Call of Duty Games in Order: When it’s come to a first-person shooter game, then Call of Duty Series is one of the best first-person shooter game series,starting out in 2003, it first focused on games set in World War II. Over time, the series has seen games set in the midst of the Cold War, futuristic worlds, and outer space.
Call of Duty delivers the gritty realism and cinematic intensity of World War II’s epic battlefield moments like never before – through the eyes of citizen soldiers and unsung heroes from an alliance of countries who together helped shape the course of modern history. Here is the best guide how to play All Call of Duty Games in Order of Release. The most recent title, Call of Duty: Vanguard, was released on November 5, 2021.
Note: This list is only about Call of Duty Main series. It’s other games will be soon added.
You May Also Like: The Halo Games in Order of Story
All Call of Duty Games in Chronological Order
The Call of Duty series has evolved over the years, offering a diverse range of games with varying settings, storylines, and gameplay mechanics. Here’s a simplified timeline of the main games in the series up to September 2023:
- Call of Duty: WWII — Set between 1940 – 1945
- Call of Duty 2 — Set between 1941 – 1945
- Call of Duty: World at War — Set between 1942 – 1945
- Call of Duty 1 — Set between 1942 – 1945
- Call of Duty 3 — Set in 1944
- Call of Duty: Vanguard — Set in 1945
- Call of Duty: Black Ops — Set between 1961 – 1968
- Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War — Set in 1981
- Call of Duty: Black Ops II — Set between 1986 – 2500
- Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare — Set in 2011
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 — Set in 2016
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 — Set between 2016 – 2017
- Call of Duty: Ghosts — Set between 2015 – 2027
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare — Set between 2019 – 2020
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II — Taking place in late 2022
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III — Take place after the events of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 — Set in 2043
- Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare — Set between 2054 – 2061
- Call of Duty: Black Ops III — Set in 2065
- Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare — Set in 2187
This overview captures the mainline games and some notable spin-offs up until 2023. The series is known for its evolution in gameplay mechanics, storytelling, and exploration of various historical and speculative fiction scenarios.
Overview of Call of Duty in Order
• Call of Duty World War II games
1. Call of Duty (2003)
Call of Duty delivers the gritty realism and cinematic intensity of World War II’s epic battlefield moments like never before – through the eyes of citizen soldiers and unsung heroes from an alliance of countries who together helped shape the course of modern history. Play through the chaos of battle as part of a well-trained squad, that lays down covering fire and pulls its wounded to safety.
In addition to authentic squad movements and tactics, each soldier’s distinct personality and training comes out on the battlefield. No one soldier or nation single-handedly won the war. For the first time, Call of Duty captures the war from multiple perspectives, through the eyes of American, British and Russian soldiers. Battle through 24 missions spanning 4 interconnected historical campaigns. Take on mission objectives ranging from sabotage and all-out assault to stealth, vehicle combat and rescue. Authentic weapons, locations, vehicles and sounds of war all contribute to the realism, immersing you in the most intense World War II experience yet.
2. Call of Duty 2 (2005)
The sequel to 2003’s Call of Duty, winner of over 80 Game of the Year awards, Call of Duty 2 offers more immense, more intense, more realistic battles than ever before, thanks to the stunning visuals of the new COD 2 engine.
