The Ultimate Ranking of the Best Call of Duty Games Released
Most of you would agree when I say the Call of Duty (CoD) franchise took first-person shooters to the next level. Classics like Counter-Strike, Half-Life, and Medal of Honor set the stage for multiplayer, storytelling, and playing with historical elements.
But CoD? It took all those together and amplified them. CoD gave us Hollywood-level action and storylines, fast-paced and improved multiplayer, plus realistic visuals. Over two decades, it shaped countless childhoods and became the FPS franchise everyone wanted to beat.
I’ve sifted through this iconic series to give you the BEST Call of Duty games. This ranking highlights what each game is all about, from best to worst. Reminiscing about my days TRYING to play Nuketown 2025 in Black Ops II while making this list was a welcome trip back to memory lane. And, not gonna lie, it made me want to play again.
It wasn’t easy to decide on the rankings. CoD gamers are fiercely divided on their faves. I don’t blame them. This series holds a special place in my memories and growing up with it has made me opinionated too. But I’ve considered everything to keep this list objective. Keep on reading to find out how I determined the rankings.
Top Picks: Best Call of Duty Games
Speaking of the collective vote, Black Ops 2 won it 3 times in 3 different instances. To scratch the surface and give you something to start with, here are our top 5 headliners:
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (2012) – Cold War meets future warfare. “Pick 10” loadouts, branching choices.
- Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010) – deep-cover missions, conspiracy theories, classic Zombies.
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) – Price is back. Realism mode, cross-play with buddies.
- Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007) – iconic campaign missions, “No Russian” and “All Ghillied Up”.
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022) – brutal campaign, intense multiplayer, and a new take on Warzone.
Want to find the full list of the best Call of Duty games ever released? Keep scrolling to see the leading titles, what makes them special, and get the best deals.
Why Does Call of Duty Remain a Gaming Phenomenon?
The Call of Duty games are far more than FPS games – they’re cultural phenomena. CoD has united millions across the globe, from plebs like ourselves to full-time eSports pros.
The thing about CoD being so unique is the fact that its formula always changes because it never really does. Something about those nail-biting campaigns, competitive multiplayer experience, and fresh story arcs have stuck with us for life.
I still remember the addictive struggle of running through tight spaces and dodging grenades in Nuketown or that mission, “No Russian,” from Modern Warfare 2 that hit me right in the gut. It’s something that sticks in my head. And multiplayer? It’s just chaos, but in the best way.
I can probably give a TED talk on all those legendary games on Nuketown or Terminal. That nostalgia is the kind of thing that keeps drawing me – and everyone else – back regularly, even when they keep remixing things.
CoD doesn’t get complacent – it’s always looking for new ways to reinvent itself. With the Zombies mode, the Battle Royale (Warzone), and turret graphics. It’s this fusion of nostalgia and innovation that brings everyone back to CoD time and again.
How We Determined the Best Call of Duty Games
Ranking the best Call of Duty games wasn’t a walk in the park but I wanted to be fair when considering the CoD game franchise. I focused on what makes each game memorable and remarkable. Story, gameplay, multiplayer, and graphics were all considered. I replayed some beloved titles that I owned, like some Black Ops and Modern Warfare, editions to jog my memory.
Here are the factors we looked at:
- Storyline and Campaign Quality
- Multiplayer Experience and Innovation
- Graphics and Technical Performance
- Game Modes and Replayability
- Fan Reception and Critical Acclaim
Deep-diving and looking into each element of the game made it easier to see the bigger picture of each game and why it deserved its place in the ranking.
1. Call of Duty: Black Ops 2
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Setting and Historical Period: |
| ⭐ 9.8/10 | 2012 | PC, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 | Cold War, Near Future 2025 |
Game Synopsis: Black Ops 2 dives into revenge, tech, and future warfare chaos.
Key Features and Innovations:
- Enjoy choice-based story and branching paths in campaign.
- “Pick 10” system featured in multiplayer revolutionized how gamers could set up their loadout.
Metacritic Score: 83/100 from critics.
Gamers’ Reception: While CoD players happily insult each other over their preferences, they did collectively choose Black Ops 2 as number one across several online polls.
