Last updated Sep 16, 2024 at 1pm ET
The long-awaited Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 reboot is finally here, and it has a bit of everything. Classic game modes and maps, new warfare playgrounds, and the infamous skill-based matchmaking system. As is the case with recent Call of Duty titles, Modern Warfare 3 also implements SBMM for online gameplay.
Skill-based matchmaking takes players of similar skill levels and pits them against each other for matches. While this is done with good intentions to keep gameplay fresh and intense, many gamers complain that SBMM makes the game a bit too competitive, especially if you want to play MF3 casually. So, it shouldn’t be surprising that people started using VPNs to bypass this matchmaking system and opt for MW3 bot lobbies instead.
My testing and experience with previous CoD games like Warzone have shown that tried and tested VPNs make it possible to avoid SBMM. If done right, switching to another geographical location lets you access easier MW3 bot lobbies with less skilled players. And this software helps alleviate such common Modern Warfare 3 gameplay issues like lag and stuttering.
Let me walk you through the best VPNs for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, how to pick the best one, and why you should incorporate VPN software whenever playing Call of Duty games.
How to get bot lobbies in MW3 using VPN
- Subscribe to a reliable gaming VPN. My top recommendation for Modern Warfare 3 is NordVPN, now 74% off
- Install the VPN on your PC or router if you’re playing on a console
- Connect to a server in a less competitive country between 3:00 AM and noon
- Boot up Modern Warfare 3 and enjoy easier lobbies!
Best MW3 VPN for easier CoD bot lobbies: shortlist
- The best VPN for to get bot lobbies in MW39.6
- Speedy Modern Warfare 3 VPN with great security9.4
- The most affordable VPN to avoid SBMM9.1
- Performance-oriented VPN for getting easier lobbies8.8
- Modern Warfare 3 VPN with dedicated gaming servers8.6
Why do I need a VPN for MW3 bot lobbies
The biggest reason most Call of Duty players use VPNs with recent games is because of skill-based matchmaking. SBMM pits people of similar skill levels against each other, and it’s a hassle if you just want casual gameplay. Apart from avoiding SBMM, a MW3 VPN nets even more gaming benefits, resulting in smoother, safer, and generally more fun gameplay:
- Access bot lobbies. You can get easier MW3 bot lobbies by connecting to a VPN server in another region where it’s nighttime. By doing so, there’s a significantly lower chance of running into super competitive players with high KD ratios.
- Prevent ISP throttling. If you’re engaging in data-hungry activities, which online gaming is, your Internet Service Provider is more likely to deliberately slow down your speed. This causes ping to skyrocket, causing lag, rubber banding, disconnections from MW3, and so on. However, they can’t throttle someone they can’t see. A VPN helps achieve this by encrypting your internet connection.
- Avert hackers. Malicious players can trace your IP address and launch DDoS attacks to disconnect you from the game. Some even go further and attempt to phish people either for laughs or monetary gain. But that can’t happen if your IP address is hidden, and VPNs do exactly that.
- Improve ping. Unstable connections, suboptimal packet routes, and even bandwidth throttling increases ping. VPN software can negate that and route your connection via optimal routes to the game servers for lower ping and slicker gameplay.
NordVPN proved to be the best Modern Warfare 3 VPN. It reliably helps access easier bot lobbies, offers an expansive server fleet for that, and protects you with high quality security features. Also with a VPN connection, MW3 speeds are faster and stable. All for a very affordable pricing, at that.
Best VPN for MW3 in 2024: overview
- NordVPN – the best MW3 VPN to dodge SBMM
- Surfshark – fast CoD VPN with tons of servers
- TotalVPN – the cheapest gaming VPN for MW3
- Norton VPN – security-focused VPN for online gaming
- Proton VPN – well-balanced VPN for CoD MW3
My tests revealed that VPNs help avoid skill-based matchmaking in various Call of Duty games, and Modern Warfare 3 is no exception. I specifically examined CoD VPN geo-block bypassing capabilities, speeds when playing online, and compatibility with devices MW3 is available on, including gaming consoles.
I put 30 premium VPNs through the ringer – below are the best services to use with CoD: MW3 to successfully get easier bot lobbies. Each provider comes with different perks, so I recommend reading the descriptions before making a hasty decision.
1. NordVPN – the best VPN for MW3 bot lobby
111
6400
24/7 live chat, Email
- Fastest VPN in the industry
- Expansive server network
- Works with consoles
- Only 10 simultaneous connections
NordVPN is the best CoD: MW3 VPN to bypass SBMM quickly and easily. It works with multiple Call of Duty titles, including Modern Warfare 3, and helps get bot lobbies in mere seconds. I tested it multiple times by connecting to different regions where it’s nighttime and got lobbies filled with less-skilled players.
