Legends of Call of Duty: The 30 best maps in the history of the series

Call of Duty, a cultural icon in online arcade shooters, has set an unparalleled standard over two decades. This legacy includes a vast array of maps, each the stage for countless intense battles. We've compiled a list of 30 of the franchise's best maps, a nostalgic journey through Call of Duty history.

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 mansion nestled in the Bulgarian mountains provides the backdrop for intense firefights and diverse gameplay. Despite its compact size, the map expertly balances various playstyles. Its intricate design facilitates both ambushes and skillful escapes.

Ocean Drive (Black Ops 6, 2024)

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Inspired by iconic 80s action movies, this map features gun battles amidst luxurious hotels and flashy cars. The juxtaposition of spacious streets and confined interiors makes it versatile across multiple game modes.

Crown Raceway (Modern Warfare II, 2022)

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This map offers fast-paced combat within garages, stands, and pit areas, transforming the environment into a high-octane battleground. The sounds of passing race cars enhance the immersive experience. Its unique design fosters highly dynamic combat, ensuring a balanced kill/death ratio regardless of player skill.

Moscow (Black Ops Cold War, 2020)

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Cold War-era Moscow serves as a harsh yet majestic setting, brimming with hidden dangers. Players engage in combat amidst imposing concrete structures, opulent marble halls, and underground metro stations. The map balances tactical and aggressive gameplay across narrow alleys, wide boulevards, and government complexes.

Farm 18 (Modern Warfare II, 2022)

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This abandoned military training base, concealed within a dense forest, features a central concrete training ground that becomes a fierce battle zone. Partially destroyed buildings, narrow corridors, and hidden pathways offer numerous opportunities for aggressive players.

Miami (Black Ops Cold War, 2020)

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Neon lights reflecting on wet asphalt, nightclubs, luxury cars, and palm trees immerse players in the 1980s criminal underworld. Located in the heart of Miami, the map combines narrow streets with wide boulevards, catering to diverse tactical approaches.

Ardennes Forest (WWII, 2017)

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Snowy forests, trenches, and burning ruins recreate the intensity of a World War II battlefield. The map's well-designed symmetry results in brutal and memorable combat experiences.

London Docks (WWII, 2017)

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Wartime London is evoked through dark alleys, wet cobblestones, and industrial architecture. Narrow alleys are perfect for ambushes, spacious warehouses for open combat, and the docks offer strategic vantage points.

Turbine (Black Ops II, 2012)

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This expansive map, set across canyons, offers a blend of vertical gameplay, open spaces, and hidden routes for flanking maneuvers. The central, broken turbine serves as both cover and a potential trap.

Plaza (Black Ops II, 2012)

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Plaza immerses players in a futuristic metropolis with upscale clubs, neon signs, and narrow alleys. The architecture provides ample cover, while stairs, balconies, and glass storefronts add dynamic gameplay elements.

Overgrown (Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, 2007)

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This overgrown, abandoned village, with its ruined buildings and excellent sniper positions, is a haven for players who prefer a tactical, camping style. Elevated spots and watchtowers offer strategic advantages.

Meltdown (Black Ops II, 2012)

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Set within a nuclear power plant, Meltdown features strategically important areas and multiple routes. The central reactor complex, with its maze of tunnels, is ideal for close-quarters combat and surprise attacks.

Seaside (Black Ops 4, 2018)

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This charming seaside town contrasts cozy squares with dangerous alleyways, offering a mix of long-range and close-quarters combat opportunities.

Crossfire (Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, 2007)

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Set in a war-torn city, Crossfire features a long 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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Karachi's dusty streets, abandoned buildings, and chaotic layout offer diverse gameplay options. Rooftops provide ambush opportunities, while lower levels offer confined corridors ideal for shotguns. The unpredictable landscape encourages flanking maneuvers.

Estate (Modern Warfare 2, 2009)

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A luxurious mansion overlooking a dense forest offers strategic advantages. The interior provides defensive positions, while the surrounding forest allows for surprise attacks from cover.

Dome (Modern Warfare 3, 2011)

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This compact map, a ruined military base with a central abandoned dome, features fast-paced combat from multiple directions. Reflexes, cover awareness, and well-timed attacks are crucial for success.

Favela (Modern Warfare 2, 2009)

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A densely packed Brazilian favela presents a dangerous and unpredictable environment. Narrow corridors, rooftops, and hidden passages make it ideal for surprise attacks.

Express (Black Ops II, 2012)

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This bustling train platform features a moving train that adds tension and can become a deadly trap. Strategy, speed, and effective use of cover are essential for victory.

Summit (Black Ops, 2010)

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A snowy mountain base with varied routes and tight corridors offers both open areas and enclosed labs for combat. Caution is paramount, especially near the cliff edges.

Highrise (Modern Warfare 2, 2009)

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Set atop a skyscraper, Highrise allows players to navigate cramped offices or open rooftop areas. Hidden approaches facilitate surprise attacks, and intense sniper duels are common.

Crash (Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, 2007)

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This urban map features three main combat lanes and ruined buildings that provide tactical opportunities. Narrow alleyways create tense skirmishes, and the central crashed Black Hawk is a memorable landmark.

Standoff (Black Ops II, 2012)

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A classic small town setting is ideal for ambushes. Players can utilize hidden routes or high ground for strategic advantages.

Raid (Black Ops II, 2012)

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A modern Los Angeles mansion with a pool, marble corridors, and open courtyards offers balanced close-quarters and long-range combat.

Hijacked (Black Ops II, 2012)

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Set on a luxury yacht, Hijacked features intense close-quarters combat with limited cover and high adrenaline.

Shipment (Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, 2007)

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This tiny map, with its chaotic firefights among shipping containers, is perfect for racking up killstreaks—or being quickly eliminated. It's a haven for close-range weapons.

Firing Range (Black Ops, 2010)

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A military training ground suitable for mid-range battles, with multiple elevation levels, small buildings, and open areas.

Terminal (Modern Warfare 2, 2009)

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An airport setting blends spacious terminals, narrow corridors, and an open tarmac. Ambushes, vantage points, and close-quarters combat are all possible.

Rust (Modern Warfare 2, 2009)

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This miniature desert map, centered around an oil rig, offers vertically oriented gameplay perfect for intense duels.

Nuketown (Black Ops, 2010)

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This small but dynamic map, with its two symmetrical streets and houses, is ideal for high-speed skirmishes. The confined space demands constant alertness.

These 30 maps represent iconic Call of Duty experiences, each offering unique gameplay. From frantic close-quarters combat to strategic long-range engagements, this list caters to every playstyle.