Since its inception, theCall of Dutyfranchise’s multiplayer has always thrived on small to medium scale maps. Players have flocked to the series for its high-stakes, arcadey, and frantic matches that it offers. However, in recent years, the series has tried to shake that up immensely by delivering larger scale maps, more strategic opportunities, and very different types of experiences. And while some players loved that approach,Call of Duty: Black Ops 6has seemingly been a reminder of why the classic approach works better.
In recent years, one of the biggest complaints players had with the likes ofCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 3is that the maps are just too large and convuluted. WithCall of Duty: Black Ops 6, most of the maps avoid this issue, but have seemingly gone too far in the other direction by being small and directionless. This lack of flow has players seemingly yearning to go back to the mid-size, three-lane map formula instead. Because of that, the nextCall of Dutywill likely want to play it safer thanBlack Ops 6has.
Call of Duty 2025 Might Want to Walk Back a Controversial Map Style
Black Ops 6 Maps Have Come Under Fire
Titles likeModern Warfare 2got a lot of flak from players as its maps were perceived as too large, too open, and lacking in the structure that many players seem to love. WithBlack Ops 6, Treyarch aimed to rectify things by going back to the basics on a lot of concepts, including its round-based zombies and larger campaign. When it comes to multiplayer maps, though, not every location is traditional. Maps like Red Card, for example, lack the three-lane formula due to their odd L-shape, and it has become a bit of a meme for the community to pick a random map instead ofBO6’s more controversial locations.
There is just something special and easier to manage abouta three-laneCall of Dutymap. Teams are able to better organize their pushes, players can anticipate where the enemy is coming from easily, and everything just feels a bit more cohesive. That is likely whyCall of Duty: Black Opshas made that a core part of its identity, and why entire genres like MOBAs have been built from the concept. It just offers a feel that other types of maps lack, and whenthe franchise tries something different - like with a fewBlack Ops 6locations - it has proven pretty controversial.
Call of Duty 2025 Needs to Continue this Trend
Not every map inBlack Ops 6has delivered on the classic Treyarch formula, but the ones that have done so have proven to be the most popular of the bunch.With the release of Nuketown, the three-lane offerings have increased, as that map is often considered one of the better locations to use the approach. With theCall of Dutycommunity making it clear that three-lane maps remain the ideal style, and that experimental maps like Red Card or extremely small arenas like Pit are not fun to play, the nextCall of Dutyshould stick with the three-lane path.
Of course, there is room for a variety of map types.Not every singleCall of Dutymapneeds to be the same, as variety helps spice things up and keep players engaged. That being said, the majority of the maps should still be structured around the three-lane model and they should be mid-sized. That model has proven successful, with some of the most popular maps being built around that ideology.
Time will tellwhat the nextCall of Dutywill look like. SinceBlack Ops 6has only just launched, it will likely be a little bit before Activision sheds light on the next chapter, especially as the post-launch content has only just begun. But whatever form it takes, it needs to put a larger emphasis on the three-lane style.Black Ops 6was a step in the right direction overall, but its small and seemingly random maps have been a common point of criticism, so going back to the traditional form of map design is likely the best route to take withCall of Duty2025.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
WHERE TO PLAY
Forced to go rogue. Hunted from within. This is Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.Developed by Treyarch and Raven, Black Ops 6 is a spy action thriller set in the early 90s, a period of transition and upheaval in global politics, characterized by the end of the Cold War and the rise of the United States as a single superpower. With a mind-bending narrative, and unbound by the rules of engagement, this is signature Black Ops.The Black Ops 6 Campaign provides dynamic moment-to-moment gameplay that includes a variety of play spaces with blockbuster set pieces and action-packed moments, high-stakes heists, and cloak-and-dagger spy activity.In a best-in-class Multiplayer experience, players will test their skills across 16 new maps at launch, including 12 core 6v6 maps and 4 Strike maps that can be played 2v2 or 6v6.Black Ops 6 also marks the epic return of Round-Based Zombies, the fan-favorite mode where players will take down hordes of the undead in two brand-new maps at launch. Post-launch, players can look forward to even more exciting maps and groundbreaking experiences dropping into both Multiplayer and Zombies.
