Terrace: A Deep Dive into Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare’s Unique Map

Introduction

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, released in 2014, marked a significant evolution in the franchise, introducing exoskeletons and advanced movement mechanics that redefined the core gameplay experience. Amidst the futuristic weaponry and enhanced mobility, the maps themselves played a crucial role in shaping the overall dynamic. One map, in particular, stands out as a memorable and strategically rich environment: Terrace. Nestled within a luxurious Mediterranean setting, Terrace offered a unique blend of open-air combat, close-quarters engagements, and tactical flanking opportunities that set it apart from other maps in Advanced Warfare. Terrace, in the landscape of Advanced Warfare’s multiplayer, became a favorite for many.

This article provides an in-depth exploration of Terrace, dissecting its intricate layout, analyzing effective gameplay strategies, and examining its lasting impact on the Advanced Warfare community. By understanding the nuances of Terrace, players can appreciate its design and potentially improve their performance on similar maps. Terrace’s unique layout and features made it a strategic and engaging map within Advanced Warfare, influencing gameplay and solidifying its place in the game’s legacy.

Map Overview and Layout

Terrace presents a picturesque scene of a high-end Mediterranean resort. The architecture is characterized by pristine white buildings, sun-drenched terraces, and a sparkling central pool. However, beneath the serene facade lies a complex battlefield where control of key areas is paramount for success. This is the beauty of the Terrace map in Call of Duty Advanced Warfare.

Central Courtyard

The heart of Terrace is arguably the Central Courtyard, dominated by a large swimming pool. This open area provides long sightlines, making it a dangerous zone for those caught out in the open. Control of the courtyard is crucial for dictating the flow of the match, allowing teams to push into enemy territory or effectively defend their positions. Common routes through the courtyard include flanking paths along the edges and quick dashes across the open space, often utilizing Exo Boost for increased speed and agility. The area is generally a hot spot for engagements, requiring players to be constantly aware of their surroundings. Players can often find a good vantage point around the pool area where they can take out unsuspecting players.

Hotel Lobby

Adjacent to the courtyard lies the Hotel Lobby, a stark contrast to the open space outside. This indoor area is characterized by tight corridors, sharp corners, and limited visibility, making it ideal for close-quarters combat. Shotguns and submachine guns reign supreme in the hotel lobby, as players engage in intense, face-to-face firefights. The hotel lobby is a critical chokepoint, often contested by both teams attempting to control access to the courtyard or the side terraces. Mastering movement and reaction time within the hotel lobby is essential for dominating this area.

Side Terraces

Flanking the courtyard and hotel lobby are the Side Terraces, elevated platforms offering strategic vantage points and flanking routes. These terraces provide excellent sightlines across the courtyard, allowing snipers and riflemen to pick off unsuspecting targets. They also serve as valuable flanking routes, enabling players to circumvent enemy defenses and launch surprise attacks. Controlling the side terraces is crucial for maintaining map control and suppressing enemy movements. Players must be wary of counter-snipers and utilize cover effectively to avoid being eliminated. The Terrace map has a number of flanking routes which allow players to move around unseen and take out enemies from behind.

Underground Area

Finally, the Underground Area (if present and if map design allows for it, adjust based on accurate map details) provides a subterranean network connecting various points on the map. This area is often dimly lit and labyrinthine, offering a unique environment for stealthy maneuvers and surprise attacks. The underground area can be used to bypass enemy defenses, flank key positions, or escape from heated engagements. Players who master the underground area can gain a significant advantage by utilizing its covert pathways and unexpected entrances.

Spawn locations on Terrace are typically situated at opposite ends of the map, providing teams with a relatively safe starting point. However, spawn points can shift dynamically based on the flow of the match, requiring players to be constantly aware of their surroundings and adjust their strategies accordingly. Understanding spawn patterns is crucial for anticipating enemy movements and preventing spawn traps.

The flow of Terrace typically involves a constant struggle for control of the central courtyard, with teams vying for dominance of this crucial area. Flanking maneuvers are common, as players attempt to outmaneuver their opponents and gain a tactical advantage. The tight corridors of the hotel lobby and the elevated vantage points of the side terraces provide additional layers of strategic complexity, requiring players to adapt their tactics to the specific environment.

Gameplay Strategies and Tactics

Mastering Terrace requires a combination of map knowledge, strategic thinking, and skillful execution. Understanding the layout and flow of the map is crucial for anticipating enemy movements, controlling key areas, and effectively flanking opponents.

