On March 31, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare received a surprise update that quietly added three new maps to the game. The headlining addition was the Killhouse map, a remake of the Call of Duty 4 map of the same name, which was even featured in its own 24/7 playlist. The other two Call of Duty: Modern Warfare maps added on March 31 were Al-Raab Airbase and Drainage, but they have since been removed from the game.
It’s unclear why Infinity Ward removed the Al-Raab Airbase and Drainage maps from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, but one likely possibility is that the maps weren’t supposed to be in the game yet. While Killhouse was featured in its own 24/7 playlist, neither Al-Raab Airbase nor Drainage appeared in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare’s online multiplayer mode at all. In fact, the only way to access the maps was through Private Matches, which is evidence that they were added prematurely.
Alternatively, it’s possible that Infinity Ward discovered some kind of issue with the Al-Raab Airbase and Drainage maps. Ultimately, all fans can do is speculate at this point as Infinity Ward didn’t mention the maps when it added them to the game and hasn’t offered any explanation as to why they were removed.
Perhaps Infinity Ward will bring the Al-Raab Airbase and Drainage maps back to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare as part of a future update. Rumors have been swirling for quite some time that Infinity Ward is planning a proper Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Season 7, which would need at least a couple of new maps. There’s also rumors that new guns are on the way for Modern Warfare as well, which could also help in making Season 7 a worthwhile endeavor.
Besides new maps and guns, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Season 7, if it ever happens, would also likely see the addition of Soap as a playable Operator. Soap is one of the only major protagonists from previous Modern Warfare games that does not appear in the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare reboot. He has long been rumored for the game, with reputable leakers saying that his addition is a matter of “when” and not “if.” Unfortunately, Infinity Ward has not acknowledged the possibility of Soap coming to Modern Warfare, so Call of Duty fans should keep their expectations in check.
Considering Call of Duty: Modern Warfare’s persistent popularity, here’s hoping that fans of the game have some new content to look forward to, and that the removed maps eventually make their way back in.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is out now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.