Ashika Island vs. Vondel: Which Warzone 2 Map Reigns Supreme?
Is Ashika Island better than Vondel? The answer is not straightforward and ultimately depends on individual player preferences. Vondel offers a larger, more urbanized environment with a higher player count, leading to longer, more complex matches that often conclude in dense, multi-level firefights. This makes it excellent for diverse playstyles and offers more opportunities for tactical maneuvering and hiding. In contrast, Ashika Island is a smaller, faster-paced map that promotes aggressive, close-quarters combat. The island’s more varied terrain and open areas offer different strategic angles, but it lacks the dense urban sprawl of Vondel. While many players, according to community comments, initially gravitated towards Vondel’s beauty and densely populated urban centers, both maps offer unique and enjoyable gameplay experiences. To definitively say one is “better” than the other would be unfair, it comes down to what kind of gameplay you prefer.
Vondel: The Urban Playground
A Larger and More Complex Battlefield
Vondel’s defining characteristic is its size and the complexity of its urban landscape. Boasting 15 distinct locations, including a medieval castle, an abandoned zoo, city hall, and a soccer stadium, Vondel provides a much larger playable area than Ashika Island. This increased size allows for a higher player count in both Battle Royale and DMZ modes, with up to 72 players in Resurgence matches and 18 operators (6 teams of 3) in DMZ.
The numerous buildings, canals, and tight alleyways of Vondel provide ample cover, making it easier to survive in the late game. Players can effectively use the multi-level structures to flank enemies, hold advantageous positions, and make it a more tactical experience. The density of buildings also makes it easier to escape or evade enemies. This leads to a gameplay experience that feels slower and more methodical than Ashika’s more frenetic action. The emphasis on verticality and maneuvering through the dense urban environment is a significant differentiator. Many players have noted that endgames on Vondel tend to have a lot of surviving players due to the numerous hiding spots and playable area.
Rewarding Diverse Playstyles
Vondel’s map design encourages a wide range of playstyles. Players can choose to engage in close-quarters fights within buildings, snipe from rooftops, or utilize vehicles for rapid movement around the map. The sheer variety of engagements ensures that players are frequently adapting their tactics. Furthermore, the bright and colorful setting of Vondel makes the gameplay more visually engaging compared to some of the other Warzone maps. The map’s complex layout promotes strategic thinking, rewarding players who are adept at planning and execution.
Ashika Island: The Fast-Paced Arena
Smaller, Intense Encounters
In stark contrast to Vondel, Ashika Island offers a smaller and more condensed play area. Its size is between that of Fortune’s Keep and Rebirth Island, putting it in the category of a smaller, more focused map. The emphasis here is on fast-paced, close-quarters combat. The relatively smaller scale of the map forces players into more frequent engagements, creating a more frenetic and chaotic experience.
The lack of densely packed urban areas, compared to Vondel, means that players are often exposed and have fewer opportunities to hide. This makes a more aggressive playstyle optimal. Ashika Island is often seen as a more hectic experience than even Rebirth Island, and is designed to be super fast. The map’s key landmarks, including Tsuki Castle, Town Center, and the underground tunnel, often become hotspots for intense firefights. This makes Ashika perfect for players seeking quick, action-packed games.
A Mix of Terrains
Despite being smaller than Vondel, Ashika Island does offer a variety of terrain, from water to grass to rock formations. These varied landscapes create a diverse environment with different engagement opportunities. For example, the underground tunnel is a hotspot for loot and close-quarters combat, while the water surrounding the island provides opportunities for stealthy approaches and escape routes.
A Map For Aggressive Playstyles
Ashika Island caters heavily to players who favor aggressive playstyles. The smaller size and open areas encourage direct confrontations, and it rewards fast reflexes and good aim. While it’s important to still think tactically and utilize the varied terrain to your advantage, Ashika is overall a far less methodical experience than Vondel.
Conclusion: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Ultimately, the question of whether Ashika Island is better than Vondel is a subjective one. Vondel offers a larger, more complex, urban experience, that is suitable to those who enjoy tactical plays and longer matches. Ashika Island focuses on fast-paced, close-quarters action, providing intense combat and more regular engagements. Both maps are well-designed and enjoyable, catering to different playstyle preferences. The fact that Ashika Island has been temporarily swapped out to introduce Vondel shows that even the developers see the value in a change of pace.
Choosing between the two comes down to your personal gameplay preferences. If you love navigating dense cityscapes and long, drawn-out matches, Vondel is the map for you. But, if you prefer non-stop action and rapid encounters, Ashika Island may be better suited to your tastes. There is no definitively “better” map. Both offer unique and rewarding experiences, and the best choice is the map that most aligns with the kind of Warzone gameplay you enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the size difference between Ashika Island and Vondel?
Vondel is considerably larger than Ashika Island. While the specific dimensions of Vondel are around 1568m1568m, Ashika Island is approximately 471m471m. In terms of surface area, Ashika Island is about 222,002m² while Vondel sits at approximately 2,457,056m². Vondel is more than 10 times the size of Ashika Island.
2. How many players can participate in Vondel Resurgence matches?
Vondel supports up to 72 players in its Resurgence game mode, creating a larger scale, higher-intensity environment.
3. How many players are in a Vondel DMZ match?
A Vondel DMZ match can have up to 18 operators, divided into six squads of three players each.
4. How many players can be in an Ashika Island DMZ game?
Ashika Island DMZ matches have the same player count as Vondel DMZ matches, with 18 players, divided into six squads of three players.
5. Is Vondel bigger than Al Mazrah?
No, Vondel is smaller than Al Mazrah. It is positioned in size between Ashika Island and Al Mazrah.
6. Is Ashika Island smaller than Rebirth Island?
No, Ashika Island is larger than Rebirth Island, but smaller than Fortune’s Keep.
7. Is Vondel similar to Verdansk?
While Vondel has an urban setting reminiscent of Verdansk, the density of buildings in Vondel is much higher. Vondel is also brighter and more colorful in comparison to Verdansk.
8. What are the best weapons for Ashika Island?
Given its fast-paced nature, weapons like the ISO Hemlock, Kastov 762, and TAQ-56 are popular choices for Ashika Island due to their versatility and effectiveness in various ranges.
9. Where is the best loot on Ashika Island?
The underground tunnel is often cited as the best loot location on Ashika Island, offering numerous supply crates and opportunities for early-game advantages.
10. How long does a match of Vondel typically last?
A typical match of Vondel, due to its size, tends to last around 15 minutes, which is seen as a “sweet spot” by many players.
11. What makes Vondel a good Warzone map?
Vondel is praised for rewarding a variety of playstyles, its larger scale and complex urban environment, and its verticality and strategic opportunities. The beauty of the map is also a talking point.
12. Is Ashika Island good for PVP?
Yes, Ashika Island’s design encourages fast-paced, intense PVP encounters, with a lot of cover options, and opportunities for close quarter gun fights. The relatively smaller map means more engagements.
13. Is Ashika Island a good Resurgence map?
Yes, Ashika Island is considered a good Resurgence map, offering plenty of fun gameplay opportunities, even if the map itself is smaller.
14. Why was Ashika Island replaced with Vondel?
The developers temporarily replaced Ashika Island with Vondel as part of Warzone 2 Season 4’s map rotation, offering players a new map, while keeping Ashika Island in the game for rotation later on.
15. When is Ashika Island coming back to Warzone 2?
The specific date for Ashika Island’s return is not stated in this article, however, it is expected to be rotated back into the game, and will likely be a popular map option once it returns.