What are the Call of Duty MW3 maps? The locations you can do battle on are always one of the most fun and exciting reveals of each new release, and each of the Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 maps is no different. With the full list now revealed we already have an idea of 2023’s Call of Duty MW3 maps, and it’s clear Activision is trying something rather different for this year’s COD.
Call of Duty MW3’s core multiplayer maps are all returning locations from one of the best competitive FPS games of the past, and as such we can’t wait for the MW3 release date. While there are plenty of new mechanics to master in Call of Duty MW3 multiplayer, things will feel rather familiar when it comes to the maps. While MW2 (2022) has become rather dry in the eyes of many in the community, Modern Warfare 3 is just what we need right now. Take a look at our MW3 pre-orders guide to learn more and secure yourself some early access in the process.
Call of Duty MW3 maps
The 20 Call of Duty MW3 maps are:
- Afghan – 6v6
- Derail – 6v6
- Estate – 6v6
- Favela – 6v6
- Highrise – 6v6
- Invasion – 6v6
- Karachi – 6v6
- Quarry – 6v6
- Rundown – 6v6
- Rust – 6v6
- Scrapyard – 6v6
- Skidrow – 6v6
- Sub Base – 6v6
- Terminal – 6v6
- Underpass – 6v6
- Wasteland – 6v6
- Resort – Ground War, Invasion
- Military Base – Ground War, Invasion
- Industrial Belt – Ground War, Invasion
- Launch Facility – War
If you’ve played older Call of Duty games, then you might recognise the bulk of these. That’s right, at launch MW3 (2023) will feature remasters of every original MW2 (2009) map. Yes, that includes fan favorites like Estate, Favela, Highrise, Rust, and Terminal.
Prior to the official reveal, these were leaked from leaker ‘El_Bobberto‘. This was then teased by Activision itself when the official COD WhatsApp account, which was teasing upcoming features, sent mysterious confirmation messages. This gave us a glimpse at what could be the closest fans get to a full MW2 (2009) remaster, given all the base game maps will be returning as the launch MW3 maps.
As for brand-new MW3 maps, these are all relegated to Ground War, Invasion, and the return of the War game mode from COD WW2 at launch. Resort, Military Base, and Industrial Belt are available in Ground War and Invasion, while Launch Facility is restricted to War and will be the only map for that game mode when the game releases.
That’s not all though, as Activision has confirmed over 12 new core 6v6 maps will be available as part of the post-launch offering with Seasons. So, once all the MW3 (2023) maps are available, we’ll have around 32 maps to wage war on across a variety of modes.
However, with so few new MW3 maps coming in 2023 – and the confirmed new maps being Battle Maps – there’s been plenty of criticism online. Though fans are excited to see iconic and much beloved maps from MW2 (2009) return, many were hoping for a better balance between new and old. Hopefully then, the post-launch MW3 maps will deliver on this to provide more fresh experiences.
Nevertheless, with so many changes to the gameplay in MW3 (2023) since we last saw most of these maps in MW2 (2009), even the stacked list of remasters will undoubtedly feel drastically different. For instance, we now have access to new movement, such as sliding and clambering, new Perks and Field Upgrades, new MW3 guns, and attachments.
You can see a glimpse of how different the gameplay will feel in the clip below:
The addition of clambering to the series since the original MW2 versions of these maps has the biggest impact. For example, on Highrise, players can access completely new routes, such as climbing onto the helipad and then the cranes without having to first make their way up the stairs. Overall, this will make the gameplay significantly faster and more fluid on these MW3 maps.
Keep reading to find out more about the Call of Duty MW3 maps in the 2023 game, including any differences between the remastered maps. We’ve included comparisons between the remasters and the originals where possible too.
Afghan
Afghan is an iconic map from the past that will be making a return in the MW3 maps list for multiplayer. Set around a crashed C-130 plane in a desert canyon, Afghan offers a variety of different engagement ranges and verticality.
Derail
Derail was one of the largest maps in the original MW2, and it’s likely to be one of the largest MW3 maps as well unless changes are made. Taking place around various warehouses, a derailed train, and a small housing area, Derail is incredibly varied in terms of environments. However, with many long sightlines, it’s often seen as more of a sniper’s paradise, so stay on your toes.
Estate
Everyone loves Estate, not just because it’s home to one of the best campaign missions in 2009’s MW2, but because of the great map design for PvP. Returning in the MW3 maps list for 2023’s game, Estate will feature a large house overlooking a forested area. With lots of opportunities to flank as well as snipe, there’s lots of room for different playstyles.
Favela
Favela is one of the most dense maps in COD history, featuring a multi-layered slum in Rio de Janeiro that also featured in the campaign of MW2. With several accessible rooftops making for great sniping plays as well as tight alleys for SMGs to shine, there’s a little something for everyone.
