Call of Duty is a first-person shooter franchise that has grown into one of the most financially successful gaming series of all time, selling 500 million+ units and grossing approximately $30 billion in lifetime revenue. This article lists every core entry of Call of Duty (not including mobile-exclusive titles) in both production order and chronological order.
What started as a series of historical first-person shooters has evolved into exploring modern warfare and futuristic settings.
Call of Duty in Production Order
Call of Duty
| Initial Release Date | October 29, 2003 |
| Developer | Infinity Ward |
| Platform(s) | – PC – Mac – Xbox 360 – PlayStation 3 |
Call of Duty (2003) is a first-person shooter set during World War II, offering a cinematic portrayal of the conflict through the perspectives of American, British, and Soviet soldiers. It emphasizes squad-based gameplay, immersing players in large-scale battles across various iconic locations, including D-Day, Stalingrad, and the Battle of Berlin.
Known for its gripping realism, dynamic AI, and historical authenticity, the game redefined the war shooter genre, delivering a compelling single-player campaign and early multiplayer modes that laid the foundation for one of gaming’s most iconic franchises.
Call of Duty 2
| Initial Release Date | October 25, 2005 |
| Developer | Infinity Ward |
| Platform(s) | – PC – Mac – Xbox 360 |
Call of Duty 2 (2005) builds on the success of its predecessor with improved graphics, larger battles, and more immersive gameplay.
Players experience the war from the perspectives of American, British, and Soviet soldiers, engaging in pivotal campaigns such as the North African desert, the D-Day landings at Pointe du Hoc, and the Soviet push into Germany.
The game introduced health regeneration, refined squad mechanics, and cinematic set pieces, delivering a groundbreaking portrayal of WWII that set new standards for the genre.
Call of Duty 3
| Initial Release Date | November 7, 2006 |
| Developer | Treyarch |
| Platform(s) | – PlayStation 3 – Nintendo Wii – Xbox 360 – PlayStation 2 – Xbox |
Call of Duty 3 (2006) focuses on the Normandy Breakout, a pivotal campaign following the D-Day landings. Players experience the conflict through the perspectives of American, British, Canadian, and Polish soldiers, engaging in intense battles across the French countryside.
The game emphasizes large-scale, vehicle-driven combat and introduces dynamic, action-packed sequences like hand-to-hand struggles. With enhanced visuals, expansive multiplayer modes, and immersive storytelling, Call of Duty 3 captures the chaos and heroism of WWII. It is the first game in the series developed exclusively for consoles.
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
| Initial Release Date | November 5, 2007 |
| Developer | Infinity Ward |
| Platform(s) | – PC – Mac – Xbox 360 – PlayStation 3 – Nintendo Wii |
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007) revolutionized the series by moving away from historical settings to a contemporary conflict. The game follows an intense, cinematic storyline through the perspectives of a British SAS operative and a U.S. Marine, tackling a global crisis involving ultranationalist insurgents and rogue factions.
Renowned for its tightly designed missions, such as the iconic “All Ghillied Up,” and its innovative multiplayer system with customizable loadouts and progression, Modern Warfare set a new standard for first-person shooters. Its engaging narrative, modern arsenal, and tactical gameplay redefined the franchise and the genre.
Call of Duty: World at War
| Initial Release Date | November 11, 2008 |
| Developer | Treyarch |
| Platform(s) | – PC – Xbox 360 – PlayStation 3 – Nintendo Wii |
Call of Duty: World at War (2008) returns the series to its World War II roots with a darker, grittier portrayal of the conflict. Players experience the war through two campaigns: the brutal Pacific Theater as a U.S. Marine and the Eastern Front as a Soviet soldier advancing on Berlin.