Call of Duty 2 redefines the cinematic intensity and chaos of battle as seen through the eyes of ordinary soldiers fighting together in epic WWII conflicts. Play through 27 epic Single Player missions in Call of Duty 2 Game of the Year spanning three campaigns and battle using vehicles, including authentic WWII tanks. Includes more immense, more intense, more realistic battles than ever before! Includes 2 new multiplayer maps. Open-ended battlefields allow you to individualize your tactics and choose the order in which you complete your objectives. Multiplayer Mayhem: Go online for intense Axis vs. Allies team-based multiplayer action, building on the hugely popular Call of Duty multiplayer modes
3. Call of Duty 3 (2006)
Call of Duty 3 delivers the intensity of World War II combat closer than ever. In this next-generation game, you’ll experience the Normandy Breakout — the historic campaign that made the liberation of Paris possible and brought the Allies a step closer to Berlin. Travel with four ordinary Allied soldiers — American, British, Canadian and Polish — as they’re thrust onto an authentic, living battlefield for unprecedented combat, with advanced High-Definition graphics, detailed Character animations and explosive on-screen action. Call Of Duty 3 delivers the most immersive and cinematically intense war experience ever. Team-based Multiplayer with vehicles for team-based combat with up to 24 players battling it out online Play as an infantryman, or commandeer multiple-occupancy vehicles like tanks, jeeps & motorcycles
4. Call of Duty: WWII (2017)
Call of Duty: WWII creates the definitive World War II next generation experience across three different game modes: Campaign, Multiplayer, and Co-Operative. Featuring stunning visuals, the Campaign transports players to the European theater as they engage in an all-new Call of Duty story set in iconic World War II battles. Multiplayer marks a return to original, boots-on-the ground Call of Duty gameplay. Authentic weapons and traditional run-and-gun action immerse you in a vast array of World War II–themed locations. The Co-Operative mode unleashes a new and original story in a standalone game experience full of unexpected, adrenaline-pumping moments.
5. Call of Duty: Vanguard (2021)
The award-winning Call of Duty series returns with Call of Duty: Vanguard, in which players will experience influential battles of World War II as they fight for victory across the Eastern and Western Fronts of Europe, the Pacific, and North Africa. Players will be immersed in visceral WWII combat on an unprecedented global scale. Rise on every front: Dogfight over the Pacific, airdrop over France, defend Stalingrad with a sniper’s precision and blast through advancing forces in North Africa. Players will also make their mark across Call of Duty’s signature Multiplayer experience, witness the rise of the Special Forces as players drop into enhanced locales with authentic World War II loadouts. Plus, an exciting enhanced Zombies experience developed by Treyarch. Players will prove their mettle as they try to survive the relentless onslaught of the undead in a chilling enhanced experience, Der Anfang, with a enhanced Dark Aether skills.
Call of Duty: Vanguard will also usher in a enhanced and unparalleled Call of Duty: Warzone integration post launch and feature cross-progression and cross-generation play, in addition to a massive calendar of free post-launch content that adds in enhanced Multiplayer maps, modes, seasonal events, community celebrations and more.
• Call of Duty Modern Warfare series
1. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare stands as a pivotal entry in the renowned Call of Duty game series. Released in 2007, it shattered the confines of historical settings, ushering in a new era of modern combat gameplay. Set in a contemporary landscape, the game delivered an immersive single-player campaign and a groundbreaking multiplayer experience. Its gripping narrative, diverse missions, and cinematic presentation revolutionized the first-person shooter genre. Modern Warfare’s influence reverberated throughout the series, shaping subsequent titles with its realism, intense gunplay, and focus on online competition. A milestone in gaming history, it solidified Call of Duty’s stature as an iconic and ever-evolving franchise.
2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered (2016)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered, released in 2016, stands as a testament to the franchise’s enduring legacy. A masterful reimagining of the original 2007 classic, it catapults players back into the intense and gritty modern battlefield. The game preserves the heart-pounding narrative and iconic missions, stunningly reinvigorated with cutting-edge visuals and enhanced gameplay mechanics. As a vital entry in the Call of Duty series, it bridges the gap between the past and present, reminding both veterans and newcomers alike of the franchise’s evolution while celebrating its roots in the first-person shooter genre.
3. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, a pivotal installment in the Call of Duty game series, continues the intense and cinematic experience the franchise is known for. Released in 2009, it follows the events of the original Modern Warfare and thrusts players into a world of global conflict, espionage, and high-stakes warfare. With a gripping single-player campaign and a robust multiplayer mode, Modern Warfare 2 offers a seamless blend of fast-paced action and narrative depth. Its impactful story, iconic missions, and multiplayer innovations have left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape, solidifying the series’ reputation for pushing boundaries and delivering memorable gaming moments.
4. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, released in 2011, is a compelling first-person shooter video game that concludes the gripping narrative of the original Modern Warfare trilogy. Jointly developed by Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer Games, and published by Activision, the game plunges players into a high-stakes conflict against the menacing Russian Ultranationalist party, led by the infamous Vladimir Makarov.
