, seen as a standalone release with its own Trophy list on PlayStation 4. The game's official release date is November 10, with people who have a reservation getting access to the campaign from now. This situation reinforces rumors that Modern Warfare 3 began as DLC for the second instalment. Previous reports suggested Activision was not planning on releasing a new Call of Duty game this year, instead focusing on DLC for Modern Warfare 2. Despite this, the game is still being sold at full price.

It was also revealed that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 will shortly after release receive multiplayer maps from last year's Modern Warfare 2 as well as at least twelve brand-new maps. At launch, all sixteen maps from the 2009 release of Modern Warfare 2 will come with the game.