For ages, the Call of Duty series has been a big deal in video games. Every year, a new one comes out, and people always have strong opinions about them. Some are amazing, some are just okay, and some are pretty bad. With so many games now, it’s tough to pick the best. We went through them all to figure out which ones stand out and where they all fit in. Here’s our take on all COD games ranked, from the ones we liked least to the absolute best.
Key Takeaways
- The Call of Duty series has been around for over 20 years, with a new game almost every year.
- Some games in the series are considered classics, while others didn’t quite hit the mark.
- Our ranking considers both how good a game was on its own and its impact on the franchise.
- The list includes only mainline Call of Duty games, not spin-offs or mobile versions.
- Player opinions vary a lot, so our ranking is just one way to look at the series.
1. Vanguard
Okay, let’s talk about Vanguard. Honestly, it’s a bit of a mixed bag, and it often lands at the bottom of many CoD lists. Sledgehammer Games tried, but it just didn’t quite hit the mark for a lot of players. It felt like it was trying to copy what made Modern Warfare (2019) successful, but it missed the key ingredients.
The campaign? Well, it wasn’t a highlight. Some found it to be one of the weaker ones in the series, especially compared to their previous WWII title. And Zombies? That was a letdown for many. The initial offering, Der Anfang, didn’t deliver on its promises, ditching the classic round-based gameplay for something more generic. It felt like Treyarch didn’t have enough time or resources to make it great. Thankfully, the Shi No Numa remake offered a much-needed improvement.
Multiplayer had some redeeming qualities, but even that wasn’t without its issues. The maps were a point of contention, with many feeling poorly designed and cluttered with destructible elements. Then there’s the bloated attachments system – it just felt like too much. Maps and loadouts can really make or break a CoD game, and Vanguard’s multiplayer struggled on both fronts.
Here’s a quick rundown of what people seemed to dislike:
- Campaign: Underwhelming story and execution.
- Zombies: Disappointing initial offering, lacking depth.
- Multiplayer Maps: Poor design, too much clutter.
- Attachment System: Overly complex and bloated.
It’s not all bad, though. Some players appreciated the Gunsmith customization system and the destruction mechanics. But overall, Vanguard didn’t leave a lasting positive impact on the series.
2. Black Ops Cold War
Black Ops Cold War came out in 2020, and it’s got a lot of fans. I remember when it dropped; everyone was pretty hyped. It tried to bring back that classic Call of Duty feel, and for some, it really hit the mark. I think the campaign was pretty solid, especially if you’re into spy stories and Cold War settings.
I think the multiplayer was a bit of a mixed bag. Some people loved it, some hated it. It definitely had its moments, though. And Zombies? Yeah, that was a blast. I spent way too many late nights playing that with friends. It’s one of those games that you either love or feel is just okay, you know?
It’s available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Raven Software and Treyarch developed it. The gameplay changes really made it stand out.
3. WWII
Call of Duty: WWII took us back to the battlefields of World War II, a setting that the series had largely moved away from for quite some time. It was a return to the franchise’s roots, aiming to recapture the gritty, historical feel of the early Call of Duty games. I remember being cautiously optimistic about this one; I was hoping it would be a return to form, but also worried it might feel a bit stale.
The campaign focused on the experiences of a squad in the European theater, and it tried to deliver a more personal and emotional narrative. I think they did a decent job with the story, but it didn’t quite reach the heights of some of the earlier WWII-themed CoD games, like World at War.
Multiplayer was a mixed bag. On one hand, it was cool to see a more grounded, less futuristic approach to the gameplay. On the other hand, some of the maps felt a little bland, and the overall experience didn’t quite have the same spark as some of the more modern Call of Duty titles. I spent a fair amount of time playing it, but it didn’t become one of my all-time favorites. For those interested in tactical strategy, this game offers a historical perspective.
Here’s a quick rundown of some key aspects:
- Campaign: Focused on a squad in the European theater.
- Multiplayer: Grounded gameplay, some maps felt bland.
- Zombies: Included a Nazi Zombies mode, a series staple.
