6 Fan Favourite Call of Duty Maps

For more than twenty years, Call of Duty has been one of the biggest names in gaming and the biggest first-person shooter franchise. The series has produced dozens of titles, millions of players, and countless hours of competition. Yet what keeps fans coming back is not only the weapons or the graphics but the maps themselves. The best Call of Duty maps create memories that last long after a match ends. They shape friendships and late-night gaming sessions that players never forget. These maps are not just backdrops but the heart of the game, and without these maps, Call of Duty may not have had the same success that it currently has.

Each new release brings fresh ideas and gameplay mechanics, but the fan favourite maps remain the same. Players always return to certain maps because they feel balanced and endlessly replayable. Boyle Lotto have picked out 7 fan favourite maps that have had the biggest impact on Call of Duty as a whole. 

Nuketown – Black Ops Series

Few maps in Call of Duty history are as instantly recognisable as Nuketown, its impact on the video game world as a whole is undeniable. First appearing in Black Ops, it quickly became one of the most-played and most-loved maps ever made. What makes Nuketown such a fan favourite is that the design is simple, based on a 1950s-style suburban testing ground, complete with pastel houses, cars, and fake mannequins. While the map design is simple, the gameplay is incredibly fun with challenging alleyways and well-balanced spawns. 

Some maps have been criticised for being too large, leading to boring matches, but the compact layout keeps players close together. Action happens every few seconds, and respawns throw players straight back into the fight. This non-stop pace keeps matches short, frantic, and fun. The balance between simplicity and excitement is what makes Nuketown timeless. It has appeared in nearly every Black Ops sequel, with small visual updates but the same layout fans know by heart. For many, Nuketown is the perfect definition of Call of Duty multiplayer: fast and intense.

Rust – Modern Warfare 2

Ask any Modern Warfare player to name a map that defines competition, and most will say Rust. The phrase “1v1 me on Rust” has become iconic in the Call of Duty community. Set in an oil yard surrounded by desert, it is small and relentless. The central tower dominates the map, offering a risky but rewarding high ground for anyone brave enough to climb it.

Because of its tight size, Rust creates some of the fastest-paced battles in the series. Players have no time to hide or camp, making every second count. It also became famous for friendly one-on-one duels, often used to settle arguments or prove skill. Even after newer games arrived, fans continued to request its return, and when it finally reappeared in later releases, it felt like welcoming back an old friend.

Shipment – Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

Shipment takes the chaos of other maps and times it by ten. It is one of the smallest maps ever made for the series, yet it remains one of the most memorable. The entire map is a shipping yard filled with metal containers arranged in tight lanes. There is no space to hide and no moment of calm.

Every match on Shipment feels like pure adrenaline. Explosions, gunfire, and quick respawns happen almost constantly. While some players find it overwhelming, many love the unpredictability and the fast pace that never slows down. The map rewards players who can adapt quickly rather than rely solely on strategy. Over the years, Shipment has returned many times, each version keeping the same spirit of total mayhem. It is the ultimate test of reflexes, and it perfectly captures the high-energy style that Call of Duty fans have come to love.

Terminal – Modern Warfare 2

Terminal is one of the most detailed and creative maps ever built for Call of Duty. Set in a busy airport, it combines open areas, long corridors, and close interior spaces. Players can have battles inside a plane or in the actual terminal itself, making for one of the most unique map experiences.

What makes Terminal so special is how well it mixes realism with fun. It feels like a believable location while still supporting the series’ fast pace. Every weapon type can work on this map, from sniper rifles in the long hallways to submachine guns in the narrow corners, meaning it is fun for all player types. Its visual design, with bright lighting, makes it easy to learn but hard to master. 

Firing Range – Black Ops

Firing Range is another Black Ops classic that remains a fan favourite. The map takes place in a military training ground filled with wooden structures, lookout towers, and open yards. It feels natural and balanced, offering players multiple ways to approach each battle.

The map’s flow is what makes it stand out. Players can move smoothly between engaging in long-distance fights or pushing through close encounters. No weapon type feels out of place, and no area feels unfair. For beginners, it is easy to learn, while experienced players can use clever movement and timing to dominate. The map’s design has inspired later creations, and it continues to appear in remastered versions.

Hijacked – Black Ops II

When Hijacked was first released, it offered something new to the franchise. The entire map takes place on a luxury yacht floating in the ocean, combining glamorous looking with intense action. Despite the limited space, the layout encourages constant movement.

Players battle across the upper decks and hidden tunnels below. The confined environment creates pressure and excitement, as there is always an enemy nearby. The setting also gives Hijacked a unique identity that fans never forgot. Its return in later titles brought the same energy that made it a classic, proving that originality can stand the test of time. For players who love close combat and quick thinking, Hijacked remains one of the best maps ever designed.