Will Call of Duty Bring Back Shipment? The Saga Continues

The short answer is a resounding yes, eventually. Shipment, the chaotic, claustrophobic, and undeniably addictive map, is a recurring phenomenon in the Call of Duty universe. It’s less a question of if and more a question of when and in what form. However, the frequency of its appearance, the specific iteration, and how it integrates into the game’s ecosystem are all variables that keep players on their toes, anxiously awaiting its return.

The Enduring Appeal of Shipment

Shipment’s allure lies in its concentrated chaos. It’s a map stripped bare of pretense, a 4×4 grid of shipping containers where engagements are constant, reflexes are tested, and killstreaks can be earned (or lost) in the blink of an eye. This intensity provides a unique gameplay experience, starkly contrasting with the larger, more tactical maps also present in Call of Duty titles. It’s a playground for aggressive playstyles, a testing ground for weapon builds, and a fantastic option for leveling up quickly.

Its popularity stems from its accessibility. Matches are quick, action is non-stop, and there’s always something happening. This makes it ideal for short bursts of gameplay, grinding out weapon levels, and completing challenges. However, the fleeting nature of the Shipment 24/7 playlist also fuels the demand. The knowledge that it could disappear at any moment adds urgency and reinforces the community’s desire for its permanent inclusion.

The Cyclical Nature of Shipment’s Appearance

The map’s history is one of inclusion and exclusion. It debuted (accidentally, no less!) in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare and has since reappeared in various forms across multiple titles, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019), Call of Duty: Mobile, Call of Duty: Vanguard, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022). Each iteration features slight modifications to the layout, but the core gameplay loop remains consistent.

This cyclical inclusion and removal is a source of both excitement and frustration for players. On one hand, its return is always a celebrated event, a chance to revisit a beloved classic. On the other hand, its disappearance often coincides with complaints about its replacement.

Reasons Behind the Removal

Why the constant in-and-out treatment? Several theories circulate within the Call of Duty community:

• Player Distribution: One leading theory is that Activision removes Shipment periodically to encourage players to engage with other game modes and maps. The intense popularity of Shipment can inadvertently siphon players away from other areas of the game, potentially leading to longer matchmaking times in less popular modes. By removing Shipment temporarily, Activision subtly guides players towards a more balanced distribution across all available content.
• Pacing Progression: Another prominent theory suggests that limiting access to Shipment helps to control player progression. The map is notoriously efficient for leveling up weapons and earning experience. By removing it, Activision can slow down the overall pace of player advancement, potentially encouraging continued engagement over a longer period.
• Creating Hype: The scarcity principle is a powerful motivator. By making Shipment a limited-time offering, Activision effectively generates hype and anticipation for its eventual return. This approach ensures that its reappearance is always met with enthusiasm and renewed player interest.
• Playlist Variety: The decision to rotate playlists is common in online multiplayer games, including Call of Duty. This strategy aims to keep the gameplay experience fresh and prevent stagnation. By cycling through different playlists, including limited-time offerings like Shipment 24/7, developers hope to cater to a broader range of player preferences and maintain a dynamic gameplay environment.

The Future of Shipment

Given its enduring popularity and track record, it’s safe to say that Shipment will reappear in future Call of Duty titles. The specifics, however, remain uncertain. Will it return as a standalone Shipment 24/7 playlist? Will it be integrated into a larger map rotation? Or will it be reimagined with a fresh twist, perhaps tied to a seasonal event or game update?

The integration of Modern Warfare II content into Warzone, and the expected integration of Modern Warfare III content, means that any version of Shipment could potentially become available within the battle royale ecosystem, too. The opportunities for its inclusion are vast.

Ultimately, Shipment’s future is intertwined with the ongoing development and evolution of the Call of Duty franchise. While the when and the how remain open questions, the if is answered. This classic map will undoubtedly continue to provide players with that dose of concentrated mayhem that they love and will be a map in COD for years to come.

