All 22 Call of Duty Game in Order (March 2026) Complete Timeline

Updated by Rudra Sethi
November 12, 2025
Gaming Guides

The Call of Duty franchise stands as one of the most successful video game series in history, with over 500 million copies sold across 22 mainline entries. From its humble beginnings in 2003 as a World War II shooter to its current status as a cultural phenomenon spanning multiple timelines and gameplay styles, Call of Duty has defined the modern first-person shooter genre. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll take you through every single Call of Duty game in chronological order, exploring how each entry shaped the franchise and what makes them unique.

Call of Duty Games Timeline

Before diving into the details, here’s a quick reference table showing all mainline Call of Duty games by release date:

Game Title	Release Date	Developer	Setting	Platforms
Call of Duty	Oct 29, 2003	Infinity Ward	WWII (1942-1945)	PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Call of Duty 2	Oct 25, 2005	Infinity Ward	WWII (1941-1945)	PC, Xbox 360
Call of Duty 3	Nov 7, 2006	Treyarch	WWII (1944)	PS2, PS3, Xbox, Xbox 360, Wii
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare	Nov 5, 2007	Infinity Ward	Modern (1996-2011)	PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Call of Duty: World at War	Nov 11, 2008	Treyarch	WWII (1942-1945)	PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2	Nov 10, 2009	Infinity Ward	Modern (2016)	PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Call of Duty: Black Ops	Nov 9, 2010	Treyarch	Cold War (1961-1968)	PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3	Nov 8, 2011	Infinity Ward	Modern (2016-2017)	PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2	Nov 13, 2012	Treyarch	Cold War/Future (1986-2025)	PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Call of Duty: Ghosts	Nov 5, 2013	Infinity Ward	Near Future (2015-2027)	PC, PS4, Xbox One
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare	Nov 4, 2014	Sledgehammer	Future (2054-2061)	PC, PS4, Xbox One
Call of Duty: Black Ops 3	Nov 6, 2015	Treyarch	Future (2065-2070)	PC, PS4, Xbox One
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare	Nov 4, 2016	Infinity Ward	Far Future	PC, PS4, Xbox One
Call of Duty: WWII	Nov 3, 2017	Sledgehammer	WWII (1940-1945)	PC, PS4, Xbox One
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4	Oct 12, 2018	Treyarch	Future (2043)	PC, PS4, Xbox One
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare	Oct 25, 2019	Infinity Ward	Modern (1999-2019)	PC, PS4, Xbox One
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War	Nov 13, 2020	Treyarch	Cold War (1981)	PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox
Call of Duty: Vanguard	Nov 5, 2021	Sledgehammer	WWII (1941-1945)	PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II	Oct 28, 2022	Infinity Ward	Modern (2022)	PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III	Nov 10, 2023	Sledgehammer	Modern (2019-2023)	PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6	Oct 25, 2024	Treyarch	1990s (1991)	PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7	Nov 14, 2025	Treyarch	Future (2035)	PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox

Every Call of Duty Game in Release Order

1. Call of Duty (2003) – Where It All Began

Release Date: October 29, 2003
Developer: Infinity Ward
Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Nokia N-Gage
Sales: 4.5 million copies

The game that started a revolution in first-person shooters, the original Call of Duty transported players to the most intense battles of World War II. Developed by Infinity Ward, this groundbreaking title won over 80 Game of the Year awards and established the fundamental elements that would define the franchise for decades.

What made the original CoD special was its emphasis on squad-based combat – you weren’t a one-man army, but part of a larger military force. The game featured three interconnected campaigns following American, British, and Soviet soldiers through pivotal WWII battles including D-Day, Stalingrad, and the Battle of the Bulge. The introduction of Captain Price (albeit in a smaller role) marked the beginning of one of gaming’s most iconic characters.

The gameplay innovations included shellshock effects that stunned players during nearby explosions, health regeneration tied to medkits, and a cinematic presentation that made players feel like they were in an actual war movie. These mechanics set a new standard for immersive FPS experiences.

2. Call of Duty 2 (2005) – Setting the Console Standard

Release Date: October 25, 2005
Developer: Infinity Ward
Platforms: PC, MacOS, Xbox 360
Sales: 5.9 million copies

Call of Duty 2 holds a unique distinction in the franchise – it’s the only main entry that didn’t release within a year of its predecessor. This extra development time allowed Infinity Ward to refine and perfect the formula, creating what many consider the definitive WWII CoD experience.

