How to Play the Call of Duty Games in Order

How Many Call of Duty Games Are There?

Due to fairly a couple of subseries, a reboot, and the many studios which have labored or are working in the sequence, it may be a bit troublesome to decide what number of Call of Duty video games have been launched.

If we take into account solely the foremost entries with single-player campaigns, together with all the World Struggle II titles, the Trendy Warfare suubseries (plus its reboot), and the Black Ops subseries, there are 19 video video games in the franchise.

Nevertheless, issues get difficult whenever you add all the expansions, on-line experiences, cell video games, and spin-offs. For instance, Call of Duty: United Offensive is an growth for the first recreation, whereas Call of Duty: Most interesting Hour and Call of Duty 2: Huge Crimson One are aspect tales of the first two entries.

Spin-offs embrace technique recreation Call of Duty: Siege, launched in 2016 based mostly on Infinite Warfare’s universe; Call of Duty: Heroes, launched in 2014; and the cell model of Call of Duty: Black Ops. The truth is, many foremost entries have considerably totally different editions for cell/handheld when put next to the main console releases. Examples of this are PS Vita’s Call of Duty: Black Ops: Declassified and Nintendo DS’s Call of Duty: Trendy Warfare 3: Defiance.

Then there’s the Chinese language free-to-play Call of Duty On-line, launched in 2015 and shut down in 2021. 2019’s Call of Duty Cell took its place and continues to be operating in the present day.

The distinctive Zombies modes have grow to be a staple of the sequence since their first inclusion in 2008’s World at Struggle, and so they have appeared in a number of entries since.

Lastly, the franchise entered the battle royale and stay service genres with Warzone, launched in 2020, which grew to become an enormous success. Two years later, it was changed by Warzone 2.0, a whole overhaul of the recreation’s map and expertise. Warzone Cell introduced the battle royale expertise to iOS and Android gadgets in early 2024.

To keep away from confusion, it’s price mentioning that the reboot of the Trendy Warfare sequence can be numbered with Roman numbers. Additionally, Black Ops 4 isn’t added to the listing under for its lack of marketing campaign (it’s a multiplayer-only expertise).

Call of Duty Games in Chronological Order

Beware of minor spoilers for the tales, characters, and related occasions of every recreation in the listing under.

1. Call of Duty (2003)

The franchise’s first recreation was developed by Infinity Ward and revealed in 2003. That is the first of many entries in the sequence centered on World Struggle II, following the steps of different family names like Medal of Honor.

In the first Call of Duty, you play three totally different campaigns as totally different troopers from three nations: the United States, Britain, and the Soviet Union.

The North American soldier, Non-public Martin, begins his coaching in 1942 and participates in the invasion of Normandy in 1944, whereas the British Sergeant Evans fights in Operation Tonga that very same 12 months. Evans will later be helped by Captain Worth, a recurrent title in the franchise. On the different hand, the Soviet Alexei Ivanovich Voronin’s marketing campaign takes place in the Battle of Stalingrad.

2. Call of Duty 2 (2005)

The sequel of the unique title repeats the settings and nations however with some totally different views. As an alternative of three campaigns, you expertise 4: one from the perspective of a North American soldier, one from the Soviet Union, and two from Britain.

As Non-public Vasili Koslov, you could have to defend Moscow from Nazi German troopers, whereas North American Invoice Taylor joins the military that assaults La Pointe du Hoc throughout the notorious D-Day. The British troopers, Sergeant John Davis and David Welsh, participated in the battle in North Africa. Davis is led by Captain Worth.

3. Call of Duty: World at Struggle (2008)

A couple of years after Call of Duty 3, the staff at Treyarch got here again and delivered their final entry based mostly on the battle the sequence has been respiratory off since its beginnings. This time, nevertheless, the marketing campaign was solely divided into North American and Soviet forces.

You comply with American Marine Non-public C. Miller throughout the Makin Island raid in 1942, and later in the Battle of Peleliu, in which American forces confronted the Japanese military. The Soviet part takes place in the Battle of Stalingrad, however this time on the Jap Entrance as Non-public Dimitri Petrenko.

4. Call of Duty 3 (2005)

The primary foremost recreation in the sequence not developed by Infinity Ward, Call of Duty 3 was Treyarch’s first try at recreating World Struggle II occasions.

Happening in 1944, armies from Britain, Poland, the United States, Canada, and France struggle towards Germany’s Nazi forces in the village of Chambois, France, throughout the Battle of Normandy.

That is the solely foremost entry you can’t play on PC.

5. Call of Duty: WWII (2017)

Virtually a decade and a half after the first recreation, studio Sledgehammer Games returned the franchise to World Struggle II. This was the first time in the foremost sequence there was just one protagonist in the marketing campaign: Ronald “Crimson” Daniels, accompanied by his loyal squad. As Crimson, you struggle Nazi German forces throughout the European theater, from Normandy to Germany.

