Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (MW3), released in 2011,  remains a fan favorite among Call of Duty veterans.  A significant part of this enduring popularity stems from its phenomenal multiplayer map design.  These maps offered a diverse range of environments, catering to various playstyles and squad compositions.

This article takes you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane, revisiting some of MW3’s most iconic and beloved multiplayer maps.

Urban Warfare: Clashing in the Concrete Jungles

Terminal:  This fan-favorite map throws players into an  international airport terminal.  Close-quarter combat reigns supreme in the terminal building, while long sightlines across the open tarmac cater to snipers.  The iconic control tower offered a pivotal power position, often leading to intense firefights.

Karachi:  Taking place in a war-torn Pakistani city, Karachi offered diverse combat scenarios.  Narrow streets funneled players into intense infantry battles, while rooftops provided sniping opportunities.  The central marketplace served as a chaotic hotspot, with various vendors stalls and stacked crates offering strategic cover.

Scrapyard:  An industrial wasteland filled with shipping containers and cranes, Scrapyard was a map all about flanking maneuvers and controlling key chokepoints.  The central building, with its multiple floors and interconnected walkways, was a hotbed for close-quarter combat.

Underpass:  This claustrophobic map took place within a New York City subway station.  The darkness and tight corridors made for intense shotgun and SMG battles.  Controlling the train platforms and the central escalator were crucial for map dominance.

European Engagements: Fighting Across Diverse Landscapes

Paris:  A picturesque Parisian street turned warzone, Paris offered a unique blend of close-quarter combat and mid-range firefights.  The narrow alleys forced close encounters, while the Seine River provided flanking routes and sniper perches.  The iconic Eiffel Tower loomed in the background, a silent observer to the chaos below.

Invasion:  This French chateau under siege offered a mix of indoor and outdoor combat.  The sprawling gardens were prime territory for snipers and assault rifle users, while the interior of the chateau provided close-quarter corridors for aggressive players.  The central courtyard was a high-traffic area, often leading to intense standoffs.

Backend:  Set in a snowy European village, Backlot demanded tactical movement and map awareness.  Rooftops were key sniping positions, while the narrow streets and buildings fostered intense close-quarters combat.  The central garage provided a temporary safe haven, but venturing out often led to quick deaths.

Global Conflict: Battlefields Beyond Borders

Wastland:  A desolate American wasteland dotted with abandoned buildings and junked vehicles, Wasteland offered a mix of long-range and close-quarter combat.  The central hill served as a pivotal power position, offering control over the surrounding areas.  Snipers thrived here, while players on the ground had to utilize available cover to navigate the open terrain.

Favela:  A densely populated Brazilian favela, Favela was a chaotic map ideal for aggressive run-and-gun tactics.  The maze-like buildings and narrow alleys forced close encounters, making shotguns and SMGs reign supreme.  Controlling the rooftops offered a tactical advantage, but the constant threat of flanking routes kept players on their toes.

Afghan:  Set in a war-torn Afghan village, Afghan was a map known for its verticality.  Players could navigate rooftops, buildings, and underground tunnels, creating a multi-layered battlefield.  Long sightlines across open courtyards favored snipers, while the confined spaces within buildings were ideal for close-quarter specialists.

Bonus Round: Maps That Defined the MW3 Experience

Rust:  This small, symmetrical map set on an oil rig platform was pure chaos.  The lack of cover and abundance of open space made it a fast-paced battle for dominance.  Rust was a popular choice for players who enjoyed frenetic action and high kill counts.

Shipment:  Another small, chaotic map, Shipment took place inside a cargo shipping container on a freighter ship.  The constant close-quarters combat made it a haven for shotgun and SMG users.  Shipment was a popular choice for grinding camouflages and weapon challenges due to the high number of kills achievable in a short time.

These maps represent just a glimpse into the diverse and well-designed multiplayer experience that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 offered.  Each map had its own unique flow, catering to various playstyles and squad compositions. 

FAQs

Strap on your gear, soldier! This guide covers everything you need to know about dominating the battlegrounds in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’s multiplayer.

How Many Maps are There in MW3 Multiplayer?

Modern Warfare 3 boasts a robust selection of maps, catering to different playstyles:

16 Core Maps: Available at launch, these maps offer a diverse mix of close-quarters combat zones (Favela, Skidrow) and open areas for long-range engagements (Wasteland, Quarry).

8 Gunfight Maps: Introduced in a later update, these maps are specifically designed for the fast-paced 2v2 Gunfight game mode. Think Shipment and Rust, but even more intense!

3 Bonus Maps (Farm 18, Mercado, Shoot House): These maps were added with a remaster and might not be available in the original version.

What are Some of the Most Popular MW3 Maps?

Here are some fan favorites that have become synonymous with MW3’s multiplayer:

Shipment: This iconic, chaotic map throws players into a tight space with containers for cover. Expect fast-paced action and plenty of close calls.

Rust: Another small map with a central platform and surrounding buildings. Prepare for intense firefights and strategic use of smoke grenades.

Terminal: An airport terminal map offering a good mix of close-quarters and long-range combat. Remember to control the control tower for a strategic advantage!

Highrise: A skyscraper map with multiple vertical levels, encouraging strategic use of elevators and rappelling.

Where Can I Find Guides and Strategies for Specific Maps?

Several resources can help you master each map:

YouTube Guides: Search for “[Map Name] MW3 Multiplayer Guide” on YouTube for video tutorials with gameplay breakdowns and strategic tips.

Online Communities: Websites like https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ and subreddits dedicated to CoD often have forum discussions with map-specific strategies.

What Map Should I Play for My Playstyle?

Run and Gun: Shipment, Rust, Skidrow are ideal for aggressive players who thrive in close-quarters combat.

Long-Range Specialist: Wasteland, Quarry, Underpass cater to players who prefer sniping and tactical positioning.

Adaptable All-Rounder: Favela, Terminal, Highrise offer a mix of close and long-range engagements, allowing you to adjust your strategy.

Remember: Practice makes perfect! The best way to master a map is to jump in and play, learning from your experiences and adapting your tactics. Good luck out there, soldier!

To read more, Click Here.