Every Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022) Launch Multiplayer Map Ranked

Before jumping into the list I would like to mention that this is just my own opinion, after a few hours of playtime. I honestly enjoy all of the maps in this game, they're all well-built, visually distinctive, and create fun matches across the many diverse available game modes. 

This list will also only discuss the nine currently available 6v6 core maps. It will not be listing the Ground War-specific maps — those honestly need their own separate list.

A final note for those that participated in the beta: Valderas Museum is currently not live in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022), it is unknown why at this point.

10. Taraq

Taraq is a rather small, very square map set in a ruinous town in the Middle East. Taraq conjures fond memories of classic maps like Shipment and Rust from previous Call of Duty entries but doesn't quite manage to nail the same fun and chaotic vibe. While it's certainly not a bad map, it's still probably the least interesting, and that is why it's the lowest on my list.

9. Al Bagra Fortress

Al Bagra Fortress is a map I haven't played too often, as it hasn't really shown up on my map cycles during my play sessions. However, I can't really complain about that, as I'm not a huge fan of this one. Being a repurposed (for tourists) castle, it's a very imposing map, due to its solid buildings and high walls, but for me personally, therein lies the problem. It's all a bit samey, visually, and at first, I couldn't wrap my head around its layout. After a couple of rounds, you get the gist of course, but there are far better-looking maps.

8. Farm 18

Farm 18 is an overgrown and burn out mock-up military training ground. While it's certainly not a favourite of mine, it still has interesting aspects. From a visual perspective, it is the only map that's styled this way; it has lush green overgrowth and grey concrete buildings. The high buildings, rooftops, and stacked storage containers offer up some truly dirty spots if you like to camp.

7. Crown Raceway

The map Crown Raceway (originally titled "Grand Prix" before Infinity Ward suspiciously purged their social media of any mention of it) is up next on the list. This map is deceptively large, having close-quarters indoor areas down the centre and two strips of open stretches on either side. It's a fun time and its tunnel-like layout (with the two teams starting at either end) makes for some great clashes in modes such as Hard Point and Domination. There's no verticality in this map, so everyone is literally on an even playing field.

 

6. Embassy

Embassy has some tight spaces amongst the high walls of the titular embassy. This forces some great up close and personal firefights; you cannot sit back and snipe. You'll find most of the action unfolding on the exterior grounds in this map — rather than the claustrophobic corridors and stairways on the building itself — and the single corridor of space that links the front of the premises to the back is the usual clashing point.  

5. Zarqwa Hydroelectric

Zarqwa Hydroelectric returns the setting to the Middle East, but it's a far more varied and interesting experience compared to Taraq. There are essentially two channels that players can either fight on, or even use as means to flank the opposing team. What splits the map in two, right down the centre, is a small body of water. Due to the new water-based mechanics present in the game, this stream enables players to launch stealth attacks on unwitting opponents, in various sections of the map.

4. El Asilo

Next we have El Asilo, a makeshift base with a large surrounding outdoor area. At face value, this map doesn't seem any better than a lot of others on this list, but I've genuinely never had a bad time on this map. It's only a small map, which means there are always players meeting up and exchanging fire. The whole 360 degrees of the map — both inside and out — seem to have a constant stream of action, which is always welcome in a fast-paced franchise like Call of Duty.

3. Breenbergh Hotel

This map is almost completely indoor-focused, and there are tons of clash points. This map also provides two tiers of verticality at almost all times, which means plenty of opportunities for tactical assaults on the enemy team. This map really has nowhere to hide, and due to its small size, the action will find you before you manage to find it.

2. Mercado Las Almas

This small, vibrant section of Las Almas is an absolute banger! Honestly, I'm not sure what is so particularly special about this one; it's just an incredibly well-built, square-style map. Everything fits together so well; every corridor is well positioned, every building is well placed, and the central clash point corridor is (chefs-kiss) brilliant. If map building is a puzzle, this one fits together well with no pieces left over.

1. Santa Seña Border Crossing

My single favourite map in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is Santa Seña Border Crossing. This map is essentially one long corridor layout with zero verticality, in a manner similar to Crown Raceway, but a lot tighter by design. Get your gun ready and head down the tunnel, the system of this map is that simple. However, this map has a secret weapon; an extra layer of chaos and unpredictability. It’s a border crossing and there are cars everywhere, from one end of the street and stretching all the way back to the other. All these cars can explode and once they start, they create some insane levels of carnage. The cars that you once called cover suddenly become a death-trap. This one is just an absolute blast, and the randomness of the chaos is why I love it so much. It's not only the most straightforward and simplistic map available but coupled with the mass destruction element it's always a welcome surprise on the rare occasion that the Call of Duty lobby gods will it.

There we have it, the current maps from worst to best. Are your rankings the same as mine or do you have them in a different order? Let me know in the comments.