Network. NordVPN offers 6400+ RAM-only servers across 111+ countries, so there are plenty of places with fewer players to pick from. I tried servers in Turkey, the Baltics, Japan, and a few other countries without running into SBMM issues. Furthermore, I didn’t experience lag or rubber banding, with NordVPN retaining up to 93% of the initial speed.
Features. This provider includes all the essentials needed for remaining secure gameplay. Robust encryption, leak prevention, and a kill switch keep you anonymous and invulnerable to DDoS and ISP bandwidth throttling. Then there’s Threat Protection for keeping adware at bay, dedicated IPs, Meshnet, specialty servers, and more.
Compatibility. NordVPN has dedicated applications for desktops and phones. Gaming consoles aren’t neglected either, as the service is compatible with Xbox and PlayStation devices. However, you’ll have to configure the VPN with the router for it to work with consoles.
Currently, NordVPN is available for 74% off. Each subscription is protected by the 30-day money-back guarantee and comes with 10 simultaneous connections. Alternatively, you can try it out first with the 7-day free trial before committing.
For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark VPN – CoD: MW3 VPN with reliable connectivity
100
3200
24/7 live chat, FAQ
- Blazing-fast speeds
- Massive country selection
- Is compatible with Xbox and PlayStation
- Some features cost extra
Another great CoD VPN for getting MW3 bot lobbies is Surfshark. Stable connections, smooth gameplay, and a generally great experience are what I experienced with this provider during tests. And the unlimited simultaneous connections are just a big bonus.
Network. I had no shortage of regions to try from the fleet of 3200+ RAM-only servers in 100+ countries. There were no sudden connection drops or significant slowdowns, even when connecting to the other side of the globe for MW3. And since Surfshark employs the next-gen WireGuard tunneling protocol, I wasn’t surprised to see the 87% connection speed retention rate. Thanks to this, I enjoyed lag-free gaming.
Features. Surfshark is armed with all the necessary VPN security features to keep you safe and anonymous. I especially liked split tunneling (Bypasser), which let me specifically route Modern Warfare 3 traffic via the VPN, routing everything outside the tunnel via ISP. Other notable features users may appreciate include CleanWeb, dedicated IPs, and MultiHop.
Compatibility. As expected from a premium service, Surfshark VPN is compatible with a wide range of devices. Besides PCs and mobiles, you can also set it up on your router for full household coverage. And it’s what you’ll have to do if you want to bypass MW3 SBMM on Xbox or PlayStation. Thankfully, Surfshark supports these gaming consoles.
You can get easier bot lobbies on Modern Warfare 3 for 86% less. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee just in case you want to back out. However, it’s unlikely to happen if you test Surfshark beforehand by taking advantage of the 7-day free trial.
For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.
3. TotalVPN – fast & affordable VPN to get bot lobbies in MW3
35
50
24/7 live chat, email, knowledge base
- Reliable tunneling protocols
- A comprehensive security package
- Good value-for-money ratio
- No WireGuard protocol
Total VPN is a budget-friendly choice for gamers who want a reliable VPN service with good network speeds and straightforward VPN services. It’s especially useful for those playing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (MW3), as it helps bypass Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM). You can connect to servers in different regions and find less competitive lobbies, getting an edge in the game.
Network. Total VPN doesn’t have the biggest network, but it performs extraordinarily well, with more than 50 servers in more than 35 countries. When I tested it for MW3, I found servers in regions like Turkey, where bypassing SBMM in Europe and other regions was easier. Although Total VPN does not support the WireGuard protocol, it offer two decent tunneling protocols: OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec. During my tests, I got solid speeds with IPSec/IKEv2, retaining about 72% of the original connection speed while connected to an Eastern European server.
Features. Total VPN’s robust toolkit ensures protection from DDoS attacks, and I didn’t encounter any data leaks. The kill switch reliably disconnected the internet during simulated disruptions. The Stealth Mode also makes the VPN undetectable and secure to MW3 servers, so you can easily access bot lobbies and bypass VPN blocks as well as avoid SBMM. Finally, Total VPN maintains a strict no-logging policy, ensuring your gaming and online activities remain safe and confidential.
Compatibility. Total VPN offers broad compatibility across various devices, making it a versatile choice for gamers. It supports multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android to ensure secure and stable connections no matter what device you use. Also, Total VPN is compatible with routers, allowing you to protect all connected devices and enjoy seamless gaming on consoles like PlayStation and Xbox.
