Rio is the map arriving with MW3 Season 1: Reloaded, dropping players into a large shopping mall turned warzone.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is in full gear. It is officially reaching the middle of its first season, and we have a larger look at one of the game's new maps. In MW3 Season 1: Reloaded, you can jump into Rio, a map set in a shopping center of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
With its impending release, Call of Duty has provided an extended look at the map. The full breakdown gives tips, a tactical overview, and much more. Let's dive in to what you can expect once Rio arrives in MW3 Season 1: Reloaded.
When does Rio release in MW3?
For the last several COD entries, the mid-point of a season has been labeled Reloaded. We're approaching that point for MW3 Season 1, with Rio on the cards. You'll be able to play the new map very soon, with Season 1: Reloaded launching on January 17, 2024 at 9 a.m. PT.
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Information and tactical overview
We've known Rio is coming since Call of Duty revealed the Season 1 road map. Now, we have the fullest breakdown of the map yet. The 6v6 Core playlist map takes place in a vast mall with as many open areas as there are narrow.
The overview of the map shows a bit of asymmetry, but nothing too different that could cause balance issues. The tops and bottoms are the spawn points, with additional locations include. You can go to the Call of Duty blog directly and toggle location names and various objective positions to prepare.
The seven points of interest on Rio in MW3 are as follows:
- Tram Station (Militia Spawn)
- Garage
- Main Street
- Mall
- Market
- Plaza
- Café (Task Force 141 Spawn)
Each areas provides varying cover and a slew of ways to approach a gunfight. You've got separate buildings, high ground locations, pathways to camp, and a maze-like interior to help you escape trouble, or find it if you're so inclined.
Tips provided for Rio in MW3 by Call of Duty
After all of the intel for Rio, the Call of Duty blog dished out some tips on how to approach this new MW3 map. We'll provide our take below on what we feel are some of the most helpful, and you can take a look at the blog for the rest.
- Exterior/Interior Loadouts: If you're playing outside, consider long-ranged weapons, with a focus on CQC items inside of Rio's mall.
- Rooftop Access: The center of the mall is covered by a glass roof. Get up there, break it, and use the high ground as a means of assaulting from above.
- Change Your Strategy: If attacking the center of the mall isn't working, go for the perimeter. And the same goes in reverse. Let the other team come to you and take advantage of your positioning if pushing isn't as effective.
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