4. Ghosts
Call of Duty: Ghosts tried to shake things up, but it didn’t quite land the way everyone hoped. The story throws you into a world where the U.S. isn’t the top dog anymore, which is a cool concept, but the execution felt a little flat. You’ve got a dog, which is always a plus, and a mission where you’re defending a space station, which is pretty awesome. But overall, it’s just…forgettable. The campaign ends on a cliffhanger that, let’s be honest, we’ll probably never see resolved. It’s a shame, because there were some interesting ideas in there.
Multiplayer-wise, Ghosts wasn’t a total disaster, but it wasn’t exactly a game-changer either. It did introduce some cool technical stuff, like sliding and leaning, which made the gameplay feel more dynamic. The maps were bigger, and the time-to-kill was super fast, which some people liked. The Field Orders were a neat addition – basically, you get a special mission after the first death, and if you complete it, you get some sweet rewards. But if you die, someone else can snag it. It could lead to some crazy moments, like blowing up a baseball field. Still, it wasn’t enough to save Ghosts from being one of the more divisive entries in the series. Maybe GhostGram offers a way to revisit the game without the commitment.
5. Infinite Warfare
Okay, so Infinite Warfare. This one’s got a reputation, and not exactly a good one. It dropped in 2016, right after a couple of other futuristic CoD games, and honestly, people were just tired of the whole sci-fi thing. Remember when the trailer came out? It became the most disliked gaming video ever on YouTube. Ouch.
But, let’s be fair. It’s not all bad. The campaign was actually pretty solid, taking you to space to fight some Martian colonists with all sorts of cool gadgets. Zero-gravity firefights on capital ships? That’s pretty awesome. Some even say it has one of the best Call of Duty campaigns ever made. Kit Harrington even makes an appearance as the bad guy.
Multiplayer? Eh, not so much. It just didn’t hit the mark for a lot of players. The movement didn’t feel as tight and responsive. Combat Rigs felt like watered-down versions of the Specialists from Black Ops 3. It just didn’t have that same spark. Fans were already burnt out on the sci-fi trend and longed to go back to “boots on the ground”.
It wasn’t a complete disaster, though. Some people liked the maps, the movement system, and the scorestreaks better than Advanced Warfare. Plus, the weapon balance was decent, and the story was enjoyable. The release of Infinite Warfare was partially saved by the inclusion of Modern Warfare Remastered, though that came at an additional price.
6. Advanced Warfare
Okay, so Advanced Warfare. It came out in 2014, and it was definitely… something. After Ghosts, they needed a shake-up, and they went all-in on the future. Exosuits, crazy movement, Kevin Spacey being a bad guy – it had all the ingredients for a memorable CoD. But did it all come together? Eh, kind of.
The exosuits were the big thing, changing how you moved and fought. It was like Titanfall but, you know, Call of Duty. Some people loved it, some hated it. It definitely made the maps play differently, with a lot more verticality. I remember getting sniped from rooftops I didn’t even know existed.
Here’s a quick rundown of what people thought:
- Campaign: Playable, but not super memorable. You rescue the president, fight on the Golden Gate Bridge, typical action movie stuff.
- Multiplayer: The exosuit movement changed everything. Some liked the new style, others missed the classic boots-on-the-ground gameplay. The digital battlefield market was never the same.
- Exo-Survival: A co-op mode that wasn’t anything special. Honestly, I barely remember it.
Weapon balance was a problem too. It felt like everyone was using the same two guns, which got old fast. And then there were the loot boxes with gun variants. Pay-to-win, anyone?
Overall, Advanced Warfare was a decent game, but it didn’t quite reach the heights of some of the other CoD titles. It tried to innovate, but it ended up being more of a stepping stone to the even more futuristic games that followed.
7. Modern Warfare III
Okay, so Modern Warfare III (the 2011 version, not the recent one) landed in a tough spot. Following up two mega-hits like Modern Warfare and Modern Warfare 2? That’s a tall order. It’s like trying to follow up a band’s two best albums ever – the pressure is on!
Honestly, MW3 didn’t quite reach the same heights as its predecessors. It didn’t have that same groundbreaking impact, but it was still a solid game. The campaign was packed with those big, over-the-top set pieces that Call of Duty is known for, and it kept things moving at a good pace. It wrapped up the original Modern Warfare trilogy, so a lot of people probably played it just to see how the story of Captain Price and Vladimir Makarov’s influence ended.
