A gaming map is way more than just a navigational tool for gameplay. It’s an insight into a whole new world; an immersive experience that defines how we interact with our favorite games. Some video game maps are so imaginative, so impactful, so impressive, that they’ve left a lasting impact on players – shaping the way that games are played for decades to come.
Whether you’re into fast-paced battle arenas or sprawling, open-world landscapes, these locations have become almost as iconic, if not more so, than the games themselves. Here, the Displate gaming experts have taken a deep dive into some of the most iconic gaming maps of all time – from the maps that have had a lasting cultural impact, to the largest video game maps that have us exploring for hours and days.
FPS & Battle Royale Maps
Verdansk (Call of Duty)
Based on the fictional city of Verdansk, this map featured prominently in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, as well as providing a backdrop for the original battleground in Call of Duty: Warzone.
The city’s map has become iconic in the gaming community, drawing inspiration from the architecture and landscapes of Eastern Europe – and offering players a host of diverse environments to explore. Within the map, you’ll find several notable areas, including a sprawling airport terminal and surrounding facilities, an urban Downtown area, packed with narrow streets and high-rise buildings, and the infamous Gulag, a fortified prison complex found on the far east of the map.
The modern-day version of the map was replaced by a retro-style Verdansk ‘84 version in Season Three of Black Ops Cold War, following the Destruction of Verdansk event – before being replaced entirely by Caldera in Call of Duty: Vanguard Season One. Fans of the map will be pleased to know that it’s set to make a comeback this year, however, in Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0.
Blood Gulch (Halo)
First debuted all the way back in 2001 in Halo: Combat Evolved, the Blood Gulch map quickly became a multiplayer fan favorite thanks to its simple layout and design.
As the primary setting for the machinima series Red vs. Blue, the map gained significant recognition among Halo players – firmly cementing it as one of the most iconic maps in the multiplayer gaming world. Set in a symmetrical canyon, this enclosed map boasts natural high walls and a base at each end – one for each team – with the remainder of the map largely devoid of life.
Recommended for 4-16 players, the map has plenty of caves, cliffs, ledges and tunnels – perfect for sniping or springing a surprise attack on your opponent. With vehicle combat supported, players can make the most of Warthogs and Scorpions when planning out their battle tactics, bringing tons of layers of potential to what, at first glance, can look like a pretty simple map.
Open-World & RPG Maps
San Andreas (Grand Theft Auto)
Nothing says ‘cultural icon’ quite like Grand Theft Auto’s San Andreas video game map. This massive, open-world city and countryside setting was first released back in 2004, and is widely regarded as having influence both in and out of the world of gaming – serving as a cultural mirror for social issues like police corruption and drug epidemics.
San Andreas is seen in both the Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas and Grand Theft Auto V games, although there are some differences. GTA: San Andreas focuses on three distinct cities, inspired by Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco – each boasting its own unique atmosphere, design style, and opportunities for gameplay.
GTA V however centers primarily on Los Santos, the element of the map inspired by Los Angeles. In this game, there’s a real emphasis on capturing the essence of the real LA in greater detail, blurring the line more between the real world and the game world.
This version of the map is also larger, giving more scope for exploration and enhanced spread-out content located across expansive areas, making it one of the biggest open world games. You’ll also find Blaine County in this version of the game, a rural setting made up of mountainous regions, deserts and forests.
Night City (Cyberpunk 2077)
Night City is a sprawling, neon-soaked metropolis that serves as the heart of Cyberpunk 2077, drawing players into its chaotic blend of corporate greed, gang warfare, and cybernetic enhancements. Designed as a fully realized dystopian future, the city’s origins date back to visionary businessman Richard Night, whose dream of a self-sufficient, corporate-controlled utopia spiraled into a ruthless urban battleground. Set between Los Angeles and San Francisco, Night City thrives on corruption, and operates largely independently of federal or state laws.
The city’s six main districts offer distinct atmospheres and gameplay opportunities – from the corporate towers of City Center to the decaying streets of Pacifica, where gang wars rage. Westbrook boasts wealth and luxury, while Santo Domingo’s industrial sprawl powers the city. Watson, once a tech hub, has fallen into crime, and Heywood is a deceptive mix of suburbia and gang violence. The city’s depth extends beyond its streets, with a rich culture of self-expression, underground music, and transhumanist ideals.
Night City’s immersive detail, dynamic factions, and living world make it one of the most captivating game environments ever created. Featuring Entropism, Kitsch and Neomilitarism design influences, the map has influenced Cyberpunk at all levels, from the Cyberpunk 2077 game to the tabletop Cyberpunk 2020.
Tamriel (The Elder Scrolls)
Tamriel, the sprawling continent of The Elder Scrolls series, is a landmark of fantasy RPG design, offering players an immersive world filled with diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories.
