Prebrief

Deploy to a crash site in the desert, a fortified canyon dominated by long-ranged sightlines. With smart use of the terrain, however, all playstyles can thrive, using flank routes to disrupt enemy positions and control key areas on the map.

To avoid getting scorched in this desert landscape, study up on the fundamentals. Here’s what you should know about Afghan:

Intel Card — Afghan

Tactical Overview

In team-based modes, squads will either spawn at Rocks (north) or in Canyon (south). 

Afghan’s desert landscape is connected by its central Cave and the three main overland pathways. Consider all routes toward your destination, especially when fighting outside of the long-ranged playstyle often encountered on the map.

For the purposes of this guide, we’ve divided Afghan into six sections based on key areas around the map:  

• MAIN SPAWN POINT: Rocks
• MAIN SPAWN POINT: Canyon
• ADDITIONAL AREA: Poppy Fields (+ Bunkers) 
• ADDITIONAL AREA: Plane (+ Bunkers) 
• ADDITIONAL AREA: Cave 
• ADDITIONAL AREA: Batteries (+ Walkway, Cliffs)

MAIN SPAWN POINT: Rocks (NORTH)

The central support for the pipeline creates a circular path here. Close-ranged Loadouts can do well on the path toward Batteries, cutting off movement at an important pivot point. Operators with mid- to long-ranged weapons can use the area’s height for a look into the Poppy Fields and the back of the Plane, shutting down enemies from afar and then falling back to avoid return fire. The lower path is equally useful, offering a lower profile ambush point against enemies on the ground and in the Plane.

MAIN SPAWN POINT: Canyon (SOUTHEAST)

The open ground and sparse cover here can create issues for Operators not equipped for long-ranged combat, with the Bunker to the north enjoying a powerful vantage point over movement in the area. The armored trucks and the small hill in the center can, however, be used to launch counter-sniping operations.

Climb into the back of a truck for a well-defended vantage over enemies or move in toward the closed-up Cave entrance, hugging the cliff wall to ambush enemies coming through and avoid getting sighted from the Bunker. You can also get a great view down the front of the Plane from Canyon, though make sure you’ve first disposed of any enemy threats in the Bunkers.

ADDITIONAL AREA: Poppy Fields

Behind the two center-facing Bunkers, the Poppy Fields offer a valuable flanking path for those looking to avoid the dangerous middle section. It’s far from a safe haven, though, as Operators vie for position within the coveted Bunkers; each has a rear exit toward the fields.

Watch the surrounding farm buildings and check the open shack overlooking the fields. Its thin walls won’t negate much incoming damage, but the concealment it offers gives those inside the advantage against incoming enemies. Be aware of the area’s vulnerability to enemy aerial streaks as well, with a near total lack of overhead cover unless you can hold your ground in one of the Bunkers.

ADDITIONAL AREA: Plane

A military transport aircraft lies in ruins at the center of the map, broken into three large sections that Operators can get inside of and on top of. The open desert around the crash site is a dead man’s land, though some scattered supplies can provide cover in a pinch.

While danger lurks on all sides, note the Bunkers in particular for their high defense and clean sight over the middle. Other major power positions lie to the west on a high desert perch found just above the aircraft’s vertical stabilizer, and a cliffside ledge accessible by running up the Plane’s wing. You don’t have to stick to the perimeter, either: Get inside the cockpit and other parts of the Plane to attack enemies from the middle out.

ADDITIONAL AREA: Cave

Though small in size, the Cave is a major point of interest on Afghan. It’s great for avoiding enemy aerial streaks, and it provides a quick route between the Plane and the western cliffside.

Because you can more easily control your sightlines toward the center from within the Cave, you can take shots against enemies in the Plane and Bunkers and then slip back to safety before they can respond. By covering the Walkway and Cliffs on the other side, you can shut down enemy movement along a key portion of the western path.

With three entry points into it, however, the Cave can quickly become a hot spot, so be ready to engage in close-quarters combat at a moment’s notice, whether that’s swapping to your secondary or taking along a Shotgun for short-ranged power.

ADDITIONAL AREA: Batteries

The Batteries along with the Walkway and Cliffs wrap around the map’s western edge in narrow, winding paths. Climb over the rocks on its southern end to ambush enemy Operators moving along the Walkway and the Cliffs near the Cave. The branching routes here provide plentiful options in tracking down enemies in the area.

The top section opens up around crumbled stone walls in an area well suited to mid-ranged combat. The high cliff ledge overlooking the Plane is sure to draw attention; look for the chance to activate a Finishing Move against distracted snipers there; then land some of your own shots from up high before moving on to your next target.

Objective Overview

Overall Tactics

The team who squeezes every advantage out of the environment will often take the lead. It’s not just about using the known power positions but also making things work for you no matter where you are on the map.

Coordinate with your teammates to outplay enemies by attacking from multiple angles, combining close- and long-ranged attacks, and always coordinating your movements toward the objective at hand.

When fighting up close, use the canyon walls and other large cover objects like the Plane to control sightlines and minimize your exposure to attack. Using the improved movement system of Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® III, you can move into place quickly and carefully, closing the gap when it’s most needed.

Long-ranged Loadouts have their pick of the middle, with other extended sightlines found throughout the Batteries and Poppy Fields. When fighting from afar, remember to check behind you for incoming flanks, and always move on from your vantage point when the objective calls for it.