Right now, Total VPN comes with a generous 85% discount, bringing its minimum price to just $1.59/month if you choose a long-term plan. Besides, you’ll have a 30-day money-back guarantee that ensures you won’t lose money if you’re unhappy.
For a deeper investigation of TotalVPN, read our TotalVPN review.
4. Norton VPN – Modern Warfare 3 VPN for lag-free gameplay
30
5000
24/7 live chat
- P2P-optimized servers
- Advanced security features
- Easy-to-use VPN
- Inconsistent speeds
Norton VPN is among the best choices to access MW3 bot lobbies and maximize online security. Its blend of network performance, robust features, and wide compatibility makes it a strong contender for both casual and competitive gamers.
Network. Norton Secure VPN has more than 5000 servers in 7.3+ countries. It provides ample options for finding servers in regions where bypassing skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) is easier. Based on my tests, Norton VPN retained 86% of the original download speed and 91% of upload speed with one of the Eastern European server. This makes it a reliable choice for connecting to nearby servers for smooth gameplay.
Feature. When it comes to gaming, I recommend using Norton GO (Game Optimizer), available with Norton 360 subscriptions, at all times. It reduces lag and improves performance for smoother gaming. Also, the kill switch ensures your internet connection is automatically cut off if the VPN connection drops. This protects you from data leaks and malicious attacks.Plus, it’s great for ad blocking.
Compatibility. Norton VPN provides secure connections for all major platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and routers. So, you can manually configure it for use with your Xbox or Playstation.
Norton Secure VPN is competitively priced and offers a 54% discount for the first year plan. On top of that, there’s a lengthy 60-day money-back guarantee, giving you plenty of time to test the service risk-free.
For a deeper investigation of Norton VPN, read our Norton VPN review.
5. Proton VPN – robust VPN for avoiding SBMM in MW3 CoD
110
6550
Email, knowledge base
- VPN Accelerator
- Military-grade encryption
- Compatible with various devices
- Premium version costs extra
Proton VPN is a suitable CoD VPN if you need a service with gaming-oriented perks and a 100% free version. Its free version stands out by not imposing data caps, so you can enjoy uninterrupted gaming sessions without throttling. Finally, it encrypts your gaming traffic with advanced AES-256 or ChaCha20 technologies, helping reduce latency and prevent malicious attacks.
Network. Proton VPN has over 8.6+ servers in 8.6+ countries. Although the free version has limited server options in the US, the Netherlands, Romania, Poland, and Japan, it still performs well for nearby connections. With the premium version, you can find reliable connections in regions ideal for bypassing skill-based matchmaking, including Turkey, Egypt and Eastern Europe. What I particularly enjoyed was ProtonVPN’s VPN Accelerator. It reliably boosts connection speeds, ensuring smooth gameplay. When connected to a server in Egypt, I retained 75% of original speed and got a 1.4- 2.6% speed boost with VPN Accelerator.
Features. With AES-256 encryption, your data is safeguarded against malicious attacks, ensuring a safe gaming session. The kill switch and no-logs policy ensures your internet connection is immediately cut off if the VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks and keeping your MW3 activities secure. Plus, Proton VPN’s Secure Core feature routes your traffic through multiple servers before exiting the network, adding an extra layer of security. This is particularly useful for protecting your data from DDoS attacks.
Compatibility. Proton VPN offers broad compatibility across various devices, making it a versatile choice for gamers. It ensures secure and stable connections across all major platforms (Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux). Also, Proton VPN can be configured on routers to secure PlayStation and Xbox.
Proton VPN’s free version is a good starting point, providing sufficient speeds and unlimited data. However, to unlock Proton VPN’s full potential, including access to all servers and higher speeds, I recommend going premium at just $3.59/month, thanks to the 64% discount it currently offers. A 30-day money-back guarantee means you can test it risk-free.
For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.
Best MW3 VPN: compared
| MW3 VPN Provider | Rating | Bypasses MW3 SBMM | Servers | Kill switch & leak protection | Router support | Average speeds | Lowest price & Current deal | Port forwarding |
| NordVPN | 9.8 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅Yes | 6400+ in 111+ countries | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | 452 Mbps | $3.09/month 74% OFF | ❌ No |
| Surfshark | 9.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅Yes | 3200+ in 100+ countries | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | 405 Mbps | $2.19/month 86% OFF | ❌ No |
| TotalVPN | 8.2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅Yes | 50+ in 35+ countries | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | 228 Mbps | $1.59/month 85% OFF | ❌ No |
| Norton VPN | 7.3 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅Yes | 5000+ in 30+ countries | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | 385 Mbps | $3.33/month 54% OFF | ❌ No |
| Proton VPN | 8.6 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ✅Yes | 6550+ in 110+ countries | ✅Yes | ✅Yes | 411 Mbps | $3.59/month 64% OFF | ✅Yes |
How to choose best VPN for CoD: Modern Warfare 3
Be aware that picking a service that markets itself as a gaming VPN doesn’t always guarantee it’s actually good or works with the game. I advise checking out several key aspects to ensure you end up with a quality VPN suitable for Modern Warfare and other online games:
- Superb speeds. During testing, I noticed that providers with the WireGuard tunneling protocol or proprietary alternatives were significantly faster than those without the latest protocols. Low latency, stable connectivity, and speedy connections are needed to keep ping low, reducing lag, rubber banding, and server errors on MW3.