Building upon the success of its predecessor, Modern Warfare 2, the game features an intense campaign following the exploits of Task Force 141, including the iconic characters Captain Price, Soap MacTavish, and the newly introduced Yuri. The multiplayer mode introduces innovative gameplay mechanics and an array of killstreak options, addressing concerns from the previous installment. Employing an enhanced version of the IW engine, Modern Warfare 3 expertly combines riveting gameplay, a captivating storyline, and thrilling multiplayer, securing its place as a monumental success in the Call of Duty series.
5. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) stands as a remarkable entry in the renowned Call of Duty series. Developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision, it serves as both the sixteenth installment and a reboot of the Modern Warfare sub-series.
Released in 2019, the game introduces a gripping campaign set in a realistic modern world. Players join a coalition of CIA officers, British SAS forces, and Urzikstan rebels in a battle against Russian Armed Forces and the terrorist group Al-Qatala. With a revamped multiplayer mode supporting cross-platform play and progression, it offers tactical gameplay enhancements, including the innovative Realism mode and an expanded Ground War mode. Infinity Ward’s dedication to detail is evident through its new engine, delivering breathtaking graphics and performance enhancements.
Despite some controversies in handling sensitive subject matter, Modern Warfare was celebrated for its gameplay innovation, captivating campaign, and stunning visuals, marking a significant evolution in the series.
6. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022) continues the legacy of the renowned franchise. Developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision, this first-person shooter is the nineteenth installment in the iconic Call of Duty series. Set in a contemporary backdrop, the game’s gripping campaign trails Task Force 141 and Los Vaqueros as they pursue the dangerous terrorist, Hassan Zyani, who holds American ballistic missiles. With its advanced IW engine, Modern Warfare II boasts cross-platform multiplayer and introduces Warzone 2.0, an evolution of the original battle royale mode. The game’s acclaim from critics, commercial triumph, and record-breaking revenue underscore its enduring popularity in the series.
7. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, the highly anticipated addition to the legendary Call of Duty franchise, is set to redefine the first-person shooter experience. Developed by Sledgehammer Games and published by Activision, this game marks the twentieth installment in the series and the third entry in the rebooted Modern Warfare sub-series.
Picking up after the events of Modern Warfare II, players will engage in a gripping campaign featuring the return of iconic characters like Captain Price and Ghost. The inclusion of Ultranationalist terrorist Vladimir Makarov promises intense narrative twists. Multiplayer enthusiasts will delight in the resurrection of beloved gameplay elements and modes, including the eagerly awaited “Cutthroat” mode. With a captivating Zombies mode intertwining narratives from previous titles, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III is poised to captivate gamers upon its November 10, 2023 release.
• Call of Duty Black Ops story arc
1. Call of Duty: World at War (2008)
Released in 2008, Call of Duty: World at War, developed by Treyarch and published by Activision, stands as a pivotal entry in the iconic Call of Duty series. Set against the backdrop of World War II, it returns players to the intense theaters of the Pacific and Eastern Fronts.
With a gripping campaign narrative told from multiple perspectives, the game plunges players into the shoes of characters like Marine Raider Private C. Miller and Red Army soldier Private Dimitri Petrenko. Featuring an engaging multiplayer mode with various game modes and a leveling system, as well as a cooperative Zombies mode, World at War introduced innovative gameplay elements. The game’s emphasis on historical battles, destruction, and realism garnered acclaim from critics, though some noted its lack of innovation. Its success, both commercially and critically, paved the way for the subsequent titles in the series, marking the beginning of the Black Ops subseries.
2. Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010)
Call of Duty: Black Ops, a pivotal entry in the renowned Call of Duty game series, emerged in 2010 as a first-person shooter masterpiece. Developed by Treyarch and published by Activision, the game ventured into the tumultuous 1960s during the Cold War era. Players embarked on a gripping single-player campaign alongside CIA operative Alex Mason, seeking to unravel cryptic memories and thwart a Soviet plot involving chemical warfare.
The game’s global canvas showcased intense locales like Cuba, the Soviet Union, and Vietnam, while its multiplayer mode introduced exhilarating objective-based gameplay across diverse maps. Black Ops boasted innovations like enhanced loadout options, COD Points for customization, and an evocative soundtrack featuring legendary artists. Garnering acclaim for its narrative, multiplayer dynamics, and darker tone, the game carved its name as a bestseller and an iconic title within the franchise.
