The Beginnings: World War II Era (2003-2008)
The Call of Duty franchise kicked off in 2003 with a focus on World War II battles, a theme that would dominate the early titles.
- Call of Duty (2003)
- Call of Duty: United Offensive (2004)
- Call of Duty 2 (2005)
- Call of Duty 3 (2006)
- Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)
- Call of Duty: World at War (2008)
1. Call of Duty (2003)
The inaugural title was developed by Infinity Ward and was notable for its intense single-player campaigns. Players experienced the war through the eyes of American, British, and Canadian soldiers. Its multiplayer mode was groundbreaking, setting the standard for competitive gameplay in future titles.
2. Call of Duty: United Offensive (2004)
This expansion pack introduced new campaigns and enhanced multiplayer features. It provided additional missions and improved AI, making the gameplay more immersive.
3. Call of Duty 2 (2005)
Building on its predecessor, Call of Duty 2 featured larger battles and more varied environments. It received critical acclaim for its graphics and gameplay mechanics.
4. Call of Duty 3 (2006)
Set during the Battle of Normandy, this title focused on the events of World War II and introduced a new narrative style. It featured a more cinematic experience, enhancing the emotional impact of the story.
5. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)
A groundbreaking shift from historical settings to modern-day warfare. This title introduced players to an engaging narrative involving international conflicts and terrorism, coupled with a robust multiplayer experience that defined future entries.
6. Call of Duty: World at War (2008)
Returning to World War II, this installment incorporated a more mature narrative and introduced zombie mode, which became a hallmark of the series. The game focused on the Pacific and Eastern Fronts, further expanding the franchise's historical scope.
Modern Warfare Reimagined (2009-2012)
The success of Modern Warfare led to the development of sequels and spin-offs, cementing the series' reputation in the gaming world.
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009)
- Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010)
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011)
- Call of Duty: Black Ops II (2012)
1. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009)
This sequel built upon its predecessor, delivering an even more intense single-player campaign and robust multiplayer options. The game is remembered for its engaging story and memorable characters.
2. Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010)
Set during the Cold War, this title introduced players to covert operations and psychological warfare. Its multiplayer mode featured a wealth of customization options, and the zombie mode was expanded significantly.
3. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011)
Concluding the original Modern Warfare trilogy, this installment continued the story of its beloved characters while enhancing the multiplayer experience with new gameplay elements.
4. Call of Duty: Black Ops II (2012)
This title introduced branching storylines, allowing players to make choices that affected the game's outcome. It also featured futuristic warfare elements, setting the stage for future titles in the franchise.
Next Generation and Beyond (2013-2019)
As gaming technology advanced, the Call of Duty series adapted with innovative gameplay mechanics and diverse settings.
- Call of Duty: Ghosts (2013)
- Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (2014)
- Call of Duty: Black Ops III (2015)
- Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (2016)
- Call of Duty: WWII (2017)
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 (2018)
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)
1. Call of Duty: Ghosts (2013)
Ghosts offered a new perspective, focusing on a post-apocalyptic future where players engaged in guerrilla warfare. The game introduced the "Squads" mode, allowing for cooperative play.
2. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (2014)
This title was notable for its futuristic setting and advanced technology in combat, including exosuits that enhanced player mobility. The single-player campaign featured a star-studded cast, adding cinematic quality to the experience.
3. Call of Duty: Black Ops III (2015)
Set in a dystopian future, this game combined classic gameplay with advanced movement mechanics and a focus on cooperative multiplayer modes, including the return of Zombies.
4. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (2016)
Venturing into space, Infinite Warfare featured space battles and a compelling narrative about humanity's survival. Its ambitious setting received mixed reviews but showcased the series' willingness to innovate.
5. Call of Duty: WWII (2017)
Returning to its roots, WWII focused on the events of the Second World War. The game was praised for its authenticity and impactful storytelling, marking a successful return to the franchise's original theme.
6. Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 (2018)
This entry eliminated the traditional single-player campaign, focusing instead on multiplayer and the popular battle royale mode, Blackout. The game emphasized team-based gameplay and character customization.
7. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)
A reboot of the Modern Warfare sub-series, this title introduced a more realistic narrative and gameplay mechanics. The game was acclaimed for its graphics and multiplayer modes, including the introduction of Gunfight, a new 2v2 mode.
Recent Developments and Future Directions (2020-Present)
The Call of Duty series continues to evolve, with recent titles exploring new themes and gameplay mechanics.
- Call of Duty: Warzone (2020)
- Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020)
- Call of Duty: Vanguard (2021)
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022)
- Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 (2022)
1. Call of Duty: Warzone (2020)
Warzone marked the franchise's entry into the free-to-play battle royale genre. It quickly gained popularity, offering players a large map and various gameplay modes.
2. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020)
Set during the Cold War era, this title featured a rich campaign and integrated with Warzone, enhancing multiplayer experiences and introducing new maps and modes.
3. Call of Duty: Vanguard (2021)
Vanguard returned to World War II, focusing on the global conflict's lesser-known fronts. It was praised for its multiplayer improvements and integration with Warzone.
4. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022)
This sequel to the 2019 reboot continued with a modern military theme, enhancing graphics and gameplay mechanics while building on the characters and story arcs introduced in its predecessor.
5. Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 (2022)
An updated version of Warzone, featuring new maps and gameplay enhancements, solidifying its position as a leading battle royale option in the gaming community.
Conclusion
The Call of Duty series in order reflects a remarkable journey in video game history, showcasing innovation and adaptation to changing gaming landscapes. From its humble beginnings in World War II to its current status as a titan in modern gaming, Call of Duty has consistently captivated
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the chronological order of the main Call of Duty games?
The main Call of Duty games in chronological order are: Call of Duty (2003), Call of Duty 2 (2005), Call of Duty 3 (2006), Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007), Call of Duty: World at War (2008), Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009), Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010), Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011), Call of Duty: Black Ops II (2012), Call of Duty: Ghosts (2013), Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (2014), Call of Duty: Black Ops III (2015), Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (2016), Call of Duty: WWII (2017), Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 (2018), Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019), Call of Duty: Warzone (2020), Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020), Call of Duty: Vanguard (2021), and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022).
Which Call of Duty game is set during World War II?
Several Call of Duty games are set during World War II, including Call of Duty (2003), Call of Duty 2 (2005), Call of Duty 3 (2006), Call of Duty: World at War (2008), and Call of Duty: WWII (2017).
What is the first game in the Call of Duty series?
The first game in the Call of Duty series is Call of Duty, released in 2003.
How does Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) fit into the series timeline?
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) is a reboot of the Modern Warfare sub-series and is set in a contemporary conflict, separate from the original Modern Warfare trilogy.
Which Call of Duty game introduced the Zombies mode?
The Zombies mode was first introduced in Call of Duty: World at War (2008).
What is the plot setting of Call of Duty: Black Ops?
Call of Duty: Black Ops is primarily set during the Cold War, featuring covert operations and the psychological effects of warfare.
Are all Call of Duty games connected in terms of story?
No, not all Call of Duty games are connected. While some sub-series, like Modern Warfare and Black Ops, have interconnected storylines, others like Ghosts and WWII are standalone entries.
What is the latest Call of Duty game as of October 2023?
As of October 2023, the latest Call of Duty game is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022).
What innovations did Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare bring to the series?
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare introduced exoskeletons, allowing players to perform advanced movements like double jumps and boosts, significantly changing the pace and style of gameplay.
