Call of Duty: A Retrospective on 30 Iconic Maps
Call of Duty's enduring legacy is built upon intense online multiplayer experiences, largely defined by its diverse and memorable maps. This list celebrates 30 of the franchise's most impactful battlegrounds, spanning two decades of explosive gameplay.
Table of Contents
Payback (Black Ops 6, 2024) Ocean Drive (Black Ops 6, 2024) Crown Raceway (Modern Warfare II, 2022) Moscow (Black Ops Cold War, 2020) Farm 18 (Modern Warfare II, 2022) Miami (Black Ops Cold War, 2020) Ardennes Forest (WWII, 2017) London Docks (WWII, 2017) Turbine (Black Ops II, 2012) Plaza (Black Ops II, 2012) Overgrown (Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, 2007) Meltdown (Black Ops II, 2012) Seaside (Black Ops 4, 2018) Crossfire (Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, 2007) Karachi (Modern Warfare 2, 2009) Estate (Modern Warfare 2, 2009) Dome (Modern Warfare 3, 2011) Favela (Modern Warfare 2, 2009) Express (Black Ops II, 2012) Summit (Black Ops, 2010) Highrise (Modern Warfare 2, 2009) Crash (Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, 2007) Standoff (Black Ops II, 2012) Raid (Black Ops II, 2012) Hijacked (Black Ops II, 2012) Shipment (Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, 2007) Firing Range (Black Ops, 2010) Terminal (Modern Warfare 2, 2009) Rust (Modern Warfare 2, 2009) Nuketown (Black Ops, 2010)
Payback (Black Ops 6, 2024)
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A multi-level Bulgarian mountain mansion provides a dynamic setting for intense firefights. Its compact size balances diverse playstyles, with intricate architecture offering strategic ambush and escape opportunities.
Ocean Drive (Black Ops 6, 2024)
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Evoking 1980s action movies, Ocean Drive features gun battles amidst luxurious hotels and vehicles. The juxtaposition of open streets and confined interiors caters to various game modes and tactical approaches.
Crown Raceway (Modern Warfare II, 2022)
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This fast-paced map transforms a racetrack into a high-octane battleground. Garages, stands, and pit areas become strategic points in a dynamic combat environment characterized by its unpredictable kill/death ratios.
Moscow (Black Ops Cold War, 2020)
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Cold War-era Moscow offers a blend of harsh beauty and hidden dangers. Players engage in intense clashes amidst imposing concrete structures, opulent interiors, and underground metro stations, balancing tactical and aggressive gameplay.
Farm 18 (Modern Warfare II, 2022)
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This abandoned military base, nestled within a dense forest, features a central training ground that becomes a fierce battle zone. Partially destroyed buildings, corridors, and hidden paths offer strategic advantages for aggressive players.
Miami (Black Ops Cold War, 2020)
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Immerse yourself in the vibrant 1980s Miami underworld, complete with neon lights, nightclubs, and luxury cars. The map combines narrow streets and wide boulevards, supporting diverse tactical strategies.
Ardennes Forest (WWII, 2017)
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Experience the brutal reality of World War II in a snowy forest setting. Trenches and ruined structures create a visceral battleground, with the map's symmetrical design leading to intense and unforgiving combat.
London Docks (WWII, 2017)
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The dark alleys, cobblestone streets, and industrial architecture of wartime London set the stage for intense battles. Narrow alleys, spacious warehouses, and elevated dock positions offer diverse strategic options.
Turbine (Black Ops II, 2012)
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This expansive map, set amidst canyons, offers vertical gameplay, open spaces, and hidden flanking routes. The central turbine structure provides both cover and potential ambush points.
Plaza (Black Ops II, 2012)
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A futuristic metropolis with upscale clubs and narrow alleys forms the backdrop for intense firefights. The architecture provides ample cover, while stairs and balconies add to the dynamic gameplay.
Overgrown (Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, 2007)
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This overgrown abandoned village offers numerous sniper positions and tactical advantages. Elevated vantage points and watchtowers allow for strategic observation and control of enemy movement.
