As announced previously, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 will include updated versions of all 16 Modern Warfare 2 (2009) maps. Sledgehammer Games has revealed the first details on how these new maps have been updated compared to the originals.
Sledgehammer Games’ Art Director Matt Abbott and Design Director Zach Hodson detail what the changes are all about in the latest Intel Drop video for MW3.
The developers emphasize that they have not taken anything away from the gameplay standpoint. Some minor updates have been made to the maps, but the overall vibe has been preserved. If you played these maps before, you will feel right at home. These 16 maps include:
- Afghan
- Derail
- Estate
- Favela
- Karachi
- Highrise
- Invasion
- Quarry
- Rundown
- Rust
- Scrapyard
- Skidrow
- Sub Base
- Terminal
- Underpass
- Wasteland
The developers are keeping the updated maps under-wraps for now, but they have delved into some of the changes that have been made to modernize the old maps.
In the map Estate, they have made the lake behind the boathouse accessible, enabling players to hide underwater. Furthermore, the lodge area has undergone some changes, now featuring more military presence at the getaway.
The Skidrow bookshop has been transformed into a movie store, and the previously broken ceiling has been repaired. The store felt darker before so new lights have been added to it as well. Other darker areas have also illuminated to enhance visibility for the players.
The open pipe on Rust has been replaced with a small building to deter campers. Additionally, the developers have introduced more verticality, allowing players to take advantage of the buildings around the map.
The Highrise standard office layout has also been updated to incorporate arcade machines, movie posters and video game systems. However, the overall structure of the office has remained untouched.
The dirt and grass football field on Favela is now paved over with blue acrylic-coated blacktop. This map has also received some lighting updates to ensure better visibility for the players.
In addition to updating the old maps, the developers stated that Modern Warfare 3 will also include “four massive environments comprising three brand-new Battle Maps — where Ground War and Invasion game modes will be fought against monumental backdrops. There will also be a gargantuan War map as Modern Warfare 3 marks the welcome return and evolution of the legendary War Mode.”
Modern Warfare 3 maps are shaping up quite nicely, and we cannot wait to dive into them. Fortunately, the open beta is just around the corner, starting in early October.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 launches November 10, 2023 for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Source: Call of Duty
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