While there are many reasons why fans are looking forward to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, it is no surprise that multiplayer ranks at the top. Online play has been the backbone of the Call of Duty series for over a decade now, ensuring that even a campaign starring Task Force 141 is the second most anticipated portion of the sequel. As with any Call of Duty multiplayer, maps are the most important aspect of any game.
While fans will surely see several fresh maps with the new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, it is the remade locations that always prove to be the biggest hit with the fan base. Infinity Ward should certainly not go overboard with map remakes like Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, though there are several locations that should be brought back. As long as they are released sporadically throughout the post-launch seasons and do not completely overshadow the game’s new maps, there are many classics that would be great to see in Infinity Ward’s modern engine.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’s Teased and Leaked Map Remakes
Before going into which maps should join the lineup for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 multiplayer, it is worth mentioning that several iconic maps have leaked and one has been officially teased. The teased location is none other than Highrise, one of the most popular maps from the original Modern Warfare 2 due to its sniper fights and secret roof spot. With Highrise all but confirmed to feature, it makes little sense to include it on the list.
The same can be said for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’s leaked map remakes, which are the result of Warzone 2’s leaked map. Considering how areas from the original Warzone map Verdansk were reused for Modern Warfare 2019 maps, it would make sense if the same thing happened with Modern Warfare 2. As such, the classic MW2 remakes that will supposedly feature in the Warzone 2 map will likely double as multiplayer maps within the new Modern Warfare 2.
If this proves true, Terminal will likely be added at some point in Modern Warfare 2’s life cycle. This map may have been remade multiple times, but this is for good reason, as the plane and surrounding airport serve as one of the series’ most iconic locations. Afghan will supposedly be remade, letting players fight through its caves once again, while the mountain town of Favela could be rebuilt. Lastly, Quarry is expected to feature in the new Modern Warfare 2 at some point.
Estate
While campaign fans will remember Estate as Ghost’s place of death in the original Modern Warfare 2, the multiplayer map was a unique play space that should be brought back soon. Not only was the map large, making it a fun private match location since it was perfect for community-made modes like Michael Myers, but Estate’s layout could make it perfect for the rumored Attackers vs. Defenders mode. With this mode supposedly being heavily inspired by Rainbow Six Siege, it makes sense to give players one big building to defend and fight around, and Estate provides that.
Scrapyard
Scrapyard was already remade for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2019’s multiplayer, though this should not dissuade Infinity Ward from bringing it back once again. After all, Treyarch’s consistent Nuketown remasters prove that it is good to keep bringing back fan favorite locations, as longtime fans like having a map they are familiar with. Scrapyard’s two large buildings provided opportunities for long-range firefights, while the side buildings were great for mid-range battles and the scrap heaps were a haven for those who like close-range combat. With the map allowing every play style to thrive, it is truly a classic.
Rust
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Shipment may be the most iconic small map from Infinity Ward, but Rust is very close behind it, as many gamers will remember settling their differences in a 1v1 on this map. High areas to climb to, well-hidden areas to crouch through, and a sandy setting all come together to make this play space iconic. While Shipment will likely return given its immense popularity, Rust should as well. After all, both maps were featured in Modern Warfare 2019, showing that it is possible for two small locations to thrive in the same game. Additionally, leaks have suggested that the Intervention is returning, ensuring that a map like Rust will be even more nostalgic.
Wasteland
Wasteland is one of the strangest Call of Duty maps of all time, as it has no resemblance to the three-lane maps that have come to define the franchise. Much like its name suggests, players are tossed into a giant piece of land with tall grass and spots of radiation, with only one underground area providing cover and a place to hide from killstreaks. A sniper’s paradise, this map would be perfect for the leaked DMZ game mode and the Snipers Only LTM. A smaller version would also work wonders for Gunfight, as players could be forced to duke it out down in Wasteland’s tunnel.
Sub Base
Rounding out the list is Sub Base, a solid snowy map that stands as one of the most underappreciated locations in the original Modern Warfare 2. Much like Scrapyard, it made every play style viable, and its medium size will always be the ideal format for the series. Most players either loved Sub Base or were indifferent to it, with few outright disliking the location. As such, it would be a safe addition to the lineup that would add some more visual variety to the mix.
Realistically, the original Modern Warfare 2 had such a stellar map lineup that it is hard for Infinity Ward to go wrong when choosing its remakes. Skidrow’s city setting and yellowish aesthetic have stuck with players, making it an area that could be nice to see again. Karachi offers a different kind of city to battle through, and its many flanking routes ensure that those who prefer rushing can always deal with campers. Even Underpass has its fans despite care packages constantly being stuck on the bridge above. While the previously listed maps would be preferable, and the leaked lineup of remakes is extremely solid, there are plenty of maps that could benefit from a fresh coat of paint.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 launches October 28 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.