Call of Duty is a popular video game franchise that has captured the hearts of gamers around the world. With multiple releases over the years, each installment brings a unique experience to the table. When it comes to ranking the Call of Duty games, opinions may vary. However, there are a few titles that stand out from the rest. Widely considered one of the best in the series, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2007) is praised for its gripping storyline, realistic graphics, and intense multiplayer mode. Another fan-favorite is Call of Duty: Black Ops II (2012), known for its branching storyline and addictive gameplay. Call of Duty: Warzone (2020) has also gained popularity for its battle royale mode and seamless integration with previous titles. While ranking the Call of Duty games may be subjective, these titles are undoubtedly some of the best in the series.
10 Surprising Call of Duty Game Rankings
Call of Duty has become one of the most popular and enduring video game franchises of all time, with a wide range of titles released over the years. When it comes to ranking the various Call of Duty games, opinions can vary widely depending on personal preferences and gaming experiences. However, there are a few titles that consistently stand out as fan favorites. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, released in 2007, is often regarded as one of the best in the series for its groundbreaking graphics, compelling story, and intense multiplayer gameplay. Similarly, Call of Duty: Black Ops, released in 2010, is praised for its unique Cold War setting, memorable characters, and innovative multiplayer modes. Other top-ranked titles in the franchise include Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Call of Duty: World at War, and Call of Duty: Ghosts. Ultimately, the ranking of Call of Duty games is a subjective matter, but these titles are widely considered among the best in the series by both critics and fans alike.
Call of Duty: A Ranked Tour Through the Battlefield
The Call of Duty franchise is a titan in the gaming industry, synonymous with adrenaline-pumping action, epic campaigns, and a thriving online multiplayer scene. With over 20 titles spanning various developers and historical settings, ranking every Call of Duty game definitively is a near-impossible feat. However, by dissecting core aspects like campaigns, multiplayer, innovation, and lasting impact, we can create a comprehensive guide for players to navigate this vast library.
This ranking will prioritize the mainline entries, excluding spin-offs and mobile titles. We'll categorize the games into tiers, acknowledging the strengths and weaknesses of each title.
Tier 1: The Hall of Fame (Top Contenders)
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007): A revolutionary game, Modern Warfare (MW) redefined the genre with its gritty, modern-day setting, streamlined controls, and iconic moments like the "All Ghillied Up" mission. The multiplayer introduced killstreaks, perks, and a class customization system that continues to influence shooters today.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009): Building on MW's success, Modern Warfare 2 offered a more expansive campaign, unforgettable characters like Captain Price and Ghost, and a refined multiplayer experience. While some aspects haven't aged perfectly (think noob tubes and unbalanced maps), MW2 remains a fan favorite.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (2012): Treyarch's magnum opus, Black Ops 2 boasted a branching narrative campaign set in the Cold War and near future, featuring memorable missions like "Payback." The multiplayer offered a wealth of customization options, innovative game modes like Specialists, and a progression system that kept players engaged for years.
Tier 2: Modern Warfare's Legacy (Excellent But Not Flawless)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019): A successful reboot of the original MW, this title delivered a fantastic campaign with a focus on moral ambiguity. The multiplayer offered a grounded and tactical experience with great gunplay and new features like a revamped minimap and weapon mounting.
Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010): Taking the series back to the Cold War, Black Ops offered a captivating campaign with twists and turns. The multiplayer introduced wager matches, a unique twist on traditional modes, and popularized perks like "Stopping Power."
Call of Duty: World at War (2008): A return to World War 2, World at War delivered a brutal and unforgiving campaign with a focus on the Pacific Theater. The multiplayer offered unique features like first-person controllable tanks and a cooperative mode.
Tier 3: Solid Entries with Room for Improvement
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020): A return to the Black Ops series' Cold War setting, Cold War offered a decent campaign with branching paths. The multiplayer featured a return to the classic scorestreak system alongside new features like weapon crafting. However, the game faced criticism for its integration with Warzone and perceived lack of innovation.
Call of Duty: WWII (2017): A return to the franchise's roots, WWII offered a traditional World War 2 experience with a focus on historical accuracy. The multiplayer featured War Mode, an objective-based mode with large-scale battles. However, the campaign was criticized for being formulaic, and the multiplayer lacked the depth of some previous entries.
Call of Duty 2: Big Red One (2005): The sequel to the original Call of Duty, Big Red One expanded upon the first game's formula with larger battles and a more diverse campaign. The multiplayer, however, was limited compared to later entries.
Tier 4: Mixed Bags (Titles with Pros and Cons)
Call of Duty: Ghosts (2013): Ghosts attempted to introduce new features like dynamic maps and a squad-based AI system. However, the campaign was forgettable, and the multiplayer's emphasis on lean mechanics divided the player base.
Read Also: The Art of Tactics: A Deep Dive into Call of Duty Gameplay
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (2014): Taking the series into a future setting with exoskeletons and advanced weaponry, Advanced Warfare offered a unique experience. However, the campaign was criticized for being derivative, and the multiplayer's emphasis on movement mechanics alienated some players.
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (2016): A space-faring adventure, Infinite Warfare offered a visually stunning campaign and a solid multiplayer experience. However, the futuristic setting proved divisive, and the game struggled to compete with the success of Black Ops 3.