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 its 20-year history. 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, a nostalgic journey through Call of Duty's iconic locations.

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)

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)

Inspired by iconic 80s action movies, this map features gunfights amidst luxurious hotels and flashy cars. The juxtaposition of spacious streets and confined interiors caters to a variety of game modes.

Crown Raceway (Modern Warfare II, 2022)

Fast-paced combat unfolds amongst garages, stands, and pit areas, transforming the environment into a thrilling, high-octane racetrack. The sounds of passing race cars enhance the immersive experience. Its unique design ensures dynamic combat, keeping the kill/death ratio consistently unpredictable.

Moscow (Black Ops Cold War, 2020)

Experience the harsh beauty of Cold War-era Moscow, a map filled with hidden dangers. Battles rage amidst imposing concrete structures, opulent marble halls, and underground metro stations. The blend of narrow alleyways, wide boulevards, and government complexes supports both tactical and aggressive playstyles.

Farm 18 (Modern Warfare II, 2022)

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 strategic advantages for aggressive players.

Miami (Black Ops Cold War, 2020)

Immerse yourself in the vibrant 1980s Miami underworld, complete with neon lights reflecting on wet asphalt, nightclubs, luxury cars, and palm trees. The map seamlessly blends narrow streets and wide boulevards, making it adaptable to diverse tactics.

Ardennes Forest (WWII, 2017)

Snowy forests, trenches, and ruined buildings recreate the intensity of a World War II battlefield. The map's symmetrical design creates brutally intense, balanced combat.

London Docks (WWII, 2017)

Experience the grim atmosphere of wartime London, with its dark alleys, wet cobblestones, and industrial architecture. Narrow alleys are perfect for ambushes, spacious warehouses for open combat, and the docks offer commanding vantage points.

Turbine (Black Ops II, 2012)

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

Plaza (Black Ops II, 2012)

Enter the neon-lit world of Plaza, a futuristic metropolis where battles unfold amongst upscale clubs, vibrant signs, and narrow alleys. The architecture provides ample cover, while stairs, balconies, and glass storefronts add strategic depth.

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

An overgrown, abandoned village with ruined buildings and prime sniper positions. Elevated spots and watchtowers offer tactical advantages, making this map ideal for both stealth and open combat.

Meltdown (Black Ops II, 2012)

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

Seaside (Black Ops 4, 2018)

This charming seaside town contrasts cozy squares with dangerous alleyways. Open areas for long-range combat alternate with narrow lanes ideal for close-quarters encounters.

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

A city abandoned amidst conflict, featuring 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)

Dusty streets and abandoned buildings create a chaotic environment in Karachi. Rooftops offer ambush opportunities, while lower levels provide tight corridors ideal for shotguns. The unpredictable landscape encourages flanking maneuvers.

Estate (Modern Warfare 2, 2009)

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

Dome (Modern Warfare 3, 2011)

This compact map, centered around a ruined dome, features fast-paced combat from multiple directions. Reflexes, cover awareness, and precise timing are crucial for success.

Favela (Modern Warfare 2, 2009)

A densely packed Brazilian favela, where danger lurks around every corner. Narrow corridors, rooftops, and hidden passages make this map perfect for surprise attacks.

Express (Black Ops II, 2012)

A busy train platform provides the setting for rapid-fire shootouts. The moving train adds tension and presents a potential hazard for unwary players.

Summit (Black Ops, 2010)

A snowy mountain base with varied routes and tight corridors. Combat takes place in both open areas and enclosed labs, with the added danger of steep cliffs.

Highrise (Modern Warfare 2, 2009)

Set atop a skyscraper, this map offers both cramped office spaces and open rooftop areas. Highrise is known for its hidden approaches and intense sniper duels.

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

An urban map with three main combat lanes and ruined buildings offering tactical possibilities. Narrow alleyways create tense close-quarters combat, centered around a crashed Black Hawk helicopter.

Standoff (Black Ops II, 2012)

A classic small town setting ideal for ambushes. Players can employ various combat styles, utilizing hidden routes or elevated positions.

Raid (Black Ops II, 2012)

A modern Los Angeles mansion with a pool, marble corridors, and open courtyards. The map balances close-quarters and long-range combat, ensuring fast-paced action.

Hijacked (Black Ops II, 2012)

A luxury yacht transformed into a battleground, with limited cover and intense close-quarters combat.

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

A small, chaotic map set amongst shipping containers, ideal for fast-paced action and high killstreaks.

Firing Range (Black Ops, 2010)

A military training ground suitable for mid-range battles, with multiple elevation levels and a mix of open and enclosed spaces.

Terminal (Modern Warfare 2, 2009)

An airport setting blending spacious terminals, narrow corridors, and an open tarmac. Players can utilize ambushes, vantage points, or close-quarters combat near the airplane.

Rust (Modern Warfare 2, 2009)

A small desert map centered around an oil rig, offering vertically oriented, intense close-quarters combat.

Nuketown (Black Ops, 2010)

A small, dynamic map featuring two symmetrical streets and houses, perfect for high-speed skirmishes.

These 30 maps represent a significant portion of Call of Duty's legacy, each offering unique gameplay experiences. From intense close-quarters combat to tactical open-area battles, there's a perfect map for every player preference.