The playlist involves either two players versus two players, one versus one on small tight maps or three players versus three players. The mode itself is very similar to Cage Match in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Face Off is available to play on split-screen, private, and public matches. There are seven maps for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC. It was never added to the Wii version.
A similar mode called Gunfight was introduced in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Unlike Face Off, this mode focuses primarily on one life matches with unique mechanics from standard multiplayer. Gunfight maps are also compatible with standard 6v6 multiplayer modes, and Face Off style matches can be created in Private Matches. Occasionally, a limited time Face Off playlist is available, which features 3v3 respawn modes similar to the original mode.
In Modern Warfare 3, Search and Destroy game mode was trialed for one weekend, then Team Defender the next, and Capture the Flag after that. Domination was trialed for two weeks from the weekend after Capture the Flag. On November 7th, 2012, Domination and Search and Destroy returned to Face Off and have since remained.
In Modern Warfare 3, Even though the maps are designed for 1v1's, 2v2's, and 3v3's, playing in Private Match allows them to be played in 6v6 games in a variety of different game modes.
In Modern Warfare 3, Playing the maps in Private Match on Infected allows up to 18 players.