Whereas WWII has some temporary flashback sequences in 1940, which might set it as the first recreation in the sequence chronologically, the core of the title takes place in 1944.

6. Call of Duty: Vanguard (2021)

In the newest entry set in World Struggle II, developer Sledgehammer Games tried as soon as once more to carry Call of Duty to its roots and discover this historic occasion from a distinct perspective.

Opposite to 2017’s WWII, you might be introduced with a number of characters on totally different fronts. The principle goal is to be taught extra about Phoenix, a secret Nazi mission that might change the tide of the conflict in favor of Nazi Germany.

Vanguard additionally has flashback sequences for various protagonists beginning in 1941, however the majority of the marketing campaign is about in 1945, close to the finish of the conflict.

7. Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010)

Developer Treyarch modified eras with Black Ops. Going from 1961 to 1968, you’ll expertise the occasions of the Chilly Struggle and half of the Vietnam Struggle for the first time in the sequence.

The principle protagonist, Alex Mason, works with the CIA and is tasked to keep in mind occasions that will assist discover Soviet sleeper brokers. These brokers are round the United States, and so they plan to launch a harmful chemical weapon referred to as Nova 6.

8. Call of Duty: Black Ops Chilly Struggle (2020)

Developed by Treyarch and Raven Software program, Call of Duty: Black Ops Chilly Struggle helps join the unique Black Ops and Black Ops 2. Whereas the foremost protagonist this time is nicknamed “Bell,” you get to select your title, gender, and different particulars like dialogue strains.

Set in 1981, you staff up with characters from earlier video games, together with Alex Mason, Frank Woods, and Jason Hudson. Beneath CIA’s Russell Adler, your elite staff is meant to catch a Soviet determine that goes by “Perseus” who’s planning to assault the United States.

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

The sequel to the unique Black Ops presents two timelines. On the first one, you comply with Alex Mason’s footsteps a number of years after he and his staff efficiently stopped Nova 6. It’s 1986, and Jason Hudson asks Mason to help with the seek for Frank Woods, who disappeared in Cuando Cubango, Angola.

The second timeline is centered round David Mason, Alex’s son, who’s on the lookout for Raul Menendez in 2025. Menendez is the chief of Cordis Die, a terrorist group that provoked the Second Chilly Struggle.

10. Call of Duty 4: Trendy Warfare (2007)

The final entry to have a quantity after “Call of Duty,” Trendy Warfare is the first time the sequence deserted its basic Allies vs Axis battle for one thing newer.

In 2011, Yasir Al-Fulani, the president of a fictional Center Jap nation, was executed by Khaled Al-Asad, the chief of a revolutionary get together. In the meantime, Russia goes by way of a civil conflict provoked by Imran Zakhaev, an arms vendor.

A squad commanded by Captain Worth and fashioned by protagonist John “Cleaning soap” MacTavish have to cease a world disaster.

11. Call of Duty: Trendy Warfare 2 (2009)

Set 5 years after the occasions of the earlier recreation, Trendy Warfare 2 tells the story of Vladimir Makarov, an Ultranationalist who continues the work of Imran Zakhaev. It seems this extremist get together gained management of Russia, so Makarov gained the energy to begin committing terrorist acts towards the United States.

Nicely-known faces like the Captain Cleaning soap and Captain Worth be a part of forces with Sergeant Gary “Roach” Sanderson, Lieutenant Simon “Ghost” Riley, “Nikolai”, and different brokers to cease Makarov’s secret plan.

12. Call of Duty: Trendy Warfare 3 (2011)

The top of the first Trendy Warfare trilogy brings the pursuit of terrorist Vladimir Makarov to its climax. Captain Worth’s staff re-arranges itself with Yuri, an ex-Spetsnaz identified by Nikolai. Captain John “Cleaning soap” MacTavish can be current for the ultimate mission.

Makarov captures Boris Vorshevsky, the president of Russia, who was going to set up peace with the United States. After threatening the president’s daughter, Makarov acquired nuclear launch codes, changing into a world hazard as soon as once more.

13. Call of Duty: Trendy Warfare (2019)

In 2019, Infinity Ward rebooted the profitable Trendy Warfare sequence by reusing some basic characters in a brand new timeline. Nicely-known faces like Captain Worth are current in a brand new battle with Russia.

Set in the identical 12 months it was launched, a fictional republic referred to as Urzikstan is invaded by a Russian military. Whereas this assault is happening, a terrorist group referred to as Al-Qatala, additionally from Urzikstan, begins with operations towards totally different nations in the world. Captain Worth, alongside his Job Drive 141 and the Urzikstan Liberation Drive, attempt to de-escalate the battle.

