World War 3 News

The Battle Pass is now available to buy in-game, and it’s your key to unlocking exclusive Japan-themed rewards in Operation Sunstorm. Play and battle to unlock over 50 Tiers of rewards, including unique Premium customization options for your Operators, weapons, strikes, and more!

Get started with three options:

• Free Battle Pass: No purchase necessary. Unlocks access to the Free track, featuring base Blueprints for new weapons and strikes and exclusive new Backgrounds and Emblems as rewards.
• Battle Pass: Buy it for access to the Premium track, featuring exclusive cosmetic Blueprints for weapons, strikes, and Operators. Instantly unlocks the Great Wave Banner Background, Type-89 Ashi (Weapon Blueprint), and Special Boarding Unit (Operator Blueprint).
• Premium Battle Pass: Kickstart Operation Sunstorm with a 10-level Battle Pass boost! As well as the instant Battle Pass unlocks and access to the Premium track, you’ll get a head start on earning rewards with three additional Operator Blueprints (Seal Team 3, ROK Flotilla, and PLAGF Urban), a Shadow Warrior Background and Emblem, and two Weapon Blueprints unlocked straight away.

Read on for a breakdown of the Free and Premium tracks, and check out some of the highlights in the Battle Pass trailer.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h2]FREE TRACK[/h2]
Unlock a host of Operation Sunstorm rewards without spending a cent, including:

• New Weapons: Unlock the base Blueprints for the QBZ-191 (Assault Rifle), PF3 (Rocket Launcher), Deagle (Handgun), and Type-89 (Assault Rifle).
• New Strikes: Secure a heavy payload with the Type X (Main Battle Tank), Type XVI (Tank Destroyer), and Bumblebee (Drone).
• Banner Backgrounds and Emblems: Customize your in-game identification with elements exclusive to Operation Sunstorm.

All base Blueprints for seasonal weapons and strikes are available to unlock through regular progression on the Free track.
[h2]PREMIUM TRACK[/h2]
Accessing rewards from the Premium track requires the purchase of either the Battle Pass or Premium Battle Pass. Upgrade your Battle Pass for access to new tiers of rewards, including exclusive cosmetics for your Operator, weapons, and strikes:

• Operator Blueprints: Gear up with new uniforms, including the Special Boarding Unit, SBU Breacher, PLA Navy Uniform, Japanese Resistance Fighter, and JGSDF Rikujō Jieitai sets.
• Weapon Blueprints: Battle for the heart of Japan with exclusive cosmetics in your arsenal. Lock and load with the PF3 Mori, SCAR-H Overwatch, Deagle Peacekeeper, M200 Jade, and more.
• Strike Blueprints: Give your heavy ordnance a new lick of paint by earning the Type XVI JGSDF, Type X Modernization, ZTZ-99 Haiyang, Abrams Night Operations, and Bumblebee Navarch.
• Banner Backgrounds and Emblems: Customize your in-game identification with elements exclusive to Operation Sunstorm.

New to Operation Sunstorm, you can now skip Battle Pass Tiers using UNC! Whether you want to unlock certain rewards more quickly or finish the Battle Pass before it expires, this optional feature can be found in the Battle Pass menu.

There are many more rewards to discover. Check out the full Battle Pass in-game and get a closer look at rewards on the Operation Sunstorm hub!
[h2]WHERE CAN I BUY THE BATTLE PASS?[/h2]
The Battle Pass is available via the Battle Pass menu in-game. You can stick to the Free track by simply playing World War 3 to unlock select rewards. If you want to push for rewards of a higher value, including cosmetic items exclusive to Operation Sunstorm, you can upgrade to the Premium track via the Battle Pass menu.

Operation Sunstorm is now available as a free update. Download and play World War 3 today on Windows PC via the World War 3 Launcher and Steam!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR MAJOR PACK OWNERS: If you purchased the Major Pack during the World War 3 Closed Beta, you will receive the Operation Sunstorm Battle Pass on March 31.