Multiplayer was fun and frantic, even if some people thought MW2 had better maps. It didn’t reinvent the wheel, but it delivered a polished Call of Duty experience. It’s more of an evolution than a revolution, but it’s still a good time. It’s worth noting that this game was made during some serious behind-the-scenes drama at Infinity Ward, with key people leaving the company. Considering all that, it’s pretty impressive that the game turned out as well as it did.
8. Call of Duty 3
Call of Duty 3 often gets a bad rap, and honestly, it’s understandable. Sandwiched between Call of Duty 2 and the groundbreaking Modern Warfare, it kinda got lost in the shuffle. Developed in a tight eight-month window, it felt like a stopgap, a console-only release that didn’t quite measure up to its predecessors or competitors like Battlefield or Rainbow Six: Vegas on the Xbox 360.
It wasn’t all bad, though. The campaign had some cool moments, especially the hand-to-hand combat sequences that felt pretty cinematic for the time. Using the Sixaxis on the PlayStation 3 to beat down enemy soldiers? Yeah, that was grim but memorable. Plus, it introduced class-based multiplayer, vehicles, and even scorestreaks – ideas that would later be refined in other CoD games. Think of it as a testing ground for features that would become staples of the franchise.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Release Date: November 7, 2006
- Platforms: PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, Xbox, Xbox 360, Wii
- Developer: Treyarch
While many maps felt like reskins, Stalag 23 offered a fresh experience, letting players battle around a POW camp. And hey, Mark Deklin from TV fame voiced Maj. Gerald Ingram, so that’s a fun fact. Overall, Call of Duty 3 might not be the best in the series, but it’s a piece of the puzzle in the evolution of Call of Duty games.
9. Black Ops 4
Black Ops 4 was a pretty big turning point for the Call of Duty franchise, marking the end of an era before Warzone really took over. It was the last game that felt like it was built on the older COD engine, which is kind of a big deal for long-time fans. I remember when it came out, there was a lot of buzz because it was the first Call of Duty game without a traditional single-player campaign. Instead, they went all-in on multiplayer, Zombies, and the new battle royale mode called Blackout. It was a gamble, but it paid off for a lot of people.
Multiplayer brought back Specialists from Black Ops 3, but this time, everyone was boots-on-the-ground. No more wall-running or jetpacks. Health regeneration was different too; you had to use stims to heal, which changed the pace of the game. They also tweaked the ballistics for a lot of the weapons, making them feel more realistic. All these changes were meant to set the stage for Blackout, their take on the battle royale craze. I think the Blackout mode really saved the game for a lot of people, myself included.
Even though there wasn’t a campaign, the multiplayer was actually really solid. The guns felt good, the Specialists were well-balanced, and the maps were competitive. A lot of people still remember BO4 as the COD without a campaign, but the multiplayer alone makes it one of the better entries in the series. It’s definitely a game that divided fans, but it’s hard to deny the impact it had on the franchise.
Here’s a quick rundown of what made it stand out:
- No campaign mode
- Focus on multiplayer, Zombies, and Blackout
- Specialists with unique abilities
- Manual health regeneration
- Boots-on-the-ground gameplay
10. Call of Duty 2
Call of Duty 2 came out in 2005 and, for many, it was a big step up from the original. It really helped solidify Call of Duty as a major player in the war game scene. While it sticks to the familiar World War II setting, the graphics and overall feel were pretty impressive for the time. It’s interesting to see how different the tone is compared to later games in the series, with its focus on historical accuracy.
I remember being blown away by the visuals when I first played it. The scale of the battles felt much bigger, and the gameplay felt smoother. It’s one of those games that really sticks with you, even after all these years. The gameplay improvements [e25b] made it a must-play title.
Here’s what made it stand out:
- Improved graphics for its time.
- Larger scale battles.
- More immersive gameplay.
It’s also worth mentioning the multiplayer. Call of Duty 2 on PC had 64-player matches, which were chaotic but awesome. The weapons were a bit clunky, but that added to the challenge. Getting good at the game required real skill and strategy. I spent countless hours playing online, and the feeling of pulling off a successful ambush was incredibly satisfying. Some of the maps from Call of Duty 2 are still fan favorites today.