The game became a flagship launch title for the Xbox 360, demonstrating the power of next-gen consoles with improved graphics, larger set pieces, and more immersive sound design. Key innovations included the introduction of health regeneration without medkits (a mechanic that would become industry standard), throwable equipment like frag and smoke grenades, and enhanced AI that made battles feel more dynamic and unpredictable.

The campaign once again featured American, British, and Soviet perspectives, taking players through North Africa, the Eastern Front, and Western Europe. The multiplayer mode expanded with new maps and modes, laying the groundwork for CoD’s competitive gaming dominance.

3. Call of Duty 3 (2006) – Treyarch’s Debut

Release Date: November 7, 2006
Developer: Treyarch
Platforms: PS2, PS3, Xbox, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii
Sales: 7.2 million copies

Call of Duty 3 marked a significant moment in franchise history as the first entry not developed by Infinity Ward. Treyarch stepped up to deliver an entry that, while playing it safe with the WWII formula, expanded the multiplayer experience significantly.

Set during the Normandy Breakout in 1944, the game followed four different national perspectives – American, Canadian, British, and Polish forces – as they pushed toward Paris. The campaign introduced new gameplay mechanics including vehicle sections and close-quarters hand-to-hand combat.

The multiplayer side saw significant improvements with support for up to 24 players on next-gen consoles and the introduction of vehicular combat in multiplayer maps. While critics noted it felt more iterative than revolutionary, Call of Duty 3 demonstrated Activision’s commitment to annual releases and established Treyarch as a capable steward of the franchise.

4. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007) – The Game-Changer

Release Date: November 5, 2007
Developer: Infinity Ward
Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii
Sales: 15.7 million copies

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare didn’t just change the franchise – it revolutionized the entire FPS genre. By moving away from WWII and into modern combat, Infinity Ward created one of the most influential games in history.

The campaign delivered unforgettable moments like the “All Ghillied Up” stealth mission and the shocking death of a major character in a nuclear explosion. Players controlled multiple protagonists including Sergeant “Soap” MacTavish and witnessed the rise of antagonist Vladimir Makarov. The storytelling was cinematic, intense, and unpredictable.

But it was the multiplayer that truly changed gaming forever. Modern Warfare introduced:

The Create-a-Class system allowing fully customized loadouts
Killstreaks that rewarded players for consecutive kills
The Prestige system encouraging endless replayability
Perks that added strategic depth to gameplay
Consistent progression with unlocks and challenges

These innovations became the blueprint for every multiplayer shooter that followed. The Call of Duty Games List shows how this entry fundamentally altered the franchise’s trajectory.

5. Call of Duty: World at War (2008) – Return to WWII with Zombies

Release Date: November 11, 2008
Developer: Treyarch
Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii
Sales: 15.7 million copies

Treyarch took Call of Duty back to World War II, but with a darker, more visceral approach than previous entries. World at War focused on the brutal Pacific and Eastern Front campaigns, showing the war’s horror through unflinching realism.

The campaign followed Marine Private Miller in the Pacific theater and Private Dimitri Petrenko on the Eastern Front, culminating in the assault on the Reichstag in Berlin. The game didn’t shy away from depicting the war’s brutality, including disturbing scenes and morally ambiguous situations.

However, World at War’s lasting legacy came from an unexpected source – Nazi Zombies. This co-op mode, initially included as a fun bonus, became a phenomenon that continues to this day. Players fought waves of undead enemies in increasingly challenging rounds, introducing a mode that would become as popular as the main multiplayer.

The game also featured Gary Oldman and Kiefer Sutherland in voice roles, elevating the cinematic quality to new heights. World at War proved that WWII could still be engaging in the post-Modern Warfare era and established Zombies as a permanent fixture of Treyarch’s CoD entries.

6. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) – Peak Popularity

Release Date: November 10, 2009
Developer: Infinity Ward
Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Sales: 25.02 million copies

Modern Warfare 2 represents the franchise at its absolute zenith. With a Hans Zimmer-composed soundtrack, the controversial “No Russian” mission, and multiplayer featuring instant classics like Rust and Terminal, MW2 defined a generation of gaming.

The campaign continued Task Force 141’s story with globe-trotting missions from the snowy mountains of Kazakhstan to the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Memorable moments included the D.C. invasion, the ice-climbing infiltration, and Ghost’s shocking betrayal and death. The storytelling was operatic in scope, delivering blockbuster action that rivaled Hollywood productions.