3. Call of Duty: Black Ops II (2012)
Call of Duty: Black Ops II, a 2012 installment in the iconic Call of Duty video game series, showcases the evolution of first-person shooter gaming. Developed by Treyarch and published by Activision, it introduced groundbreaking features. Spanning the late 1980s and 2025, the gripping campaign follows protagonists like Alex Mason, Frank Woods, and Mason’s son, David, navigating a narrative intricately woven around Raul Menendez, an arms dealer turned terrorist. With non-linear gameplay and multiple endings, the game’s global settings, from Afghanistan to the United States, immerse players in diverse environments.
Black Ops II also pioneers futuristic warfare technology and player-driven branching storylines, earning acclaim for its gameplay, multiplayer, and Zombies mode. The game’s commercial triumph, grossing over $500 million within its first day, solidified its place as a monumental entry in the Call of Duty franchise.
4. Call of Duty: Black Ops III (2015)
Call of Duty: Black Ops III, the twelfth installment in the renowned Call of Duty series, launched players into a futuristic world in 2065, grappling with the tumultuous consequences of climate change and advanced technology. Developed by Treyarch and published by Activision, the game introduced cybernetic enhancements to the player’s character, opening up a range of special abilities. Its cooperative campaign mode supported 4-player gameplay, fostering expansive levels and diverse combat strategies.
Alongside its engaging story, Black Ops III featured a unique standalone Zombies campaign and the “Nightmares” mode, replacing foes with zombies. While praised for its gameplay, Zombies mode, and content, the game faced critique for its narrative and lack of innovation. Despite this, it emerged as a commercial triumph, topping US retail game sales in 2015 and maintaining an active online community.
5. Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 (2018)
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, stylized as Call of Duty: Black Ops IIII, marks a pivotal departure within the acclaimed Call of Duty series. Released in 2018, this multiplayer-focused first-person shooter, developed by Treyarch and published by Activision, shattered conventions by omitting the traditional single-player campaign.
Instead, it introduced the Specialist HQ, delving into the multifaceted backgrounds of its “Specialists,” bridging the narrative gap between Black Ops II and III. Groundbreaking changes were also seen in gameplay mechanics, as automatic health regeneration was discarded in favor of a fresh ballistics system and predictive recoil. The addition of a thrilling battle royale mode, Blackout, hosting up to 100 players, injected further excitement. Amidst initial skepticism, Black Ops 4 found acclaim for its inventive modes, notably Blackout, though criticism arose over the absence of a campaign and microtransaction implementations.
6. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020)
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, a 2020 FPS by Treyarch and Raven Software, marks the sixth installment in the Black Ops series and seventeenth in the Call of Duty saga. Released on multiple platforms, the game immerses players in the early 1980s Cold War tension.
Centered on the pursuit of the alleged Soviet spy Perseus, players assume the role of “Bell,” working alongside CIA officer Russell Adler in a bid to thwart Perseus’s goal of destabilizing the US. Notably, familiar faces like Mason, Woods, and Hudson return, while multiplayer evolves with new modes and map dynamics. Cold War intertwines with the Modern Warfare narrative, solidifying a shared universe. Despite development challenges, the game was praised for its campaign, multiplayer, and zombies mode, becoming 2020’s US best-seller.
• Call of Duty Standalone Games
1. Call of Duty: Ghosts (2013)
Released in 2013, “Call of Duty: Ghosts” marked the tenth installment in the renowned Call of Duty series and the sixth creation by Infinity Ward. Departing from the established narratives of World War II, Black Ops, and Modern Warfare, Ghosts charted a fresh course with a near-future backdrop and heightened tactical gameplay.
Its riveting campaign and open-ended multiplayer structure continued the franchise’s legacy, while innovative elements like the “Squads” modes and orbital strike superweapons injected newfound excitement. The inclusion of the Extinction cooperative mode, a spiritual successor to Zombies, further diversified gameplay. While Ghosts garnered acclaim for its multiplayer and Extinction, it was also critiqued for unremarkable solo play and derivative concepts, showcasing a blend of success and missed opportunities.
2. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (2014)
Released in 2014, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare marks the eleventh significant installment in the renowned Call of Duty series. Developed by Sledgehammer Games and published by Activision, the game introduces an immersive futuristic setting spanning from 2054 to 2061.
It showcases the gripping narrative of Jack Mitchell, a Marine Corps soldier, entangled with the enigmatic private military corporation, Atlas. Boasting a revamped game engine, Advanced Warfare combines stunning visuals, compelling voice acting by Troy Baker and Kevin Spacey, and an adrenaline-pumping single-player campaign. The game’s dynamic multiplayer mode, lauded for its rich content, rapid gameplay, and engaging mechanics, contributed to its critical acclaim and commercial triumph.
3. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (2016)
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, the thirteenth installment in the iconic Call of Duty series, emerged in 2016 as a futuristic first-person shooter. Developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision, the game marked a shift in the series’ development cycle. The narrative delves into an interstellar battle for control over the Solar System, pitting players against the antagonistic Settlement Defense Front (SDF). As Lieutenant Nick Reyes of the SCAR, gamers pilot the customizable “Jackal” fighter and command the central hub ship, Retribution. Despite a controversial trailer, the game received positive reviews for its engaging gameplay, characters, and Zombies mode, even though its multiplayer faced criticism.
How many Call of Duty Games are there?
There were around TWENTY (20) mainline titles in the Call of Duty series, not counting expansions, mobile versions, or remastered editions.
All Call of Duty of Games in Order of Release Date
Here’s a list of Call of Duty in order of release date.
1. Call of Duty — October 29, 2003
2. Call of Duty 2 — October 25, 2005
3. Call of Duty 3 — November 7, 2006
4. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare — November 5, 2007
5. Call of Duty: World at War — November 11, 2008
6. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 — November 10, 2009
7. Call of Duty: Black Ops — November 9, 2010
8. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 — November 8, 2011
9. Call of Duty: Black Ops II — November 13, 2012
10. Call of Duty: Ghosts — November 5, 2013
11. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare — November 4, 2014
12. Call of Duty: Black Ops III — November 6, 2015
13. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered — November 4, 2016
14. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare — November 4, 2016
15. Call of Duty: WWII — November 3, 2017
16. Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 — October 12, 2018
17. Call of Duty: Modern Warfar — October 25, 2019
18. Call of Duty: Warzone — March 10, 2020
19. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War — November 13, 2020
20. Call of Duty: Vanguard — November 5, 2021
21. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II — October 28, 2022
22. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III — November 10, 2023
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Call of Duty game series has captivated gamers for years with its thrilling and ever-evolving gameplay experiences. From its roots in the historically significant World War II era to its exploration of modern warfare in the “Modern Warfare” era, the series has consistently pushed the boundaries of the first-person shooter genre. As it delved into Cold War intrigue and alternate realities in the “Black Ops” era and ventured into futuristic space battles with “Infinite Warfare,” each installment showcased the franchise’s ability to reinvent itself.
With the return to its origins in World War II in “Call of Duty: WWII” and the continuation of the enigmatic Cold War narrative in “Black Ops Cold War,” the series proves its staying power and ability to engage players across a wide spectrum of historical and speculative scenarios. “Call of Duty” games in order present not only a journey through time and technology but also a testament to the enduring appeal of immersive and intense gaming experiences.
Call of Duty FAQs:
1. What is the first Call of Duty game ever released?
A — The first Call of Duty game released in 2003, immersing players in World War II scenarios.
2. Are the Modern Warfare games connected in terms of storyline?
A — Yes, the Modern Warfare games follow a connected storyline, focusing on contemporary conflicts.
3. Which game introduced the battle royale mode to Call of Duty?
A — “Call of Duty: Warzone” introduced the immensely popular battle royale mode.
4. Can I play Call of Duty games on mobile devices?
A — Yes, “Call of Duty: Mobile” brings the franchise’s action to mobile platforms.
5. What is the appeal of the Black Ops series?
A — The Black Ops series offers intricate plots, espionage, and mind-bending narratives that intrigue players.
Thanks for Visit!