11. Modern Warfare
The 2019 Modern Warfare reboot was a pretty big deal for the series. It brought back a ton of players that hadn’t been around for a while, but it also kinda messed up the multiplayer in some ways. The gameplay felt more real, the graphics got a major upgrade, and the campaign missions were actually exciting. Plus, this was the game that introduced Warzone gameplay.
But it wasn’t all good. With the more realistic gameplay came a bunch of players who just liked to hide in corners, and there wasn’t much you could do about it. Remember Dead Silence? They made it weaker. Ghost? They made it stronger. Even the maps were designed so you could get killed out of nowhere. And to make things worse, they got rid of Prestige Mode, and trying to unlock all the camos was a total grind. MW 2019 kind of set the stage for some of the problems we’ve seen in later games.
12. Call of Duty
Okay, so we’re talking about the game that started it all, simply titled Call of Duty. Released way back when, it’s wild to think about how much the franchise has changed. The original Call of Duty laid the groundwork for everything that followed.
It’s definitely showing its age now, but back in 2003, it was a big deal. Infinity Ward really nailed the World War II setting, putting you right in the middle of the action across different perspectives. You were storming trenches with your squad, and the explosions were, well, maybe not as huge as they are now, but still pretty impressive for the time. The gameplay was well-received, and it brought an arcade feel to the table. It’s not the COD most gamers recognize now, but it’s where it all began.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Release Date: October 29, 2003
- Developer: Infinity Ward
- Platforms: PC, Mac, PS2, Xbox
It’s interesting to see how the series evolved from this initial offering. While it might not hold up perfectly against today’s titles, it’s still a piece of gaming history. It’s like looking back at old photos – you can see where you came from, even if things look a little different now.
13. Warzone
Okay, so Warzone. It’s hard to ignore, right? Even if you’re not a battle royale person, it’s made a huge impact on the whole Call of Duty thing. Remember when Modern Warfare 2019 came out? It was cool, but then Warzone dropped, and BAM! Suddenly, everyone was playing again, especially during that whole COVID mess. It really skyrocketed the series.
Now, Warzone is kinda mixed in with every new CoD. They share levels, some weapons, and characters. If you like battle royale mixed with that classic arcade FPS feel, you probably found a home here. But, some people started getting annoyed because it changed multiplayer. Now, Resurgence is the main mode, which makes it different from other battle royale games and gives multiplayer more space to breathe. It’s a bit of a love-hate relationship, honestly.
14. Modern Warfare 2
Okay, so there are two Modern Warfare 2s on this list, which is confusing, I know. This one is the 2009 version. It’s a classic, no doubt, but where does it really stand in the grand scheme of CoD games? It’s tough because it did so much right, but also had some serious flaws.
It’s hard to deny the impact this game had. The multiplayer was revolutionary for its time, and the campaign had some truly unforgettable moments. But let’s break it down a bit more:
- The maps were amazing. Think back to Favela, Highrise, and Terminal. Absolute classics that are still talked about today. They just don’t make maps like that anymore, do they?
- The "No Russian" mission. Controversial? Absolutely. But also, undeniably memorable. It pushed boundaries and got people talking, even if it was for the wrong reasons. It was a bold move, and you can’t say it didn’t leave a mark.
- The balance? Not so great. Some weapons were just way too powerful, and certain perks gave players a huge advantage. It could be frustrating at times, but honestly, that’s part of what made it so chaotic and fun. Remember the ninja builds?
It’s a game that’s aged a bit, sure, but it still holds a special place in many players’ hearts. It’s a reminder of a time when CoD was at its peak, pushing boundaries and delivering unforgettable experiences. The create-a-class system allowed for some wild combinations. Whether it was noob tubes, or killstreaks, the chaos never stopped. Almost all weapons were viable, and the killstreaks counted toward higher killstreaks.
15. Black Ops
Okay, let’s talk about the original Black Ops. Released back in 2010, this game really set the stage for the series. Treyarch knocked it out of the park. It’s got that Cold War vibe, a storyline that gets pretty wild, and some seriously memorable maps. I remember sinking hours into this game with my friends. Good times.
