The Legendary Journey of Call of Duty: A Comprehensive Timeline
The Call of Duty series has captivated gamers worldwide since its inception in 2003. Let's take a journey through each game in the order they were released, highlighting their unique features and contributions to the franchise.
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
Call of Duty
Release date: October 29, 2003
Developer: Infinity Ward
The inaugural game in the series, released in 2003, set the stage for what would become a legendary franchise. Featuring both multiplayer and single-player modes, it transported players to World War II through four distinct campaigns: American, British, Soviet, and Allied. Each campaign offered a series of missions reflecting historical moments, allowing players to experience the war through different perspectives and use various weapons and equipment.
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 when players took cover, removing the traditional health bar. The game retained the multiple campaign structure with American, British, and Soviet campaigns, each filled with missions based on real events. The multiplayer mode remained largely unchanged from the first game, and a documentary video at the end provided insights into the war's conclusion.
Image: youtube.com
Call of Duty 3
Release date: November 7, 2006
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Xbox
Released exclusively for Xbox, Call of Duty 3 shifted to a single unified storyline, departing from separate campaigns. It introduced new gameplay elements like rowing a boat and split-screen multiplayer. Technical enhancements improved animation and lighting, and the game featured civilians for the first time, though without weapons. Handguns were notably absent from the campaign.
Image: riotpixels.com
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Release date: November 5, 2007
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
Marking a shift to modern warfare, this game set in 2011 featured American and English campaigns focused on averting a nuclear catastrophe. Innovations included an Arcade Mode, cheat codes, and the introduction of classes in multiplayer, which became a series staple. The game was well-received, paving the way for future experiments and developments.
Image: blog.activision.com
Call of Duty: World at War
Release date: November 11, 2008
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
Returning to World War II, this installment included American and Soviet campaigns. Despite some player fatigue with the setting, the game introduced a popular Nazi Zombies mode and innovations like dismemberment, flamethrowers, and customizable character classes. It laid the groundwork for the Black Ops subseries.
Image: polygon.com
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Release date: February 11, 2009
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
Continuing from Call of Duty 4, this sequel set in 2016 introduced new gameplay elements like climbing and underwater movement. Multiplayer saw enhancements with dual-wielding pistols, new modes, a deeper perk system, and the ability to call in artillery and airstrikes. It was a massive success, shaping the series' future.
Image: pinterest.com
Call of Duty: Black Ops
Release date: November 9, 2010
Developer: Treyarch
Download: Steam
Set post-World War II, Black Ops followed a CIA agent on dangerous missions. New features included in-game currency, skins, contracts, and a wagering mode. The game retained classes, perk leveling, and the zombies mode, further expanding the series' appeal.
Image: youtube.com
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Release date: November 8, 2011
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
Directly continuing from Modern Warfare 2, this game refined existing mechanics and enhanced graphics and sound. It achieved the most successful launch in entertainment history at the time, reflecting its popularity and player satisfaction.
Image: moddb.com
Call of Duty: Black Ops II
Release date: May 2, 2012
Developer: Treyarch
Download: Steam
This sequel set in 2025-2026 and 1986-1989 introduced a narrative where player actions affected the storyline and multiple endings. New features included equipment selection before battles and improved AI. While not as explosively successful as its predecessor, it was well-received.
Image: youtube.com
Call of Duty: Ghosts
Release date: May 1, 2013
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
Introducing a new story and character, this game expanded to space battles and alien encounters. It allowed character customization, including playing as a female character, and introduced destructible environments and a revamped perk system.
Image: youtube.com
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
Release date: November 4, 2014
Developer: Sledgehammer Games
Download: Steam
Set in a future dominated by corporations, this game introduced exoskeletons, drones, and vertical gameplay. Despite these innovations, it received a lukewarm response from players who were not fond of the new storyline and characters.
Image: newsor.net
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 featured cybernetic limbs, jetpacks, and wall-running. It introduced specialists to supplement the class and perk system, enhancing gameplay variety and player engagement.
