The Best Call of Duty: Black Ops Maps, According to the Devs

This article delves into the opinions of senior Call of Duty Black Ops developers on their favorite multiplayer maps. We’ve gathered insights from those who directly shaped these iconic levels, exploring the creative process and design choices that made them stand out.

Nuketown (Call of Duty: Black Ops)

A cornerstone of the Black Ops franchise, Nuketown remains a beloved multiplayer map. Its enduring popularity stems from its inclusion in every Black Ops game, showcasing its unique appeal. Expert level designer Adam Hoggatt, recalling the map’s genesis, describes it as a passion project, born from a desire to incorporate the most exciting elements possible, like the “doomsday clock” and a special Rolling Stones song. The result is a map filled with nostalgic elements and unexpected audio-visual details, a testament to its lasting impact on the franchise.

Raid (Call of Duty: Black Ops 2)

Set in the Hollywood Hills, Raid stands as a sniper’s paradise, emphasizing long-range encounters. Unlike the spontaneous creation of Nuketown, Hoggatt highlights the iterative process behind Raid’s design. Multiple redesigns were necessary to finalize the map, leading to a refined and satisfying experience. The evolution of the map’s design, preserving aspects of earlier iterations, reflects the developers’ meticulous approach to crafting a memorable and engaging space.

Carrier (Call of Duty: Black Ops 2)

Miles Leslie, associate creative director, credits the aircraft carrier setting of Carrier with its distinctive appeal. Working on multiple maps throughout the franchise, Leslie underscores the challenge of a flat, large-scale map. Carrier’s design necessitates close-quarter combat and high-killstreak potential. The innovative idea of player-controlled aircraft, while ultimately abandoned, demonstrates the creative experimentation that often characterizes map development. The design prioritized combat diversity.

Kowloon (Call of Duty: Black Ops)

Another favorite of Leslie’s, Kowloon draws inspiration from the Hong Kong walled city’s architecture. The challenge lay in creating an engaging layout within a large space with dispersed buildings. Leslie’s solution was introducing ziplines. This ingenious addition not only solved the spatial dilemma but significantly enhanced gameplay, making it a thrilling and dynamic map.

Evac (Call of Duty: Black Ops 3)

Leslie highlights Evac’s integration of advanced movement mechanics. Set in a flooded quarantine zone, Evac offers a parkour-focused gameplay experience. The team’s commitment to playtesting and incorporating creative ideas resulted in a space for fluid and engaging movement. The map’s design encourages skilled players to use the environment to their advantage in exciting ways.

Deprogram (Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War)

Lead game designer Joanna Leung finds Deprogram’s intimacy compelling. Located within the “fragmented mind” of Adler, this map emphasizes close-quarters combat, offering secret areas for snipers. Leung’s preference for SMG-based gameplay underscores the map’s suitability for aggressive tactics. The strategic layout and engagement style make it a favorite for those who enjoy quick and intense confrontations.

Standoff (Call of Duty: Black Ops 2)

Standoff’s design is inspired by a border town between China and Kyrgyzstan. The map features two opposing sides vying for control of the central area, with snipers positioned for strategic engagement. The limited safe spaces encourage aggressive playstyles and calculated flanking maneuvers. This map creates unique tactical opportunities for players.

Cracked (Call of Duty: Black Ops)

Lead designer Damon Shubhastari appreciates Cracked’s suitability for large-scale action. The extensive playtesting with the RC XD vehicle and its use in Domination mode contributed to the map’s popularity. The map’s design embodies the Black Ops franchise’s focus on intense and dynamic gameplay.

Firing Range (Call of Duty: Black Ops)

Firing Range, originally conceived as a training facility, underwent a transformation into a Hollywood backlot. The team recognized the inherent fun in the map’s core elements. The reskin, reflecting a re-imagining of the original concept, added an enjoyable layer to the design. The map’s adaptability and flexibility are key characteristics that resonate with players.

Satellite (Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War)

Senior level designer Matt Coutras, although preferring Raid, highlights Satellite’s design choices. The map’s objective-based design fosters diverse playstyles. Snipers can take advantage of the elevated areas, while close-quarters combatants can utilize strategic flanking routes. The strategic considerations built into the level design were integral in its appeal.

The Pines (Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War)

Coutras’ affection for The Pines stems from its evocative setting. Based on a fictional New Jersey mall, the map’s contrasting high and low grounds create varied gameplay opportunities. The blend of suburban America and military action contributes to a nostalgic appeal for Coutras, making it a significant part of the map’s design.

Express (Call of Duty: Black Ops 2)

Associate lead audio designer Jake Harley highlights Express’s twist on the three-lane design. Based on a California High-Speed Rail terminal, the map incorporates train elements and stairwells to encourage diverse strategies. The distinctive layout, with elements that can be traversed, contributed to the map’s enjoyable play. Its creative reimagining of a traditional layout structure resulted in a high-intensity gameplay experience.