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.
Actual dead silent footsteps and a private match option to not have opening/closing doors and just actually having doors be normal open doorways would be a fantastic start (or just get rid of all the doors period because there’s no way anybody actually enjoys that feature)
— Jordan Kaplan (@JKap415) October 30, 2019
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.