Unveiling the Unfair Advantage in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 on Launch Day

Highlights

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 will give an advantage to longtime fans via its map pool, with all 16 base maps from 2009's Modern Warfare 2 being playable at launch.

Knowing the map is essential for excelling in fast-paced multiplayer shooters such as Call of Duty. Seasoned players, with their extensive knowledge of the maps, will likely have the upper hand, especially during the game's initial weeks. To level the playing field, new enthusiasts can familiarize themselves with the original maps from Modern Warfare 2 by engaging in private matches or watching instructional videos. Otherwise, they may face difficulties competing against opponents who have already mastered these maps.

The release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is approaching, and players will soon have the opportunity to try out the sequel led by Sledgehammer Games. With the return of the old mini-map and faster movement, Modern Warfare 3 has the potential for success. However, it may show favoritism due to its map pool.

It is probable that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 will cater more towards longtime fans rather than those who joined the franchise with the recent releases. Although the gameplay itself will feel modern, the map pool is the differentiating factor. Instead of offering mostly new maps upon release like other Call of Duty games, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 will be saving its never-before-seen maps for later. Initially, all 16 base maps from the original Modern Warfare 2 will be available, giving an advantage to those who played the 2009 classic while newer fans may feel left behind.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Fans Can Make Good Use of Their Experience in MW3

Many of the best maps from Modern Warfare 2 have been remade in the past, such as Terminal and Rust. However, younger members of the Call of Duty fan base may not be familiar with the majority of the maps. For older fans, iconic maps like Wasteland and Afghan are forever etched in their memories. This knowledge will give them a clear advantage in both the full game and the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 beta.

Having a good understanding of the maps is crucial for success in any multiplayer shooter, especially fast-paced ones like the Call of Duty series. Knowing the strategic locations on each map allows players to dominate, just as knowing where the spawns and objectives are can make a difference. This is especially true for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, as newcomers will be unaware of hidden spots like the rooftop of Highrise. Experienced players who know how to navigate the map and climb the building can easily secure many kills in the early stages of the game.

Considering the ongoing complaints about Call of Duty's SBMM, which makes it difficult to have memorable matches, experienced players may view this existing knowledge as an advantage. It will likely be easier for them to dominate, reminiscent of Call of Duty's golden era. However, newcomers may struggle in the early weeks of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 due to their lack of familiarity with the multiplayer arenas. Fortunately, unlike with brand-new maps, players have the opportunity to prepare in advance.

Classic Call of Duty games like MW2 have recently undergone server improvements. Additionally, MW2 is still easily accessible through backwards compatibility on Xbox One, providing the perfect opportunity for new fans to familiarize themselves with the upcoming maps. Even if players choose not to participate in public matches due to the presence of hackers and toxic lobbies, they can load into a private match and explore the maps to learn their layouts. Notably, they can learn about useful spots like the Highrise roof spot and other advantageous locations. Since the 2009 game is relatively inexpensive, multiplayer enthusiasts can prepare without breaking the bank. Alternatively, there are plenty of online videos showcasing the original Modern Warfare 2 maps, which can serve as a helpful resource for learning.

Rumors suggest that Call of Duty 2025 may be a soft reboot of the popular Black Ops 2, featuring remakes similar to MW3 with its inclusion of MW2 maps. This indicates a potential new pattern for the Call of Duty franchise, alternating between fresh releases where both newcomers and long-time fans learn the game together, and titles that heavily rely on nostalgia. In these nostalgia-driven games, experienced players will initially have an advantage, making it crucial for those unfamiliar with the maps to adequately prepare. Failing to do so could result in becoming frequent victims of enemy killstreaks. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 will be available on November 10 for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.