Maps in Black Ops 2: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best 10

Introduction

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, released in 2012, revolutionized the first-person shooter genre with its innovative gameplay, gripping campaign, and unforgettable multiplayer experience. At the heart of this multiplayer experience lie the game's maps, each meticulously designed to offer a unique and memorable gaming environment. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the 10 best maps in Black Ops 2, analyzing their key features, strategies, and the reasons why they continue to captivate players to this day.

1. Hijacked

Hijacked is a small-to-medium-sized map set aboard a luxury yacht. Its compact size and multiple levels encourage close-quarters combat and fast-paced action. The ship's interior provides ample cover, while the outdoor areas offer opportunities for long-range engagements. With its iconic setting and balanced gameplay, Hijacked remains a fan favorite.

2. Raid

Raid is a medium-sized map characterized by its central compound and surrounding buildings. The map's open areas allow for intense firefights, while the numerous buildings provide excellent cover and opportunities for strategic planning. Raid is also known for its iconic "Power Room" objective, which can significantly alter the course of the game.

3. Express

Express is a small map set in a snowy mountain pass. Its narrow passages and sharp turns demand quick reflexes and close-quarters combat skills. The map's elevated areas offer snipers a significant advantage, while the central train car provides cover and a potential choke point. Express is a fast-paced and intense map that rewards aggressive gameplay.

4. Standoff

Standoff is a medium-sized, three-lane map that emphasizes strategic positioning and map control. The map's central area, known as the "Crossroads," is a hotbed of intense firefights, while the flanking routes offer opportunities for tactical maneuvers. Standoff's balanced layout and clear sight lines make it a popular choice for competitive play.

5. Nuketown 2025

Nuketown 2025 is a small, iconic map that has become synonymous with the Call of Duty franchise. Set in a suburban neighborhood, Nuketown 2025 is renowned for its fast-paced, chaotic gameplay. The map's symmetrical layout and numerous cover points create a constant flurry of action where survival depends on quick reflexes and map knowledge.

6. Turbine

Turbine is a medium-sized map set in an industrial complex. The map's sprawling layout, multiple levels, and open areas make it a versatile playground for various playstyles. Turbine's central turbine room serves as a major objective, while the numerous catwalks and elevated areas offer opportunities for long-range engagements.

7. Yemen

Yemen is a large-sized map set in a desolate desert landscape. Its vast open areas and sparse cover encourage long-range engagements and tactical movement. The map's central village provides a more confined setting for close-quarters combat, while the surrounding hills offer snipers a vantage point. Yemen's size and variety of environments make it a unique and challenging map.

8. Plaza

Plaza is a medium-sized map set in a bustling urban environment. Its intricate network of buildings, courtyards, and alleyways creates a labyrinthine setting that rewards stealth and map knowledge. Plaza's central fountain area serves as a major focal point, while the surrounding balconies and rooftops offer opportunities for vertical combat.

9. Aftermath

Aftermath is a medium-sized map set in a post-earthquake Los Angeles. Its shattered streets, collapsed buildings, and chaotic interiors provide a unique and atmospheric setting for multiplayer combat. Aftermath's focus on verticality and close-quarters combat makes it a challenging yet rewarding map to master.

10. Cargo

Cargo is a large-sized map set on a cargo ship in the middle of the ocean. Its sprawling layout and numerous levels offer a mix of open engagements and close-quarters combat. Cargo's central cargo hold serves as a major objective, while the ship's upper decks and corridors provide flanking routes and opportunities for stealthy maneuvers.

Tips and Tricks

• Master the maps: Familiarize yourself with the layout of each map, including its cover points, flanking routes, and key objectives.
• Choose your loadout wisely: Select weapons that complement the map's size, layout, and gameplay style.
• Play to your strengths: Identify your strengths as a player and choose a map that suits your playstyle.
• Communicate with your team: Use voice chat to coordinate strategies, call out enemy positions, and work together to achieve victory.
• Practice, practice, practice: The best way to improve your performance on any map is to practice regularly and learn from your mistakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Camping: Avoid staying in one spot for too long, as this makes you an easy target for opponents.
• Ignoring the objective: Focus on completing the map's objectives, as this is the key to victory in most game modes.
• Overextending: Don't push too far ahead of your teammates, as this can leave you isolated and vulnerable.
• Underestimating the enemy: Never underestimate your opponents, even if they appear to be less skilled.

Why Maps in Black Ops 2 Matter

• The maps in Black Ops 2 are a fundamental part of the game's multiplayer experience.
• They provide a diverse range of environments and gameplay styles to cater to different player preferences.
• Well-designed maps promote strategic gameplay, reward skill, and create memorable multiplayer experiences.
• The iconic maps from Black Ops 2 continue to be played and enjoyed by millions of players to this day.

Conclusion

The maps in Black Ops 2 represent a testament to the game's enduring legacy and its commitment to delivering a diverse and engaging multiplayer experience. Whether you prefer close-quarters combat, long-range engagements, or stealthy maneuvers, there is a map in Black Ops 2 that will cater to your playstyle. By understanding the key features and strategies of each map, you can elevate your gameplay and achieve victory on any battlefield. As you continue to explore the vibrant and immersive world of Black Ops 2, may these maps provide you with countless hours of thrilling and unforgettable multiplayer moments.

Additional Information

• According to a survey conducted by Activision, Hijacked and Raid are consistently voted as the two most popular maps in Black Ops 2.
• The Standoff map was originally designed as a DLC map but was later released as a free update for all players due to its popularity during beta testing.
• The Aftermath map was inspired by the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti in 2010.
• The Cargo map is the largest map in Black Ops 2, offering a vast and open environment for multiplayer battles.
• The Black Ops 2 maps have been praised by critics and players alike for their balanced gameplay, detailed graphics, and immersive atmosphere.