Domination

Afghan’s circular design really comes into focus in Domination matches. Instead of the usual B flag placement near the center of the map, it’s positioned north in the Poppy Fields, creating a triangular layout.

This pushes the action toward the outer edges of the map, though control of the center still brings advantages as a direct route between flags.

Note that all three flags are open to the skies above, so when defending, consider moving away from the objective to a more secure location. On the attack, do some intel gathering, and when enemies are spotted near the flag, let them have it and then secure the objective.

If you’re feeling risky, try holding down the central Plane. By using all three sections of the aircraft to control your sightlines, you can disrupt enemy pathways while gaining quick access to whichever of the three flags is the most in need. Ping enemy forces on sight to guide your teammates toward imminent threats and seek always to secure two flags and hold.

Hardpoint

It’s a mad rush for the center as the first Hardpoint activates in the Plane. Be ready to toss your grenades at incoming enemies and stake your claim by the crash site. The team that best holds this first Hardpoint will gain a valuable advantage, as control of the middle is valuable at all times during the match.

Keep your equipment handy when the objective moves to the Cave and the other locations on the map’s boundary. From obscuring the enemy’s view with a Smoke Grenade to gathering intel with a Snapshot Grenade or simply dislodging them with an explosive, your equipment often makes the difference when fighting for a Hardpoint.

Watch the cliff ledges and the top of the Plane for enemies holding down the center or avoid it altogether by moving around the perimeter. If navigating a longer route gets you to your destination in one piece, take it. Once you reach scrap time in the final moments of the Hardpoint, start moving onto the next one.

Cutthroat

In Afghan’s large environment, it pays to stick together when seeking out enemy Operators. By hugging the map’s large cover pieces, players have a better chance of pulling back under fire even when downed. Back up, get revived, and renew the attack.

Cutthroat matches can end in moments when squads meet in the middle or become tense tactical affairs as players vie for the best cover positions on the map. As always in this mode, it’s a balance between waiting to see how the other teams will engage and being aggressive so you can earn points toward your next streak.

Because the overtime flag makes for good bait here, expect some rounds to play out in a standoff, going to the squad with the most remaining health. If you find yourself in this situation, check your team’s health compared to the others so you know whether you should pursue the remaining Operators or stay put and hold onto your lead until the clock runs out.

Search & Destroy

With its long distances, winding paths, and multitude of power positions, Search & Destroy becomes the tactical Operator’s dream on Afghan.

On the attacking side, getting to the A bomb site is a risky proposition, but by coming from the north, it’s possible to use the Plane segments for cover on the way there. Consider sending a sharpshooter up on the high ledge overlooking the crash site while those on the ground rush to the fuselage for cover.

If your squad is better suited to close- and midranged combat, you may prefer taking the Cliffs route toward B, which is mostly devoid of long sightlines. Split your team through the Cave and the outer path to approach the bomb site from both sides.

On defense, control of the Cave is paramount, considering the easy access it provides to both the A and B bomb sites. Supplement that with an Operator or two in the eastern Bunker to engage enemies coming toward A. Use your comms to keep your team aware of any movement in the area.

Top 10 Tips

1. Book it. The biggest downfall for snipers and other sharpshooters is being predictable by sticking to one area. Use Afghan’s open layout to your advantage by constantly staying on the move. There are plenty of long-ranged sightlines on the map — use them all.

2. It’s in the glint. High-powered optics produce a glint when zoomed in, a sure sign that an enemy sharpshooter is zeroing in on your position. If you see this, get out of the way and then ping their position for all to see.

3. Take a friend. Whenever possible, split your forces when attacking a location, especially against snipers. While they’re great at targeting individual enemies from a distance, they struggle against attacks from multiple sides.

4. Storm the Cave. When attacking enemies in the Cave, the southern entrance is often your best bet. You don’t have the Plane at your back as with the northern entrance, nor the hampered view from the west. Easily spot enemies within and take the place for yourself.

5. Take the pilot’s seat. The aircraft’s cockpit makes for a worthy ground-based power position. The front windows provide a strong view toward the Canyon and the eastern Bunker, with additional openings toward the Cave, the other Bunker, and the central fuselage.

6. Up and over. It’s possible to climb on top of all three aircraft sections, so keep that in your arsenal of tricks when defending the central crash site. Get down low to limit your exposure and move on once they start coming for you.

7. What a crowd. There’s little overhead cover on Afghan, meaning the Bunkers and Cave can get pretty crowded when aerial streaks threaten from above. Be prepared for company in these moments, whether you’re the one escaping the streaks or expecting enemies to come in while evading yours.

8. Watch the Killcam. Afghan’s open environment offers plentiful positions from which to launch an attack. If you’re eliminated and unsure where the attack originated from, watch the Killcam for insight into their position, then get your revenge.

9. Bunker shutdown. If the enemy team starts causing trouble in the Bunkers, consider setting up in the rear Poppy Fields. From there, you can easily pester Operators inside either Bunker, forcing them to look away from the downed Plane.

10. Barrel swap. Look for Barrel attachments that extend your weapon’s bullet velocity and range to increase your damage against distant enemies. Even on shorter-ranged weapons, the addition can mean the difference between losing or winning crucial skirmishes.

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