- Global server reach. Pay attention to the server count and how many countries you can connect to. An extensive server network increases the possibility of finding the best Modern Warfare 3 server for you. Plus, having connection points near you can lead to better gameplay performance.
- Security & privacy essentials. As with other popular shooters, MW 3 comes with the risks of DDoS attacks, phishing, and even your ISP deliberately throttling your connection speeds. I’ve found that such issues can be easily prevented by becoming completely anonymous. For this, the VPN must include AES-256 encryption, IP, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection, and a reliable kill switch.
- Router support. While PC players can just download the VPN and immediately benefit from it, it’s not the case with console players. Xbox and PlayStation devices don’t support VPN software natively, meaning you can’t install such software directly on them. If you play CoD: Modern Warfare 3 on them, first, you’ll have to set up the VPN on your router. As such, it’s crucial to look for a VPN with router support.
- Pricing. Also, consider that a higher price tag doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting everything you need from the VPN. Carefully examine the server, feature, protocol, and supported devices lists before making a decision. I also advise checking for any money-back guarantee in case you decide to get a refund.
What are Modern Warfare 3 bot lobbies?
MW3 bot lobbies are essentially custom game sessions where most real players are replaced by AI-controlled bots. While bot lobbies MW3 uses are made for unpopulated regions, loads of players use various methods, like top MW3 VPNs, to join these matches for various reasons. However, engaging with these tactics can lead to different benefits or disadvantages and the best results lie somewhere in the middle.
First, it’s one of the easiest ways to rack up victories, as bots are usually extremely predictable and easy to deal with. Other major upsides include a chill atmosphere for simpler gameplay or a better environment to experiment with different strategies or builds. Bot lobbies are also ideal for completing challenges without sweaty opponents poking holes in your tires.
Nevertheless, they do have their drawbacks. MW3 bot lobbies lack real competition, and when comfort breeds laziness, your next real matches will feel progressively harder. And, to be fair, a bot lobby MW3 gets you will one day become dull and boring due to a lack of any sense of challenge.
Try MW3 bot lobbies with NordVPN
How to use a Modern Warfare VPN to get bot lobbies
Now, the process of setting up the VPN for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 can either be straightforward or a bit complicated. Depending on which platform you want to play the game, that is, PC or console. Below, you’ll find detailed steps for both instances.
How to use a MW3 VPN on PC
- Subscribe to a tried & tested VPN for Modern Warfare 3. I recommend NordVPN, now 74% off
- Download and install the VPN on your computer
- Launch the VPN and log into your account
- Connect to a server where it’s currently nighttime. Our team had the best experience when connecting to Turkey and Eastern European countries.
- Start Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and enjoy easier bot lobbies!
How to use a MW3 VPN on router
- Get a router-compatible VPN. My top choice is NordVPN, which can be quickly installed on routers
- Make sure that your router supports manual VPN configuration
- Access your router by typing in your IP address into the browser’s search bar
- Reconfigure the settings by following your VPN service’s router installation guide. It usually also requires downloading OpenVPN configuration files from your VPN provider.
- After, connect to a desired VPN server
- Test your router by checking the IP and geo-location to see if it matches the new location
- Connect your Xbox or PlayStation to the newly-secured internet network
- Launch CoD: Modern Warfare 3, and that’s it!
What is SBMM and how does it work
A skill-based matchmaking system gathers players of similar skill levels in a lobby for balanced and competitive gameplay. If everyone is roughly equal, then each player gets a fair chance during matches, which technically results in a higher-quality experience.
While it’s certainly true for newbies, SBMM gets pretty frustrating when you’re in higher ranks. People who put in time & effort to maintain their KD to get this far essentially can’t take a break or they’ll lose their position. Which, again, is an issue because not every player wants to go all out for matches, especially after a long, hard day.
