Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3’s multiplayer offerings are set to expand with the imminent release of two new maps – the derelict urban Grime and the Rebirth Island-inspired Checkpoint. Activision has unveiled trailers and details for the incoming battlegrounds, which are slated to arrive as part of this week’s Season 3 Reloaded update on May 1st.
The Grime multiplayer map transports players to the banks of an abandoned London canal, once a lively district now fallen into disrepair. The compact environment centers around a dilapidated SKN Comms building flanked by the remnants of a nearby boat launch, bar, and cafe.
Activision’s map breakdown promises a “small- to mid-sized urban landscape” blending tight interiors with open-air alleys and pathways, bisected by the canal that can provide stealthy flanking routes. The condensed, vertical playspace seems poised for frenetic close-quarters combat amidst the ruins of England’s capital.
In contrast, Checkpoint takes the action to the Stronghold area of the Battle Royale map Rebirth Island, remixed for focused multiplayer engagements. While loosely inspired by the original Rebirth locale, this “mid-sized” variant condenses the layout, sealing off upper walkways and the comms tower to concentrate battles on the ground level.
The central Gate and surrounding buildings like the Armory, Garage, and Roundabout form key territorial objectives and combat sites. Activision claims “environments suited to all playstyles” from running-and-gunning on the Road to holding defensive positions inside structures.
Both Grime and Checkpoint appear to cater to different gameplay temperaments – the former a rubble-strewn urban battlebox, the latter a retooled greatest hits mashup of an iconic Battle Royale backdrop. Their divergent designs and settings should provide some solid new gameplay variety for Modern Warfare 3’s multiplayer suite.
The new maps are just part of the influx of fresh Season 3 Reloaded content slated to hit the latest premium Call of Duty installment this week. Players can ready to bring the ruckus to the gritty streets of London’s Grime or the hotly contested Checkpoint when the latest seasonal updates go live on May 1st.
