by Brooklyn Mar 26,2025
The Call of Duty series, a cornerstone of gaming culture, has captivated audiences globally since its inception. Let's delve into the journey of this iconic franchise, highlighting each game's release and key features.
Image: youtube.com
Release Date: October 29, 2003
Developer: Infinity Ward
The inaugural Call of Duty game, launched in 2003, introduced players to the intensity of World War II through four distinct single-player campaigns: American, British, Soviet, and Allied. Each campaign was a sequence of 26 missions, showcasing diverse scenarios from night battles to urban warfare. The multiplayer mode allowed players to engage in team-based objectives like capturing points and flags.
Image: youtube.com
Release Date: October 25, 2005
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
Call of Duty 2, released in 2005, continued the World War II narrative with similar gameplay mechanics but introduced automatic health regeneration and removed the health bar. The game maintained the three campaigns from the first game, offering players a rich tapestry of missions inspired by historical events. A documentary video at the game's end provided a poignant look at the war's impact.
Image: riotpixels.com
Release Date: November 7, 2006
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Xbox
Call of Duty 3, exclusive to Xbox, shifted to a unified storyline rather than separate campaigns. It introduced new gameplay elements like rowing a boat and split-screen multiplayer, enhancing the technical aspects such as animation and lighting. Notably, this installment included civilians in the game environment for the first time.
Image: blog.activision.com
Release Date: November 5, 2007
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
Marking a significant shift, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare moved to a contemporary setting in 2011, where players thwarted a nuclear threat across American and English campaigns. Innovations included Arcade Mode, cheat codes, and the introduction of classes in multiplayer, setting new standards for the series.
Image: polygon.com
Release Date: November 11, 2008
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
Returning to World War II, Call of Duty: World at War featured American and Soviet campaigns. While maintaining traditional gameplay, it introduced a popular Nazi Zombies mode and enhanced graphics and AI. This game laid the groundwork for the Black Ops subseries.
Image: pinterest.com
Release Date: February 11, 2009
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
A sequel to Modern Warfare, this 2009 release continued the saga in 2016 with new gameplay elements like climbing and underwater missions. The multiplayer mode expanded with dual-wielding, new modes, and a deeper perk system, cementing the game's success.
Image: youtube.com
Release Date: November 9, 2010
Developer: Treyarch
Download: Steam
Set post-World War II, Black Ops offered a CIA-themed campaign with a variety of vehicles. The game introduced in-game currency, skins, contracts, and a wagering mode, alongside familiar classes and zombies mode.
Image: moddb.com
Release Date: November 8, 2011
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
Continuing directly from Modern Warfare 2, Modern Warfare 3 refined existing mechanics and set a record for the most successful entertainment launch at the time, resonating well with fans.
Image: youtube.com
Release Date: May 2, 2012
Developer: Treyarch
Download: Steam
This sequel spanned two timelines, 2025-2026 and 1986-1989, with player choices affecting the storyline and multiple endings. It introduced Strike Force missions, allowing control over different squad members.
Image: youtube.com
Release Date: May 1, 2013
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
Ghosts introduced a new narrative with space-based missions and battles against aliens. Key features included character customization, female protagonists, and destructible environments.
Image: newsor.net
Release Date: November 4, 2014
Developer: Sledgehammer Games
Download: Steam
Set in a future dominated by corporations, Advanced Warfare introduced exoskeletons, drones, and vertical gameplay. Despite these innovations, the game received mixed reviews.
Image: youtube.com
Release Date: November 6, 2015
Developer: Sledgehammer Games
Download: Steam
Set forty years after Black Ops II, this installment featured cybernetic soldiers with transformable limbs and hacking capabilities. It introduced jetpacks, wall-running, and underwater combat.
Image: wsj.com
Release Date: November 4, 2016
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
Infinite Warfare took players to Mars, introducing new exoskeletons in multiplayer. The single-player campaign maintained traditional gameplay.
Image: store.steampowered.com
Release Date: November 4, 2016
Developer: Raven Software
Download: Steam
This remaster preserved the original gameplay while enhancing audio, visuals, and animations, offering a nostalgic yet refreshed experience.
Image: store.steampowered.com
Release Date: November 3, 2017
Developer: Sledgehammer Games
Download: Steam
Returning to World War II, WWII introduced "heroic actions" and medkits. The multiplayer mode featured new game modes and larger lobbies, warmly received by players.
Image: youtube.com
Release Date: October 12, 2018
Developer: Treyarch
Download: Steam
Black Ops 4, set between Black Ops II and III, omitted a traditional campaign, focusing on standalone missions. It introduced a battle royale mode and increased player HP with new healing mechanics.
Image: store.steampowered.com
Release Date: May 30, 2019
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
A reboot of the Modern Warfare subseries, this game addressed modern societal issues with a heavy narrative. It introduced increased recoil, bipods, and a revamped Spec Ops mode.
Image: youtube.com
Release Date: March 10, 2020
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
Warzone introduced a standalone battle royale experience with three modes: classic battle royale, Rebirth, and Plunder. It featured a "downed" state and the Gulag system.
Image: youtube.com
Release Date: March 31, 2020
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: callofduty.com
This remaster focused on enhancing the original's sound, animations, and visuals, allowing players to relive the iconic campaign.
Image: store.steampowered.com
Release Date: November 13, 2020
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
Set in 1981, Cold War offered a diverse single-player campaign and revamped zombies mode with new features like loadouts and armor upgrades.
Image: news.blizzard.com
Release Date: November 5, 2021
Developer: Sledgehammer Games
Download: Steam
Vanguard returned to World War II with a focus on storytelling and introduced a record-breaking 20 multiplayer maps.
Image: championat.com
Release Date: November 16, 2022
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
Part of Modern Warfare II, Warzone 2.0 introduced new features like ammo sharing and an updated Gulag, alongside the new DMZ mode.
Image: callofduty.fandom.com
Release Date: October 28, 2022
Developer: Infinity Ward
Download: Steam
A sequel to Modern Warfare, this installment focused on combating terrorism with minimal gameplay changes, introducing new mechanics like breaching walls and revised swimming.
Image: store.steampowered.com
Release Date: November 2, 2023
Developer: Sledgehammer Games
Download: Steam
Modern Warfare III combined the best elements of its predecessors, offering more combat-focused missions and a new "Slaughter" mode in multiplayer.
Image: moddb.com
Release Date: October 25, 2024
Developer: Treyarch and Raven Software
Download: Steam
Set in the 1990s, Black Ops 6 introduced new mechanics like obstacle climbing, smart movement, and different hit reactions, revitalizing the series.
The Call of Duty franchise, now spanning 25 games, continues to captivate players with its blend of difficulty, realism, and engaging multiplayer experiences. Each game builds on the successes of its predecessors, ensuring that the series remains a beloved staple in the gaming world.
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