Battle for the heart of Japan in Operation Sunstorm, now available as a free content update for World War 3. Play now to fight in a new game mode, discover two new Japanese maps, expand your loadout with powerful weapons and strikes, and unlock exclusive rewards from the Battle Pass. The full patch notes for Operation Sunstorm are available here.

Explore the Operation Sunstorm hub to read up on this brand-new Conflict Zone, the new tools and gear at your disposal, and emerging reports as Japanese defenses mount.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h2]NEW MODES: FUBAR & DOMINATION[/h2]
FUBAR is a new take on Tactical Ops focused on infantry battles, with limited strikes and vehicles available, plus a brand-new feature: Revive. Take the fight to Tokyo, the DMZ, Berlin, and Polyarny as you vie to seize or defend six bleeding capture points. See it in action in the trailer below!

Domination is also back in rotation! This 15 versus 15 game mode features intense firefights, close-quarters engagements, and territory control. Wage war against the enemy team to capture strategic points. Hold all three control points to end the match and secure victory.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h2]NEW MAP: TOKYO (TACTICAL OPS/FUBAR)[/h2]
Tokyo is the world’s largest city, making Japan’s capital a sprawling battlefield full of tactical opportunities. Explore Tokyo’s once-bustling streets as you engage enemies in shopping strips, close the gap in alleyways, and secure a tactical advantage up high. Found in the new Japanese Conflict Zone, take a look at this new Tactical Ops and FUBAR map in action:

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h2]NEW MAP: SHIBUYA (TEAM DEATHMATCH/DOMINATION)[/h2]
Shibuya is a special ward in Tokyo and one of Japan’s most famous cultural hotspots. Battle day and night through streets ablaze with neon lights to help retake it. Get ready to deploy in Team Deathmatch and Domination by watching the trailer below:

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h2]GEAR UP WITH NEW OPERATORS[/h2]
Unlock all-new Operator Blueprints, including:

• JGSDF Rikujō Jieitai (Japan): The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force is the largest military branch in the country. With over 150,000 soldiers in reserve, they are primarily specialized in land warfare.
• Special Boarding Unit & SBU Breacher (Japan): These Operators are special forces in the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Trained by Britain's SBS, their ops are mostly classified, but they’re known to specialize in maritime counter-terrorism, Asia-Pacific defense, and anti-piracy.
• Japanese Resistance Fighter (Japan): As the conflict swallows Tokyo, resistance is kindled. These fighters have taken arms and geared up to push foreign combatants out of the capital, and eventually the nation.

Even more Operator Blueprints are available on the Battle Pass!
[h2]GET NEW WEAPONS IN YOUR SIGHTS[/h2]
Expand your arsenal with the following weapons:

• Type-89 (Assault Rifle): Affectionately known in the Japanese military as 'Buddy’, the Type-89 is effective at range and designed for ease of use, as its proprietary ammo is interchangeable with US and NATO rounds.
• PF3 (Rocket Launcher): This shoulder-fired rocket launcher was originally designed to counter Soviet tanks. Relatively compact and lightweight, it can fire devastating warheads over a surprising range.
• Deagle (Handgun): This truly iconic large caliber handgun is of American and Israeli design. Reportedly used by special forces in Poland and Portugal, may it serve you well on the streets of Tokyo.
• QBZ-191 (Assault Rifle): This rifle is issued to China’s army and police. Compared to its predecessor, it features improved ergonomics, a gas-operated piston, and superior medium to long-range ballistics.

[h2]LAUNCH NEW STRIKES[/h2]
New heavy ordnance is at your disposal:

• Type X (Main Battle Tank): A Japanese main battle tank fitted with a 120mm smoothbore cannon. Well-armored to counter various threats, its autoloader makes for a great tank deterrent.
• Type XVI (Tank Destroyer): A Japanese tank destroyer designed for easy airlifting. Lithe and lightly armored, its main armament is potent enough to counter even larger armored vehicles.
• Bumblebee (Drone): Own the skies with this dangerous drone, deployed by Japanese forces to counter incoming incursions. You know what they say, float like a butterfly...