Multiplayer introduced game-changing additions like Commando Pro, customizable killstreaks, new game modes including Third Person Team Tactical, and refined weapon balance. The addictive progression system kept millions playing daily, and the game generated $310 million in its first 24 hours – a record at the time.

Many fans and critics consider Modern Warfare 2 the greatest Call of Duty ever made, representing the perfect balance of campaign storytelling, multiplayer innovation, and cultural impact. Even the best multiplayer games of all time lists frequently feature MW2 near the top.

7. Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010) – Cold War Conspiracy

Release Date: November 9, 2010
Developer: Treyarch
Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS
Sales: 30.72 million copies

Black Ops took Call of Duty into the murky world of Cold War espionage, delivering a mind-bending campaign that explored brainwashing, conspiracy theories, and covert operations. The game followed CIA operative Alex Mason through flashback sequences, slowly unraveling a conspiracy involving Soviet sleeper agents and mysterious numbers broadcasts.

The campaign featured memorable characters including Mason’s mentor Frank Woods and CIA handler Jason Hudson, while introducing innovative storytelling techniques like unreliable narration and player choice moments. Set pieces included the Bay of Pigs invasion, Vietnam War missions, and Soviet Vorkuta labor camp escape.

Multiplayer refined Modern Warfare’s formula with Treyarch’s signature arcade-style gunplay, introducing COD Points currency for purchasing weapons and equipment, new customization options, and iconic maps like Nuketown and Summit. The competitive scene flourished with BO1’s balanced gameplay.

Zombies mode expanded dramatically with elaborate Easter eggs, celebrity voice actors (including JFK, Richard Nixon, and Robert McNamara), and intricate storylines. Kino der Toten became one of the most beloved Zombies maps ever created, cementing the mode’s popularity.

8. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011) – Trilogy Conclusion

Release Date: November 8, 2011
Developer: Infinity Ward & Sledgehammer Games
Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii
Sales: 30.71 million copies

Modern Warfare 3 concluded the original MW trilogy with explosive global warfare. Developed by Infinity Ward with assistance from newcomer Sledgehammer Games, MW3 delivered a campaign that took players from Manhattan to Paris to Berlin as World War III raged across the planet.

The story wrapped up loose ends from MW2, with Captain Price and Soap hunting Vladimir Makarov while Russia and NATO battled for supremacy. The campaign featured incredible set pieces including defending New York from invasion, fighting through war-torn London, and infiltrating a Siberian diamond mine.

Multiplayer introduced the pointstreak system (replacing killstreaks), allowing players to earn rewards through objectives and support actions, not just kills. New modes like Kill Confirmed added variety, while the Spec Ops co-op mode expanded with Survival and Mission challenges. Maps spanned the globe, from African villages to European cities.

MW3 became one of the best-selling CoD games ever, though some critics noted it felt more iterative than revolutionary – a criticism that would follow several subsequent entries.

9. Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (2012) – Future Warfare

Release Date: November 13, 2012
Developer: Treyarch
Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii U
Sales: 31 million copies

Black Ops 2 took a bold leap forward, splitting its campaign between Cold War-era flashbacks (1980s) and near-future missions (2025). This dual timeline approach allowed Treyarch to explore how past actions influenced future consequences, with player choices determining multiple endings.

The campaign followed Alex Mason in the 1980s and his son David “Section” Mason in 2025, both pursuing narco-terrorist Raul Menendez. The antagonist’s motivations were surprisingly complex, making him one of CoD’s most memorable villains. Strike Force missions added strategic gameplay where players commanded forces to influence the story’s outcome.

Multiplayer evolution included Pick 10 system for loadout customization, replacing the traditional class structure with complete freedom to allocate points across weapons, perks, and equipment. League Play introduced ranked competitive matchmaking, elevating BO2 to esports prominence.

Zombies expanded with TranZit’s open-world approach, multiple game modes, and intricate Easter eggs connecting to an overarching storyline. Maps like Mob of the Dead and Origins became instant classics.

Many consider Black Ops 2 the best Treyarch entry and one of the finest CoD games ever made, perfectly balancing innovation with familiar gameplay.