Black Ops 2 is a favorite for a reason. The campaign was innovative—every choice mattered and the multiplayer was super engaging. Everyone loved those classic Zombies maps like TranZit and Buried.
What I liked: Nuketown 2025. I was largely terrible at this map but that’s what made it fun.
Sales & Industry Impact: Sold over 29 million copies and seriously influenced later entries with the player-choice narrative.
Ideal For: Meaningful campaigns and fun multiplayer fans.
Grab Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 now >
2. Call of Duty: Black Ops
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Setting and Historical Period: |
| ⭐ 9.7/10 | 2010 | PC, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X | Cold War, 1960s |
Game Synopsis: This one sends you on deep covert missions that turn out to be mind-bending.
Key Features and Innovations:
- Choice-based missions and one hell of a conspiracy story.
- Zombies mode brought endless hours of co-op chaos.
Metacritic Score: 87/100 from critics.
Gamers’ Reception: Players went nuts for the campaign’s twists and the nostalgia trip of Cold War weapons. Loved for the narrative depth and classic Zombies.
What I Liked: The unpredictable story and Zombies mode! I played this on a Wii.
Sales & Industry Impact: Sold over 30 million copies. Black Ops is a titan of a title that made the whole franchise even more of a household name.
Ideal For: Spy-thriller fans.
3. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Setting and Historical Period: |
| ⭐ 9.5/10 | 2019 | PC,PS4, Xbox One | Modern Era, Fictional Middle Eastern Country |
Game Synopsis: Captain Price is back. Prepare yourself for gritty and intense missions.
Key Features and Innovations:
- “Realism” game mode just cranked everything up. No HUD, just you and raw combat.
- Cross-platform play. Finally, you could squad up and play with friends on PC, Xbox, or PlayStation.
Metacritic Score: 80/100 from critics.
Gamers’ Reception: People were hyped to see Price back. Gameplay was highly praised.
What I Liked: One of the best moments for me was sneaking through that night mission with the night-vision goggles. Clearing rooms felt so real, I was sweating through it.
Sales & Industry Impact: It did crazy well in sales —$600 million in the first three days. Infinity Ward really went all in on making the franchise feel new again.
Ideal For: Realism and classic action fans.
Grab a copy of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare >
4. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Setting and Historical Period: |
| ⭐ 9.4/10 | 2007 | PC, PS3, Xbox 360 | Modern Era, Middle East and Eastern Europe |
Game Synopsis: Back at it with Captain Price and Soap. Your mission? Stop global threats, fight off terrorists, and survive.
Key Features and Innovations:
- Iconic missions like “All Ghillied Up”
- Killstreaks and perks changed multiplayer forever.
Metacritic Score: 94/100 from critics.
Gamers’ Reception: Players felt blessed by the groundbreaking campaign. Can’t blame them, this was in 2007. Most players feel like this game redefined the whole FPS genre.
What I Liked: Calling in airstrikes after racking up killstreaks never got old. The thrill of sniping in “All Ghillied Up” with Captain Price whispering instructions hit different back then.
Sales & Industry Impact: A genre-defining moment, boosted CoD to superstar status. Sold 17 million copies.
Ideal For: FPS lovers who want a dose of nostalgia with tight gunplay.
5. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Setting and Historical Period: |
| ⭐ 9.3/10 | 2022 | PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X | Cold War, Near Future 2025 |
Game Synopsis: Ghost and Soap reunite to face an escalating global threat. This new Modern Warfare will keep you on the edge.
Key Features and Innovations:
- Co-op missions that let you decide how to tackle each objective.
- Upgraded AI. making every encounter feel more challenging, real, and fresh.
Metacritic Score: 75/100 from critics.
Gamers’ Reception: Everyone was thrilled to see Ghost back, and the plot delivered a nice mix of nostalgia and action.
What I Liked: Seeing Ghost and Soap together again was like catching up with old friends.
Sales & Industry Impact: Generated over A BILLION in revenue. Pulled in both the series’ veterans and new players, and reminded everyone why CoD still owns the FPS crown.
Ideal For: Long-time fans ready for modern twists on old classics.
Grab Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II now >
6. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Setting and Historical Period: |
| ⭐ 9.2/10 | 2009 | PC, PS3, Xbox 360 | Modern Era, Global Hotspots |
Game Synopsis: Soap, Price, and the gang are back. It’s non-stop thrills from airports to snowy shootouts.
