Activision Blizzard is set to reintroduce the infamous “No Russian” mission from “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2” (2009) in the upcoming “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3” (2023). This mission, which sparked widespread debate and controversy upon its initial release, is poised to make a comeback, as teased in the game’s official trailer.

A Look Back at “No Russian”

In “No Russian,” players assumed the role of Joseph Allen, an undercover CIA operative striving to earn the trust of Vladimir Makarov, the head of a global terrorist organization. The mission’s objective was chilling: orchestrate a terrorist attack at Moscow’s airport, indiscriminately eliminating civilians. This act of terror was designed to incite a Russian invasion of the U.S. The mission’s title, “No Russian,” alludes to Makarov’s directive to avoid leaving any trace of Russian involvement in the attack.

The mission’s graphic content and moral implications led to significant backlash, with Russia even opting to exclude the level from its version of the game. The mission’s development was a point of contention within Infinity Ward itself. Joel Emslie, the art lead in 2019, revealed that the team was divided on how the mission should be portrayed, with some suggesting a perspective shift to a security guard caught in the crossfire.

What to Expect in Modern Warfare 3’s “No Russian”

While the remastered version of “Modern Warfare 2” reignited discussions about “No Russian,” Activision appears committed to revisiting and reimagining the mission for “Modern Warfare 3.” The game’s trailer offers a glimpse of what might be a precursor to another terrorist act, with a hooded individual, presumably one of Makarov’s associates, aboard a plane armed and surrounded by fellow terrorists. Amidst the ensuing chaos, a voice exclaims, “He has a bomb!” The trailer’s haunting soundtrack, “Don’t Fear the Reaper,” amplifies the tension, while an elevator’s familiar sound harks back to the original mission.

While the trailer hints at the mission’s return, it remains to be seen how it will be executed in the game. It could be a cinematic sequence or a more toned-down version of the original. Regardless, Makarov’s intent, instigating a global conflict, remains consistent.

“Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3” is slated for a November 10 release on platforms including PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Fans can anticipate a beta version in October, with PlayStation users receiving early access to multiplayer tests.