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The old-school multiplayer maps in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III are full of locations and paths that let you surprise your enemies. Many of these were already found in Modern Warfare 2 back in 2009, but there are also a whole host of new locations and paths. Even if you don't plan on using them yourself, with our list of clever map spots and paths in Modern Warfare III, you'll be less likely to fall victim to enemies who do use them, especially in game modes like Search & Destroy.

Afghan

Afghan offers few unexpected locations, most of which aren't particularly useful because the map is so open. But if you manage to find a quiet moment, these surprising spots are available to you.

1. Projection over mattresses

Near the main cliff, near the tail of the crashed plane, lies a pile of mattresses on the ground. To the right of these mattresses is a raised ledge with some grass and a tree.

This spot may seem inaccessible, but you can reach it by climbing the rocks below. If you crouch or lie down here, you'll be partially hidden by the grass. Then all you need to do is grab a silenced weapon and take your enemies by surprise.

2. Upper Cliff Outcrop

You can reach a similar ledge by jumping onto the middle section of the plane. If you don't get shot down first, you can run up the wing.

From the top of the wing, you can jump to a cliff ledge and survey the entire center of the map. Unfortunately, you can't climb any higher, but if you can get here unnoticed, you'll definitely have the element of surprise on your side.

3. Corner in the poppy field

Finally, at the edge of the northern poppy field, there's a small corner that many gamers are completely unaware of. You can get there without any fancy jumps. Instead, you can simply duck against the wall and surprise gamers who don't know this corner.

But be careful: This position isn't very useful in a deathmatch. However, in S&Z or Domination matches, it's great for ambushing players who are trying to get closer to an objective.

Estate

Swimming and more consistent mantling create a few additional hiding places and nooks in the Estate. We discovered these two.

1. Viewpoint at the greenhouse

From the southern spawn point behind the estate, you can take a vantage point on the greenhouse, overlooking the regions of the map below. Start at the back of the greenhouse and climb up via the boat and tank.

Once you reach the top, you can advance along the edge of the greenhouse by walking forward, keeping to the greenhouse on your right. From the edge, you can look down to the barn and spawn area below and shoot any unwary enemies.

2. Palette in water and barrels

At the eastern end of the map, there's a lake you can swim in. If you're looking for a slightly odd defensive position, you can either lie on the pallet or—even better—stand behind the floating barrels.

You're completely exposed on the pallet, but behind the barrels you'll hardly be visible from the shore. The whole thing is a bit dirty—and not just because of the murky water. Alternatively, you can try climbing onto the nearby boathouse.

Favela

In favela, it's all about climbing. Besides the numerous obvious ways to climb the buildings, there are also a few lesser-known routes and positions you should memorize.

1. Climbing opportunity on the main road

From the top of the main road in the south of the map, you can quickly reach the rooftops in the middle by taking advantage of some air conditioning units. Stand on the roof of the hut and sprint to the first unit. Be sure to press Jump repeatedly to grab the unit in time.

From a sufficient distance, you can grab the unit and climb up. Then jump to the next air conditioner and either climb onto the roof or follow the lower ledge to the farther window. From the roof, you can also jump through the window on the other side of the street at the bottom of the street.

2. Hidden corner in the alleys

The center of a favela is a dangerous place, but you can hide in this dark corner on the upper level to escape the worst dangers.

From the upper level of the central building, head here and squeeze into this dark corner. In game modes like Fortress, this is an excellent position to suddenly jump out and surprise enemies trying to capture the middle objective.

3. Roof in the alleys

From the central alley, you can quickly climb the southern roofs by jumping onto this gray ledge.

Jump onto the ledge and go around the corner to reach a position from which you can easily climb the same roof we reached from the main road.

Highrise

Highrise is an explorer's dream. This map is brimming with additional paths and areas to explore, if you don't mind the possibility of falling if you're not careful where you step.

1. Climbable roof

The most well-known hiding place in Highrise is the roof above the Actibase spawn point. To reach this hiding place, you'll need to climb onto the small hut just outside the building. Use the crates and bricks to get onto the roof of the hut, then turn around and head towards the main building. Jump over to the small metal ledge on the side of the building, just above the windows.

Follow this ledge to the right. Around the corner, you'll find a platform suspended at a 45-degree angle. Jump onto the platform, walk to the top, and jump onto the roof.

Up here, you'll find birds and abandoned teddy bears, as well as a perfect sniper's nest from which you can overlook the entire map. This is an incredibly useful position, but surviving the climb isn't all that easy.

2. Crane and platform on office building (front)

The next known location in Highrise is off-map, on the large crane to the west, directly across from the helipad. To get there, climb the small elevator housing with a tank in the middle of this lane.

From there, you can jump onto hanging girders and walk over them to reach the crane. You haven't reached your goal yet! You can climb the narrow metal girders from either end of the crane to reach the top of the crane. From there, you'll have an excellent view of the entire map.

