For countless hours, gamers have immersed themselves in the best multiplayer experiences, and certain maps have inevitably risen to iconic status. Whether it’s a fast-paced FPS or a competitive racing game, no multiplayer title can truly thrive without engaging and well-designed maps. These virtual battlegrounds come in various shapes, sizes, and designs, each striving for the perfect balance of tactical depth and accessibility. Throughout gaming history, a select few maps have left an indelible mark, setting the gold standard for level design and remaining beloved by players to this day. Many are so popular that they’ve been remade and reimagined for subsequent entries in their respective franchises. Let’s take a journey through some of the most iconic multiplayer maps that have shaped gaming history.
De_dust2 – Counter-Strike
Bomb site B in Counter-Strike
Even if you’ve never played Counter-Strike, you’ve likely heard of Dust2. This compact, sandy arena epitomizes elegant simplicity in map design. It features long sightlines, tight corners, varied elevation, flanking routes, and everything needed for strategic gameplay without becoming overly complex. Multiple approaches exist for attacking and defending each bomb site, along with numerous pathways for rotating between key areas. Impressively, Dust2 maintains a near-perfect balance between attackers and defenders, a feat more challenging than it appears. For over two decades, CS players have been executing their B rushes on Dust2, and this tradition shows no signs of stopping.
Rainbow Road – Mario Kart
Wii Rainbow Road in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
While shooters dominate this list, the enduring legacy of Rainbow Road in the Mario Kart series cannot be overlooked. Though bearing the same name across iterations, Rainbow Road undergoes unique transformations with each entry. Consistent elements include the vibrant rainbow track and its inherent difficulty. What often distinguishes this track is the absence of guardrails, leaving racers precariously perched above a vast abyss. One wrong turn or an ill-timed shell impact can send karts plummeting into the void. In every Mario Kart game, Rainbow Road represents the ultimate test of skill and precision.
Nuketown – Call of Duty
Nuketown in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
The extensive history of Call of Duty boasts numerous beloved maps. However, Nuketown consistently finds its way into newer releases. Conceptualized as a mock residential neighborhood built for nuclear testing, this map embodies the core elements of a classic CoD experience. Houses and yards provide close-quarters combat opportunities, while streets and windows offer mid-range engagements. Snipers must adapt to quick-scoping strategies, as Nuketown’s design prioritizes fast-paced action. With just enough cover and movement options, the map ensures dynamic and engaging gameplay.
Final Destination – Super Smash Bros.
Final Destination in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
The popularity of Final Destination might seem peculiar, yet its appeal lies in its simplicity. As the most straightforward stage in Super Smash Bros., it eliminates distractions like random objects, awkward corners, or transforming levels. Final Destination is a pure test of player skill, devoid of gimmicks. While this might detract from casual fun, it’s highly valued in the competitive Smash scene, where minimizing randomness is paramount. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate even introduced Final Destination versions of other stages, offering visual variety while preserving the core map layout.
Blood Gulch – Halo
Blood Gulch in Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Similar to Dust2, Blood Gulch holds a timeless appeal. For many, it’s synonymous with Halo multiplayer. Two bases, strategically placed caves, drivable vehicles, and a wide-open central field define this iconic map. The design itself is deceptively simple – a box canyon with minimal cover and limited routes between ends. This simplicity, reminiscent of Final Destination, contributes to its enduring popularity. Reckless rushing often leads to a quick demise, emphasizing teamwork and strategic vehicle use. Blood Gulch remains the quintessential capture the flag map, unmatched in its pure, objective-focused gameplay.
Summoner’s Rift – League of Legends
Summoner's Rift in League of Legends
When a game relies on a single, unchanging map, that map must be exceptional. Both League of Legends and DOTA 2 exemplify this, with near-identical map layouts. However, Summoner’s Rift in League of Legends often receives praise for its engaging design. Its diamond shape ensures inherent balance between teams, dividing into three lanes with ample jungle areas for strategic maneuvering. While seemingly simple, mastering movement and pushing strategies on Summoner’s Rift requires dedicated study and practice. This reinforces the recurring theme that simplicity often translates to timeless appeal in map design.
Erangel – PUBG: Battlegrounds
Erangel in PUBG: Battlegrounds
For many, Erangel was their first foray into the battle royale genre. Its defining characteristic is its sheer scale. PUBG recognized that a 100-player game demanded a map larger than any other multiplayer experience. Erangel’s vastness is filled with distinct zones, each catering to different playstyles. Players can choose the chaos of crowded cities, the vantage points of isolated towers, or the tactical advantage of bridge ambushes. While other battle royale titles have since gained immense popularity, Erangel holds a special place in the hearts of those who first tasted victory on its sprawling terrain.