Meltdown (Black Ops II, 2012)
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Set within a nuclear power plant, Meltdown features strategically crucial areas and multiple access routes. The reactor complex, with its maze of tunnels, is ideal for close-quarters combat and unexpected flanking maneuvers.
Seaside (Black Ops 4, 2018)
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This picturesque seaside town offers a mix of open areas for long-range engagements and narrow lanes for close-quarters combat. The beautiful setting belies the constant threat lurking around every corner.
Crossfire (Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, 2007)
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A war-torn city provides the setting for this map, with a long central street flanked by ruined buildings and sniper nests. Players can engage in long-range battles or utilize side alleys for close-quarters combat.
Karachi (Modern Warfare 2, 2009)
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The chaotic layout of Karachi, with its dusty streets and abandoned buildings, offers unpredictable gameplay. Rooftops provide ambush opportunities, while lower levels offer close-quarters combat scenarios.
Estate (Modern Warfare 2, 2009)
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A luxurious hilltop mansion, overlooking a forest, offers both indoor and outdoor combat opportunities. The mansion's interior provides defensive positions, while the surrounding forest allows for ambushes.
Dome (Modern Warfare 3, 2011)
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This compact map, centered around a ruined dome, is a fast-paced battleground. The map's design encourages aggressive play, rewarding quick reflexes and strategic use of cover.
Favela (Modern Warfare 2, 2009)
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The densely packed Brazilian favela offers a labyrinthine setting for surprise attacks. Narrow corridors, rooftops, and hidden passages make this map ideal for ambush tactics.
Express (Black Ops II, 2012)
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A bustling train platform provides the backdrop for rapid-fire shootouts. The moving train adds to the tension and creates dynamic gameplay opportunities.
Summit (Black Ops, 2010)
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A snowy mountain base with varied terrain and tight corridors offers a mix of open and closed combat spaces. The map's cliff edges add an element of risk and strategic depth.
Highrise (Modern Warfare 2, 2009)
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Set atop a skyscraper, Highrise features both cramped office spaces and open rooftop areas. The map is known for its hidden approaches and intense sniper duels.
Crash (Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, 2007)
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This urban map features three main combat lanes and ruined buildings. The narrow alleyways create tense close-quarters combat, with the central crashed helicopter serving as a defining landmark.
Standoff (Black Ops II, 2012)
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A classic small town setting, ideal for ambushes. The map supports various combat styles, from hidden approaches to elevated firing positions.
Raid (Black Ops II, 2012)
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A modern Los Angeles mansion with a pool and open courtyards provides a balanced setting for both close-quarters and long-range combat. The map's design encourages fast-paced action.
Hijacked (Black Ops II, 2012)
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Set on a luxury yacht, Hijacked offers intense close-quarters combat with limited cover and high-adrenaline action.
Shipment (Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, 2007)
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This tiny map, set amidst shipping containers, is characterized by chaotic and fast-paced firefights. The map favors close-range weapons and aggressive gameplay.
Firing Range (Black Ops, 2010)
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A military training ground offering a variety of combat scenarios, from mid-range engagements to close-quarters combat. The map's design caters to diverse weapon types and playstyles.
Terminal (Modern Warfare 2, 2009)
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An airport setting blending spacious terminals, narrow corridors, and an open tarmac. The map offers opportunities for ambushes, vantage point control, and close-quarters combat.
Rust (Modern Warfare 2, 2009)
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This small desert map, centered around an oil rig, offers vertically oriented gameplay. The map is ideal for intense one-on-one duels and rapid firefights.
Nuketown (Black Ops, 2010)
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This iconic small map is known for its fast-paced, high-speed skirmishes. The limited space encourages constant movement and alertness.
These 30 maps represent a cross-section of Call of Duty's map design evolution, each offering unique gameplay experiences. From close-quarters combat to strategic long-range engagements, these maps have cemented their place in gaming history.
