Call of Duty 2021 rumors are only becoming more prevalent as time goes on, and one of the latest talks about the maps that will feature. Apparently, Call of Duty fans can expect a few classic maps to return in Sledgehammer’s upcoming game. Leakers have stated that London Docks will be returning from Call of Duty: WW2, something that makes sense given the popularity of the location in the 2017 game. However, the other part of the rumor is more interesting.
The Call of Duty map leak also suggests that a map from a different Call of Duty game will be making its debut, and while the title is not specified, this is a good indication of what could be happening later this year. It seems like Sledgehammer Games will be pulling from various entries in the series when it comes to its remastered maps, something that could allow the game to feel a bit more varied. If these rumors do prove true, Sledgehammer should take inspiration from three hugely different Call of Duty titles to help make its World War 2 game feel special.
Maps That Call of Duty 2021 Should Pull From Call of Duty: World at War
Sledgehammer is clearly looking to its previous game when it comes to selecting remasters, though it should also keep another Call of Duty game set in the World War 2 era in mind. 2008’s Call of Duty: World at War did a lot of interesting things, ranging from its co-op campaign to the beginning of Call of Duty Zombies. It also featured a strong multiplayer experience, and while it may not have featured the complex customization or plentiful killstreaks of modern entries, its map lineup was solid.
One Call of Duty: World at War map that Sledgehammer Games should consider bringing back is Dome. Much like the name would suggest, it takes place in a large, cylindrical building. On the outside, a main staircase can be seen, with some balconies used as vantage points by camping players. With fighting centered around a large piece of rubble inside the dome itself, gameplay was hectic and favored close quarters weaponry. Another map that would be great to see is Castle, as it featured an excellent mix of open areas and building interiors. Snipers had tons of windows to use as advantage points, though players on the ground had plenty of cover to protect themselves with.
Cliffside is another map that would be great to see in Call of Duty 2021, as it features a playstyle balance that is much like Castle’s. Players can easily snipe down the main portion of the map, watching over enemies and the objectives below. They could be flanked via some paths on the side of the map, though, giving players a chance to fight against them. While Cliffside was given a visual makeover with Hazard in the original Black Ops, as it was transformed into a golf course, it could take on its original appearance in the next Call of Duty game. Finally, there is Makin, with the unique seaside huts being unlike any Call of Duty maps in recent memory. With a day and night variant seen back in Call of Duty: World at War, the same variety could be included in a remaster, with a day/night cycle being added.
Maps That Call of Duty 2021 Should Pull From Call of Duty: Black Ops
Part of what makes Call of Duty: World at War such a good fit for Call of Duty 2021 remasters is that the two games share the same setting. As such, Sledgehammer Games can keep the exact same visual style from the original map alongside its layout. However, Call of Duty: Black Ops is not too far off, as the game that kickstarted the subseries picked up less than two decades after the second World War. As such, only some small changes would need to be made to the maps to have them fit with a World War 2 setting.
While remakes of Nuketown should be kept exclusive to Treyarch games, there is another Black Ops map that could be a fine choice for yet another remaster. Though Firing Range has been brought back several times, it is for good reason, as the map layout is terrific. Fitting into the 1940s just as well as it does in the 2040s, it is a good candidate for a remaster. For those wanting to see a map brought back that has not made several appearances, Radiation would be a terrific choice. Featuring an open space in the center, a fun underground area, and an openable door, fans have been hoping to see it return for years. While the map is based around a dig site, it should not be too hard to adjust its background visuals.
Arguably the best fit would be Launch, however. Not only did it feature in the campaign and serve as the basis for the classic Zombies map Ascension, but Launch featured a great map design that was perfect for objective modes. Not only were the flag runs great in Capture the Flag, but the bomb site for Search and Destroy forced Call of Duty players to head below the rocket. This could lead to the exhaust killing them if they were not careful, a fun touch that made the map stand out. To make the map fit World War 2, all Sledgehammer would have to do is slot in a V2 rocket. Finally, there is Villa. While a Cuba-focused map would not make sense in a World War 2 game, free-for-all and party games shined so much in this map that it deserves a fresh coat of paint. If Sledgehammer were to work it into its latest release, though, a full-on makeover would be required.
Maps That Call of Duty 2021 Should Pull From Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Much like Villa from Call of Duty: Black Ops would need a new setting that pulls it out of the Cold War, so too would any map that is brought over from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. However, this would not be a first for the franchise, nor would it be a first for Sledgehammer Games. Call of Duty: WW2 incorporated Shipment from Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, and while the layout was the same, the visuals of the map were entirely different. With 2017’s Shipment working well, it stands to reason that similar reimaginings can happen with maps from another modern entry.
With few Call of Duty games being as beloved as the original Modern Warfare 2, Sledgehammer adapting some maps from this game seems like a no brainer. Few can match the popularity of Terminal, and while the airport would need to be heavily reworked so that it looks less modern, the result could be an awesome reimagining. While a green cargo plane could fill the place of the slick white vehicle that featured in the original map, the overall layout could be kept intact. Another option would be Wasteland. A controversial map given that it was essentially a huge empty space for Snipers, it could fit into a World War 2 game just fine. While it would not be for everyone, Wasteland would be perfect for playlists like Snipers Only.
Sub Base would also make sense given the importance of submarines in World War 2’s naval conflicts. Its snowy setting could remain, something that would instantly make it different from the other remake suggestions. Aside from fitting thematically with Call of Duty: Slipstream, the map has never before received a remaster. Given how fun it was for shotgunners, though, this is long overdue. Finally, there is Derail, another map that has not been seen for eleven years. While a fight taking place around train cars could prove controversial in a World War 2 game, it could also lead to some meaningful storytelling. An adaptation of this map could allow Sledgehammer to show the horrors of World War 2 not just in the new game’s campaign, but in its multiplayer as well.
While some fans are understandably tired of Call of Duty map remakes, it is hard to deny their popularity with gamers. As such, they will likely continue to be seen in Call of Duty 2021 and beyond. However, the right selection of returning maps could allow the next Call of Duty game to still feel fresh. If Sledgehammer pays homage to several different titles, the game should have a nice variety of locations. Further, while some classics like Terminal and Firing Range could return, hidden gems like Castle and Sub Base should be prioritized. If the right balance is found, and certain maps are given a new look, some fans may not even realize that they are playing on an old map.
Call of Duty 2021 is rumored to be releasing this November for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.