The Ultimate Guide to Conquering the Infamous MW2 Map in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

Highlights

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 will feature 16 remastered maps from Modern Warfare 2, which is a treat for fans of the franchise.

The remastered maps, including Underpass, are undergoing changes by Sledgehammer Games to address the frustrating reputation it has had. The lack of Killstreak viability and obstructed visibility are being improved to enhance the overall gameplay experience.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 has the potential to be one of the greatest additions to the franchise in recent history, but its current position is precarious. Upon its announcement, Sledgehammer Games confirmed that the game would not feature any original 6v6 maps at launch. Instead, it would offer a collection of 16 remastered maps from Modern Warfare 2, which was released in 2009.

On one hand, the inclusion of 16 maps right from the start is a significant advantage for a new Call of Duty game, especially considering that they are beloved classics from Modern Warfare 2. Fans can look forward to reliving some of the best maps the series has ever seen. On the other hand, it is important to acknowledge that not all of the original maps were exceptional, and there is a possibility that Underpass, in particular, may be as frustrating as it was years ago.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3's Underpass Map Might Be Just as Frustrating as Ever

While Underpass may not be considered the worst map in Call of Duty history, it is often regarded as one of the more frustrating offerings in Modern Warfare 2. The main issue with Underpass is its lack of usefulness for Killstreak attacks, making any aerial assault ineffective. Aerial Killstreaks such as Pavelows, chopper gunners, and AC-130s can easily be avoided by seeking refuge in the map's numerous covered areas. Even Care Packages struggle to be successful on Underpass, often getting stuck on tall structures scattered throughout the environment.

However, the problems with Underpass don't end with Killstreaks. In the original 2009 version of Modern Warfare 2, Underpass featured a consistent rain weather effect that persisted throughout the match. While visually appealing, this weather effect caused significant frustration as it greatly obscured the players' vision, giving the map an excessively dull and gray appearance. It became all too easy for players to hide in darkened spots such as bushes and alleyways, leading to a monotonous gameplay experience.

To combat the issue of lower visibility in Underpass, many players resorted to using sniper or assault rifles equipped with thermal scopes. This allowed them to easily spot enemies hiding in the dark. However, this weapon choice resulted in a lot of players camping in hard-to-reach areas, significantly impacting the flow of the game. While most maps in Modern Warfare 2 promote fast-paced gameplay, Underpass brought the momentum to a halt.

Nevertheless, Underpass is not inherently a terrible map. Sledgehammer Games, the developers of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, have stated that their remastered maps will undergo slight visual and gameplay adjustments. It is hoped that Underpass will receive some changes of its own. Introducing weather effects, a rarity in CoD multiplayer, would be a welcome addition to Modern Warfare 3's version of Underpass. However, these effects should be reworked to ensure they do not obstruct players' vision or create a strange fog on the map. Additionally, expanding the map to include more open areas and removing some rooftops from larger buildings could make aerial Killstreaks more viable.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is set to release on November 10 2023 for PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S and X, and PC.