10. Call of Duty: Ghosts (2013) – New Beginnings

Release Date: November 5, 2013
Developer: Infinity Ward
Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Sales: 28.98 million copies

Ghosts represented Infinity Ward’s first standalone storyline in years, introducing new characters and a fresh setting. Following a catastrophic attack that weakened America, players controlled Logan Walker and his brother Hesh as part of the elite Ghosts unit fighting the South American Federation.

The campaign introduced Riley, a playable German Shepherd who became the game’s breakout star. Missions ranged from underwater infiltration to space station battles, showcasing technical improvements on next-gen consoles.

Multiplayer featured larger maps optimized for next-gen hardware, dynamic map events (like collapsing skyscrapers), and enhanced character customization. Extinction mode replaced Zombies with alien-fighting co-op gameplay, though it never achieved the same popularity.

Despite strong sales, Ghosts received mixed reviews for feeling generic and lacking the personality of Modern Warfare or Black Ops games. It marked a transitional period for the franchise as it moved to PS4 and Xbox One.

11. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (2014) – Exoskeleton Revolution

Release Date: November 4, 2014
Developer: Sledgehammer Games
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Sales: 21.76 million copies

Sledgehammer Games’ first solo CoD entry pushed the franchise into the distant future with powered exoskeletons that transformed movement and combat. Advanced Warfare introduced boost jumping, dashing, and enhanced mobility that divided the community.

The campaign starred Kevin Spacey as Jonathan Irons, CEO of the powerful Atlas Corporation private military company. The story explored themes of corporate warfare and technological advancement, with impressive graphics and mo-cap performances elevating production values.

Multiplayer’s exo-suit abilities added verticality and speed, creating a faster-paced experience than any previous CoD. Some players loved the innovation; others felt it strayed too far from the franchise’s roots. New modes like Uplink (basketball with a satellite ball) added variety.

Exo Zombies featured celebrity actors John Malkovich, Bill Paxton, Rose McGowan, and Jon Bernthal in a four-player co-op mode fighting infected exo-soldiers.

12. Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (2015) – Cyberpunk Future

Release Date: November 6, 2015
Developer: Treyarch
Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Sales: 26.72 million copies

Black Ops 3 pushed further into the future (2065-2070), introducing cybernetic enhancements, wall-running, and a mind-bending campaign about consciousness and humanity. The story’s complex narrative divided players, featuring plot twists and ambiguous reality.

Multiplayer refined Advanced Warfare’s movement system with wall-running and sliding, creating fluid traversal while maintaining Treyarch’s balanced gunplay. Specialists introduced hero-shooter elements with unique abilities and weapons, adding strategic depth to loadout choices.

Zombies reached its peak with BO3, featuring multiple complex storylines, intricate Easter eggs, and stunning map design. The Zombies Chronicles DLC brought remastered classic maps including Kino der Toten, Ascension, and Moon, making BO3 the definitive Zombies experience. Even today, dedicated fans consider it the best Zombies iteration.

13. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (2016) – Space Combat

Release Date: November 4, 2016
Developer: Infinity Ward
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Sales: 13.6 million copies

Infinite Warfare took Call of Duty where no entry had gone before – literally into space. Following the Settlement Defense Front’s attack on Earth, players controlled Captain Nick Reyes in battles across the solar system, including zero-gravity combat and space fighter missions.

The campaign received praise for its emotional storytelling, compelling characters, and innovative gameplay variety. The ability to pilot the Retribution warship between missions added a hub-world element unusual for CoD.

However, the futuristic setting and continued advanced movement alienated many fans tired of “jetpack CoD.” The reveal trailer became the second-most disliked video on YouTube (at the time), though the game itself offered quality content including a strong campaign and robust multiplayer.

Zombies in Spaceland delivered 1980s theme-park horror with celebrity voices and a lighter tone that contrasted with Treyarch’s serious approach.

14. Call of Duty: WWII (2017) – Back to Boots on the Ground

Release Date: November 3, 2017
Developer: Sledgehammer Games
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Sales: 19.82 million copies

After three years of advanced movement, Call of Duty returned to its World War II roots with a “boots-on-the-ground” approach. Following Private Ronald “Red” Daniels through the European Theater from D-Day to the Rhine, WWII delivered a grounded, emotional campaign that explored the Holocaust’s horrors and the bonds of brotherhood.

Multiplayer removed jetpacks and wall-running, focusing on traditional gunfights and map control. The controversial Division system replaced Create-a-Class, forcing players into specific roles (Infantry, Armored, Airborne, etc.). Headquarters social space added community features.

