Modern Warfare 3 may be a classic, but lag can turn even the most epic games into a frustrating experience.

If you’re asking “why is MW3 laggy,” you’re not alone.

Modern Warfare's main character John Price in ONE Esports' featured image for full list of Modern Warfare 3 guides, including best settings, loadouts, and more
Credit: Activision, ONE Esports
Full list of Modern Warfare 3 guides: Best settings, loadouts, terms, Zombies

In this ONE Esports guide, we delve into the common causes of lag, and provide you with solutions so you can get back to dominating the online battlefield.

Why is MW3 laggy? Here are the common causes and fixes

Lag can show as stuttering, some scenes snapping back in gameplay, or poor hit registration.

Some simple fixes you can try are rebooting your system or lowering your graphics settings.

Operator slaying an enemy with Soulrender in ONE Esports image for Modern Warfare 3 prestige system explained
Credit: Activision, ONE Esports
Modern Warfare 3 prestige system explained

If the simple solutions don’t work, there are two main culprits for most forms of lags, network issues and hardware limitations.

Here are fixes based on the cause of lag:

Warzone best settings guide on controller, graphics, and audio
Credit: ONE Esports, Activision
Best Warzone settings guide: Controller, graphics, and audio

Network issues

  • Unstable connection: An unstable internet connection can be the biggest cause of lags. Check your internet service provider (ISP) for outages or if there are any problems they are facing currently.
  • Wi-Fi: For a more stable connection, switch from Wi-Fi to a wired ethernet connection. Wi-Fi can be susceptible to interference and packet loss.
  • Server strain: Overloaded game servers can cause lag. Playing at peak hours or any issues with servers can also cause problems.
  • Background applications: Some applications like streaming or downloads can steal network resources from MW3. Close unnecessary programs before launching the game.
Ghost hitting an enemy with Sledgehammer in ONE Esports' image for how to unlock Sledgehammer in Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone
Credit: ONE Esports, Activision
How to unlock Sledgehammer in Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone

Hardware limitations

  • PC: Ensure your PC meets the minimum system requirements for MW3. Low RAM, an outdated graphics card, or a slow processor can lead to lag. If you have good specifications, outdated graphics card drivers can cause performance issues. Update your drivers to ensure optimal performance.
  • Overheating: Dust buildup or inadequate cooling can cause your system to overheat, leading to performance issues. Clean your PC and ensure proper ventilation.

By following these steps, you should be well on your way to a lag-free experience.

READ MORE: All banned weapons and attachments in Modern Warfare 3 Ranked Play Season 4 Reloaded