Key Features and Innovations:
- Spec Ops Mode let you win missions with your friends.
- Expanded Killstreaks for better loadout customization. This was perfect to elevate your strategy and add your personal twist to all your battles
Metacritic Score: 86/100 from critics.
Gamers’ Reception: Players loved the adrenaline rush from the tight multiplayer gameplay.
What I Liked: Calling in an AC-130 to rain down chaos while your buddies cheered you on. Absolutely wild! Spec Ops mode was my favorite. I spent countless hours with my friends trying to perfect our runs.
Sales & Industry Impact: 22.7 Million copies sold. Became a benchmark for online FPS games just like the other top-contending Modern Warfare games.
Ideal For: Fans of ultra engaging campaigns and wild multiplayer.
Grab Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 now >
7. Call of Duty: World at War
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Setting and Historical Period: |
| ⭐ 9/10 | 2008 | PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii | WWII, Pacific and Europe |
Game Synopsis: This entry will immerse you in the brutalities of WWII.
Key Features and Innovations:
- The iconic introduction of Zombies mode! We all fell in love with this, didn’t we?
- The WWII Campaign was intense and raw.
Metacritic Score: 84/100 from critics.
Gamers’ Reception: A lot of people liked the WWII campaign and Zombies mode, but many gamers felt that multiplayer mechanics kind of sucked and so did the soundtrack.
What I Liked: The Zombies mode was instantly addictive. I remember the rush of boarding up windows while yelling at my friends to grab better guns. I also enjoyed blasting the flamethrower in the Campaign.
Sales & Industry Impact: Sold over 15 million copies.
Ideal For: Those who want some undead and unhinged chaos.
8. Call of Duty: Black Ops 3
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Setting and Historical Period: |
| ⭐ 8.9/10 | 2015 | PC, PS4, Xbox One | Future Warfare, 2065 |
Game Synopsis: CoD meets Sci-fi. Black Ops III will have you diving into the future.
Key Features and Innovations:
- Four-player Co-op for the win.
- Introduced wall running and jetpack features.
Metacritic Score: 81/100 from critics.
Gamers’ Reception: Split on the sci-fi setting but everyone loved Zombies in this entry and multiplayer was deemed enjoyable. The campaign was called ‘mid’ for the most part.
What I Liked: I was wall-running, jet-packing, and gunning down enemies in the craziest ways. And Zombies? Still one of the most fun modes to play. It’s definitely where I learned never to trust a friend with the last zombie.
Sales & Industry Impact: This entry sold over 26 million copies. Black Ops III and Advanced Warfare kind of made a little corner for CoD in the whole sci-fi scene.
Ideal For: Matrix and Blade Runner fans, obviously.
Grab Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 now >
9. Call of Duty: Ghosts
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Setting and Historical Period: |
| ⭐ 8.5/10 | 2013 | PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One | Near Future, Global Hotspots |
Game Synopsis: Step into a near-future war with new characters, intense global conflicts, and a literal out-of-this-world mission.
Key Features and Innovations:
- Dynamic Maps. Multiplayer got more unpredictable with changing environments.
- Squad Mode! Manage and fight with your own squad.
Metacritic Score: 78/100 from critics.
Gamers’ Reception: Mixed—a love-it-or-hate-it kind of experience. I sifted through feedback and there were barely any players who were neutral about it.
What I Liked: I loved the dynamic maps. There’s nothing like flooding the area to mess up your opponent’s strategy. Squad mode also added a fresh twist, making it feel like I had complete control over my whole crew, which was pretty awesome.
Sales & Industry Impact: Sold around 21 million copies.
Ideal For: For those who would enjoy something a bit different from classic CoD. Don’t wait too long.
Get your copy of Call of Duty: Ghosts >
10. Call of Duty: WWII
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Setting and Historical Period: |
| ⭐ 8.4/10https://www.eneba.com/us/steam-call-of-duty-world-war-ii-uncut-pc-steam-key-united-states | 2017 | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X | WWII, Europe |
Game Synopsis: This one’s a throwback. You’re right in the trenches of WWII, from Normandy onwards.