Go to the north end of the crane and from there to a narrow white ledge. Follow the ledge to the right and duck through a ventilation shaft to reach a high platform inside the building.

This is a great vantage point from which you can target your enemies from a long distance. You can also climb through the window on the other side to reach a more open hanging platform.

3. Platform at office building (rear)

You can also reach the platform at the back of the Phonic Office building in the north of the map. To do so, simply climb onto the upright wooden slabs, turn toward the platform, and perform a sprint jump.

Jump onto it to pull yourself up onto the platform. Here, you can either lie down to face the map's middle lane or keep an eye on the entrances on either side of this spawn area.

4. Tank at the helipad

Another hidden location reveals itself behind the tank at the edge of the helipad in the eastern part of the map. Climb up here and make your way to a small platform at the back. The top of the tank provides good cover here.

Lie down and position yourself so you can see one of the two sides of the map. Even if players shoot at the tank to make it explode, the explosion shouldn't affect you. And if your opponents notice you, you can drop down to the scaffolding below the map edge.

5. Lower flank

And last but not least, one of the safest routes to flank your enemies—simply jump from the eastern edge of the map. Yes, really! Above the edge of the building behind the helipad, you'll find a scaffolding platform you can drop onto.

From here, you can continue along the narrow ledge along the side of the skyscraper (don't sprint!). Around the corner, you'll find another platform that you can use to climb back up and to the very edge of the map—right by the office window here. This is a fantastic, obscure path that lets you cross half the map unnoticed.

Karachi

Karachi is pretty tight for a Modern Warfare III map, but there are a few lesser-known spots that give you some breathing room.

1. Balconies on the main street

Karachi's main street is lined with a series of stone balconies that appear inaccessible but can still be reached by climbing over the raised platform containing barrels and sandbags.

The balconies at both ends offer the best opportunity to surprise your opponents. To reach them, you'll need to walk along the narrow ledge between the balconies. Hide on the rear balcony and keep an eye on some of the paths leading from the center of the map from cover.

2. Hidden corner in an apartment

Closer to the center of the map is an elevated apartment with a partially collapsed wall. While there are no doors to this room, you can get in by jumping through the gap in the wall of the hotel across the street.

Enter the upper floor of the hotel and turn toward the collapsed wall of the apartment on the other side. With a sprint jump, you can bridge the distance and pull yourself up into the room.

Once inside, you can take cover behind the collapsed wall and look down the middle lane at the opposite end of the map. Just be prepared for downed enemies to fire grenades back—a bomb suit is highly recommended!

Skidrow

Skidrow is a fairly simple map, but it's a good idea to memorize some special angles on one half of the map.

1. Balcony on the roof

Skidrow's central corridor is usually a hell of a place. However, if your team controls it, you can secure this unusual position on a balcony above the open rooftop section.

First, climb onto the water silo. Then turn toward the balcony and perform a sprint jump to pull yourself up the side.

From here you can surprise gamers below you or on the streets towards the spawn area near the containers.

2. Balcony near the containers

Another hidden location is near the containers toward the middle roof of Skidrow. From here, you can access a balcony where few gamers would expect to find a lurking enemy.

First, climb onto the blue containers at the edge of the map. From here, you can jump onto an air conditioning unit on the edge of the roof.

Then climb onto the balcony and lie down. This will give you a good view to surprise enemies on the roof. This spot is especially useful if you're defending objectives on the roof or if your team can only spawn near the containers.

terminal

Terminal is an absolute classic in Call of Duty and still works quite well in Modern Warfare III. If your team is stuck in the bottom half, you can use a few tricks to get around it.

1. Flowerpot as a step

Our first secret map spot offers you a somewhat unusual view, which you get when you stand on that tiny raised flowerpot in the lounge.

Reaching it will require a quiet moment (or a smoke grenade), as this method leaves you uncovered from above. If you're willing to take the risk, stand on the railing at the top of the escalators and turn toward the higher part of the barrier in front of you.

Run and jump to the left side of the barrier, turning as you go to pull yourself up. This isn't easy, but with a little practice, you'll get the hang of it. Climb up, crouch, and carefully drop onto the flowerpots on the other side. Here, you can lie down to avoid enemy fire and fool everyone into thinking you've fallen all the way to the bottom.

From here, you can see over the wall toward the fast-food restaurant. Most enemies won't expect this angle, as defenders tend to position themselves behind the lower wall or on the roof on the opposite side.

2. Shortcut via the ramp

If you find it difficult to get from the aircraft to the lobby due to the narrow path, use this route instead, via a narrow ledge and through the side window.

First, take the metal stairs. Turn toward the building and climb onto the left metal railing. Now run along the railing and jump forward and slightly to the left to land on the narrow ledge on the side of the building.

If you're standing on the ledge, you can walk around the corner and look through the windows into the lobby. Most gamers don't expect this angle—make the most of it!