MW3 Zombies Season 5 Reloaded patch notes – Final story mission, new Schematics, shotgun buff, and more

It all comes down to this.

Five people standing together, staring at a tall building with ships flying in a dark purple sky.
Image via Activision

When Call of Duty players think Zombies, they think Treyarch. Modern Warfare 3’s Zombies mode tried something different with Treyarch at the helm, and it was a success for some.

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Now, in Season Five Reloaded, Treyarch’s run in MW3 will officially come to an end (it likely wrapped up development months ago to focus on Black Ops 6), with the final story mission in the MWZ plotline along with some other minor additions and changes.

Here’s everything coming to Zombies in MW3’s Season Five Reloaded update, likely the last substantial changes for the mode.

MW3 Zombies Season 5 Reloaded patch notes

That’s all, folks. Image via Activision

If you’ve been following along with MW3 Zombies since launch, the scant story will finally be getting a new mission that hopefully puts a nice bow on everything, but that’s not all that the midseason update has to offer.

Final MWZ story mission

mw3 zombies operators fighting
The end. Image via Activision

The conclusion to MW3’s Zombies story arrives in Season Five Reloaded, finishing up the plot that began with launch and really hasn’t offer much since, as Treyarch shifted focus to BO6.

“Operation Deadbolt must face the ultimate challenge in confronting the Entity in a terrifying new section of the Dark Aether,” Activision said. “Use Aetherium launch pads to soar through the environment and keep away from the dangerous hordes of undead lurking on the ground. Prepare to abandon all hope as you make your way towards the climatic conclusion and the final boss.”

New Dark Aether Rift

MW3 operators look out as a dark portal behind them activates, a specter coming out of it and floating over their heads.
Work together. Image via Activision

Activision also said players will need to “stay alert for clues and work with the community to discover the path towards a lucrative and lethal” Dark Aether Rift, a new addition in Season Five Reloaded. It will offer a “perilous challenge” and “awards the opportunity to earn powerful rewards, including permanent unlocks.”

New Schematics and more

MW3 Zombies schematic screen with several options.
Up your arsenal. Image via Activision

Season Five Reloaded adds three new Schematics, including one highly requested change to stash size.

  • Disciple Bottle: Spawn a friendly Disciple to wreak havoc against your foes.
  • Grenade Bandolier: Replenish your Lethal and Tactical Equipment over time, allowing you to regularly bombard enemies.
  • Stash Increase: Increase your stash size to 30.

Shotgun buff

The Pack-a-Punched Reclaimer 18 shotgun got a nice change in this patch. While its increased ammo capacity has been removed, it’s gotten increased damage and damage range.

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Scott Duwe
Senior Staff Writer & Call of Duty lead. Professional writer for over 10 years. Lover of all things Marvel, Destiny 2, Metal Gear, Final Fantasy, Resident Evil, and more. Previous bylines include PC Gamer, Red Bull Esports, Fanbyte, and Esports Nation. DogDad to corgis Yogi and Mickey, sports fan (NY Yankees, NY Jets, NY Rangers, NY Knicks), Paramore fanatic, cardio enthusiast.