The Call of Duty franchise is a legendary series of video games, beloved by millions around the globe. Let's take a journey through each game in the order they were released, exploring the innovations and themes that have defined this iconic series.
Table of Contents
- Call of Duty
- Call of Duty 2
- Call of Duty 3
- Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
- Call of Duty: World at War
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
- Call of Duty: Black Ops
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
- Call of Duty: Black Ops II
- Call of Duty: Ghosts
- Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
- Call of Duty: Black Ops III
- Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered
- Call of Duty: WWII
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 4
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
- Call of Duty: Warzone
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Remastered
- Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
- Call of Duty: Vanguard
- Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Image: youtube.com
Call of Duty
Release Date: October 29, 2003
Developer: Infinity Ward
The inaugural game in the series, released in 2003, introduced players to the intense world of World War II through four distinct single-player campaigns: American, British, Soviet, and Allied. Each campaign comprised missions inspired by real historical events, allowing players to experience the war from different perspectives. The multiplayer mode focused on small-scale objectives like capturing and holding points or flags, setting the stage for future multiplayer experiences.
Image: youtube.com
Call of Duty 2
Release Date: October 25, 2005
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
Continuing the World War II theme, Call of Duty 2 introduced automatic health regeneration, removing the health bar and enhancing player immersion. The game retained the multiple campaign structure with American, British, and Soviet campaigns, and its multiplayer mode remained similar to the original. A documentary video at the game's end provided a poignant look at the war's conclusion.
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Call of Duty 3
Release Date: November 7, 2006
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Xbox
Exclusive to Xbox, Call of Duty 3 shifted to a single unified storyline, introducing new gameplay elements like rowing a boat. Split-screen multiplayer was a highlight, and technical improvements enhanced animation and lighting. Notably, this game was the first in the series to include civilians in the narrative, though handguns were absent from the campaign.
Image: blog.activision.com
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Release Date: November 5, 2007
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
A groundbreaking shift to modern warfare, this game set in 2011 introduced players to two campaigns: American and English. With the addition of Arcade Mode and cheat codes, players experienced new ways to play. The introduction of classes in multiplayer became a staple of the series, revolutionizing the way players engaged with each other online.
Image: polygon.com
Call of Duty: World at War
Release Date: November 11, 2008
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
Returning to World War II, this game featured American and Soviet campaigns with enhanced graphics and AI. The introduction of a Nazi zombie multiplayer mode was a hit, and features like dismemberment and flamethrowers added to the game's intensity. This title marked the beginning of the Black Ops subseries.
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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Release Date: February 11, 2009
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
A direct sequel to Modern Warfare, this game continued the story in 2016 with new gameplay elements like climbing and underwater movement. The multiplayer mode was expanded with dual-wielding pistols, new modes, and a deeper perk system, cementing its place as a fan favorite.
Image: youtube.com
Call of Duty: Black Ops
Release Date: November 9, 2010
Developer: Treyarch
Download: Steam
Set in the Cold War era, this game continued the World at War storyline. New features included in-game currency, character and weapon skins, and a wagering game mode. The zombies mode returned, further expanding the game's appeal.
Image: moddb.com
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Release Date: November 8, 2011
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
Continuing the Modern Warfare saga, this game focused on refining existing mechanics and enhancing graphics and sound. Its record-breaking launch underscored its popularity and success.
Image: youtube.com
Call of Duty: Black Ops II
Release Date: May 2, 2012
Developer: Treyarch
Download: Steam
Set across two time periods, 2025-2026 and 1986-1989, this game introduced player-driven storylines with multiple endings. New features included equipment selection before battles and improved AI, enhancing the gameplay experience.
Image: youtube.com
Call of Duty: Ghosts
Release Date: May 1, 2013
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
Introducing a new storyline with battles on Earth and in space, this game allowed players to customize their characters, including playing as a female character. New mechanics included destructible environments and changes to the perk system.
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Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
Release Date: November 4, 2014
Developer: Sledgehammer Games
Download: Steam
Set in a future where corporations rule, this game introduced exoskeletons, drones, and futuristic weaponry. Despite these innovations, the game received mixed reactions from players who were less enthusiastic about the new setting and characters.
