Warzone players worry about the return of the infamous Airport Tower on the new Pacific map, with strategies for dealing with it.
Deja Vu in the Pacific: The Airport Tower Returns
The ‘Secrets of the Pacific’ event for Call of Duty: Warzone has unearthed a familiar specter from Verdansk’s past, casting a shadow of concern over the community’s anticipation for the new Caldera map.
Player anxiety spiked immediately as teasers from the ‘Secrets of the Pacific’ event showcased a looming structure on Caldera that bears an uncanny resemblance to the most reviled landmark in Warzone history: the Airport Tower.
Throughout Warzone’s lifespan, the Verdansk map has been a battlefield of shifting meta and player sentiment. However, consensus formed firmly around one point: the tall, easily defensible Airport Tower (commonly called ATC) was a universally despised power position for campers.
This structure plagued players in the original Verdansk and its 1984-era counterpart. Its design prompted numerous strategy guides dedicated solely to breaching and clearing it, a testament to its frustrating dominance.
Now, the Secrets of the Pacific event has provided our first glimpses of the upcoming Caldera map. Among the tropical vistas, a notorious silhouette emerged, triggering instant recognition and debate within the player base.
Community Reaction: Dread and Cautious Optimism
No shot y’all really put a new ATC tower in the #Warzone Pacific map 💀@RavenSoftware say it ain’t so 😭 pic.twitter.com/AV93DrcQ0C
— ModernWarzone (@ModernWarzone) November 24, 2021
The community’s discovery was swift. Moments after the event launched, analysts and players alike dissected the previews, zeroing in on one particular image that seemed to transplant a Verdansk nightmare into the Pacific theater.
Expressing a collective plea, the popular outlet ModernWarzone directly tagged Raven Software, the development team, encapsulating the community’s hope that history would not repeat itself.
The sentiment in reply threads echoed this concern. Some discussions shifted to hopeful speculation about the rumored destructible environments promised with the Vanguard integration, wondering if players might finally have a tool to dismantle such fortified positions.
Where’s everyone dropping for the first Warzone Pacific tournament? 🏝
(via @CODTracker) pic.twitter.com/Alxu19GQRY
— Dexerto Esports (@DexertoEsports) November 24, 2021
A positive note emerged from the other teasers, which depicted landscapes distinctly different from Verdansk’s urban sprawl. This variety fuels excitement for players eager to explore fresh terrain and develop new tactical approaches.
Warzone’s BO7 update expands Verdansk with new and returning POIs
Warzone’s Verdansk Stadium roof is opening again & you get to destroy it
Warzone players fear massive Verdansk map changes as return confirmed
Practical Strategies for the New ATC Threat
While the tower’s return is concerning, proactive players can turn this challenge into an opportunity. Success hinges on understanding both the weaknesses of such positions and the common errors made when attacking or defending them.
Interestingly, a silver lining has been identified in the initial previews. A segment of the community has noted that the Caldera version of the tower appears to feature a prominent, winding external stairwell—a significant architectural departure from the more straightforward ascents in Verdansk.
This design could fundamentally alter the tower’s dynamics. A winding stairwell creates more angles of exposure for defenders, potentially making it harder to hold against a coordinated push. It also allows attackers to use ‘slice the pie’ techniques, clearing each segment of the staircase methodically. With the new map delayed and a launch date of December 8, players have time to theorize and practice these new approaches.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: The Single-File Assault. Charging up a stairwell or ladder one after another is a recipe for a multi-kill feed for the defender. Solution: Use distraction tools like stun grenades or smoke screens. Coordinate a simultaneous push from multiple entry points if available, such as a zipline and the stairs.
Mistake 2: Neglecting Verticality. Many players only think horizontally. Solution: Use a Heartbeat Sensor or UAV to pinpoint the defender’s floor. Consider using a Precision Airstrike on the roof to flush them downward, or use C4 thrown up elevator shafts or through windows.
Mistake 3: Camping Without an Exit. Occupying the tower without a planned escape route makes you a stationary target for final circles or aggressive teams. Solution: Always have a Loadout Drop or Buy Station plan to acquire a Self-Revive and Munitions Box. Keep a portable redeploy balloon or zipline rotation in mind.
Optimization Tips for Advanced Play
Loadout Specialization: Create a “Breacher” class featuring a high-capacity SMG (like the PPSh-41) for close-quarters clearing, a shotgun secondary, Stun Grenades, and Semtex or Thermite. Use the Battle Hardened perk to mitigate enemy stuns during your push.
Information Warfare: Before assaulting, use a Spotter Scope or recon drone to count enemies and identify their positions. A team covering multiple angles with sniper rifles can suppress defenders, making it harder for them to peek your advancing teammates.
Zone Awareness: The tower’s value plummets if the circle forces you out. Use it as a temporary power position to gain information and pick off rotations, but be prepared to abandon it early enough to secure a new position without being pinched.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Warzone players concerned as new Airport Tower spotted in Pacific teaser Warzone players worry about the return of the infamous Airport Tower on the new Pacific map, with strategies for dealing with it.