Nazi Zombies offered horror-focused co-op with a dark storyline about occult experiments, though it lacked Treyarch’s elaborate Easter eggs and replayability.

WWII succeeded commercially by appealing to fans who missed traditional gameplay, though some criticized it for being too conservative and lacking innovation.

15. Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 (2018) – No Campaign Experiment

Release Date: October 12, 2018
Developer: Treyarch
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Sales: 14.3 million copies

Black Ops 4 made the controversial decision to skip the traditional campaign entirely, focusing exclusively on multiplayer and Zombies. This unprecedented move freed resources for other modes but disappointed story-focused fans.

Multiplayer emphasized tactical team-based combat with increased health, specialists with unique abilities, and a focus on gunfights over twitch reactions. New healing mechanics required manual activation, adding a skill dimension.

The headline feature was Blackout, Call of Duty’s first true battle royale mode. Featuring 100 players on a massive map incorporating locations from previous Black Ops games, Blackout offered intense BR gameplay with CoD gunplay. While fun, it lacked the depth and polish of competitors like PUBG and Fortnite.

Zombies included three launch maps (Voyage of Despair, Blood of the Dead, IX) with ambitious narratives and challenging Easter eggs. However, the lack of campaign and mediocre battle royale led to mixed reception.

16. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) – Franchise Reboot

Release Date: October 25, 2019
Developer: Infinity Ward
Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Sales: 30 million copies

Modern Warfare 2019 rebooted the iconic sub-series with photorealistic graphics, redesigned characters, and a grounded approach to modern warfare. The campaign delivered intense, morally complex missions including the unforgettable “Clean House” level featuring realistic CQB tactics.

Captain Price returned alongside new versions of Gaz and “Soap” in a story tackling terrorism, chemical weapons, and the fog of war. Controversial missions pushed boundaries while maintaining narrative purpose.

Multiplayer featured the new Gunsmith system offering unprecedented weapon customization (60+ attachments per gun), tactical gameplay with doors and mounting mechanics, and cross-platform play uniting the player base. Large-scale Ground War mode supported 64 players, while Gunfight offered intense 2v2 action.

The revolutionary free-to-play battle royale Warzone launched March 2020, bringing 150 players to the massive Verdansk map. Warzone became a cultural phenomenon during COVID-19 lockdowns, attracting over 100 million players and establishing itself as CoD’s flagship free-to-play offering. Modern Warfare’s cross-platform support united players across all platforms seamlessly.

17. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020) – Spy Thriller

Release Date: November 13, 2020
Developer: Treyarch & Raven Software
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Sales: 30 million copies

Black Ops Cold War returned to the 1980s as a direct sequel to the original Black Ops, following CIA operative Russell Adler’s hunt for Soviet agent Perseus. The campaign featured branching paths, multiple endings based on player choices, and a customizable protagonist – a first for CoD.

Missions ranged from infiltrating KGB headquarters in Moscow to escaping Vietnamese prisons, capturing the espionage thriller vibe perfectly. The narrative explored trust, loyalty, and Cold War paranoia with intelligence and sophistication.

Multiplayer brought back the Pick 10 system and introduced Fire team modes combining traditional multiplayer with objective-based large-scale combat. Combined Arms modes supported 24+ players in vehicle-heavy warfare.

Zombies rebooted with a new Dark Aether storyline, making the mode more accessible to newcomers while maintaining depth for hardcore fans. Outbreak mode offered open-world Zombies gameplay across large maps. Despite development challenges (shifting between studios mid-production), Cold War delivered a solid, underrated entry. Black Ops Cold War cross-platform features enhanced its multiplayer community.

18. Call of Duty: Vanguard (2021) – WWII Origins

Release Date: November 5, 2021
Developer: Sledgehammer Games
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Sales: 30+ million copies

Vanguard explored the origins of special forces across multiple WWII theaters, following four operatives as they formed Task Force Vanguard. The campaign told its story through flashbacks as the team was captured and interrogated, jumping between the Pacific, Eastern Front, North Africa, and Western Europe.

Multiplayer featured 20 maps at launch (a series high), combat pacing options (Tactical, Assault, Blitz), and the new Champion Hill elimination tournament mode. Gunsmith expanded with 10 attachment slots and 70+ attachments per weapon.

Zombies switched to a simplified objective-based format instead of traditional round-based survival, disappointing fans expecting Treyarch’s signature mode. The narrative tied into the Dark Aether storyline from Cold War but lacked depth.