IMPORTANT: All base Blueprints for new weapons and strikes in Operation Sunstorm can be unlocked via free progression, and do not require the purchase of a Battle Pass.
[h2]OPERATION SUNSTORM BATTLE PASS[/h2]
The Operation Sunstorm Battle Pass is now available to buy in-game! It’s your key to unlocking exclusive Japan-themed rewards in Operation Sunstorm. Play and battle to unlock over 50 Tiers of rewards, including unique Premium customization options for your Operators, weapons, strikes, and more!
[h2]QUALITY OF LIFE IMPROVEMENTS[/h2]
We’re also dropping lots of new features and quality-of-life updates with the launch of Operation Sunstorm, including:

• Revive System (FUBAR): Down, but not out. Critically injured teammates now stand a fighting chance… if their team can revive them in time!
• Contextual HUD: Streamline your UI by choosing which elements you see, and when (available via Settings).
• Staged Reloads: Resume reloading where you left off if you’re rudely interrupted.
• In-Game News: Get the biggest World War 3 news directly in-game!
• Battle Pass Tier Skips: Running out of time to unlock rewards? Use UNC to skip tiers.
• Vehicle Audio Revamp: Enjoy a more immersive aural experience.
• Improved Visibility: We’ve added better camera behavior in vehicles and enhanced visibility through Iron Sights.
• Tactical Ops Scoring: The playing field has been leveled for a better balance between solo players and squads.
• More To Discover: Check out the Operation Sunstorm patch notes to see what else is new and improved!

Operation Sunstorm is now available as a free update. Download and play World War 3 today on Windows PC via the World War 3 Launcher and Steam!

Following a period of maintenance, the following changes will be implemented alongside a major update to World War 3 that activates the next seasonal event: Operation Sunstorm. This build will be available to all players for free via the World War 3 Launcher and Steam from March 30, 2023.
[h2]NEW CONTENT[/h2]

• Added a new game mode: FUBAR.
• Added two new maps: Tokyo (Tactical Ops/FUBAR) and Shibuya (Team Deathmatch/Domination).
• Added three new weapons: TYPE-89 (Assault Rifle), QBZ-191 (Assault Rifle), and PF3 (Rocket Launcher).
• Added three new strikes: TYPE-X (Main Battle Tank), Type XVI (Tank Destroyer), and Bumblebee (Drone).
• Added neutral vehicle: Trucks (FUBAR).
• Domination Mode is now in permanent rotation.
• Added new Achievements and Challenges.
• New content added to the Shop and Operation Sunstorm Battle Pass.
• Added Japanese voiceover: Takeo.

[h2]NEW FEATURES[/h2]

• Added a contextual HUD (enable it via your game options). This feature allows players to select HUD elements that will only be visible when an action is required to minimize the number of widgets on the UI. This includes elements such as vehicle health, ammo types, current ammo, and player status. Elements can be set to Enabled (always on), Contextual (seen when required), and Disabled (always off).
• Added the Revive System (available in FUBAR matches), allowing players to revive their downed and critically wounded teammates.
  • Downed players will bleed out for 30 seconds, during which time they can be revived by a teammate.
  • Players can move around while down, but doing so doubles the speed at which they bleed out.
  • Downed players can initially freely look around and mark points of interest, including enemies, for their teammates to spot by pressing the MARK key.
  • Downed players can be immobilized by dealing further damage to them. After this stage, they can only slightly move their camera and mark points of interest.
  • Downed players are marked by a unique Revive icon, visible only to teammates up to 30 meters away. This icon also shows how much time is left before the downed player bleeds out.
  • Downed players can see a list of nearby players who can revive them up to 50 meters away.
  • Players can ping downed teammates by aiming at them and pressing the MARK key to indicate to the downed player that help is en route.
  • Alternatively, downed players can return to the Deploy Screen without waiting a full 30 seconds to bleed out. Press and hold the USE key to return to the kill screen, where players can then return to the Deploy Screen.
  • Reviving a player does not pause the bleed-out timer. However, if the bleed-out timer runs out mid-revive, the downed player does not die.
  • Players can still be instantly killed by explosions, headshots, vehicles, fall damage, environmental damage (e.g. fire), fatal melee attacks, and the M200.
• Added the Staged Reload system. This allows you to resume the reloading process of weapons if interrupted (reload interruptions can be caused by jumping, switching weapons, going prone or on your back, moving in any direction while prone, using a gadget, or calling in a Strike).
• Added in-game notification system for news and patch notes delivery.
• Battle Pass Tiers can now be skipped using UNC.

