Call of Duty has become a cultural phenomenon, setting an unparalleled benchmark for online arcade shooters. Over the past two decades, the series has introduced a vast array of maps, each hosting thousands of intense battles every season. We've curated a list of the 30 best maps in the franchise's history, celebrating the iconic locations that have left an indelible mark on gamers worldwide. Let's take a nostalgic journey through some of the most memorable Call of Duty maps.
Table of Content ---
- 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 mansion nestled in the Bulgarian mountains, Payback is crafted for intense firefights and diverse gameplay. Despite its compact size, this map strikes a perfect balance for various playstyles. Its intricate architecture allows for strategic ambushes and swift escapes, such as jumping out of windows to evade opponents.
Ocean Drive (Black Ops 6, 2024)
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Inspired by the iconic action films of the 80s, Ocean Drive sets the stage for gunfights amidst luxurious hotels and flashy cars. The map's design, featuring both expansive streets and confined interiors, caters to a wide range of game modes, ensuring a thrilling experience for all players.
Crown Raceway (Modern Warfare II, 2022)
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Crown Raceway transforms a racing circuit into a high-octane battleground, with combat zones spread across garages, stands, and pit-stop areas. The sounds of racing cars enhance the immersive atmosphere. This map's unique design and dynamic combat ensure that every player's kill/death ratio will see action, regardless of skill level.
Moscow (Black Ops Cold War, 2020)
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Transporting players to Cold War-era Moscow, this map captures the essence of the Soviet capital with its massive concrete buildings, opulent marble halls, and metro stations. Battles unfold in narrow alleys, on spacious boulevards, and within government complexes, offering a blend of tactical and aggressive gameplay.
Farm 18 (Modern Warfare II, 2022)
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Set in an abandoned military training base hidden within a dense forest, Farm 18's central concrete training ground becomes a fierce battleground. Surrounding structures, narrow corridors, and hidden paths provide excellent opportunities for assault players to dominate the map.
Miami (Black Ops Cold War, 2020)
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Immersed in the atmosphere of the 1980s criminal underworld, Miami's neon-lit streets and nightclubs set the scene for thrilling encounters. The map's layout, combining narrow streets with wide boulevards, accommodates various tactical approaches, making it a versatile choice for players.
Ardennes Forest (WWII, 2017)
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Ardennes Forest captures the brutal essence of World War II, with snowy landscapes, trenches, and blazing ruins. The map's well-thought-out symmetry leads to intense battles, where every step could be your last in this unforgiving warzone.
London Docks (WWII, 2017)
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Set in wartime London, this map's dark alleys, wet cobblestones, and industrial architecture create a gritty atmosphere. Its detailed design offers excellent ambush spots in narrow alleys, active firefights in spacious warehouses, and strategic vantage points at the docks.
Turbine (Black Ops II, 2012)
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Turbine sprawls across canyons, offering a mix of vertical gameplay, open spaces, and hidden routes for tactical flanking. The map's centerpiece, a broken turbine, can serve as both cover and a potential trap, making it a strategic focal point for battles.
Plaza (Black Ops II, 2012)
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Plaza transports players to a futuristic metropolis filled with vibrant neon lights and upscale clubs. Its architecture is designed to provide cover at every corner, while stairs, balconies, and glass storefronts add variety and excitement to the gameplay.
Overgrown (Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, 2007)
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An overgrown village with ruined buildings and prime sniper positions, Overgrown is ideal for tactical play. Elevated spots and watchtowers allow for monitoring enemy movements, making it a favorite for players who enjoy stealth and strategic engagements.
Meltdown (Black Ops II, 2012)
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Set on the grounds of a nuclear power plant, Meltdown's industrial setting features strategically important areas and multiple access routes. The central reactor complex, with its maze of tunnels, is perfect for close combat and surprise flanking maneuvers.
Seaside (Black Ops 4, 2018)
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This charming seaside town offers a mix of open squares for long-range shootouts and narrow alleyways for close-quarters combat. The stunning views can be deceptive, as enemies may lurk around any corner, demanding constant vigilance from players.