Vanguard received criticism for feeling like a “filler” CoD, released to maintain the annual schedule while bigger projects developed. It sold well but failed to leave a lasting impact, overshadowed by Warzone Pacific’s struggles.

19. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022) – Fastest-Selling Entry

Release Date: October 28, 2022
Developer: Infinity Ward
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Sales: $1 billion in 10 days (fastest CoD to reach milestone)

Modern Warfare II continued the rebooted storyline with Task Force 141 hunting terrorist Hassan Zyani before stolen missiles struck the U.S. The campaign featured impressive missions including a nighttime stealth infiltration, an oil rig assault, and vehicle chases through Amsterdam.

Despite becoming the fastest-selling CoD ever, MWII faced significant criticism for convoluted weapon unlock systems, controversial UI design, and the disastrous Warzone 2.0 launch. The sequel to the wildly popular Verdansk map, Al Mazrah, divided players with its design and mechanics changes.

Multiplayer refined MW2019’s tactical gameplay while introducing new features like ledge hanging, dolphin diving, and perk packages that activated over time. New modes included Prisoner Rescue and Knockout.

DMZ mode added extraction-shooter gameplay to CoD, offering a Tarkov-lite experience that attracted a dedicated community. However, post-launch support issues and invasive SBMM frustrated many players, tarnishing MWII’s reputation despite strong initial sales.

20. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023) – Controversial Release

Release Date: November 10, 2023
Developer: Sledgehammer Games
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Sales: High (specific numbers not disclosed)

Modern Warfare III released amid controversy, initially planned as MWII DLC before expanding into a full-priced release. The campaign concluded the rebooted MW trilogy with Task Force 141 hunting Vladimir Makarov, though the open combat missions and short runtime (4-5 hours) disappointed many fans.

The saving grace was multiplayer, widely considered the best since Black Ops Cold War. All 16 6v6 maps from MW2 (2009) returned alongside new maps, creating the largest launch map pool in recent memory. Gunplay felt excellent, movement was refined, and map design encouraged varied playstyles.

Zombies returned with an open-world approach similar to Cold War’s Outbreak, featuring the largest Zombies map ever created. While divisive, the mode offered substantial content for extraction-style PvE gameplay.

Warzone integrated MWIII weapons and operators while slowly improving from Warzone 2.0’s missteps. Despite the controversy, MWIII delivered the most consistently enjoyable multiplayer experience in years.

21. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (2024) – The Game Pass Era

Release Date: October 25, 2024
Developer: Treyarch & Raven Software
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Launch Status: Day one on Xbox Game Pass

Black Ops 6 marked Call of Duty’s debut on Xbox Game Pass following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision, making it accessible to millions of subscribers at launch. Set in 1991 during the Gulf War, BO6 followed rogue CIA operatives Russell Adler and Frank Woods framed by the shadowy Pantheon organization.

The campaign delivered some of the most creative missions in franchise history, including infiltrating Saddam Hussein’s palace, a psychological horror sequence in a secret facility, and an elaborate casino heist. The “Truth Lies” marketing campaign built tremendous pre-launch hype.

Multiplayer introduced Omnimovement, allowing players to sprint and dive in any direction including while prone, revolutionizing movement fluidity. While initially divisive, Omnimovement added depth to gunfights. The classic Prestige system returned after years of seasonal alternatives, pleasing longtime fans.

Round-based Zombies made a triumphant return with multiple launch maps (Terminus, Liberty Falls) and the Dark Aether storyline continuation. However, post-launch support issues including rampant cheating, disappointing map remasters, and lacklustre seasonal content led to significant player drop-off within months.

Despite strong initial reception and the innovative campaign, BO6 failed to maintain momentum, proving that even excellent gameplay can’t overcome poor live-service support.

22. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 (2025) – The Future of Fear

Release Date: November 14, 2025
Developer: Treyarch & Raven Software
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Status: Day one on Xbox Game Pass

Black Ops 7 makes history as the first consecutive Black Ops release, set in 2035 (10 years after Black Ops 2) and following the aftermath of Raul Menendez’s supposed death. David “Section” Mason returns as the protagonist, leading a team against The Guild – a tech corporation that weaponizes fear and psychological warfare.