14. Call of Duty: Trendy Warfare II (2022)

Happening in 2022, Trendy Warfare II follows the story of the MW reboot, that includes returning characters from Job Drive 141 and the Urzikstan Liberation Drive chief Farah Karim.

Al-Qatala continues to be a risk, however all eyes are on Quds Drive, an Iranian revolutionary group commanded by Hassan Zyani. Zyani is supported by Al-Qatala and a Mexican cartel from the fictional metropolis of Las Almas, and he plans terrorist acts towards the United States after the assassination of Normal Ghorbrani, an Iranian forces chief.

15. Call of Duty: Trendy Warfare III (2023)

Choosing up after the occasions of 2022’s Trendy Warfare II, MWIII as soon as once more stars Job Drive 141, together with recurring characters John Worth, Simon “Ghost” Riley, Kyle “Gaz” Garrick, and John “Cleaning soap” MacTavish. Ultranationalist terrorist Vladimir Makarov, the villain from 2011’s Trendy Warfare 3, as soon as once more serves as the antagonist.

16. Call of Duty: Ghosts (2013)

A standalone entry with few connections to earlier titles, Call of Duty Ghosts was developed by Infinity Ward in 2013. As its title signifies, it centered on the particular operation group referred to as Ghosts, a U.S. staff tasked with secret missions.

It’s 2027, and after a decade of conflicts in the Center East and an oil disaster, a South American pressure referred to as the Federation of the Americas initiated a conflict towards the United States. Working along with your new staff, you could have to cease Gabriel T. Rorke, the former chief of Ghosts.

17. Call of Duty: Superior Warfare (2014)

Superior Warfare was the first entry to happen a number of a long time past its launch date. It was additionally the first recreation developed primarily by Sledgehammer Games.

Set in 2054, you management Jack Mitchell, a member of the United States Marine Corps who later fights in the non-public navy company often called Atlas after struggling an accident. On this event, the enemy forces are a Chechenian separatist group referred to as KVA led by Joseph “Hades” Chkheidze.

It was one of the first entries to function futuristic modifications in gameplay due to its setting, like the undeniable fact that troopers now put on exoskeletons, which carry them distinctive talents.

18. Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (2015)

The top of the preliminary Black Ops trilogy was additionally set in the future. Extra particularly, in the 12 months 2065, when a Third Chilly Struggle between the Frequent Protection Pact and the Winslow Accord is occurring. Robotic drones, cyborg supersoldiers, unpiloted air forces, and different technological developments take middle stage.

A black ops staff composed of you (merely referred to as “The Participant”), Jacob Hendricks, and your cybernetics division can be tasked with stopping the battle from reaching a extra harmful state. You examine a wierd occasion in Singapore and look out for the 54 Immortals, against the law group.

19. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (2016)

No Call of Duty recreation went additional into the future than Infinite Warfare. Round the 2080s, the United Nations House Alliance was created after people had spent all the pure sources accessible on Earth. Starting the colonization and exploitation of sources on different planets, this alliance is defended by the Photo voltaic Related Treaty Group, a navy pressure that battles the totalitarian regime Settlement Protection Entrance from Mars.

How to Play the Call of Duty Games By Launch Date

1. Call of Duty (2003)
2. Call of Duty 2 (2005)
3. Call of Duty 3 (2006)
4. Call of Duty 4: Trendy Warfare (2007)
5. Call of Duty: World at Struggle (2008)
6. Call of Duty: Trendy Warfare 2 (2009)
7. Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010)
8. Call of Duty: Trendy Warfare 3 (2011)
9. Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (2012)
10. Call of Duty: Ghosts (2013)
11. Call of Duty: Superior Warfare (2014)
12. Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (2015)
13. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (2016)
14. Call of Duty: WWII (2017)
15. Call of Duty: Trendy Warfare (2019)
16. Call of Duty: Black Ops Chilly Struggle (2020)
17. Call of Duty: Vanguard (2021)
18. Call of Duty: Trendy Warfare II (2022)
19. Call of Duty: Trendy Warfare III (2023)
20. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (TBA 2024)

What’s Subsequent for Call of Duty?

Following the launch of Trendy Warfare III and Warzone 2.0 in 2023, Activision will hand the reins again to Treyarch. The subsequent Call of Duty recreation is confirmed to be Black Ops 6, which some speculate can be set in the Gulf Struggle. In accordance to The Verge, Call of Duty followers might have the ability to get their fingers on this subsequent launch as quickly as October, and it could be coming straight to Xbox Recreation Cross. For now, we count on extra concrete particulars about Black Ops 6 to be introduced throughout Microsoft’s Xbox showcase on June 9.

Additionally see: Far Cry Games in Order.

Axel Bosso is a contributing freelancer for IGN, protecting the whole lot associated to video video games (he is behind some of the Wikis you might need used over the years)!