Crossfire (Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, 2007)
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Set in a city abandoned amidst ongoing conflict, Crossfire features a long street flanked by ruined buildings and sniper nests. Players can engage in prolonged ranged battles or attempt close combat through side alleys, testing their skills and strategy.
Karachi (Modern Warfare 2, 2009)
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Karachi's dusty streets and chaotic layout, with rooftops perfect for ambushes and lower levels ideal for shotgun play, create an unpredictable battlefield. The city ruins provide numerous flanking opportunities, requiring players to stay alert at all times.
Estate (Modern Warfare 2, 2009)
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Perched on a hill overlooking a dense forest, Estate's luxurious mansion offers strategic positions for defensive play. The surrounding forest provides ample cover for surprise attacks, making it a versatile map for both aggressive and defensive strategies.
Dome (Modern Warfare 3, 2011)
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Compact and lethal, Dome is centered around an abandoned military base with a ruined dome. The fast-paced battles here demand quick reflexes and strategic use of cover, making it an ideal map for players who thrive on aggressive gameplay.
Favela (Modern Warfare 2, 2009)
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Set in a densely built Brazilian slum, Favela's narrow corridors, rooftops, and hidden passages are perfect for ambushes. The map's design makes it a favorite for close-quarters combat, especially with shotguns.
Express (Black Ops II, 2012)
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Express features rapid-fire shootouts on a bustling train platform, with a moving train adding an extra layer of tension and danger. The map's dynamic nature requires players to be strategic, swift, and smart in using cover to secure victory.
Summit (Black Ops, 2010)
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Set at a snowy mountain base, Summit offers various routes and tight corridors for intense combat. Players must remain cautious, especially near the cliff edges, as battles can occur both in open areas and within closed labs.
Highrise (Modern Warfare 2, 2009)
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Combat on Highrise takes place atop a skyscraper, with cramped offices and open rooftop areas. The map is renowned for its hidden approaches and brutal sniper duels, offering diverse tactical opportunities for players.
Crash (Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, 2007)
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Featuring three main lanes of combat amidst ruined urban buildings, Crash provides numerous tactical possibilities. The iconic crashed "Black Hawk" at the center adds a memorable touch to this classic map.
Standoff (Black Ops II, 2012)
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A classic small town ideal for ambushes, Standoff's design allows for various combat styles, from lying in wait to firing from above. Its cinematic feel and fast-paced action make it a beloved map in the series.
Raid (Black Ops II, 2012)
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Set in a modern Los Angeles mansion with a pool and marble corridors, Raid offers a balanced environment for both close-quarters and long-range combat. The high-paced action here appeals to players of all skill levels.
Hijacked (Black Ops II, 2012)
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A luxury yacht turned battleground, Hijacked's small space and limited cover create an adrenaline-pumping experience. Every corridor and deck becomes a potential combat zone, making for intense and fast-paced matches.
Shipment (Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, 2007)
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A tiny, square map filled with shipping containers, Shipment is known for its chaotic firefights and rapid killstreaks. The map's three lanes make it a paradise for close-range weapons, offering non-stop action.
Firing Range (Black Ops, 2010)
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Designed for mid-range battles, Firing Range's military training ground features multiple elevation levels and open areas. This map caters to various playstyles, making it an excellent choice for any type of weapon.
Terminal (Modern Warfare 2, 2009)
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An airport map blending spacious terminals, narrow corridors, and an open tarmac, Terminal offers diverse tactical options. Players can set up ambushes, control vantage points, or engage in close-quarters combat on the airplane.
Rust (Modern Warfare 2, 2009)
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A miniature desert map with an oil rig at its center, Rust is perfect for one-on-one duels and intense firefights. Its compact size and vertical layout ensure non-stop action from the start of the match.
Nuketown (Black Ops, 2010)
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Nuketown, a small yet incredibly dynamic map, has become a hallmark of the series. Its symmetrical streets, houses, and backyards create an ideal setting for high-speed skirmishes. The added thrill of a potential nuclear explosion keeps players on their toes.
These 30 maps have become etched into the memories of millions of players, cementing their status as Call of Duty classics. Each map offers something unique, from frenetic close-quarters action to tactical fights in open terrain, ensuring there's a perfect location for every playstyle on this list.