The campaign is probably the most memorable part of the game. It’s intense, it’s edgy, and it keeps you guessing. Plus, who can forget Nuketown? That map is iconic. And let’s not forget the Zombies mode. Kino der Toten? Classic. "Five"? Underrated gem.
Here’s a few reasons why Black Ops still holds up:
- The story is actually pretty engaging. It’s not just mindless shooting; there’s some depth there.
- The multiplayer maps are well-designed. Firing Range, Launch… they’re all great.
- The Zombies mode is top-notch. It’s challenging, it’s fun, and it’s got a ton of replay value.
I think what really made Black Ops special was the overall package. It had a great campaign, a solid multiplayer, and an awesome Zombies mode. It was just a complete game. It’s easy to see why so many players have a soft spot for it. It really was the best game in the series at that point.
16. Modern Warfare 2
Okay, so there are two Modern Warfare 2s on this list. Confusing, right? This one is the 2009 version. It came out swinging after the massive success of the first Modern Warfare, and, well, it mostly delivered. It’s a solid entry, but it’s also got some baggage. Let’s get into it.
It’s hard to deny the impact this game had. The campaign had some truly memorable moments, and the multiplayer was addictive as all get out. But was it better than the original? That’s where things get dicey. Some say yes, some say no. I’m on the fence, honestly. The multiplayer component built upon its predecessor, adding further depth and some of the series’ best maps to date.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Pros:
- Great maps (Highrise, Terminal, Favela – classics!).
- Fast-paced, chaotic gameplay.
- Lots of customization options.
- Cons:
- Some balance issues (noob tubes, anyone?).
- The "No Russian" mission was controversial, to say the least.
- The story wasn’t quite as tight as the first Modern Warfare.
Ultimately, Modern Warfare 2 (2009) is a game that’s easy to love and easy to hate. It’s flawed, sure, but it’s also a ton of fun. It’s a game that defined a generation of Call of Duty, and for that, it deserves its spot on this list. It’s a classic COD title that simply lacked the fun factor, the style, and the iconic maps from the previous game.
17. World at War
World at War took us back to World War II, but with a much darker tone than previous games. It wasn’t just about heroic moments; it showed the brutal reality of war. I remember being genuinely disturbed by some of the scenes – it wasn’t just shooting bad guys, it was intense. It was released November 11, 2008, on platforms like PlayStation 3, Windows, Xbox 360, and Wii. Treyarch developed it, and it got pretty good scores: 84 from critics and 7.9 from users on Metacritic.
The game’s campaign didn’t shy away from the horrors on all fronts, making it a memorable experience.
One of the biggest things World at War gave us was Nazi Zombies. Seriously, who knew that a simple co-op mode would become such a huge part of the series? It was simple at first: survive waves of zombies, buy guns off walls, and try to get the ray gun from the mystery box. But it evolved into something way bigger, with its own storyline and characters. It’s still a blast to play with friends. It really set the tone for the future of the series. If you’re looking to curate your ultimate game list, this one should be on it.
Multiplayer was also solid, even if it feels a bit dated now. The maps were well-designed, and the weapons were fun to use. Plus, they added tanks to some maps, which was a cool addition. It was simplistic, like COD 4, offering three killstreaks – recon plane, artillery, and attack dogs.
Here’s a quick rundown:
- Dark and gritty campaign
- Introduction of Nazi Zombies
- Solid multiplayer with tanks
18. Black Ops II
Okay, Black Ops II. This one’s a big deal for a lot of CoD fans. It’s like, the sweet spot between the old-school feel and some cool, new ideas. I remember when it came out, everyone was obsessed.
The multiplayer was just so well-balanced, and the maps? Legendary. Seriously, think about Hijacked, Standoff, Raid… those maps are classics for a reason. Even the less popular maps were still pretty solid, which is more than you can say for some of the newer games. Plus, the Pick 10 system for creating classes was a game-changer. It gave you so much freedom to customize your loadout, but you also had to make some tough choices about what to leave out. It added a layer of strategy that wasn’t really there before.
And let’s not forget Zombies. Mob of the Dead and Die Rise? Those maps were insane! So much fun to play with friends, trying to survive wave after wave of zombies. It’s no wonder IT certifications are so popular, everyone wants to get better at what they do.
