Get ready, operators! 🎮 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is back with another banger of a limited-time event for 2026, and this time it's a love letter to all things spooky and supernatural. The Cryptid Bootcamp event has returned, bringing with it a fresh wave of challenges and exclusive cosmetics to chase. Think you've got what it takes to prove you're a true believer in the mythical? This event is your chance to show off your skills and snag some seriously cool loot. Remember, this is a limited-time affair, so the clock is ticking! ⏰
🧐 What Exactly Is The Cryptid Bootcamp Event?
Let's break it down. The Cryptid Bootcamp is a special, time-limited event running in both Modern Warfare 3's core Multiplayer and the ever-popular Zombies (MWZ) modes. For a limited window in 2026, players can dive into a series of themed challenges inspired by legendary creatures and cryptids. The goal? To earn a suite of exclusive cosmetics that you won't find anywhere else. We're talking calling cards, emblems, charms, decals, and the real prize—a unique weapon blueprint. No camos are on offer this time around, but trust us, the final reward is worth the grind. This event is perfect for players who love a good challenge and want to add some rare flair to their arsenal and profile.
🏆 Event Challenges And Rewards: Your Roadmap to Glory
Alright, let's get to the meat of it. The event features a total of 16 challenges, split right down the middle with 8 for Multiplayer and 8 for Zombies. Here's the best part: you don't need to complete both versions of a challenge to get the reward! 🤯 Each cosmetic is linked to one Multiplayer and one Zombies challenge. Finish either one, and the cosmetic is yours. This gives you the flexibility to play your favorite mode and still unlock everything.
The progression is simple but rewarding. Complete eight challenges (any combination of MP or Zombies), and you'll unlock the coveted 'Looking At You' Weapon Camo. But the ultimate prize? Unlocking all 16 cosmetics nets you the Cryptid Weapon Blueprint for the Sidewinder. This is a must-have for any collector or player looking to stand out on the battlefield.
Check out the full breakdown of challenges and their awesome rewards in the table below. We've also included some pro-tips to help you smash through them faster! 🚀
| Reward (Image & Name) | Multiplayer Challenge | Zombies Challenge | Pro-Tips & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
 Cernunnos – Sticker |
Get 20 kills with Throwing Knives. | Get 120 zombie kills with Throwing Knives. | MP Tip: Equip the Ninja Vest! It lets you recover your Throwing Knives, making this challenge a breeze. |
 Harbingers – Calling Card |
Get 50 one-hit kills with a sniper. | Get 10 special zombie critical kills with snipers. | Focus on headshots in MP. In Zombies, target Manglers or Disciples for those sweet critical kills. |
 Prophetic Squish – Charm |
Get 40 kills with the Tyr while using the JAK Beholder Kit, the Threat Identification System perk, and Stalker Boots perk. | Destroy 3 Harvester Orbs. | CRITICAL NOTE: The MP challenge description has been fixed for 2026! You do need the JAK Beholder Kit on the Tyr. Harvester Orbs spawn in specific Zombies zones. |
 Sass-Squashed – Calling Card |
Get two kills with a shotgun or melee weapon in one life 15 times. | Kill 50 Hellhounds with shotguns. | Play cautiously in MP for those double kills. In Zombies, Hellhounds are common, so just keep a shotgun handy. |
 What Cute Eyes You Have – Emblem |
Get 75 kills with a suppressor equipped while using Ghost. | Get 100 kills while using Aether Shroud. | Standard stealth play for MP. In Zombies, use Aether Shroud aggressively in hordes for efficient kills. |
 We Believe In You – Large Decal |
Destroy 20 pieces of equipment or killstreaks with the Stormender. | Get 75 Brain Rot zombie kills. | Zombies Tip: Use a weapon with Brain Rot ammo mod. Kills from the zombies you convert also count toward your total! |
 Lake Monster – Emblem |
Get 20 melee kills while in smoke. | Eliminate 5 bounty targets with a Mystery Box weapon. | MP Loadout Tip: Use the Overkill Vest, a Riot Shield, Smoke Grenades, and your favorite melee weapon. Pop smoke and go to town! |
 Looking At You – Weapon Camo |
Get 75 kills while using Covert Sneakers and Blacklight Flashlight. | Kill 3 Abominations. | The final challenge! Abominations are tough Zombies bosses, so bring your best packed weaponry and a squad. |
💡 Pro Gamer Strategies for 2026
Want to maximize your efficiency and grab that Sidewinder blueprint before the event ends? Here are some consolidated tips from the community:
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Loadout is Everything: For the throwing knife and melee challenges, the Ninja Vest and Overkill Vest setups are non-negotiable. They save you so much time.
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Double-Dip Where Possible: Some challenges can be completed passively while you work on others. For example, you can work on suppressor kills while also going for melee kills in smoke if you plan your loadout right.
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Zombies Efficiency: Challenges like Brain Rot and Bounty Targets are often quicker in Zombies if you know the strategies. Farm low-level zones for Brain Rot conversions, and always hit the Mystery Box when you have a Bounty contract.
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Team Up: For the final Abomination challenge in Zombies, don't go it alone. Squad up with friends or use squad fill. Taking down those giant bosses is a team effort.
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Check Your Progress: The event menu in-game has been streamlined for 2026. Keep an eye on your challenge tracker to see what's left.
So, what are you waiting for? The Cryptid Bootcamp is live now in Modern Warfare 3 for 2026. Will you master both the mortal and supernatural threats to claim your rewards? The mythic cosmetics await, soldier. Good luck, and happy hunting! 👹🔫