General tips for Terrace include maintaining constant map awareness, utilizing verticality to your advantage, and communicating effectively with your teammates. Paying attention to the minimap, listening for enemy footsteps, and coordinating your movements with your team can provide a significant advantage.

Weapon selection is critical on Terrace, as different weapons excel in different areas of the map. Close-range weapons, such as shotguns and submachine guns, are ideal for the tight corridors of the hotel lobby. The KF5 is a highly effective weapon in the close confines of this map. Mid-range weapons, such as assault rifles, are well-suited for the open areas of the courtyard. Long-range weapons, such as sniper rifles, are effective on the side terraces and other vantage points. Consider the BAL-27 assault rifle a great option to use on this map.

Exo Suit abilities play a crucial role in Advanced Warfare, and mastering these abilities is essential for success on Terrace. Exo Boost can be used for quick traversal across the courtyard, reaching elevated positions, or dodging enemy fire. Exo Slam can be used to surprise opponents in close-quarters engagements or to clear out contested areas. Exo Cloak (if available) can be used for stealthy flanks or objective plays.

In Team Deathmatch, the key is to control key areas of the map and maximize kills. Focus on dominating the central courtyard and side terraces, utilizing flanking routes to surprise opponents and secure eliminations. Communication with your team is crucial for coordinating movements and maximizing your effectiveness.

In Domination, the objective is to capture and hold the three flags located throughout the map. Work with your team to coordinate flag captures and defend captured flags against enemy attacks. Rotate between flags as needed to maintain control of the majority of the objectives.

In Search and Destroy, the objective is to either plant and detonate a bomb on the enemy site or eliminate the opposing team. Communicate with your team to coordinate offensive and defensive strategies. Utilize flanking routes and stealthy maneuvers to surprise the enemy and secure the win.

The Community’s Perspective and Lasting Impact

Terrace was generally well-received by the Advanced Warfare community, praised for its balanced layout, strategic depth, and engaging gameplay. Many players appreciated the map’s diverse environments, which catered to a variety of playstyles and weapon preferences. However, some players criticized the map’s spawn points, which could occasionally lead to spawn traps or unfair engagements.

While information on specific competitive tournaments featuring Terrace is limited, its balanced design made it a viable option for competitive play. The map’s strategic depth and diverse environments provided ample opportunities for skilled players to showcase their abilities. It was used in pick-up games and smaller tournaments for players that enjoyed Advanced Warfare’s fast-paced gameplay.

Anecdotes and community stories related to Terrace often revolve around epic sniper battles on the side terraces, intense shotgun duels in the hotel lobby, and clutch plays using Exo Suit abilities. Players often share stories of memorable moments on Terrace, highlighting the map’s ability to create exciting and unpredictable gameplay experiences.

Compared to other maps in Advanced Warfare, Terrace stands out as a particularly well-designed and balanced environment. Its diverse environments, strategic depth, and engaging gameplay made it a fan favorite and a staple of the Advanced Warfare multiplayer experience. Its balance allowed different players and weapon types to thrive in the landscape of the game.

Terrace’s lasting impact on Advanced Warfare is evident in its continued popularity among players and its frequent appearance in online discussions and forums. The map is fondly remembered by many as one of the best maps in Advanced Warfare, and its influence can be seen in the design of subsequent maps in the Call of Duty franchise.

Conclusion

Terrace is, without a doubt, a standout map in Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, distinguished by its strategic complexity, balanced layout, and immersive Mediterranean setting. Its blend of open areas, tight corridors, and elevated vantage points created a dynamic and engaging environment that catered to a variety of playstyles. The map’s unique features, combined with the innovative Exo Suit mechanics of Advanced Warfare, resulted in a memorable and strategically rich gameplay experience.

Terrace’s significance within the context of Advanced Warfare lies in its ability to showcase the game’s core mechanics and provide players with ample opportunities to demonstrate their skill and strategic thinking. The map’s balanced design ensured that no single playstyle or weapon dominated, fostering a competitive environment where players could thrive regardless of their preferences.

In conclusion, Terrace remains a fondly remembered and influential map in the Call of Duty franchise. Its enduring appeal stems from its strategic depth, balanced layout, and immersive setting, all of which contributed to its status as a fan favorite and a staple of the Advanced Warfare multiplayer experience. Terrace offered players a balanced and engaging multiplayer experience that made it a favorite amongst players.