CODM Cage

A small map set in an urban construction site, Cage encourages frequent close quarters engagements, flanked by long sight lines opening opportunities for snipers and other long-range attackers.

As a small map featuring a symmetrical layout, it doesn’t take long to get your bearings on Cage. The top and bottom spawns mirror each other, with each team facing a staircase straight up the middle for a vantage point over the center, and long open alleys to either side. Further out stand two-story structures with multiple entry points and partial views over several locations.

Much of the action takes place along the map’s natural vertical flow, though with the center being open on the sides, expect plentiful engagements as players cross from alley to alley seeking shortcuts to their enemy’s demise. This risks exposure, however, to shots from the above platforms, so check that the coast is clear before rushing through.

The map offers heavy protection in the form of thick crates and concrete blocks scattered throughout, so even though space is limited, you can still play tactically. Go on the attack when you’ve got the drop on someone or take a short breath behind cover to reload and heal up in heated moments. Keep an eye on the mini map to help make smart positioning decisions.

The two-story side structures provide a means of travel aside from the open alleyways, and each offers decent views into the top and bottom spawns, as well as the center. With a stairway on both sides and a ladder leading directly to the second level, these areas favor close quarters builds as shotguns make short work of the enemy.

While a smaller map, Cage caters to all playstyles, the focus being on choosing the best position for the weapon in your hand. The alleyways naturally attract snipers and other long-range attackers, who can dodge in and out of cover while pelting enemy players. Switch from alley to alley when the fighting grows quiet, or you risk being flanked from the other side. If you’re on the receiving end of this, use the tall cover in the center alley for protection, and then either pop back out and attack or back up to a safer location.

Short-range loadouts perform exceptionally well in the side buildings, where players are squeezed together. Rush in, hip-fire to maximize your mobility against close targets, and then either move on or defend your position and shoot enemies below. Know when to book it, though, because you won’t be safe for long.

When combat heats up in the middle, use the center staircases for an overhead power position. Keep in mind, however, that the symmetrical design of the map means an enemy player positioned on the opposite side will have a straight shot at you. And of course, keep your head on a swivel to avoid being taken out from behind.

In the north and south spawn locations, use the high center walls to keep cover. Just remember that it blocks your view as well as your enemy’s, and games of cat and mouse can break out here as players chase after one another for the kill. Also take note of the side structures, where players can get shots on the spawn locations.

Now that you’ve got a grip on the basics, let’s dig into specifics. Success on Cage relies on anticipating enemy movement and knowing when to rush in and when to hold your ground or fall back. With its open, rectangular alignment, you can get a good view of the battle from the corner spawn locations, for a clearer idea of where the fight is taking place.

Don’t run always run straight in — the shortest path isn’t always the best path, especially in a small map like this where you can flank easily. If there’s a firefight down the alley, cut through the center. If middle map is seeing the most action, run into one of the side buildings and shoot down.

Pistols are your friend here, whether your primary is geared toward short- or long-range engagements. If you have a sniper rifle or SMG equipped, you’ll want the pistol’s close-range power when the enemy closes in, and if you’re up front in the frenzy of battle, use that fast swap when reloading would take too long.

Make good use of your lethals and tacticals to blow up and disorient enemies down an alley or up in one of the side structures.