MW3 Ranked’s map pool shrinks again, but not for long
Modern Warfare 3 Ranked has endured quite a turbulent opening two seasons, with the map pool being the most heavily scrutinised design-level problem. Oh, and the bloody cheaters are everywhere.
The maps, though, have been under inspection as of late, as Invasion appears to be grinding people down, Highrise isn't cutting the mustard, and Sub Base continues to keep getting removed due to broken Hardpoint exploits.
Now, after some impromptu testing, the map pool is shrinking, although it might not be forever.
Vista and Departures removed from MW3 Ranked after test weekend
Click to enlargeBoth Season 2 Reloaded maps, Vista and Departures, have been put to the test for Ranked, with players getting to grips with the two additions across all three game modes (Hardpoint, Control, and Search and Destroy).
But this gracing period has now finished, and the maps have subsequently been removed.
"Thank you for your feedback and gameplay data," said Treyarch on social media, after their removal.
"CODLeague and our teams will discuss findings and share an update after the launch of Season 3," they added.
For the most part, Vista proved to be quite popular because of its colour, but the gameplay on Control and Search and Destroy did struggle, whereas Departures was slightly more adept on those two game modes, but lacked in Hardpoint quality.
Vista reportedly set for permanent MW3 Ranked spot
Vista, however, could be quickly on its way back to Ranked, as Modern Warfare 3 professionals appear to be favouring it for Hardpoint over some of the lesser-loved maps.
According to The Rotation, Vista Hardpoint will be added to the pro circuit, and by default Ranked, although it's not yet sure which map will be removed in its wake, out of Sub Base, Skidrow, or Invasion.
Another map to keep an eye on is the upcoming Season 3 addition of 6-Star, which is already being dubbed as a Raid re-gen, although there's one glaring issue to solve before it makes waves on the pro circuit.
