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How to Unlock Riptide in Modern Warfare 3

J.R. Waugh

Published: Nov 10, 2023 01:45 pm

Operators are a great way to express yourself in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, although when you unlock Riptide, part of the allure is his shrouded face. Here is how you can unlock Riptide in MW3!

How to Unlock Riptide Operator in MW3

You must get 1 kill with a Cruise Missile killstream in a Multiplayer match to unlock Riptide in Modern Warfare 3 (MW3). Upon getting this kill, you’ll receive a notification at the top of your screen saying Riptide is now available.

How to Unlock Cruise Missile Killstreak in MW3

How-to-Unlock-Riptide-in-Modern-Warfare-3-MW3-Challenge — Image: Attack of the Fanboy

This is one of the mid-tier killstreaks in the game, with killer efficiency and instant results. First, on the ‘Weapons’ section of the Multiplayer menu (press R1/RB) select ‘Killstreaks’, and there’s a good chance that you’ve got it preset if you’re starting. Make sure Cruise Missile is selected.

Cruise Missiles require 6 kills without dying in MW3, which’ll be your main obstacle before you unlock Riptide.

Tips for Easy Cruise Missiles to Unlock Riptide in Modern Warfare 3

How-to-Unlock-Riptide-in-Modern-Warfare-3-MW3-Cruise-Missile — Image: Attack of the Fanboy

The quickest solution is to go to your Multiplayer Loadout from the ‘Weapons’ section, then select ‘Gear’ and equip ‘Mission Control Comlink.’ This reduces the kills needed for each kill streak reward, marking Cruise Missiles down to 5 kills.

Beyond that, if you’re still having trouble, consider the following:

Customize your playlists to modes where kills are easier to stack. Team Deathmatch and Hardpoint are good ones for this
Consider Ground War where you can potentially have more targets to get killstreaks easier
Select your weapons carefully; if you’re on maps with many vantage points over longer distances, consider a sniper rifle. If you’re clearing multiple floors and are in maps featuring indoor areas, consider a shotgun or SMG
Consider camping. No shame when you’ve got a goal in mind

Beyond that, once you have a Cruise Missile, just hit ‘Right’ on the D-Pad and aim for the red markers on the map. It’ll be the easiest kill you get in the match.

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Author

J.R. Waugh

J.R. is a Staff Writer with AOTF and has been covering gaming and entertainment in the industry since 2022. Along with a B.A. in History from the University of Cincinnati, he has studied at the University of Birmingham, UK, and part of his M.A. at the University of Waterloo. You'll find J.R. particularly at home writing about the hottest manga and anime. He is highly passionate about horror, strategy, and RPGs, and anything about Star Trek or LOTR. When not ranting about fan theories or writing guides, J.R. is streaming his favorite RPGs and other forgotten gems.