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Domination returns and claymores are banned in the Call of Duty League

The maps, game modes, restrictions, and settings have been revealed for the inaugural Call of Duty League

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare sniper

The maps, game modes, settings, and restrictions for the inaugural Call of Duty League have been published by Activision-Blizzard.

The announcement details all the restricted kill streaks, weapons, attachments, and perks, which modes and maps will be playable and that claymores – to the relief of Modern Warfare players everywhere – will not feature. As well as the restriction of claymores, the other big talking point was the return of Domination to the Call of Duty esports scene. While some fans and pro players were happy to see Domination featured as one of the three game modes alongside Search and Destroy and Hardpoint, others were left frustrated by the decision as they felt there were more interesting and exciting game modes that could’ve been added instead, such as Headquarters or Capture the Flag.

Another big change is that streaks will be kill-based now rather than score-based, meaning points for capturing objectives or assisting teammates won’t contribute towards streaks. The restrictions see most of the killstreaks removed for competitive play, with players needing to get at least a five kills to earn a streak. Notable exclusions include all forms of UAVs, recon drones and care packages.

In terms of weapon restrictions, all LMGs, shotguns, and launchers will be banned, as will the riot shield. Equipment restrictions include the loathsome claymores, stim, gas grenades, and molotovs.

A number of perks have also been restricted, with the most notable being Overkill, Kill Chain and High Alert.

It is worth noting that the rules and regulations are subject to change before the league begins in January 2020 as they will be listening to feedback and working with pro players to create the best experience possible.

The current mood amongst the esports community is not as positive as Infinity Ward and Activision would have hoped, so it’s likely we’ll see a fair few changes between now and the launch of the league.

Seth ‘Scump’ Abner, who plays for the Chicago-based Call of Duty League franchise, claims he has never played a “more horrible Call of Duty competitively” in his life. Please note that his description of what he would rather do than play Modern Warfare is quite graphic.

Meanwhile OpTic Gaming LA player Jordan ‘JKap’ Kaplan gave his thoughts about what needed to change for a better experience in competitive play.

The full list of maps, modes and restrictions announced by the Call of Duty League can be found below.

Game modes and maps

  • Search & Destroy
    Arklov Peak
    Azhir Cave
    Gun Runner
    Hackney Yard
    Piccadilly
    Rammaza
    St. Petrograd
  • Domination
    Gun Runner
    Hackney Yard
    Rammaza
    St. Petrograd
  • Hardpoint
    Arklov Peak
    Azhir Cave
    Gun Runner
    Hackney Yard
    Rammaza
    St. Petrograd

Restrictions

  • LMGs (All)
    M91
    PKM
    MG34
    L86A2
  • Shotguns (All)
    Model 680
    R9-0 Shotgun
    725 Origin
    12 Shotgun
  • Melee
    Riot Shield
  • Launchers (All)
    RPG-7
    PILA
    JOKR
    Strela-P
  • Attachments
    Underbarrel
    M203 40mm Concussive
    M203 40mm Smokescreen
    M203 40mm Recon
    M203 40mm High-Explosive
    M203 40mm Flash
    M203 40mm Incendiary
    12 Gauge Deputy
    Frangible – Wounding
  • Kill Streaks
    Personal Radar (3 Kills)
    Shield Turret (3 Kills)
    Counter UAV (4 Kills)
    UAV (4 Kills)
    Care Package (4 Kills)
    IAV (7 Kills)
    Sentry (7 Kills)
    Wheelson (7 Kills)
    Emergency Airdrop (8 Kills)
    White Phosphorous (10 Kills)
    Advanced UAV (12 Kills)
    Juggernaut (15 Kills)
  • Perks
    Overkill
    High Alert
    Kill Chain
    Restock
    Shrapnel
    Tracker
  • Equipment
    Claymore
    C4
    Molotov Cocktail
    Proximity Mine
    Heartbeat Sensor
    Gas Grenade
    Snapshot Grenade
    Stim
  • Field Upgrades
    Recon Drone
    Stopping Power
    Weapon Drop
    Tactical Insertion
    Deployable Cover

If you want to really dig into the nitty-gritty of competitive and look at the settings for each game mode you can find them on the Call of Duty League website.