Are you experiencing lag or stuttering in Modern Warfare 3 because of packet bursts? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Packet bursts can be frustrating, especially when you’re in the middle of an intense match.

In this post, we’ll explore several methods to help you smooth out your gameplay and get back to dominating the battlefield.

1. Check your network

If you’re gaming over Wi-Fi, consider switching to a wired connection. Wi-Fi can be unstable, especially if multiple devices are connected or if your router is far away. A wired Ethernet connection, on the other hand, is more stable and faster, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.

If plugging in an Ethernet cable isn’t an option, try restarting your router. This simple step can refresh your connection and clear out any minor issues that might be causing packet bursts for you.

2. Check for server issues

Sometimes the issue isn’t on your end. If many players are experiencing packet bursts, it could be a problem with the game’s servers. You can check online forums, Call of Duty’s X page, or the Modern Warfare 3 Server Status page to see if others are reporting similar issues. If it’s a server issue, there is no other way you can do but to wait for the game developer to fix it.

3. Tweak your in-game settings

Another workaround that works for many players is adjusting your graphics settings:

1. Go to Graphic Settings then choose Quality.

2. Set VRAM Scale Usage to 70 instead of 90.

3. Find the Weather Grid Volume setting at the bottom, and turn that to Normal or Low.

This can reduce the load on your system and help minimize packet bursts.

4. Use a VPN

A VPN can reroute your connection through less congested networks, potentially reducing packet bursts by avoiding overcrowded routes.

There’re many reliable VPNs you can choose from, such as NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and Unlocator VPN. If you want a fast service, we recommend NordVPN, but if you’re looking to save money, Surfshark is a great option, costing only less than $2.5 a month.

You can follow the steps below to see how to play Modern Warfare with NordVPN:

1. Go to NordVPN’s official website and set up your account.
2. Download NordVPN and install it.
3. Log into your account.
4. Click the Quick Connect button at the bottom of the map. The app will automatically choose a server that suits you best.
   

5. Update your system

Make sure your game, console, PC (especially your graphics driver), and even your router firmware, are all up to date.

Updates often include fixes for known issues, including network-related problems. Keeping everything updated ensures you’re not missing out on important improvements that could reduce packet bursts.