All challenges and rewards in MW3 Critical Countdown event: How to get DNA samples in CoD

Collect DNA samples and earn rewards.

MW3 operators on Tokyo map
Image via Activision

Call of Duty’s season four has introduced a new month-long event in both Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone, with plenty of rewards to unlock.

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Critical Countdown is a collection event, meaning players need to collect dropped items from enemy players in a variety of modes—and you need to pick up a lot of them. So, the grind is a long one, but since the event is so long, there’s plenty of time to pick up what you need.

Here’s all the info you need to know about Critical Countdown, including how to get the items required to earn rewards.

What is Critical Countdown in MW3?

MW3 Critical Countdown explanation screen
Get briefed on the mission parameters. Screenshot by Dot Esports

Critical Countdown is a four-week-long event across MW3 multiplayer, MW3 Zombies, and Warzone, where CoD players are tasked with collecting DNA samples that drop from enemies or must be found in caches.

How to farm DNA samples in MW3 Critical Countdown

During Critical Countdown, DNA samples will drop from enemies and allies in MW3 multiplayer, MW3 Zombies, and found in caches Warzone. You must collect a lot of them to unlock the rewards. Below, you’ll find the amounts and rewards for each challenge.

It appears to be random which type of DNA sample you find, but in MW3 multiplayer, for example, they’ll drop from every slain player on both your team and the enemy team, so there are plenty to be picked up in each match.

All challenges and rewards in MW3 Critical Countdown

Critical Countdown event rewards in MW3
Lock in and grab the DNA while you can. Screenshot by Dot Esports

Here are all of the different kinds of DNA you can pick up and what you’ll unlock for picking up each kind.

Ade (Blue DNA samples)

  • 390 Ade: Double XP token
  • 780 Ade: Double weapon XP token
  • 1,560 Ade: Double battle pass XP token
  • 3,125 Ade: Double XP token
  • 6,250 Ade: Double weapon XP token
  • 12,500 Ade: Double battle pass XP token

Cyto (Orange DNA samples)

  • 1,560 Cyto: “Security Clearance” calling card
  • 3,125 Cyto: “Safety First” emblem (coming soon)
  • 6,250 Cyto: “Just a Spill” sticker (coming soon)
  • 12,500 Cyto: Double battle pass XP token

Thy (Yellow DNA samples)

  • 2,340 Thy: “Mission Debrief” calling card
  • 4,675 Thy: Double weapon XP token
  • 9,350 Thy: Battle pass tier skip

Red DNA samples (TBA)

  • 3,125: Double XP token
  • 6,250: “Exerting Control” camo

Critical Condition: Mastery reward

World Ender blueprint for MW3's FR 5.56
Will you hunt it down? Screenshot by Dot Esports

Unlocking all prior rewards will earn the World Ender blueprint for the FR 5.56. It has an animated camo and comes equipped with four attachments.

  • Barrel: 435mm FR435
  • Optic: Slate Reflector
  • Underbarrel: MSP-98 Handstop
  • Rear Grip: SA Cation Grip

This article will be updated with more information as it becomes available.

Author
Image of Scott Duwe
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.