All The CoD: Modern Warfare 3 Multiplayer Maps For Launch

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is on the verge of release. For many individuals, the multiplayer aspect is the primary attraction. Consequently, you may be curious about the maps that will be available in the game at launch. There will be a plethora of core multiplayer maps accessible to players right from the start, and there are some crucial details to be aware of, including the fact that these core multiplayer maps are all carryovers from a previous game.

Modern Warfare 3 multiplayer maps

Upon its release on November 10, Modern Warfare III will offer 16 maps for the core multiplayer experience. These maps may feel familiar to players, as all 16 of them are updated versions of maps from 2009’s Modern Warfare II. This includes beloved maps like Rust and Highrise.

According to Activision, these maps have been “meticulously crafted” and modernized to maintain the authenticity and accuracy of the originals.

Modern Warfare 3 core multiplayer map list:

• Afghan
• Derail
• Estate
• Favela
• Karachi
• Highrise
• Invasion
• Quarry
• Rundown
• Rust
• Scrapyard
• Skidrow
• Sub Base
• Terminal
• Underpass
• Wasteland

In addition to these 16 maps, Activision has announced that “a number” of the most popular maps from 2022’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II will be added to Modern Warfare III shortly after launch. These maps, including Farm 18, Mercado, and Shoot House, will have their own dedicated playlist. More maps will be gradually introduced throughout the seasons of Modern Warfare III. This is part of Activision’s broader “Carry Forward” program, which allows weapons, Operators, store bundles, and other content from 2022’s Modern Warfare II to carry over to Modern Warfare III.

What’s new about these “old” maps?

While these are maps that players may already be familiar with, Sledgehammer Games and Infinity Ward have utilized the wealth of advancements in game engine and design technology to enhance the visual quality of the maps. These advancements include variable-rate shading and improved runtime systems, which make enemies more visible on the map.

Activision has stated that the scenic detail and visibility have been improved across all the maps. Additionally, vehicles now appear on the streets, which is a new feature compared to the original versions from 2009. Some buildings have also been depicted in different colors and materials. For example, the soccer pitch on Favela, previously made of dirt and grass, is now a paved blacktop.

Lighting changes have also been implemented. Activision mentioned that the in-game illumination techniques now brighten areas like Favela’s central alleyways, making enemy Operators more visible and preventing them from blending into the shadows.

The maps offer a different gameplay experience

Activision has emphasized that the 16 maps from 2009’s Modern Warfare II benefit from the technical advancements made by the Call of Duty teams over the years, particularly in terms of movement. The tactical sprint system introduced in 2019’s Modern Warfare II has been carried forward to Modern Warfare III, allowing players to jump and mantle across and through the maps in new ways compared to the limitations of 2009.

How Estate looks in Modern Warfare III

Updated map areas

Some of the 16 maps have been expanded with new areas to explore. In Estate, players can now access the lake behind the boathouse and swim underwater to previously inaccessible locations. Skidrow has transformed the bookshop into a movie store, and the ceiling has been repaired. On the fan-favorite Rust map, the open pipe where campers used to park and snipe from has been replaced by a small building. The office space in the Highrise map is now adorned with the logo of the fictional company ActiBase.

Beyond Core

In addition to the core multiplayer experience, Modern Warfare III introduces three brand-new Battle Maps for the large-scale Ground War and Invasion modes. Furthermore, Activision has teased the inclusion of a “gargantuan” map for the return of War Mode, the attack-and-defend mode last seen in Call of Duty: WWII. This map is named Spearhead.

Ground War:

• Levin Resort
• Orlov Military Base
• Popov Power

War Mode:

• Spearhead

More maps to come after launch

As fans have come to expect, launch is just the beginning for any new Call of Duty game. Activision has promised a continuous flow of post-launch content that will be provided for free. This will include over a dozen Core 6v6 maps, with three being released in Season 1 and three more in Season 2. Additional maps and modes will be introduced throughout the seasons of Modern Warfare III.

Modern Warfare III will be released on November 10, but players who pre-order will have early access to the campaign starting on November 2. However, be cautious as spoilers have already started to emerge. For more information, check out GameSpot’s Modern Warfare III pre-order guide and everything you need to know. You can also find out the exact launch time of the game here.