Revolutionary Campaign Features:

Co-op Campaign: Play the entire story solo or with up to 4 players, with difficulty scaling based on squad size
Endgame Mode: The campaign finale transforms into a 32-player shared experience with escalating zones and dynamic objectives
Narrative Continuation: Direct sequel to both Black Ops 2 and Black Ops 6, connecting storylines across four decades

Multiplayer Evolution (18 Maps at Launch):

16 electrifying 6v6 maps spanning futuristic Tokyo to frozen Alaska
2 massive 20v20 Ground War-style maps
Classic Black Ops 2 map remasters: Raid, Express, and Hijacked
Wall Jumps added to Omnimovement system (bouncing off walls, not running on them like BO3)
Tactical Sprint removed from default movement, gated behind a perk

Zombies Nightmare:

Return to Round-Based gameplay set in the Dark Aether
Largest Round-Based map in Black Ops history
Introduction of Wonder Vehicle for traversing the massive map
Original Ultimis crew (Richtofen, Nikolai, Takeo, Tank Dempsey) returns alongside BO6 operators
Post-launch roadmap promises 6 total Zombies maps

Technical Requirements & Availability:

Requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot on PC for enhanced anti-cheat measures
Day one Xbox Game Pass access (Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Console)
Support for ROG Ally handheld devices with optimized UI
Cross-platform play across all platforms
Cross-progression with Black Ops 6 (XP tokens, GobbleGums carry forward)

Black Ops 7 represents Treyarch’s most ambitious project, promising to deliver “the full Call of Duty package” with unprecedented campaign co-op, robust multiplayer, and the biggest Zombies experience yet.

Understanding Call of Duty’s Timeline

While the release order is straightforward, understanding when each game’s story takes place requires navigating multiple timelines and reboots. Here’s the chronological story order:

World War II Era (1940-1945):

Call of Duty: WWII (1940-1945)
Call of Duty 2 (1941-1945)
Call of Duty: Vanguard (1941-1945)
Call of Duty: World at War (1942-1945)
Call of Duty (1942-1945)
Call of Duty 3 (1944)

Cold War Era (1960s-1990s): 7. Call of Duty: Black Ops (1961-1968) 8. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (1981) 9. Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 – Past Timeline (1986-1989) 10. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (1991)

Modern Warfare (Original Timeline): 11. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (1996-2011) 12. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2016) 13. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2016-2017)

Modern Warfare (Rebooted Timeline): 14. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) (1999-2019) 15. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022) (2022) 16. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023) (2019-2023)

Near Future: 17. Call of Duty: Ghosts (2015-2027) 18. Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 – Future Timeline (2025) 19. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 (2035) 20. Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 (2043)

Distant Future: 21. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (2054-2061) 22. Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (2065-2070) 23. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (Unknown far future)

Note that Warzone exists across multiple timelines, making it difficult to place in chronological order.

The Three Development Studios

Call of Duty operates on a three-year development cycle with three primary studios rotating:

Infinity Ward

Specialties: Modern Warfare series, technical innovation, photorealistic graphics
Notable Titles: Call of Duty, CoD 2, MW trilogy, MW reboot trilogy
Philosophy: Grounded, tactical gameplay with cinematic campaigns

Treyarch

Specialties: Black Ops series, Zombies mode, arcade-style gunplay
Notable Titles: World at War, Black Ops series, innovative storytelling
Philosophy: Balanced competitive multiplayer, elaborate Easter eggs, community engagement

Sledgehammer Games

Specialties: Advanced Warfare, WWII, Modern Warfare III
Notable Titles: Advanced Warfare, WWII, Vanguard, MWIII
Philosophy: Experimental gameplay mechanics, support development

Support Studios: Raven Software (Warzone development lead), High Moon Studios, Beenox (PC development), Demonware (online services), Activision Shanghai

This rotation allows each studio three years to develop their entry while maintaining annual releases.

Call of Duty’s Impact on Gaming

The Call of Duty franchise has fundamentally shaped modern gaming in numerous ways:

Innovation and Industry Standards

Popularized regenerating health: Introduced in CoD 2, now ubiquitous
Created-a-Class system: Customizable loadouts became FPS standard
Killstreak rewards: Rewarding player performance with power-ups copied endlessly
Prestige system: Encouraging endless replayability and progression
Seasonal Battle Pass: Modern Warfare 2019’s model adopted by most live-service games
Cross-platform play: MW 2019 proved console/PC crossplay could work seamlessly

Cultural Phenomenon

Multiple games grossed over $1 billion in their first weeks
Esports competitions like Call of Duty League attract millions of viewers
Popular culture references in movies, TV shows, and music
Streaming on Twitch and YouTube generates billions of views
Annual releases became gaming events comparable to blockbuster movies

Franchise Evolution

From WWII roots to modern combat, futuristic warfare, and back to boots-on-the-ground gameplay, CoD has continuously evolved while maintaining core identity. The franchise demonstrated that annualized releases could succeed if quality remained consistent – though recent entries show the strain of this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Call of Duty games are there total?

