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.
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, Ade-DGT and Cyto-RCG, have been revealed so far, with 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 Needed | Rewards |
|---|---|
| 390 Ade-DGT | Double XP Token |
| 780 Ade-DGT | Double Weapon XP Token |
| 1,560 Ade-DGT | Double Battle Pass XP Token |
| 3,125 Ade-DGT | Double Weapon XP Token |
| 6,250 Ade-DGT | Double Weapon XP Token |
| 12,500 Ade-DGT | Double Battle Pass XP Token |
| 780 Cyto-RCG | First Strike Mutation effect |
| 1,560 Cyto-RCG | Pet Strain cosmetic |
| 3,125 Cyto-RCG | Class Pet cosmetic |
| 6,250 Cyto-RCG | Flop Shot Mutation Augmentation |
| 12,500 Cyto-RCG | Double XP Token |
| 1,200 Yellow DNA | Repocket Mutation Augmentation |
| 2,340 Yellow DNA | You Tried! Calling Card |
| 4,675 Yellow DNA | Mutation Station sticker |
| 9,350 Yellow DNA | Attuned Mutation Augmentation |
| 1,560 Pink DNA | Galvanized Mutation Augmentation |
| 3,125 Pink DNA | Tier Skip |
| 6,250 Pink DNA | Dendritic Devastation weapon camo |
| Complete all Mastery Challenges | Strands 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 with the Mastery Reward. This gift provides you with the Strands and Slaughter Battle Rifle blueprint.
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.