Key Features and Innovations:
- War mode added some really fresh multiplayer objectives.
- Boots-on-the-ground gameplay that made you feel like you were really there.
Metacritic Score: 79/100 from critics.
Gamers’ Reception: Everyone was hyped for that gritty, old-school feel. Finally, something different after all those futuristic settings.
What I Liked: Honestly, War mode was where it’s at. My squad and I had this one moment where we pushed through the enemy lines, and it got super tense.
Sales & Industry Impact: It sold over 19 million copies. No notable industry impact but those are some BIG numbers (as per usual).
Ideal For: Fans of World at War.
11. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Setting and Historical Period: |
| ⭐ 8.3/10 | 2020 | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X | 1980s, Cold War Era |
Game Synopsis: Black Ops jumps into the Cold War. Spies, double agents, and mind games everywhere. It’s got that classic Black Ops paranoia, and it keeps you guessing.
Key Features and Innovations:
- Multiple endings based on what you decide.
- Integrated with Warzone, which was pretty sick.
Metacritic Score: 76/100 from critics.
Gamers’ Reception: Some mixed feelings, but overall people were into those Cold War vibes. Nostalgia hits hard.
What I Liked: Those multiple endings had me coming back over and over again.
Sales & Industry Impact: This one was a hit, no surprise, especially with Warzone getting new players into the mix. 30 million copies sold.
Ideal For: Love spy stories? Want some solid campaign choices?
Grab Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War now >
12. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Setting and Historical Period: |
| ⭐ 8.2/10 | 2024 | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S | 1990s, Post-Cold War Era |
Game Synopsis: A newcomer but extra good. Follow rogue CIA ops Troy and Woods as they hunt down paramilitary group Pantheon.
Key Features and Innovations:
- Omni Movement System got us max-speed sprinting. Love the player mobility and fight dynamics.
- Improved multiplayer modes gives you a lot of mission styles to have fun with.
Metacritic Score: 83/100 from critics.
Gamers’ Reception: Honestly, it was a mixed bag. Some people were all in for the espionage vibe, while others wanted that classic Black Ops feel back.
What I Liked: Plot twists got me hooked so far.
Sales & Industry Impact: Sold 500 million copies worldwide and became the biggest release in the CoD franchise.
Ideal For: Fans of some CIA action.
Grab Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 now >
13. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Setting and Historical Period: |
| ⭐ 8.1/10 | 2011 | PC, PS3, PS5, Xbox 360, Wii | WWII, European Theater, Normandy |
Game Synopsis: Join Price and Soap and hunt down Makarov to stop WWIII.
Key Features and Innovations:
- Spec Ops Survival Mode. Endless chaos
- Tons of epic cinematic moments that wrapped up the Warfare trilogy.
Metacritic Score: 88/100 from critics.
Gamers’ Reception: Fans finally got some closure seeing Price and Soap take on Makarov.
What I Liked: Just loved Survival mode. I couldn’t forget how it was to play with friends and shout over each other because I was being hit by a typhoon of enemies.
Sales & Industry Impact: Sold around 30 million copies globally.
Ideal For: Fans of some intense multiplayer action and those who want to see how Soap and Price’s stories pan out.
Grab Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 now >
14. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Setting and Historical Period: |
| ⭐ 8/10 | 2016 | PC, PS4, Xbox One | Future, Space Warfare |
Game Synopsis: CoD heads to space. Switch up and get ready for some solar system funk.
Key Features and Innovations:
- Zero-G combat. Living our best cosmonaut lives.
- Space battles were fresh.
Metacritic Score: 77/100 from critics.
Gamers’ Reception: Ultra polarizing. Same old story: some of you guys loved the new sci-fi twist. Others hated it.
What I Liked: I personally thought the space dogfights were epic.
Sales & Industry Impact: Did not sell as well as other titles, but it harbored dedicated fans who loved the bold move that brought about SPACE.
Ideal For: Space lovers.
15. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Setting and Historical Period: |
| ⭐ 7.9/10 | 2014 | PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360 | Near Future, Private Military Corp. |
Game Synopsis: Another Sci-Fi entry. Get thrown into exosuits. Kevin Spacey even pops up as Atlas’ CEO.
Key Features and Innovations:
- Exosuits. Learning to maneuver them was dope. Combat felt fresh with double jumps and quick boosts.