Infinity Ward doesn’t disclose how exactly their SBMM works. But we all can make a pretty accurate guess by looking at the already available information and player observations. Here’s what SBMM entails:
- Time zone to ensure there are players online
- Recent performance, as older matches aren’t indicative of a player’s current skill level
- Skill metrics, which concern the KD and win/loss ratios, SPM, accuracy, and more
- Latency, so that a player doesn’t get matched with someone from another geographical location
- Team balance, meaning there are no pro players mixed in with people who just started the game
Best VPN locations for bot lobby in MW3
The closer the VPN server is to the MW3 game servers, the better. But that mostly concerns those experiencing primarily latency issues. If you want to get easy bot lobbies in CoD and avoid SBMM, you might have to connect to a VPN server farther away or even to the other side of the globe.
Depending on where you are, I recommend:
- Picking a location where it’s nighttime, between 3:00 AM and noon. Most players will be sleeping, and fewer people means easier lobbies.
- Connecting somewhere in Europe, as the game isn’t as popular in this region as in the US
- Avoid connecting to the US, the UK, China, Brazil, and Germany because CoD is the most popular in these countries, resulting in more populated lobbies
- Currently, players found that Turkey and Eastern Europe work best for getting bot lobbies, so you can try them as well
But keep in mind that it’s not possible to avoid SBMM 100% of the time, and you’ll run into proper lobbies every once in a while. While you can decrease the chances by additionally disabling crossplay and playing with friends with low KD ratios, it will never be zero. All I’m saying is that you should keep your expectations reasonable.
Do I recommend using a free VPN for Modern Warfare 3
You won’t be able to get easier bot lobbies with free VPNs, so I don’t recommend them. The problem with such services is that they don’t have a decent server selection – you’ll likely be stuck connecting to the US, where the game is highly popular.
Furthermore, many free VPNs throttle their speeds to prevent network congestion on their end. Even if you find a provider with suitable country options, your CoD: MW3 gameplay will suffer from high ping and lag. The last thing you want is getting disconnected from the game when you’ve finally managed to bypass SBMM.
From my experience, premium VPNs always perform better with Call of Duty games. And if you’re unsure about committing from the get-go, most offer free trials and money-back guarantees in case you want a refund. I highly recommend checking out NordVPN, the best VPN for CoD: Modern Warfare 3, by taking advantage of its 7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom line
When you’re trying to hit higher ranks, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’s skill-based matchmaking system isn’t so annoying. But it’s a different matter for those wishing to just have fun. Because of this, many players are seeking methods to bypass MW3 SBMM.
I’ve found that the most effective way to get easier bot lobbies in Modern Warfare 3 is with a reliable VPN. NordVPN and our other recommended services make it easy by offering vast server networks, top speeds, robust security, and more. Plus, they are versatile, making them useful beyond online gaming.
You may also like to read:
Best Warzone VPN
Best VPN for Valorant
Best VPN for Lost Ark
Best VPN for PUBG
Best VPN for Apex Legends
Best VPN for Fortnite
FAQ
How I disable SBMM in Modern Warfare 3?
You can bypass MW3 SBMM by using a VPN. Subscribe to a reliable provider like NordVPN, install the software, connect to a server location where it’s currently nighttime, and that’s it. Additionally, we recommend picking countries where CoD isn’t so popular.
Can I be banned for using a VPN in CoD?
Modern Warfare 3 does not officially ban VPNs, so you won’t get banned. However, Activision’s Terms of Service includes a clause against spoofing and using unauthorized software for cheating, modding, or hacking. However, bans for MW3 VPN use are extremely rare, and many top players use them daily.
Will MW3 VPN improve my ping?
Yes, a VPN can improve your ping in CoD: Modern Warfare 3. However, that depends on whether you’re being throttled, the distance to the nearby game server, and if it’s overcrowded or not. Generally, if your ping ranges from 15-75 ms, it’s more than enough for smooth gaming.
Does VPN still work on MW3?
Yes, you can play CoD MW3 using a VPN, and it’s not prohibited by Activision. The game’s Terms of Service are not against VPNs and using them can help you bypass SBMM and even improve your ping. However, you should pick a tried & trusted service for gaming, just like NordVPN.
What are Modern Warfare 3 Bot Lobbies?
MW3 Bot Lobbies, or “easy lobbies,” are custom game lobbies in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (MW3) where AI-controlled bots replace most human players. You can get easier Bot Lobbies using the best MW3 VPN NordVPN.
How do I get bot lobbies in MW3 multiplayer?
The easiest way to get MW3 bot lobbies is to use a VPN. First, subscribe to a reliable MW3 VPN. Then, install it on your PC or the router if you’re playing on a console. Finally, connect to a server in a country where it’s between 3 a.m. and noon and launch the game to get easy MW3 bot lobbies.