There are 22 mainline Call of Duty games as of 2026, starting with the original Call of Duty in 2003 and continuing through Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 releasing in November 2025. This count includes only primary releases, not spin-offs, remasters, or mobile games.

What is the best Call of Duty game of all time?

While subjective, most fans and critics consider Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007) or Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) the best entries. Modern Warfare revolutionized the genre with its multiplayer innovations, while MW2 perfected the formula with an unforgettable campaign and addictive multiplayer. Black Ops 2 also frequently appears in “best of” discussions for its forward-thinking features and balanced competitive gameplay.

Which Call of Duty has the best Zombies mode?

Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 is widely regarded as having the best Zombies experience, featuring complex maps with intricate Easter eggs, the Zombies Chronicles DLC with remastered classic maps, and years of post-launch support. Black Ops 2 and Cold War also receive praise for accessibility and innovation.

Are Call of Duty games connected story-wise?

It depends on the sub-series. The Black Ops games share a connected storyline spanning from the 1960s to 2070. The Modern Warfare trilogy (both original and reboot) tells continuous stories. However, games like Ghosts, Advanced Warfare, and Infinite Warfare are standalone titles with no connections to other entries. Understanding the Call of Duty timeline helps clarify these connections.

What Call of Duty should I play first as a beginner?

For new players in 2026, start with Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) or Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Both feature accessible campaigns, active multiplayer communities, and cross-platform support. If you want the latest experience, Black Ops 6 or the upcoming Black Ops 7 offer the most populated servers and modern gameplay mechanics.

Is Call of Duty cross-platform?

Yes, starting with Modern Warfare 2019, all new Call of Duty games support full cross-platform play between PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Players can squad up regardless of platform through linked Activision accounts. Cross-platform details for specific games vary slightly.

Which Call of Duty has the longest campaign?

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 feature the longest campaigns at approximately 10-12 hours, offering branching paths and multiple endings. Most CoD campaigns range from 5-7 hours. Modern Warfare III (2023) notoriously delivered the shortest campaign at just 4 hours.

Can you play Call of Duty offline?

Yes, all Call of Duty games feature offline campaign modes playable without internet connection. Some titles like MW2 (2009) and Black Ops 2 include offline bot matches for multiplayer practice. However, accessing online multiplayer, Warzone, and most modern features requires an internet connection.

What’s the difference between Call of Duty and Warzone?

Call of Duty refers to the annual premium releases ($70) featuring campaigns, traditional multiplayer, and various modes. Warzone is the free-to-play battle royale experience integrated with recent CoD titles, requiring no purchase to play. Warzone features 150-player matches and extraction-based gameplay.

Will there be a Call of Duty in 2026?

While not officially confirmed yet, industry reports suggest Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will release in 2026, developed by Infinity Ward. The annual release cycle shows no signs of stopping, with each of the three studios working on entries years in advance.

Conclusion

From its humble beginnings as a PC-exclusive WWII shooter in 2003 to its current status as a multi-billion dollar entertainment juggernaut, Call of Duty has defined the modern FPS genre. With 22 mainline entries spanning eight decades of fictional history (from 1940 to 2070), three distinct timeline universes, and gameplay styles ranging from boots-on-the-ground realism to far-future space combat, the franchise offers something for every type of FPS fan.

The upcoming release of Black Ops 7 on November 14, 2025, promises to push the series into exciting new territory with co-op campaign gameplay, the mind-bending Endgame mode, and the franchise’s largest Zombies map ever created. Whether you’re a veteran who remembers landing on Normandy Beach in the original Call of Duty or a newcomer exploring the series through Game Pass, there’s never been a better time to experience this legendary franchise.

As Call of Duty approaches its 22nd anniversary, one thing remains certain: the series will continue evolving, innovating, and delivering the blockbuster FPS experiences that have captivated hundreds of millions of players worldwide. The legacy of Call of Duty isn’t just about the games – it’s about the memories, friendships, and competitive moments that define a generation of gaming.