Tamriel consists of nine distinct provinces, each home to unique civilizations and conflicts that define the series’ deep lore – and form the primary setting of the games. From the frozen peaks of Skyrim, home to the battle-hardened Nords, to the volcanic lands of Morrowind, where the Dunmer (Dark Elves) reside, each region boasts its own geography, traditions, and power struggles.
This is one of the best video game maps when it comes to richly detailed fantasy worlds. Whether players are exploring ancient ruins, engaging in faction rivalries, or shaping their own destiny, The Elder Scrolls has really leant in when it comes to offering players an unparalleled level of depth – and cementing Tamriel as a legendary setting in RPG history.
Platformers & Adventure Maps
Mushroom Kingdom (Super Mario)
The Mushroom Kingdom is one of the most iconic game settings, serving as the foundation of platformers since its debut in Super Mario Bros for the NES back in 1985. This vibrant world features diverse landscapes that offer players a host of environments to explore – from lush grasslands to towering mountains, scorching deserts to icy tundras.
Over the years, the Mushroom Kingdom has evolved alongside the Super Mario series. Take Super Mario Bros., where the 32 levels introduced players to different terrains and challenges within the map, while Super Mario 64 redefined the kingdom with Peach’s Castle as a central hub, allowing access to different worlds through magical paintings.
The beating heart of the Super Mario franchise, the Mushroom Kingdom’s colorful worlds and unforgettable locations simply never go out of style, representing the oldest map in our list.
Green Hill Zone (Sonic the Hedgehog)
Green Hill Zone is the most iconic map in Sonic the Hedgehog, instantly recognizable for its vibrant, checkered landscapes and thrilling loops. First introduced in 1991 for the Sega Genesis, this tropical-inspired map serves as the starting point of Sonic’s adventures, giving him a platform to showcase his incredible speed and mechanics.
Set on South Island, Green Hill Zone is defined by its rolling green hills, towering cliffs, tunnels, and signature loop-the-loops, offering players a fast-paced, exhilarating experience. The level’s aesthetic was inspired by the landscapes of California, with the aim of creating an engaging introduction to the Sonic universe. It’s remained a staple in the series, appearing in a whole host of games over the years.
The map represented technical innovation, with the development team succeeding in implementing the iconic loops and high speeds without compromising on the smoothness of gameplay.
MMO & Strategy Maps
Fortnite Island (Fortnite)
The ever-evolving Fortnite Island map stands as one of the most dynamic battle royale maps in gaming. Unlike static maps in other shooters, Fortnite continuously reshapes its battleground with every new chapter, with each major update meaning the island evolves, often through large-scale in-game events that dramatically alter the terrain and introduce new mechanics. The result? Fresh, exciting gameplay at all times.
Geographically, the island features a diverse range of biomes, including forests, deserts, snowy peaks, and urban landscapes. This variety encourages different playstyles, allowing players to strategize based on the specific advantages or opportunities to be found in the different areas. Whether navigating dense woodlands or sniping from icy ridges, the island’s diversity makes every match feel unique.
One of the map’s defining traits is its thematic transformations. Past seasons have introduced elements from popular culture, such as the Marvel-themed “Absolute Doom” season, which integrated iconic locations like Doomstadt and Castle Doom. This ever-changing landscape ensures no two battles ever feel the same. Fortnite Island is more than just a map – it’s a world in constant motion.
Azeroth (World of Warcraft)
Azeroth serves as the heart of the World of Warcraft series, and represents one of the most richly-developed fantasy worlds. This vast, fictional planet is home to several continents, including the Eastern Kingdoms, Kalimdor, Northrend, and Pandaria, each offering diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories.
According to the game’s lore, Azeroth was shaped by the Titans – godlike beings who sought to bring order to the universe. The geography of the map itself is legendary. The Maelstrom, a massive storm at the heart of the Great Sea, was formed during the Sundering, a cataclysmic event that shattered Azeroth’s original landmass. The Broken Isles, another key location, house the ruins of an ancient elven civilization and the infamous Tomb of Sargeras.
Over the years, expansions have introduced new zones, further enriching Azeroth’s deep lore and giving players fresh lands to explore. With its ever-expanding map, deep mythology, and endless conflicts, Azeroth remains one of the most immersive and beloved settings in fantasy gaming history.
Bring Your Favorite Gaming Maps to Life with Displate
From the neon streets of Night City to the iconic landscapes of Green Hill Zone, gaming’s most famous maps have shaped unforgettable adventures for players worldwide for decades. These legendary locations aren’t just backdrops – they’re living, breathing worlds that define the gaming experience.
If you want to bring your favorite game maps into your own space, explore Displate’s collection of stunning gaming posters. Whether you’re a fan of Cyberpunk 2077, Halo, Call of Duty, or Sonic the Hedgehog, there’s a design to level up every setup.
