After the incredible success ofModern Warfare 2, another sequel was all but guaranteed. Infinity Ward, Sledgehammer and Activision pulled out all the stops with the final entry into the trilogy, though a newModern Warfareis the most recent entry into theCODfranchise. Its multiplayer was particularly praised and was filled with a multitude of brilliant andinteresting maps, although few were either a bit too poorly-balanced or mundane for theCoDcommunity’s liking.
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We’ve ranked all of the main-game maps—discounting the many DLC packages that introduce new maps—based on various factors, from the intensity of the fights possible on the map to the beauty of the landscape.
15Outpost
Much like Derail onModern Warfare 2, the worst map on this game is the one covered in snow. We don’t have the issue of the huge size and immense issue of being sniped all the time, but the snowy landscape makes visibility an issue, while it makes thermal scopes widely overpowered.
14Village
Village isn’t a bad map by any means, but the sheer size makes for largely unentertaining games most of the time. You’ll start on one side of the map and be forced into battle in the desolate open space in the middle, rendering the expanse of the rest of the map mostly useless. There’s a cave on one side that most players will have no reason to step foot in.
13Downturn
The setting of Downturn, which is a fictionalized version of Wall Street, is interesting enough in theory. The issue is its large size and repetitive landscapes, combined with the fact that much of the map is accessed underground, forcing players into close-range battles they may not be equipped for.
12Seatown
Seatown is one of the prettiest maps onMW3,but it doesn’t make for the best gameplay. Mostgunfightstake place on one of the two sides of the map, with the middle market area a little too crowded to have much of an impact.
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On top of this, there are so many vantage points looking over the market that anyone who steps foot within is going to get their head taken off, anyway.
11Lockdown
Set in Prague, Lockdown—a relatable concept at the moment—is an interesting mixed bag of a map. For some, the fact that the map prioritizes close combat will be a dream, but those wanting to stare down the barrel of asniperwill be quite disappointed.
10Bootleg
Bootleg seems one of the less commonly played maps in MW3 which doesn’t come up in rotation all that often. While its actual set-up is rather good for mid-range gunfights, the map is let down by the rainy night in which the map is set, which interferes with visibility in certain places.
9Interchange
A little like Downturn, Interchange is set around a lot of destruction. This makes the actual landscape itself very repetitive. With Interchange, however, we are treated to a unique map with very limited cover. In fact, most of the middle areas in the map are completely open, making a dash across very risky. It’s a goldmine for snipers, but also a difficult place for snipers to stay hidden.
8Fallen
Set in a compound near Pripyat, this Ukrainian map is a great choice for players who prefer outdoor areas. The dense cover on either side of the map allows for stealth, but the middle area can be a bloodbath if you pick your moment.
7Resistance
Set in Paris, Resistance is another interestingly varied map. It is set almost exclusively outside, meaning either side of the map can make for a great sniping vantage point. This seems like it would make close-quarters combat difficult, but there are so many points of cover that you may move up the map quite slowly and effectively if necessary.
6Bakaara
Another ofMW3’slargest maps is Bakaara. One spawn is set at the top of a hill, while the other is at the lowest point on the map, with long lines of sight meaning snipers can basically see the entire length of the map from multiple vantage points. Various buildings throw in some close-quarters variety.