Image: youtube.com
Call of Duty: Black Ops III
Release Date: November 6, 2015
Developer: Sledgehammer Games
Download: Steam
Set forty years after Black Ops II, this game introduced cybernetic enhancements for soldiers, jetpacks, and wall-running. The nine specialists added depth to the class system, and the ability to shoot underwater added a new tactical layer.
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Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
Release Date: November 4, 2016
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
Set on Mars, this game offered a standalone storyline with new exoskeletons and customizable upgrades in multiplayer. The single-player mode remained largely unchanged, focusing on the narrative.
Image: store.steampowered.com
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered
Release Date: November 4, 2016
Developer: Raven Software
Download: Steam
This remaster preserved the core gameplay of the original while enhancing audio, visuals, and animations. New achievements and cheat codes provided fresh content for returning players.
Image: store.steampowered.com
Call of Duty: WWII
Release Date: November 3, 2017
Developer: Sledgehammer Games
Download: Steam
Returning to its roots, this game revisited World War II with new features like heroic actions and medkits. The multiplayer mode expanded with new game modes and a larger lobby size, receiving a warm welcome from the community.
Image: youtube.com
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4
Release Date: October 12, 2018
Developer: Treyarch
Download: Steam
Set between the second and third Black Ops games, this title introduced a futuristic setting with standalone missions. The absence of a traditional campaign was compensated by the introduction of Specialists and a 100-player battle royale mode.
Image: store.steampowered.com
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
Release Date: May 30, 2019
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
A reboot of the Modern Warfare subseries, this game addressed contemporary issues like terrorism with a new storyline. It introduced increased recoil, bipods, and a revamped Killstreaks system, though its heavy content sparked controversy.
Image: youtube.com
Call of Duty: Warzone
Release Date: March 10, 2020
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
A standalone battle royale game, Warzone introduced three modes: classic battle royale, Rebirth, and Plunder. New mechanics included a downed state and the Gulag system, where players could fight for a second chance.
Image: youtube.com
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Remastered
Release Date: March 31, 2020
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: callofduty.com
This remaster focused on enhancing the original game's audio, animations, and visuals, allowing players to relive one of the series' best campaigns.
Image: store.steampowered.com
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
Release Date: November 13, 2020
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
Set in early 1981, this game offered diverse missions across various global locations. The zombies mode was significantly enhanced with new loadouts and gameplay mechanics.
Image: news.blizzard.com
Call of Duty: Vanguard
Release Date: November 5, 2021
Developer: Sledgehammer Games
Download: Steam
Returning to World War II, this game featured a short overarching storyline with backstories for each group member. The multiplayer mode boasted a record-breaking 20 maps.
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Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0
Release Date: November 16, 2022
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
Included with Modern Warfare II, Warzone 2.0 introduced new features like ammo sharing and an updated Gulag. The DMZ mode added a new layer of gameplay with faction-based tasks.
Image: callofduty.fandom.com
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
Release Date: October 28, 2022
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
A direct sequel to Modern Warfare, this game focused on combating a terrorist organization and drug traffickers. It introduced wall breaching, revised swimming mechanics, and a new progression system.
Image: store.steampowered.com
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
Release Date: November 2, 2023
Developer: Sledgehammer Games
Download: Steam
Combining the best elements of its predecessors, this game offered more combat-focused missions and a record 24 maps for multiplayer. The new "Slaughter" mode added a thrilling three-team competition.
Image: moddb.com
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Release Date: October 25, 2024
Developer: Treyarch and Raven Software
Download: Steam
Set during the Persian conflict in the 1990s, this game reintroduces new mechanics like climbing and sliding, smart movement, and different hit reactions. The zombies mode is now divided into separate rounds, adding to the game's replayability.
The Call of Duty series, spanning 25 games, has captivated players for over two decades. Its enduring popularity stems from a perfect balance of difficulty, realism, and interactive gameplay, rewarding players while keeping them engaged. Each installment builds on the successes of its predecessors, continually innovating and refining the gaming experience.