Studying player behaviour and the effects of gameplay in the Call of Duty franchise is important for understanding how we all learn and adapt to new situations. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) is dedicated to this idea and you can learn more at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Shipment in Call of Duty

Here are fifteen frequently asked questions regarding Shipment and its place in the Call of Duty universe, answered in detail for comprehensive coverage:

1. Is Shipment permanently available in Modern Warfare 2?

No. While players widely appreciate the map, the Shipment 24/7 playlist is not a permanent fixture in Modern Warfare 2. Activision typically rotates playlists to keep the game fresh and encourage players to explore different modes and maps.

2. Why do they keep removing Shipment from MW2?

There are several reasons, including influencing player distribution across various game modes and maps, controlling the overall pace of player progression and leveling, creating hype for its eventual return, and maintaining playlist variety.

3. What replaced Shipment on MW2?

The Shipment 24/7 playlist is typically replaced with another popular map or playlist, such as Shoot House 24/7. The specific replacement varies depending on Activision’s rotation schedule.

4. Is Shipment in MW2 free?

Access to Shipment is included as part of the standard multiplayer experience for those who own Modern Warfare 2. During free access periods, players who don’t own the game can still experience Shipment as part of the limited-time offering.

5. Will Modern Warfare 3 have Shipment?

While not always guaranteed, given the map’s popularity, it’s highly likely that Shipment will eventually be integrated into Modern Warfare 3 either at launch or through a post-launch update. However, official announcements regarding its inclusion in Modern Warfare 3 would need to be made by Activision.

6. What is the 24/7 Shipment in Call of Duty?

The Shipment 24/7 playlist features only the Shipment map, playable around the clock. This is a popular option for fast-paced action, leveling up weapons, and completing challenges.

7. What games has Shipment been in?

Shipment has appeared in multiple Call of Duty titles, including Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Call of Duty Online, Call of Duty: Mobile, Call of Duty: Vanguard, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019), and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II. The map was also added as a multiplayer map in Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile during its Limited Release on September 27th, 2023.

8. When was Shipment originally released?

Shipment was initially released (accidentally) in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare in 2007.

9. Is Shipment good for leveling up weapons?

Yes. Shipment’s small size and constant action make it an excellent map for leveling up weapons quickly. The high engagement rate allows players to rapidly accumulate kills and experience points.

10. Is Shipment good for grinding camos?

Absolutely. The constant engagements and high kill potential on Shipment make it one of the best maps for grinding weapon camos. The fast-paced action provides ample opportunities to complete challenges and unlock different camo patterns.

11. Will MW2 weapons and blueprints carry over to MW3?

Yes. All MW2 weapons, attachments, and blueprints will transfer as long as they have been unlocked.

12. What is the best way to play Shipment?

The “best” way to play Shipment depends on individual playstyle. Generally, aggressive tactics and fast reflexes are rewarded. Using high-damage weapons, short-range builds, and tactical equipment like stun grenades or flashbangs can also increase your effectiveness.

13. Why do people like Shipment so much?

The appeal of Shipment lies in its simplicity, intensity, and accessibility. The small size and non-stop action provide a unique and engaging experience. It’s a great option for short bursts of gameplay, leveling up quickly, and testing weapon builds.

14. Does Shipment appear in Ranked Play?

It depends. While Shipment is primarily featured in core multiplayer playlists, its inclusion in Ranked Play varies depending on Activision’s specific rules and rotations for each season. Typically, Ranked Play focuses on more strategically complex maps.

15. What is the best class setup for Shipment?

Again, the ideal class setup for Shipment depends on personal preference and playstyle. However, a few common recommendations include:

• Weapons: SMGs and shotguns are popular choices due to their effectiveness in close-quarters combat.
• Perks: Perks that enhance movement speed, reload speed, and survivability are valuable on Shipment.
• Equipment: Stun grenades, flashbangs, and tactical insertions can provide a significant advantage in the chaotic environment.