Mutation Mode in MW3
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All challenges and rewards in MW3 and Warzone Altered Strain event

The mutants have arrived.

The Altered Strain event introduces another batch of DNA strands to collect, which first appeared in Critical Countdown. In Season 4 Reloaded, four new collectible samples will appear, offering prizes and Mutation powers. Here’s a look at all the Altered Strain event challenges and rewards in MW3 and Warzone.

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MW3 and Warzone Altered Strain event guide

Each time you eliminate any enemy during the Altered Strain event, a DNA strand will appear from their body. You must collect these samples to exchange them for rewards or unique abilities via the Even page. Only two DNA strands, Ad🌟e-DGT and Cyto-RCG, have been revealed so far, with𝓀 two more incoming.

According to the in-game page, the strains should appear in MW3, Zombies, and Warzone. However, I’ve had better luck at obtaining them in Modern Warfare 3’s Mutation Mode, as they appear frequently here.

Altered Strain event rewards

If you want a sneak peek into all the Altered Strain rewards, here’s what you can expect:

DNA Strands NeededRewards
390 Ade-DGTDouble XP Token
780 Ade-DGTDouble Weapon XP Token
1,560 Ade-DGTDouble Battle Pass XP Token
3,125 Ade-DGTDouble Weapon XP Token
6,250 Ade-DGTDouble Weapon XP Token
12,500 Ade-DGTDouble Battle Pass XP Token
780 Cyto-RCGFirst Strike Mutation effect
1,560 Cyto-RCGPet Strain cosmetic
3,125 Cyto-RCGClass Pet cosmetic
6,250 Cyto-RCGFlop Shot Mutation Augmentation
12,500 Cyto-RCGDouble XP Token
1,200 Yellow DNA Repocket Mutation Augmentation
2,340 Yellow DNAYou Tried! Calling Card
4,675 Yellow DNAMutation Station sticker
9,350 Yellow DNAAttuned Mutation Augmentation
1,560 Pink DNAGalvanized Mutation Augmentation
3,125 Pink DNATier Skip
6,250 Pink DNADendritic Devastation weapon camo
Complete all Mastery ChallengesStrands and Slaughter blueprint

The MW3 and Warzone Altered Strain event harnesses various Augmentations that unlock Mutation powers. You can earn them gradually, which may only unlock in Mutation Mode. We’ll break down the Augmentations to give you an idea of their powers:

All Augmentation abilities

  • First Strike: Rapid cooldown for the first ability after a respawn
  • Flop Shot: Dive from an elevated surface to produce a small explosion (similar to PhD Flopper perk)
  • Repocket: Replenishes your tactical ability upon kills
  • Attuned: Reduced cost for Mutant Juggernaut
  • Galvanized: Temporary damage reduction from explosives

Use these abilities to collect more🀅 DNA samples and earn your way to the top ജwith the Mastery Reward. This gift provides you with the Strands and Slaughter Battle Rifle blueprint.

Strands and Slaughter blueprint
Screenshot by Destructoid

The blueprint features excellent gun kick and horizontal recoil control. Even more, it remains undetectable by radar for those who enjoy sneaky tactics. However, it will take a while to unlock this reward, as some challenges aren’t available just yet. Fortunately, the event will go on for quite a while, ending on July 24, 2024.


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Kristina Ebanez
Staff Writer - Kristina has been a video game lover ever since she saw Solid Snake get under that cardboard box in Metal Gear Solid. She continues to show off her love for gaming and has been writing about it for more than two years. Aside from the Metal Gear Solid series, she enjoys playing The Sims, Call of Duty, Disney Dreamlight Valley, Horizon Forbidden West, Minecraft, and many more.