Xbox Live Required for MW3 Multiplayer on Xbox 360

Yes. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer on Xbox 360 requires an active Xbox Live Gold subscription (or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which includes Gold).

Details

• No offline system‑link / LAN multiplayer (unlike some earlier CoDs).
• Split‑screen local co‑op requires both profiles to have Gold (or Guest + Gold host).
• Xbox 360 servers still online (as of 2024) but population low; peer‑hosted matches.

If You Don't Have Gold

• Campaign, Spec Ops (solo/co‑op split‑screen), and Survival mode work offline.
• Game Pass Ultimate trial ($1) unlocks MP for 1–3 months.

No workaround—Microsoft enforces Gold for all 360 online multiplayer.