The quality of map design plays a crucial role in determining the reception of Call of Duty games. Remember your favorite entries in the series? They likely had exceptional level design, which was vital for their success. While factors like time to kill (TTK) and weapons matter, a Call of Duty game with poor level design cannot be truly exceptional.
With over 20 entries in the Call of Duty series, fans have had access to hundreds of maps for intense gameplay. However, a long-standing question that sparks debates among fans is: which maps are the greatest of all time? This list will highlight the most enjoyable, balanced, and iconic maps in the series.
10 Nuketown
There are legitimate arguments that this map has been overused, with six iterations created (including Black Ops 2 Zombies). However, Treyarch's continued emphasis on Nuketown is justified because, no matter how many times it's released, it remains a beloved choice among fans.
The original version of Nuketown, introduced in Call of Duty: Black Ops, stood out visually from other maps in the game. The small neighborhood and eerie mannequins created a distinct atmosphere, setting the stage for intense matches. With its excellent flow and two adjacent sniping positions, Nuketown works flawlessly for small groups.
9. Rust
Rust was the standout map in a game filled with fantastic maps. It holds the same level of iconic status as Nuketown but doesn't suffer from oversaturation. Players engage in battles within a cramped, abandoned construction site, all vying for control of the central power position.
Rust shines in all game modes, but it gained particular notoriety through the 1v1 face-off mode. Challenging a single opponent to a duel used to be a significant aspect of Call of Duty, and in Modern Warfare 2, Rust was the go-to map for that.
8. Raid
Black Ops 2 featured some of the most beloved maps in the history of Call of Duty, and Raid is undoubtedly one of the best. It offers an inspired layout with a tense center courtyard to fight over, great sniper positions, and strategic angles to surprise enemies.
Moreover, one of the main reasons Raid was so cherished is its setting. Battling in a massive compound in the Hollywood Hills provided a unique backdrop that stands out among the franchise's set pieces.
7. Hijacked
Another Black Ops 2 launch map, Hijacked, has made multiple appearances throughout Call of Duty history, yet it never fails to impress. Hijacked is a symmetrical map, drawing inspiration from Nuketown, with two opposing sniper positions overlooking the small, 3-lane layout.
While an abundance of 3-lane maps can become repetitive, Hijacked executes it remarkably well, and the inclusion of an "underground" flank route adds excitement. This map is easily one of the best choices for party game modes.
6. Highrise
Do you remember the old-school days of Call of Duty when players would jump off the map's edge in desperation, hoping to capture an impressive clip? Well, Highrise was the go-to map for such moments, and the sheer hilarity of seeing players repeatedly plunge to their doom was unforgettable.
Beyond the humor and trickshots, Highrise was an exceptional map with impeccable design and atmosphere. It offered some of the best game flow in Call of Duty history. Although we received a spiritual remake, Skyrise, in Advanced Warfare, it couldn't quite capture the same magic. Let's hope for a remake in the future.
5. Terminal
Terminal is a legendary map that took a bold design approach, deviating from the typical map composition. It offered open stretches of tarmac, a cramped airplane, and a cluttered airport terminal, resulting in an incredibly thrilling experience. Although not all risks pay off, it's always exciting when Call of Duty developers explore new ideas, and Terminal is a fantastic example of that. The only downside was the exploit to climb atop the plane in Infection.
4. Hackney Yard
Hackney Yard, introduced in the 2019 reboot of Modern Warfare, quickly became a fan favorite. While it didn't stray too far from the traditional 3-lane formula, it distinguished itself through excellent verticality, which hadn't been seen in years in the Call of Duty franchise. Hackney Yard lacks significant power positions, but this works to its advantage as the action is evenly spread across the entire map. Its exceptional layout caters to shotgun users, snipers, and everything in between.
3. Crash
No surprises here, Crash deserves its place on this list. Although it may not be visually appealing, the overall layout of Crash is ingeniously designed. It seems like no matter where you are on the map, your back is vulnerable, leading players to be constantly on the move. The freedom it offers to players is one of its greatest strengths. All weapon types are viable, there are no predetermined lanes, and it doesn't overly favor campers. Crash stands out in a game where excellence was the norm, and it's unfortunate that the MW 2019 remake couldn't do it justice.
2. Genesis
We hear you. Infinite Warfare wasn't considered an outstanding entry in the Call of Duty franchise. However, if we overlook the game's main issues, there are some truly excellent map designs hidden beneath it all. In fact, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Genesis is the best advanced-movement map in Call of Duty history. Genesis played exceptionally well, drawing inspiration from the popular Dome map. It managed to integrate advanced movement seamlessly, complementing Genesis' overall blueprint. Should we ever see another advanced movement entry, let's hope Genesis makes a return.
1. Standoff
Black Ops 2 may hold the record for the highest number of exceptional maps in the franchise, and Standoff stands out as one of the best. It excelled in every game mode, particularly earning praise for its near-perfect layout in Search and Destroy. Standoff was nearly flawless in terms of layout, size, and even aesthetics. While technically a 3-lane map, it never truly felt like one during gameplay. With confidence, we can say that Standoff is a phenomenal map, and it isn't overly influenced by nostalgia like many others. Standoff truly stands out!
>>> Read more: Top 10 Best Call Of Duty Games Ever Released