[h2]IMPROVEMENTS[/h2]

• New refill animation for gadgets has your character use their left hand to pick up any pack.
• Vehicle audio overhaul and improvements.
  • New sounds have been created for tanks and wheeled vehicles based on real-world recordings of old and new vehicles like the Leopard 2, Patria, SKOT, Rosomak, Ural, and Polaris Sportsman. As we pursue a more immersive experience, we wanted to expand the range of sounds on the battlefield and create a hierarchy, in a sense. We wanted the sounds to work in balance with every gunshot, footstep, or explosion players hear, and for players to be able to glean information about vehicles even without seeing them. Armored vehicles are sharper, louder, and much more aggressive, especially compared to tanks and large-wheeled combat vehicles. Tanks evoke fear through a proximity effect, both at low and high frequencies. The new sounds of vehicles are much more complex and include various layers such as traction, suspension, braking systems, body, horns, and all kinds of foleys or systems that inform about the threat of enemy fire, the degree of damage to the vehicle, or its individual components. Equally important was the work on the mechanics of vehicles’ sound, which became even more complex when taking into account the unevenness of the terrain, the surface the vehicle is driving on, driving or braking speeds, skidding, and even collisions.
• Improved landing animations. When you receive critical damage from a drop, you will see a short animation of your character sustaining damage.
• Improved Iron Sights model to enhance visibility.
• Improved vehicle first- and third-person perspective cameras.
  • The third-person camera can now be locked to transport vehicles such as buggies or quads. The right-mouse button locks the perspective you’re currently looking at and will be consistent with your vehicle.
  • In first-person, sitting in the driver seat brings up an overlay resembling the vehicle’s interior, and you can stare through the windshield from inside the vehicle. Gunner positions will see a black overlay representing the viewfinder. While driving vehicles that do not have a first-person camera, you will see the battlefield through the windshield.
• Improved helidrone flying model, physics, and camera perspectives.
• Reworked Tactical Ops scoring for a better balance between points awarded to squads and solo players.
• Polished animations on grenades, tablets, C4, first aid kits, and Radio Harris (UAV).
• Added Weapon and World blur settings.

[h2]DESIGN[/h2]

