Controversial Modern Warfare 2 map removed from Control in Ranked Play & CDL
Modern Warfare 2 Ranked Play uses the same strict map pool as CDL pros, and Treyarch have revealed that one of the most divisive map and mode combinations has finally been removed from rotation.
Modern Warfare 2 Ranked Play was a breath of fresh air when it arrived in Season 2, and it helped the game’s Twitch viewership reach new highs. The competitive mode follows the same tough rules and restrictions as the CDL, offering impressive rewards as players climb the ranks.
Only a handful of modes and maps are included, in an effort to make matches as fair and balanced as possible. That being said, Al Bagra Fortress, especially on Control, has been criticized by MW2 players and pros alike.
Now, the devs have announced that Al Bagra Fortress Control has been removed from the rotation in both Modern Warfare 2 and the CDL.
In a March 29 tweet, Treyarch confirmed that the mode would no longer be played on Fortress, with the team opting to keep Himmelmatt Expo Control instead.
The devs had been testing the Season 2 Reloaded map in Ranked Play over the previous weekend, and the reception has clearly been positive enough for Expo to stick around a little longer.
Since the arrival of Modern Warfare 2 Ranked Play, Al Bagra Fortress Control has been called out by the community. The map is especially easy to spawn trap on, and the defending team almost always comes out on top, making for some uneven matches.
While many players will no doubt be happy to see Fortress Control removed from rotation in favor of Himmelmatt Expo, the map won’t be leaving the CDL or Ranked Play altogether.
Al Bagra Fortress is still available on Search and Destroy, with Treyarch choosing to take out the Expo version of S&D instead.
It’s not clear at the moment if these changes will be permanent or if they’re part of the ongoing testing process. The devs have proved that they’re not afraid to ban or remove maps and weapons if they upset the balance, so don’t be surprised to see more changes in the future.
For more on Modern Warfare 2, be sure to check out the most popular weapons in Season 2 Reloaded, and the iconic Sniper Rifle that could be returning.
Image credit: Activision