Three New Maps Released

Despite Modern Warfare’s enduring popularity with its fanbase, the 2019 shooter has been passed over for attention in recent months. It received no official updates of note since September 2020. Nevertheless, rumors have abounded concerning a possible seventh season, buoyed by datamining, influencer leaks, and the discovery of secret weapons in Survival Mode.

While there are still no signs of a comprehensive content pack of the sort regularly received by Cold War and Warzone, the March 31 update for those games has also included a surprise present for the older title’s fans: three new maps have been added to its Multiplayer roster. Like the earlier “Season 7” weapons, those additions were not accompanied by any kind of marketing or official acknowledgment, but they are there and ready to be turned into a battlefield by Operators nonetheless.

Killhouse, Drainage, Al-Raab Airbase

The surprise may have been partly spoiled for those dedicated members of the community who have been following the rumors of an upcoming update. All three maps have been leaked previously, though no one knew when to expect them.

The most prominent among those maps has got to be Killhouse – a small warehouse full of cover that has been featured in several earlier Call of Duty titles, including the original Modern Warfare. Despite its small size, the map accommodates two teams of six players, resulting in a chaotic shootout worthy of its name. Its tight quarters and frenetic action are ideal for trying out short-distance weapons such as shotguns or SMGs, as well as for working on their camo challenges. Unlike the other two additions, Killhouse has also received a 24/7 playlist in the Mosh Pit “mode” (a random rotation of different 6v6 gameplay modes).

Drainage and Al-Raab Airbase, on the other hand, are wholly new maps that may currently be tried out in Private Matches, though it is unclear if they will be added to the playlist later. The former is another small environment, this time set in the open air under a bridge. As such, it is a perfect setting for the fast-paced 2v2 Gunfight mode. Its obstacle course layout should definitely be a fun challenge as players cycle through different weapons every two rounds. If you are stuck in a rut due to always relying on assault rifles or some other popular weapon class, this may be just the thing to try out other options.

The Al-Raab Airbase, meanwhile, is a medium-size map featuring an American military base in the fictional country of Urzikstan with many buildings including a hangar. It is another 6v6 affair, but unlike Killhouse its complex layout seems well-suited for bringing out long-range weapons such as marksman or sniper rifles. Indeed, it may be an excellent opportunity to work on unlocking Sniper reticles by taking up positions on roofs or behind windows.

Conclusion

The complete lack of official messaging around those maps is a mystery. Neither the publisher (Activision) nor the developers (Infinity Ward and several other studios) have commented on them even after their release. As a result, this secret update has been something of a mixed signal to the community. While some fans entertain hopes for future updates, others worry that this may be the last hurrah for their beloved game before releases stop entirely. Still, for now, the players have several exciting new environments in which to test their skills or level up their weapons.