• Tweaked Combo Suppressor and Carbon Suppressor recoil and muzzle velocity bonuses.
• M203 GL now uses about 30% of the ammunition pack when resupplied.
• Adjusted damage and armor penetration values of the SIG to better differentiate it from 9x19mm SMGs.
• Adjusted damage profiles for calibers 7.62x39mm (Compact Barrel and Marksman Barrel) and .300 BLACKOUT (Compact Barrel) to improve performance at their intended ranges.
• Slightly increased recoil on QBZ-95 and slightly decreased its rate of fire.
• Non-default iron sights no longer use an attachment slot.
• Decreased visual recoil on the M4, G36 and SA80.
• Damage for LMG/HMG for Imugi has been decreased.
• Splash damage for LMG/HMG for Imugi has been decreased.
• Increased visual recoil on iron sights for all weapons.
• Changed player dots opacity to be clearer over distance.
• Camera position changed on medium scopes for more clarity.
• Added additional camera shakes with various interactions (e.g. switching to point shooting).
• Added idle animations for all weapons.
•  Reaper Jammer now has a 60-second cooldown.
• T72 special turret is now equipped with a standard 30mm cannon and rockets.
• Changed the prices of Strikes:
  • Quadro: 800 (previously 750)
  • Warmate: 1300 (previously 1500)
• Added a separate cooldown for vehicles, depending on the category (vehicle/big drones/long-range support/UAV/jammers).
• If you try to drop a Strike from a different category than the one you previously dropped, you must wait for the cooldown.
• Switching to a K21 turret that does not accept RCWS now clears the RCWS slot.
• Updated projectile explosion for FZ rockets.
• Changed pitch/yaw settings for anti-aircraft turrets.
• Added correct radio icons for all drones.
• Tweaks and fixes to hatch behavior and animations for vehicles that have them.
• Fixed funnel camera positions in customization.
• Changes to Weapons' Mastery progression:
  • All weapons now unlock their base attachments and Default Camo at LV1.
  • G36: Replaced incompatible stock at LV30.
  • M416: Removed duplicate cosmetic attachment from LV6, SD Barrel now properly unlocks its integrated handguard.
  • AK-15: Proper handguard is now unlocked at LV45 alongside the SD Barrel, fixed duplicate unlock at LV50.
  • Alpha: Cosmetic stock previously unlocked at LV54 is now unlocked at LV50 to improve the flow of cosmetic attachments.
  • M417, SCAR-H: Long and Short handguards are now unlocked alongside their respective Barrels at LV17 and LV33.
  • UKM, PKP Pecheneg BP: A handguard is unlocked alongside the Compact Barrel at LV27 to ensure compatibility with some attachment combinations.
  • MG5: Unlocks a Cosmetic Rail at LV28.
  • Tochnost: Replaced incompatible stock at LV19.
  • MCS: Default, Short, and Long Forends are now unlocked at LV1, LV6, and LV10 respectively.
  • Ragun: Now unlocks its unique iron sight at LV1.
  • DMG Nine Milli: Now unlocks a Red Dot Sight at LV2 and the Stock Barrel at LV3, SIG MUZZLE BRAKE now unlocked at LV16, DMG NINE-MILLI MUZZLE BRAKE now unlocked at LV28, and cosmetic stock unlock moved from LV43 to LV41 to improve the flow of cosmetic attachments.
  • Vityaz: SIG MUZZLE BRAKE is now unlocked at LV10, DMG NINE-MILLI, and MUZZLE BRAKE are now unlocked at LV35, and the Cosmetic Receiver unlock was moved from LV49 to LV46 to improve the flow of cosmetic attachments.
  • Glauberyt: SIG MUZZLE BRAKE is now unlocked at LV16 and DMG NINE-MILLI MUZZLE BRAKE at LV28.
  • SIG: SIG MUZZLE BRAKE is now unlocked at LV4 and DMG NINE-MILLI MUZZLE BRAKE at LV30, Short Handguard is now unlocked with Compact Barrel at LV15.

[h2]ANIMATIONS[/h2]

• All left-hand grip poses have been corrected for lowers/handguards/attachments for all weapons.
• Additional polish on all first-person perspective short reloads with MSBS-K.
• Additional polish on all first-person perspective long and short reloads with MSBS-B.
• First-person perspective idle animations correction for M4 MWS and additional polish on all first-person perspective long and short reloads.
• Reload animations polished and updated for all weapons to provide smooth integration with the new Staged Reload system.
• Added more responsive and effective first-person perspective gadget throwing and equipping animations.
• When sprinting in first-person perspective, the equipping animations are matched to the weapon’s position on the screen, making for smoother movement.
• Added first- and third-person animations sets for 3 new weapons: Type-89, QBZ-191, and PF3.
• Added new first-person equip animations for all weapons and all poses.
• Improved first-person transitions from sprinting to walking to turbo sprinting.
• Improved first-person inspection poses for QBZ-95.
• Corrected issue where the right wrist meshes intersect with jacket meshes while reloading the QBZ-95 in first-person.
• Additional polish on all first-person perspective long and short reloads with the Deagle, and resolved issues with arm rotation.
• Improved idle animations for Vepr Shotgun and added additional polish on all first-person perspective long and short reloads.
• Added new third-person animations for RPG7 and Vityaz in the Summary screen.
• Additional polish on equipping animations in third-person for all poses, and resolved an issue that resulted in slow animations/
• Resolved an issue where an Operator’s body would not rotate properly in the hatch of the vehicle.
• Added more variety to sprinting and turbo sprinting with weapons in third- and first-person.

