So far, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 has added nine additional maps since November 2024, and Season 3's Reloaded drop will bring the post-launch total up to 11. As a reminder, core maps are framed around 6v6 encounters (and show up in myriad playlists), while strike maps are keyed in for 2v2 combat, with concessions for 6v6. Typically, new maps are put into a special playlist so that you can experience them consistently at launch.

While Activision's nomenclature can be confusing, the company has been using the phrase "reloaded" to signify mid-season updates. core game modes, featuring medium and small-sized arenas, respectively.

Signal, A Strike Map, Is Water-Centric

I'm Getting Flashes of Sub Pens From World At War

Even though it's a strike map by default, Signal is the one that caught my eye immediately. Taking place in 1968 canonically below the Gulf of Mexico, Signal is set after a Pantheon mole infiltration, with flooding and flame hazards galore. You'll be able to take advantage of its multiple floor layout strategically, and even use the raised water as cover to sneak up on enemies.

As soon as I saw the aesthetic, I was reminded of the classic World at War map Sub Pens. While the layout is referred to as "small-sized," there seem to be tons of nooks and crannies to launch an assault from, making it an enticing map for non-traditional game modes. While you'll mostly be playing Signal in 2v2 settings (Face Off and Gunfight), you'll be able to enjoy it on select playlists in a 6v6 format when Season 3 Reloaded drops.

Haven Will Put Players In A KBG Safehouse

This Is the Map You'll Likely Play The Most

Haven, which resembles Hacienda in layout, is the core 6v6 map, described as "medium-sized." It's a mix of indoor and outdoor locales set at a KGB estate in 1991, complete with moss and a state of disrepair. It's a classic Call of Duty aesthetic, and fits right into the lineup of Black Ops 6 maps. Activision mentions having to "fight for control of a command center," a central location on the map where many firefights are likely to take place.

Given its traditional "sandwich" layout (outdoor sections with a building in the middle), it will make for straightforward, objective-based gameplay, aside from team deathmatch in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. While it's not as flashy as Signal at first glance, I'm a sucker for dilapidated settings, and Haven looks like it hits the mark.