Here’s a quick rundown of why Black Ops II still holds up:
- Great map design
- Balanced multiplayer
- Awesome Zombies mode
- Innovative class customization
Honestly, Black Ops II is one of those games that I can always go back to and still have a blast. It just got everything right.
19. Black Ops 6
Okay, so Black Ops 6 is the new kid on the block, and everyone’s got their eyes on it. It’s like waiting for the next big superhero movie – the hype is real. Treyarch’s back at the helm, and after a few years, expectations are high. Will it live up to the legacy of the Black Ops name? That’s the million-dollar question.
The return to form is what everyone is hoping for. After some mixed receptions to recent titles, a solid campaign, engaging multiplayer, and a killer Zombies mode are what fans are craving. It’s a lot to ask, but if anyone can deliver, it’s Treyarch. I’m personally excited to see what they do with the story, especially if they tie it back to some of the older games.
Here’s what I’m hoping to see:
- A gripping single-player campaign that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
- Multiplayer maps that are actually fun and balanced, not just a chaotic mess.
- A Zombies mode that brings back the classic feel but with some fresh twists.
- Good weapon balance is a must.
Fingers crossed that Black Ops 6 delivers the goods and gives us a Call of Duty experience we’ll be talking about for years to come.
20. and more
Okay, so we’ve covered a bunch of the Call of Duty games, but let’s be real, there are a TON more. Listing every single one would take forever, and honestly, some are just… not that memorable. But that doesn’t mean they don’t deserve a shout-out. Think of this as the honorable mentions section. We’re talking about those games that might have had a cool feature or two, or maybe a decent map pack, but didn’t quite make the cut for the top spots.
It’s wild to think about how many CoD games have dropped over the years. Each one tries to bring something new to the table, whether it’s a fresh take on the campaign, some crazy multiplayer modes, or even just a new set of weapons to unlock. Some hit the mark, others… not so much. But hey, that’s gaming, right? You win some, you lose some. And sometimes, you get a game that’s so bad, it’s good.
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the other titles that deserve a mention:
- Call of Duty: Finest Hour: A solid early entry that brought the CoD experience to consoles.
- Call of Duty: Big Red One: Focused on a specific division during WWII, offering a unique perspective.
- Call of Duty: Roads to Victory: A PSP title that tried its best to capture the feel of the main series on a handheld.
And honestly, there are so many more spin-offs and mobile games that it’s hard to keep track. But the main point is, the Modern Warfare 2 franchise has been a juggernaut for years, and it’s not showing any signs of slowing down. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just a casual player, there’s probably a CoD game out there that you’ll enjoy. So keep on gaming, and maybe we’ll see you online!
Wrapping Things Up: The CoD Journey
So, there you have it. We’ve gone through every main Call of Duty game, from the ones we barely remember to the absolute legends. It’s pretty wild to see how much this series has changed over the years, right? From those early days of simple, fun shooting to all the crazy stuff they’ve added, like jetpacks and huge battle royales. Everyone’s got their own favorite, that one game they spent way too many hours on. And that’s cool. Whether you’re all about the old-school vibe or you’re hyped for what’s next, Call of Duty keeps on going. It’s been a wild ride, and honestly, it’s probably not slowing down anytime soon. What a trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the first Call of Duty game come out?
The first Call of Duty game came out in 2003. It started a long series of popular shooting games.
How many main Call of Duty games are there?
There are over 20 main Call of Duty games. This doesn’t even count the spin-off games!
What makes a Call of Duty game great?
Some Call of Duty games are known for their awesome stories, while others are loved for their online multiplayer battles or zombie modes. It really depends on what you like!
Who makes the Call of Duty games?
The Call of Duty games have been made by a few different companies over the years, like Infinity Ward, Treyarch, and Sledgehammer Games. They all work hard to keep the games coming.
What is Call of Duty known for?
The Call of Duty series is famous for its fast-paced shooting action, realistic graphics, and exciting online play where you can compete with friends and other players.
Which Call of Duty games are considered the best by players?
Many fans think older games like ‘Modern Warfare’ (the first one) and ‘Black Ops II’ are some of the best because they had great stories and fun online modes that kept people playing for a long time.