- Futuristic weapons hit different.
Metacritic Score: 83/100 from critics.
Gamers’ Reception: Storyline had very mixed reviews. But the exosuits? Well, players love mobility. What I Liked: Those exosuits were something else. Yes, I’m aware I said it thrice now. I loved boosting around the map, and surprising enemies from above.
Sales & Industry Impact: Couldn’t find solid numbers but it sold well and it pushed for a new movement which helped us shift into a different vibe.
Ideal For: CoD fans who want a fresh new spin and don’t mind Sci-Fi.
Grab Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare now >
16. Call of Duty: Vanguard
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Setting and Historical Period: |
| ⭐ 7.8/10 | 2021 | PC, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X | WWII, Global Fronts |
Game Synopsis: Vanguard story arc dives into WWII again but from multiple perspectives.
Key Features and Innovations:
- Lots of variety. The story is told across multiple characters.
- Multiplayer had tactical destruction! Break stuff and change how the battle unfolded.
Metacritic Score: 73/100 from critics.
Gamers’ Reception: Very mixed again. Some players were pretty stoked to play WWII again. Others felt like it was a tired theme at this point. Many players thought the varied character perspectives added some depth, but it didn’t catch everyone.
What I Liked: Tactical destruction. I loved busting through walls in multiplayer. I really wished they had this feature in all of the games.
Sales & Industry Impact: 7.2 million copies sold by the year 2022. It didn’t reach its predecessors’ numbers but still found its audience.
Ideal For: CoD WWII fans who want a different spin and more plot.
Grab Call of Duty: Vanguard now >
17. Call of Duty: Warzone
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Setting and Historical Period: |
| ⭐ 7.7/10 | 2022 | PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X | Endless Battle Royale |
Game Synopsis: CoD’s battle royale, Warzone, lets you drop into Verdansk with 150 players.
Key Features and Innovations:
- Gulag mechanic. If you win a 1v1, you get a 2nd chance.
- Constant updates for continued game evolution.
Metacritic Score: 79/100 from critics.
Gamers’ Reception: Pretty bad. Lots of gamers complain of bugs.
What I Liked: I enjoyed the Gulag, but not in a bad way.
Sales & Industry Impact: It’s a free-to-play game so it doesn’t have sales figures but I can say it reached over a 100 million players.
Ideal For: CoD gunplay in a battle royal style.
18. Call of Duty: Black Ops 4
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Setting and Historical Period: |
| ⭐ 7.6/10 | 2018 | PC, PS4, Xbox One | Future, Multinational Black Ops missions |
Game Synopsis: Black Ops 4 skips the story campaign and dives straight into all-out multiplayer, with battle royale, zombies, and classic team modes.
Key Features and Innovations:
- Blackout Mode: CoD’s first stab at battle royale. It’s pure chaos.
- Zombies: Bigger maps, more easter eggs, more mayhem.
Metacritic Score: 83/100 from critics.
Gamers’ Reception: I know a lot of my buddies loved Blackout, but a few die-hard campaign fans felt left out.
What I Liked: Winning Blackout for the first time was an adrenaline rush. I remember the last circle, with everything down to a sniper shot. The expanded Zombies was also epic for co-op nights.
Sales & Industry Impact: Solid, but campaign fans weren’t thrilled.
Ideal For: Multiplayer addicts and battle royale fans.
Grab Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 now >
19. Call of Duty 2
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Setting and Historical Period: |
| ⭐ 7.5/10 | 2005 | PC, Xbox 360 | WWII, European & North African Fronts |
Game Synopsis: Call of Duty 2 takes you through the chaos of WWII. Storm battlefields across Europe and North Africa.
Key Features and Innovations:
- Regenerating Health. No more health packs, just wait it out.
- Massive NPC Battles! Battles felt alive—constant action everywhere.
Metacritic Score: 89/100 from critics.
Community Reception: Everyone went nuts for the Pointe du Hoc invasion. It was like a movie you controlled.
What I Liked: Playing through D-Day on Pointe du Hoc felt real. It’s why I kept replaying that mission. Explosions, shouts. Pretty wild for an older game.
Sales & Industry Impact: Hugely successful—one of the best games for Xbox 360’s launch.