Image: youtube.com
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
Release date: November 4, 2016
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
Set on Mars, this standalone game introduced new exoskeletons for multiplayer with customizable upgrades. The single-player mode remained largely unchanged, focusing on the new setting and story.
Image: wsj.com
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered
Release date: November 4, 2016
Developer: Raven Software
Download: Steam
This remaster of the original Modern Warfare enhanced audio, visuals, and animations while keeping the core gameplay intact. New achievements and cheat codes were added, pleasing fans of the classic title.
Image: store.steampowered.com
Call of Duty: WWII
Release date: November 3, 2017
Developer: Sledgehammer Games
Download: Steam
Returning to World War II, this game introduced "heroic actions," medkits, and NPC assistance in the campaign. Multiplayer saw new modes and an increased lobby size, warmly received by players despite the familiar setting.
Image: store.steampowered.com
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4
Release date: October 12, 2018
Developer: Treyarch
Download: Steam
Set between Black Ops II and III, this game shifted to a futuristic setting without a traditional campaign, focusing on standalone missions. It introduced a 100-player battle royale mode and new gameplay mechanics like increased player HP and a "fog of war" system.
Image: youtube.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 modern societal issues with heavy content, including chemical weapons and civilian casualties. It introduced increased recoil, bipods, and a revamped Killstreaks system, though it was met with mixed reactions due to its grim themes.
Image: store.steampowered.com
Call of Duty: Warzone
Release date: March 10, 2020
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
A new standalone project, Warzone introduced three modes: classic battle royale, Rebirth, and Plunder. It featured new mechanics like the Gulag and a "downed" state, focusing solely on multiplayer without single-player or traditional class systems.
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 sound, animations, and visuals while maintaining the original campaign's integrity. It was well-received, allowing players to relive the beloved game with modern enhancements.
Image: youtube.com
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
Release date: November 13, 2020
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
Set between Black Ops and Black Ops II, this game offered a diverse campaign across multiple locations. It avoided radical changes, focusing on refining existing mechanics, though zombies mode saw significant updates with loadouts and upgraded armor.
Image: store.steampowered.com
Call of Duty: Vanguard
Release date: November 5, 2021
Developer: Sledgehammer Games
Download: Steam
Returning to World War II, Vanguard featured a short storyline and backstories for each character. It set a new record with 20 multiplayer maps, maintaining the familiar formula without introducing unproven mechanics.
Image: news.blizzard.com
Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0
Release date: November 16, 2022
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
Part of Modern Warfare II, Warzone 2.0 introduced new features like shared ammo, an updated Gulag, and a new DMZ mode. It built upon the original Warzone's success without requiring a separate purchase.
Image: championat.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 fighting a terrorist organization and drug traffickers. It introduced minor gameplay changes like breaching walls and revised swimming mechanics, maintaining a familiar gameplay experience.
Image: callofduty.fandom.com
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
Release date: November 2, 2023
Developer: Sledgehammer Games
Download: Steam
Combining the best elements from the first two Modern Warfare games, this installment offered more combat-focused missions and introduced a new "Slaughter" mode. It set a new record with 24 multiplayer maps, maintaining the series' high standards.
Image: store.steampowered.com
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Release date: October 25, 2024
Developer: Treyarch and Raven Software
Download: Steam
Set in the 1990s during the Persian conflict, this game reintroduces new mechanics like obstacle climbing, smart movement, and different hit reactions. The zombies mode is divided into rounds, marking a significant evolution in the series.
Image: moddb.com
The Call of Duty franchise has consistently evolved over its 21-year history, balancing difficulty, realism, and player interaction. Each game builds on the success of its predecessors, adding new features while maintaining the core elements that fans love. With 25 games released annually, the series continues to captivate players worldwide, uniting diverse audiences through its thrilling gameplay and engaging narratives.
