Summary
Since its original debut,Call of Dutyhas introduced numerous multiplayer maps where players have logged countless hours. Among them,Nuketown stands out as a franchise staple, celebrated for its fast-paced gameplay, intuitive layout, and engaging replayability.
First appearing in the originalBlack Ops, Nuketown has been a recurring map in every subsequent installment of the saga, includingBlack Ops 6. But, with so many iterations over the years, one question remains: which version is the best? Here’s a ranking of all the Nuketown versions.
Nuketown consistently delivers its signature frenetic pace, thanks to itsiconic map design and the aggressive playstyleit inspires. However,Black Ops 4’sИuk3toшиmisses a key element that has always defined the map: its vibrant color palette. Set during the Cold War on a Russian nuclear missile testing site, this version replaces the classic suburban houses with Russian-inspired architecture and covers the map in snow.
While this fits the theme, the lack of bright, inviting colors strips away much of Nuketown’s charm, making the map feel dull. The muted color scheme and excessive snow create a bland experience that should never happen with such an iconic map.
The nighttime setting of a chaotic map in Multiplayer often diminishes its strengths, enabling players to remain hidden or avoid exposure, taking full advantage of the low lighting — and that’s precisely the case withCoD: Mobile’sNuketown Temple. While the Lunar New Year-themed decorations add visual appeal, the addition of snow further hampers visibility, making it even harder to spot enemies.
This version introduces minor layout and content adjustments that slightly alter the gameplay, resulting in a less frenetic experience. However, these changes aren’t the primary reason this map ranks lower on the list.
Inspired by one of the more vibrant and futuristic iterations of Nuketown,Nuk3town Year of the DragoninCoD: Mobilestands out as one of the nighttime versions of this iconic map. While its layout remains largely unchanged — a definite advantage — the map’s lighting, themed around the Chinese New Year celebration,significantly affects visibility.
This reduced clarity can detract from the fast-paced action, particularly when engaging distant enemies. The issue worsens when opponents use dark Operator skins, making them even harder to spot.
Nuketown Islandserves as a standalone location within Blackout, theBattle Royale mode inBlack Ops 4. Despite being a point of interest on the larger map, it delivers the chaotic intensity of Nuketown in a mode typically known for its slower pace.
Set on a secluded island, this desert-like, post-apocalyptic version of Nuketown showcases a destroyed landscape, adding a gritty aesthetic. While it doesn’t replicate the traditional multiplayer experience, it successfully brings the map’s signature tension and fast-paced dynamics into a more tactical gameplay setting.
TheCold War-themed version of Nuketownmay not be the most visually striking, but its position in the rankings isn’t due to shortcomings — it’s a testament to the strengths of other iterations.Nuketown ’84features a retro setting that doesn’t significantly alter the core elements ofCall of Duty’s most iconic map. The lighting and layout remain largely unchanged, preserving the intense and chaotic gameplay fans expect.
While minor details were added to reflect the Cold War era, these subtle changes barely impact the map’s overall feel, allowing it to retain the qualities that have made it a classic.
The only mode where a map with reduced visibility anddarker lighting truly shines is Zombies, andBlack Ops 2’s Nuketown Zombiesis a prime example. While players might know the layout like the back of their hands from countless hours in Multiplayer, stepping into this version delivers a completely unique and thrilling experience, maintaining its iconic and entertaining appeal.
This paid rendition of the map includes several adjustments tailored to the undead mode, introducing features like Perk-a-Colas, the legendary Ray Gun Wonder Weapon, the Pack-a-Punch machine, Richtofen’s haunting voice, and the subtle yet satisfying detail of zombies gaining blue eyes after round 25. These additions elevate the experience, making it a memorable and enjoyable twist on a fan-favorite map.
The reimagined and significantly expanded version of Nuketown made its debut inBlack Ops 4, rebranded asAlpha Omega. This iteration became a standout addition to the game’ssuccessful Zombies map lineup, offering a fresh undead experience on the iconic map. With its expanded layout, Alpha Omega delivers a unique twist while retaining familiar elements from theBO2Zombies version and introducing new features.
This more comprehensive versionincludes a variety of Easter Eggs, new enemy types, and weapons, blending seamlessly with classic Treyarch Zombies elements. The map transforms into an intricate labyrinth without heavily altering its lighting, allowing players to immerse themselves in a retro-futuristic theme that perfectly matches the game’s time period. Alpha Omega delivers a completely new way to experience Nuketown while maintaining the charm of the original.
Black Ops 2’s Nuketown 2025stands out as anincredibly fun and iconic version of the map. Designed with a futuristic aesthetic fitting for its release, this version blends vibrant colors with the classic layout, creating a hybrid of retro charm and forward-thinking design.
Its unique atmosphere invites players to dominate the battlefield while preserving the core elements that make Nuketown a hallmark of Multiplayer. Capturing the essence ofBlack Ops 2’s success, Nuketown 2025 remains a symbol of what makes the game’s experience so memorable.
TheBlack Ops 6version ofNuketownpays a heartfelt tribute to the original, recapturing the magic that has madethis map a staple of theCall of Dutyfranchise. From its vibrant colors to the iconic layout and the familiar placement of key elements, this version delivers everything fans have loved since Nuketown’s debut.
Enhanced with the game’snew features like Omnimovement, the gameplay becomes even more dynamic and fast-paced. While it stays true to the classic design, the addition of constant motion and action elevates the experience, making it more engaging than ever.
The originalBlack OpsNuketownis the version that started it all, establishing the map as an iconic part of theCall of Duty:Black Opsexperience. Its layout, combined with strategically placed elements that serve both as cover and aesthetic design, makes it endlessly enjoyable.
While its color palette may not be the most vibrant, it was captivating enough to keep players hooked for hours. This classic version earns its well-deserved spot on the podium as a tribute to the version that laid the foundation for all future iterations, each unique yet rooted in the magic of the original.
