With 22 mainline entries and over 500 million copies sold, Call of Duty is more than just a video game series; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has changed the landscape of multiplayer gaming. Think back to those chaotic gaming sessions filled with teens on voice chat, sponsored snacks, and nail-biting sniping battles on iconic maps like Rust. While the franchise has faced criticism due to aggressive monetization and a seemingly endless cycle of annual releases, its impact remains undeniable. As we await the release of Black Ops 7, let’s take a moment to journey through each installment of this legendary franchise.
Call of Duty’s evolution from its initial days showcases not only technical advancements but also shifts in gameplay mechanics and storytelling depth. Below, we explore the games in chronological order, highlighting key features and their lasting ramifications.
1. Call of Duty
- Release Date: October 29, 2003
- Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Nokia N-Gage
The inaugural Call of Duty set the tone for the series, immersing players in the harrowing realities of World War II. With squad-focused gameplay and realistic mechanics like health tied to medkits, it created a template that would influence future titles.
2. Call of Duty 2
- Release Date: October 25, 2005
- Platforms: PC, MacOS, Xbox 360
Breaking the mold set by its predecessor, Call of Duty 2 introduced enhancements like health regeneration and throwable equipment, making the gameplay feel larger and more immersive.
3. Call of Duty 3
- Release Date: November 7, 2006
- Platforms: PS2, PS3, Xbox, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii
Call of Duty 3 marked a switch in developers to Treyarch, adding larger multiplayer experiences while maintaining the core elements that fans loved.
4. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
- Release Date: November 5, 2007
- Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii
This title revolutionized online shooters with innovations like Prestige levels and Killstreaks, establishing a formula that still resonates in the franchise today.
5. Call of Duty: World at War
- Release Date: November 11, 2008
- Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii
World at War stood out for its gritty campaign and the introduction of Zombies, a mode many fans now associate with the franchise.
6. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
- Release Date: November 10, 2009
- Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Featuring iconic moments and adrenaline-pumping gameplay, this entry is regarded by many as the pinnacle of the series, particularly for its engaging multiplayer experience.
7. Call of Duty: Black Ops
- Release Date: November 9, 2010
- Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS
Emphasizing espionage and Cold War themes, Black Ops introduced players to a darker narrative with an engaging multiplayer component that remains a favorite among fans.
8. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
- Release Date: November 8, 2011
- Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii
This sequel delivered intense action and cinematic storytelling, continuing the legacy established by its predecessors.
9. Call of Duty: Black Ops 2
- Release Date: November 13, 2012
- Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii U
With its innovative branching storylines and futuristic setting, Black Ops 2 pushed boundaries, offering players a sense of agency in their choices.
10. Call of Duty: Ghosts
- Release Date: November 5, 2013
- Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Nintendo Wii
Although Ghosts didn’t garner as much acclaim, it introduced a fresh perspective on the franchise during the transition to next-gen consoles.
11. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
- Release Date: November 4, 2014
- Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Introducing exosuit capabilities, this title divided players but certainly pushed the CoD narrative forward into sci-fi territory.
12. Call of Duty: Black Ops 3
- Release Date: November 6, 2015
- Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Treyarch deepened the Zombies experience and refined movement mechanics, enhancing both campaign and multiplayer aspects—offering what many consider the best Zombies experience yet.
13. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
- Release Date: November 4, 2016
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Embarking on a space-faring adventure, it ventured where no Call of Duty had gone before, sparking mixed reactions from the community.
14. Call of Duty: WWII
- Release Date: November 3, 2017
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
This entry marked a return to roots with a focus on authentic combat but faced criticism for rehashing old mechanics.
15. Call of Duty: Black Ops 4
- Release Date: October 12, 2018
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
Omitting a campaign, Black Ops 4 focused heavily on multiplayer and the evolving Battle Royale genre, though it led to division within the community.
16. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (Reboot)
- Release Date: October 25, 2019
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One
The 2019 reboot revitalized the franchise with stunning visuals and robust gameplay. Its multiplayer and Warzone Battle Royale brought a new player engagement level.
17. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
- Release Date: November 13, 2020
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
With a thrilling campaign that seamlessly blended espionage with action, Cold War brought back many features beloved by fans while introducing new mechanics.
18. Call of Duty: Vanguard
- Release Date: November 5, 2021
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Falling into the filler category, Vanguard aimed for nostalgia but ultimately delivered a lackluster experience compared to the franchise’s high standards.
19. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
- Release Date: October 28, 2022
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
While it became the fastest-selling entry, Modern Warfare II suffered from a disappointing array of launch issues and lackluster post-launch content despite a strong campaign.
20. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
- Release Date: November 10, 2023
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
This installment has received a generally positive reception for its multiplayer features, although the campaign did not meet audience expectations.
21. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
- Release Date: October 25, 2024
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
With an ambitious marketing campaign, Fan excitement for Black Ops 6 initially was electric, but poor post-launch support quickly dulled that enthusiasm.
22. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
- Release Date: November 14, 2025
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Promising an expansive multiplayer experience and a revenge-driven narrative, Black Ops 7 is highly anticipated among fans eager to continue the story of David Mason.
Which Call of Duty game stands out as your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments below. For more gaming insights and excitement, be sure to check out Moyens I/O. Happy gaming!