[h2]HUB[/h2]

• Tier progression is now visible in the Battle Pass tile.
• Improved Shop layout.
• New main menu camera position for party and player character.
• Updated localizations.
• Improved visual effects in the Summary screen.
• Various bug fixes.

For more information and to track the live status of World War 3, follow our official channels on Discord and Twitter.

Battle for the heart of Japan in Operation Sunstorm, the next thrilling content update for World War 3. Fight in a new mode, conquer new maps, and expand your loadout with all-new weapons and strikes when this free update launches on March 30.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h2]NEW MODES: FUBAR & DOMINATION[/h2]
Introducing FUBAR, a new take on Tactical Ops focused on infantry battles, with limited strikes and vehicles available. Take arms and fight to seize or defend six bleeding capture points in heart-pounding 20 versus 20 skirmishes. This mode also features the hotly-requested revive mechanic, so you still have a fighting chance if you’re down but not out… if your allies get to you in time!



Also returning to permanent rotation after its introduction as a limited-time mode: Domination. This 15 versus 15 game mode is focused on intense firefights, close-quarters engagements, and the capture of control points. Take strategic locations and hold off enemy advances to secure victory!
[h2]WELCOME TO JAPAN[/h2]
As this ever-escalating conflict spills across the Sea of Japan to a new Conflict Zone, Japan takes the spotlight in Operation Sunstorm. Two new maps will be available to defend and fight for:

• Tokyo (Tactical Ops): Japan’s capital is now a battlefield. Engage the enemy at mid-range on open shopping strips, close the gap in narrow alleyways and side streets, or secure a tactical advantage with vantage points perfect for sniper and DMR duels.
• Shibuya (Team Deathmatch): Take a trip to Shibuya, one of Tokyo's most famous locations and arguably its own cultural capital. Fight through day and night variants of the map with everything you've got to dominate and retake its neon-drenched streets.

[h2]NEW GEAR, WEAPONS, AND STRIKES[/h2]
Unlock all-new gear for your Operator, weapons to switch up your tactics with, and explosive new strikes:

• Operator Blueprints: Enter the fray with new Operator gear and uniforms, including the JGSDF Rikujo Jieitai (inspired by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force), a dauntless Japanese Resistance Fighter, and the maritime Special Boarding Unit.
• Weapon Blueprints: Lock and load with the Type-89 and QBZ-191 assault rifles, the explosive PF3 rocket launcher, and the iconic Deagle pistol.
• Strike Blueprints: Push your advantage with the Type X main battle tank (MBT) and the Type XVI tank destroyer, and rain hell from above with the Bumblebee drone.

[h2]OPERATION SUNSTORM BATTLE PASS[/h2]
The Battle Pass is your key to exclusive rewards in Operation Sunstorm. Fight to unlock more than 50 Tiers of Free and Premium rewards, including new and unique options to help switch up your Operator, weapons, and strike loadouts!

The Operation Sunstorm Battle Pass will be available to buy in-game from March 30. All base Weapon and Strike Blueprints will be available to unlock for free via the Battle Pass, while additional configurations featuring exclusive decals — including the Deagle Peacekeeper, Type-89 Ashi, Type XVI JGSDF, and PF3 Mori — are available via the Premium track.



Operation Sunstorm is coming to World War 3 as a free update on March 30. World War 3 is now available to download and play on Windows PC via the World War 3 Launcher and Steam.

Whether you’ve got an eye for a deal or looking to craft a unique style and military identity in World War 3, the Shop is the place to be. Take a look at the latest spotlight item available to buy in-game now!
[h2]AKH UNIT (OPERATOR BLUEPRINT)[/h2]
The Akh Unit (named for the Arabic word for ‘brother’) is a contingent of the Republic of Korea’s 707th Special Mission Group, tasked with training local forces in the United Arab Emirates. 

This Unit is issued with a summer-time field uniform in digital desert camouflage, along with a MOLLE plate carrier with modular mag pouches, a belt kit with additional tools, plus a ballistic helmet and protective eye goggles — and yes, it all comes in black.

PRICE: 560 UNC



Hit the Shop before it refreshes on March 23 to browse even more items on offer, and check back next week for another Spotlight item!