Ideal For: Fans of intense, large-scale WWII experiences.
Get your copy of Call of Duty 2 now >
20. Call of Duty
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Setting and Historical Period: |
| ⭐ 7.4/10 | 2003 | PC | World War II, European Theater |
Game Synopsis: The OG CoD that set it all in motion. Fight across WWII in the European theater.
Key Features and Innovations:
- Switching Allies. Played through the eyes of Americans, Brits, and Soviets.
- Squad Gameplay! Less lone wolf, more teamwork.
Metacritic Score: 91/100 critics.
Community Reception: This is what kick-started our obsession with FPS games. It nailed the intense, squad-based combat feel that’s hard to forget.
What I Liked: Switching between different Allied forces was such a fresh experience.
Sales & Industry Impact: 4.5 million copies sold. Started the whole franchise. Of course, massive impact on future FPS games.
Ideal For: Players who want to see the start of the legendary franchise.
21. Call of Duty 3
| Our Score: | Release year: | Platforms: | Setting and Historical Period: |
| ⭐ 7.3/10 | 2003 | PS2, PS3, Xbox, Xbox 360, Wii | World War II, European Theater |
Game Synopsis: Call of Duty 3 drops you right into the Normandy campaign.
Key Features and Innovations:
- Set-Piece Moments gave you big scripted battles everywhere. It was Hollywood-coded and made you feel like you’re in an action movie. An insane experience back then.
- Vehicle Combat in Multiplayer. Finally got to drive jeeps and cause mayhem with friends.
Metacritic Score: 82/100 from critics.
Community Reception: People dug the big action scenes but agreed it didn’t match the jump CoD 2 made.
What I Liked: I was all about the jeeps in multiplayer. Racing friends and trying not to crash into the enemy was half the fun.
Sales & Industry Impact: Not groundbreaking, but still solid sales.
Ideal For: Fans of WWII and massive vehicle-based battles.
Comparing Call of Duty Game Eras
When I look at CoD’s evolution, it’s wild how many take the devs brought to light and how different each era was. Yet, they managed to keep that CoD flavor that fans have fallen in love with. It’s that mix of intensity, pure adrenaline, and great storytelling that made each game feel special to gamers worldwide and me as well.
WWII Era
- Pure chaos, no high-tech gear. Remember World at War? Charging through trenches with barely enough ammo, feeling every explosion? Yeah, that.
- The battles were personal. It felt like every mission mattered.
Modern Warfare
- This era was Hollywood-coded. The high stakes, killstreaks, and next-level firefights made you either feel like a boss or a pleb.
- Dropping a Precision Airstrike after a good streak was a PEAK experience. Don’t even get me started on the AC-130.
Futuristic Setting
- All the tech, jetpFuturistic Settingsacks, wall-running, drones, and exo-suits had me feeling like I was a vigilante. Think CoD Advanced Warfare.
- While this era got mixed reviews, I completely thought it was a fresh take on the franchise and it was fun. I didn’t expect the devs to be complacent and stagnate in one era for decades. It was completely reasonable to try a different angle.
Multiplayer Innovations in Call of Duty
Multiplayer in CoD was where friendships and camaraderie formed or got completely wrecked (for a temporary period). Let’s be real. It happened to me a few times. Each game kept adding something new to multiplayer and that kept us hooked, angry or not. To rehash a few:
Killstreaks & Perks
- Modern Warfare had us with killstreaks. Those felt like the ultimate flex and most of us felt like a God when we managed it. So, of course, that makes it into the list of key innovations over the years.
- Perks felt like a total game-changer to me. It made every loadout feel personalized. I still remember choosing between Stopping Power or Sleight of Hand.
Customization – Pick 10 System (Black Ops 2)
- I absolutely loved this. The fact that you could ditch stuff you didn’t need was a much-needed feature.
Battle Royale – Warzone
- I remembered the hype. It wasn’t just kill/death ratios anymore. It was straight-up survival of the fittest. Probably one of my favorites in multiplayer. There was nothing quite like the dopamine rush of landing a final shot for a win with 149 others going down first.
And I still log in and relive some of these moments.
Call of Duty’s Best Campaigns
Not all of the entries had good campaigns but some of them were EPIC.
