The Call of Duty franchise has been a cornerstone of the first-person shooter genre since its inception in 2003. Developed by Sledgehammer GamesInfinity Ward and Treyarch the series has seen over 20 installments, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. While some recent entries have been criticized for feeling rushed and formulaic, the franchise has a rich history of groundbreaking campaigns and innovative multiplayer modes that have set the standard for the genre.
In this article, we rank the 10 greatest Call of Duty games, highlighting the titles that have left a lasting impact on the franchise and the gaming community. From the realistic and immersive campaigns of Modern Warfare to the futuristic settings of Black Ops II these games have redefined what it means to be a Call of Duty title.
The 2019 Reboot: A Fresh Take on Modern Warfare
The 2019 iteration of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare marked a significant overhaul for the franchise. The campaign presented a grounded and realistic conflict in a fictional Middle Eastern country, with missions that felt true to life. The “Clean House” mission, in particular, was lauded for its tight quarters and authentic depiction of a raid on a terrorist safehouse.
The multiplayer mode was also reworked, introducing the free-to-play Call of Duty: Warzone a battle royale game that could be accessed across any of the newer titles. While Warzone has since become a staple in the gaming community, its initial release was met with enthusiasm and excitement. The game also brought back Spec Ops offering challenging co-op missions that encouraged teamwork and strategy.
The Overlooked Gem: Infinite Warfare’s Campaign
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare often gets overshadowed by its controversial announcement trailer, but the game itself offers a surprisingly compelling campaign. Set in an interplanetary war between Earth and Mars, the game features a mix of ground combat and flight sequences, with players customizing their starfighters and exploring various planets and moons.
The campaign is one of the best in the series, with emotional storytelling and satisfying gameplay. The flight controls are tight and responsive, and the game offers a variety of weapons and side missions to keep players engaged. Despite its initial reception, Infinite Warfare stands out as a solid space shooter that could have garnered more love without the Call of Duty name attached.
The Nostalgic Treat: Modern Warfare 3’s Campaign
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 was initially criticized for not adding anything new to the franchise, but looking back, it offers a nostalgic treat with its World War III campaign. The missions are heavily overdramatized but interesting, and the game wraps up the trilogy in a satisfying way with some surprisingly emotional moments.
The Spec Ops mode was a vast improvement over previous iterations, introducing a Survival mode that replaced zombies. While the multiplayer mode was similar to previous entries, the game’s visuals were impressive, and the campaign remains fun to play and revisit to this day.
The Futuristic Setting: Black Ops II’s Campaign
Call of Duty: Black Ops II was the first game in the series to offer a futuristic setting, taking players to the year 2026. The campaign flashes back and forth between the 1980s and the future, offering a unique blend of historical and futuristic gameplay. The game’s technology may be advanced compared to real life, but it offers an engaging and immersive experience.
The game’s popularity has been reignited with its ports for PS5 and PS4 which have surpassed the player counts of more recent titles. Despite some criticisms about pricing and resolution, the ports have proven to be a huge hit, with Black Ops II topping the sales charts on the PS Store.
