Remember sprinting through Terminal or taking sniper positions on Highrise? Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023) brings back those iconic moments while introducing fresh battlegrounds that redefine multiplayer combat. Whether you’re a nostalgic veteran or a newcomer eager to explore, understanding the map roster is crucial for dominating every match.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about MW3’s expansive map collection.
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How Many Maps Are in COD Modern Warfare 3 Maps?
MW3 launched with 20 multiplayer maps—16 core 6v6 maps and 4 large-scale battlegrounds. But that’s just the beginning. Through seasonal updates, the game has expanded significantly, now featuring over 50 playable maps including classic remasters, brand-new designs, and fan-favorite returns.
Classic MW2 Maps: Nostalgia Meets Modern Warfare
The biggest draw for longtime fans? All 16 iconic maps from the original Modern Warfare 2 (2009) returned at launch, fully remastered with enhanced graphics and updated mechanics.
| Classic Map | Type | Why It’s Iconic |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal | 6v6 | Airport chaos with multiple verticality options |
| Rust | 6v6 | Tiny, intense map perfect for aggressive play |
| Highrise | 6v6 | Skyscraper setting with deadly sightlines |
| Favela | 6v6 | Brazilian shantytown with tight corridors |
| Scrapyard | 6v6 | Industrial junkyard with plane fuselage centerpiece |
| Wasteland | 6v6 | Open desert map favoring long-range engagements |
These remasters aren’t just visual upgrades—they’ve been optimized for modern gameplay mechanics while preserving the essence that made them legendary.
Brand-New Maps Introduced Through Seasons
Sledgehammer Games has consistently delivered fresh content with each seasonal update:
Season 1-2 Highlights:
- Meat – Compact urban marketplace
- Greece – Coastal village with stunning Mediterranean aesthetics
- Das Haus – Remastered WW2 favorite
- Stash House – Drug den with destructible elements
Season 3-4 Additions:
- 6 Star – Luxury hotel with vertical gameplay
- Tokyo – Neon-lit Japanese streets
- Paris – European architecture with café warfare
- Tanked – Industrial facility with vehicle wreckage
Season 5 Latest:
- Bait – Fishing dock environment
- Celship – Shipment variant for intense close-quarters combat
- Toonoxide – Animated Rust variant with creative flair
Large-Scale Battle Maps for Ground War
For players who crave chaos beyond 6v6, MW3 delivers with massive battlegrounds:
- Levin Resort – Mountain resort with multiple capture points
- Orlov Military Base – Soviet-era facility with armored vehicle spawns
- Popov Power – Nuclear power plant setting
- Operation Spearhead – Objective-based War Mode map
These maps support 32+ players and introduce vehicles, creating a battlefield experience reminiscent of classic Ground War modes.
Map Voting Returns: Democracy on the Battlefield
After community outcry, Activision brought back map voting in MW3. Players can now choose or skip the next map while waiting for matches, giving you more control over your gaming experience. No more being forced into maps you dislike!
According to Activision’s official Call of Duty blog, continuous map additions throughout 2024 and into 2025 demonstrate the developer’s commitment to keeping content fresh and engaging.
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Pro Tips for Map Mastery
Learn spawn points: Understanding enemy spawn logic gives you positional advantage Control high ground: Maps like Highrise and 6 Star reward vertical awareness Use environmental audio: Footsteps, doors, and ambient noise reveal enemy positions Adapt your loadout: Close-quarters maps demand SMGs while open maps favor ARs and snipers
The Best Maps for Different Playstyles
Aggressive Rushers: Rust, Meat, Das Haus Tactical Players: Terminal, Favela, Greece
Snipers: Wasteland, Afghan, Derail Objective Players: Stash House, 6 Star, Tokyo
Why MW3’s Map Selection Stands Out
By combining nostalgia with innovation, Modern Warfare 3 offers something for everyone. The remastered classics satisfy veteran players while new maps introduce fresh tactical possibilities. Regular seasonal additions ensure the meta never gets stale, keeping millions of players engaged.
Whether you’re quickscoping on Rust or coordinating Ground War assaults on Orlov Military Base, MW3’s diverse map roster creates endless strategic possibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I play MW2 (2022) maps in Modern Warfare 3?
A: Yes! Select maps from Modern Warfare 2 (2022) including Farm 18, Mercado, and Shoot House are available in MW3 through a dedicated playlist. Activision has gradually added more MW2 (2022) maps throughout the seasonal updates, giving players even more variety. These maps rotate in and out, so check the playlist availability regularly to catch your favorites.
Q: What’s the difference between 6v6 and Ground War maps in MW3?
A: 6v6 maps are designed for traditional multiplayer matches with 12 total players, featuring tighter layouts that emphasize gunfights and objective control. Ground War maps are massive battlegrounds supporting 32+ players with vehicle spawns, multiple capture zones, and longer sightlines. Think of 6v6 as tactical combat and Ground War as all-out warfare. Choose based on whether you want focused engagements or chaotic large-scale battles.