Modern Warfare (2007)
The campaign set the bar high for later entries and is a big reason why CoD shot up to the top. Missions like All Ghillied Up’s gameplay felt so real because every small move counted. It made me feel like I was genuinely in a military thriller as I crawled on my belly and tried to avoid detection. It forced me to be patient, strategic, and precise. The stakes felt so freaking real.
Modern Warfare 2 (2009)
You had three unforgettably insane missions in one campaign: “Whiskey Hotel”, “The Gulag”, and “No Russian”. The first two made you feel like you were part of something bigger because of the high-stakes missions in the White House and storming a Russian Prison.
The third: “No Russian” shook the gaming community. It showed you the brutal corruption and loss of morality in the wake of destruction. The mission’s point was to get you deep into the antagonist’s inner circle and show you how far he would go to achieve his goals (Makarov). He uses you to execute a mass attack and then frames the Americans for his attacks to catalyst an all-out war between Russia and the U.S.A.
Upcoming Call of Duty Releases and Rumors
While digging through CoD buzz online, I’ve found some pretty interesting stuff:
- Black Ops 6 Collaborations: Some leaks suggest Black Ops 6 might feature some crossovers with other pop franchises like Doom, Halo, and Gears of War. Expect skins and weapons from this series.
- Future Titles Leaked: Some big leaks reportedly hint at plans for Cod games in 2025 and 2026. Early tests for Warzone 3 are apparently underway.
- Gulf War Setting: Some reports say that the next CoD might be set during the Gulf War marking a return to historical gameplay.
- Warzone Map Updates: A new map called Avalop is in development. It’s expected to launch in 2025 and should be mixing mountains and urban zones.
- Verdansk Return: Popular Verdansk Map from MW is set to come back in 2025 Spring. It will bring back some classic Battle Royale vibes.
We will be giving you future updates as they roll in, so just stay with us for the ride.
Tips for Choosing the Right Call of Duty Game for You
Regardless if you’ve just started playing or you’re continuing off from somewhere, choosing the right game just depends on what you’re in the mood for. Let’s break it up for you.
- Campaign Lovers: If you’re all about the plot, you can start with strong classics like Modern Warfare (2007). If you like plot twists, start with Black Ops (2010) for some major mindbends.
- Multiplayer fans: If you like reigning supreme against others you can try Modern Warfare (2019) for some epic maps and enough modes to keep you up until the morning (please don’t).
- Future stuff: If you love sci-fi, then please start with Infinite Warfare or Advanced Warfare.
I’ve got to give credit to Modern Warfare (2019). It is a great starting point because it’s modern enough for modern-day gamers and y’alls gen alpha, but it still has the classic CoD vibes that everyone loves and what makes the game what it is. Veteran-friendly. Ask yourself if you like campaign or multiplayer, then dive in.
How to Get the Best Deals on Call of Duty Games?
Buying games makes your wallet cry. But it doesn’t have to. Shop smart, don’t shop hard. Score your CoD games without spending your retirement savings. I got you covered.
- Seasonal Sales: The first rule? Wait for the big sales. Black Friday, Summer sales, etc. Hold your horses and buy at the right times. Prices can drop.
- Keep Tabs on Keyshops and Bundles: Sign up for a newsletter for instant-updates and look out for bundles so you can Walmart that whole thing. Promo codes are nice too.
Gaming doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Just like you’d play a game, wait for the right moments and visit the right stores. You can also find a lot of CoD goodies like points, skins, and full set bundles at great prices on Eneba.
FAQs
Do I Need to Play the Call of Duty Games in Order?
No. Each game comes with a different story. Some sequels do follow characters from previous entries, but you can still jump in wherever.
Which Call of Duty Game Has the Best Multiplayer?
Hard to pin the best, but Modern Warfare (2019). It’s got cross-play, fast action, and balanced gameplay.
Are There Free Call of Duty Games Available?
CoD Warzone is free. It’s a battle royale you can just play whenever. No paywall.
What Call of Duty is most popular right now?
Black Ops 6 is tearing it up right now since it got released this October 2024. Try it out.
Can I Play Call of Duty Games Cross-Platform?
Yep. Since MW 2019 most CoD games support cross-platform play. Squad up if you want.