Highrise
Highrise is one of the most iconic maps in COD history, so we’re glad to see it return in the Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 maps list at launch. Set atop a skyscraper under construction, Highrise offers lots of cover and various engagement ranges. Most interestingly, we’re curious as to whether Activision will embrace the well-known map exploit or fix it in MW3 (2023). In case you didn’t know, the original rendition of this map had an exploit where players could climb the various platforms on the side of the tower to reach the top of one of the buildings, giving you a view of the whole map.
Invasion
Invasion is set in a highly urban area of Afghanistan and provides an intense experience thanks to all the elevated positions and accessible buildings. While you might be tempted to run through the streets, you’ll be vulnerable to those in more advantageous positions.
Karachi
Karachi also returns as a MW3 map, offering a multi-layered urban environment. From tight streets covered with rubble to several rooftops and balconies, there’s lots of opportunities to get the drop on your opponents.
Quarry
Quarry, another of the most iconic maps in MW2 (2009) is getting the remastered treatment in 2023’s Modern Warfare 3. Set in a Brazilian quarry, this map offers some great sniping spots as well as numerous flanking routes. This map was something of a playground for snipers and trickshotters back in the day, so let’s see if it’s still got some of that magic in MW3.
Rundown
One of the most overlooked maps from its original game, Rundown is set in a dilapidated village in Brazil. With a river cutting the map in half, players are largely funnelled across two bridges to reach the other half of the map, making for some interesting plays.
Rust
Rust is arguably the most well-known COD map besides Nuketown for many of the same reasons, primarily it’s very small size. With the map being focused around a central structure, there’s lots of chaos to be had on Rust. As the old saying goes, Rust is the ultimate 1v1 arena, and we’d love for MW3 to honor this with a special or limited-time 1v1 mode at some point.
Scrapyard
Scrapyard’s plane boneyard settings makes for a unique and fun setting to do battle in, so many players are stoked for its return. With several accessible plane parts and warehouses, Scrapyard can be chaotic thanks to all the different paths through it.
Skidrow
Skidrow, set in an urban US environment, funnels players into close-range engagements in an apartment block. With alleys around the outside offering a variety of flanking routes, you’re in for some high streaks if you can catch your enemies off-guard.
Sub Base
As the name suggests, Sub Base takes place in a Russian submarine facility, though the submarine in question is largely just there for aesthetics. However, the many buildings offer intense close-range action, especially when considering the catwalks that give sneaky players lots to play around with.
Terminal
Based on the environment used in the controversial ‘No Russian’ mission from the MW2 (2009) campaign, Terminal has become a fan-favorite map ever since it’s debut. Set in an airport terminal, both the terminal and the parked planes are accessible to players, offering varied sightlines and flanking routes.
Underpass
As another one of the most overlooked maps, Underpass is making a return in the MW3 maps list. Oozing with atmosphere thanks to the pouring rain and derelict highway overpass looming over the map, it’s certainly one of the more visually striking maps. However, it also features lots of long-range sightlines and vertically that gives medium and long-range weapons a time to shine.
Wasteland
Set in a forested environment near the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, Wasteland is an eerie map. With a large bunker at the centre of the map, several trenches, and shrubbery dividing the map in two, it’s certainly a map that rewards clever plays. Due to the long sightlines leading into the central bunker, snipers can work wonders here, though you will be outmatched if you’re thinking of entering the bunker yourself.
Resort, Military Base, and Industrial Belt
Unlike the previous 16 maps in this list, the three large-scale maps for Ground War and Invasion modes in MW3 are all brand new creations. We’ve not heard anything about their locations and design just yet, but we’re predicting that some or all of these maps are also locations in the new Warzone battle royale map that will arrive with the release of MW3. Once we get concrete info on them and we get some screenshots, we’ll be sure to keep you updated.
Launch Facility
Similar to the Ground War maps above, we haven’t seen or heard anything about Launch Facility, which will be the only map for MW3’s War mode when the game drops. War maps in past COD titles are typically large-scale maps but with a more linear structure, where attacking teams look to secure a couple of objectives along a defensive line, forcing the defensive team back to a new defensive line. You can get a flavor of that from this footage of War mode in Sledgehammer’s 2017 CoD titles, WW2.
We expect the premise of War mode to remain similar in MW3, so expect Launch Facility to be a large map but with a longer, thinner layout when compared to something like a Ground War map.
And that’s all the Call of Duty MW3 maps in the 2023 release at launch, including the iconic remastered maps that are back and the new additions too. We will be updating this with each seasonal map as well, so you’ll always be up to date on the MW3 maps you can wage war in. In the meantime, why not find out the latest on Call of Duty MW3 Spec Ops and the Call of Duty MW3 characters that are making a return.