The game introduces cooperative gameplay and the franchise’s first appearance of the popular Zombies mode. Known for its intense battles, immersive settings, and mature storytelling, World at War expands on the series’ gameplay innovations while delivering a harrowing depiction of the global struggle.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
| Initial Release Date | November 10, 2009 |
| Developer | Infinity Ward |
| Platform(s) | – PC – Mac – Xbox One – PlayStation 4 – Xbox 360 – PlayStation 3 |
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) is a direct sequel to Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, continuing its intense, modern-day storyline. The game follows Task Force 141, an elite multinational special operations unit, and the U.S. Army Rangers as they battle a rogue ultranationalist faction led by Vladimir Makarov.
Featuring iconic missions like “No Russian” and “Cliffhanger,” the campaign is known for its high-stakes narrative and cinematic set pieces. Modern Warfare 2 also revolutionized multiplayer with customizable killstreaks, perks, and game modes, solidifying its place as one of the most influential entries in the franchise.
Call of Duty: Black Ops
| Initial Release Date | November 9, 2010 |
| Developer | Treyarch |
| Platform(s) | – PC – Mac – Xbox 360 – PlayStation 3 – Nintendo Wii – Nintendo DS |
Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010) takes players deep into the covert operations of the Cold War, delivering a gripping, espionage-focused narrative. The campaign follows CIA operative Alex Mason as he uncovers a global conspiracy while grappling with memory manipulation and interrogation. Players experience historical events and locations, including Vietnam and the Cuban Missile Crisis, through action-packed and cinematic missions.
The game also expanded the Zombies mode with new maps, characters, and storylines, while its multiplayer introduced innovative features like customizable emblems and the popular “Nuketown” map. Black Ops is celebrated for its intense gameplay and psychological storytelling.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
| Initial Release Date | November 8, 2011 |
| Developer | Infinity Ward / Sledgehammer Games |
| Platform(s) | – PC – Xbox 360 – PlayStation 3 – Nintendo Wii |
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011) concludes the epic Modern Warfare trilogy with a high-stakes, globe-spanning conflict. The campaign follows Task Force 141, led by Captain Price, as they attempt to stop the ultranationalist leader Vladimir Makarov and bring an end to World War III.
Featuring intense set pieces across iconic locations like New York, Paris, and London, the game delivers a cinematic and action-packed narrative. Its multiplayer mode refines the franchise’s formula with new maps, killstreak systems, and game modes like Kill Confirmed. Modern Warfare 3 is renowned for its thrilling gameplay and satisfying conclusion to the beloved series.
Call of Duty: Black Ops II
| Initial Release Date | November 13, 2012 |
| Developer | Treyarch |
| Platform(s) | – PC – Xbox 360 – PlayStation 3 – Nintendo Wii U |
Call of Duty: Black Ops II (2012) introduces a groundbreaking dual-timeline narrative, set during both the 1980s Cold War and a futuristic conflict in 2025. Players follow the intertwined stories of Alex Mason, a returning character, and his son, David Mason, as they confront the rise of a dangerous antagonist, Raul Menendez.
The campaign introduces branching storylines, player choices, and multiple endings, adding depth and replayability. Its multiplayer refines competitive gameplay with futuristic weapons, scorestreaks, and the popular Pick 10 customization system. Black Ops II also expands Zombies mode with new maps and an intricate storyline, making it a fan-favorite entry in the franchise.
Call of Duty: Ghosts
| Initial Release Date | November 5, 2013 |
| Developer | Infinity Ward |
| Platform(s) | – PC – Xbox One – PlayStation 4 – Xbox 360 – Nintendo Wii U |
Call of Duty: Ghosts (2013) introduces a new storyline set in a near-future world where the United States has been devastated by a catastrophic attack. Players follow the Ghosts, an elite group of soldiers led by brothers Logan and Hesh Walker, as they fight against a powerful enemy force known as the Federation.
The game features a mix of stealth, large-scale battles, and innovative gameplay elements, including control of Riley, a trained military dog. Ghosts also delivers a robust multiplayer experience with new game modes, dynamic maps, and customization options, along with the debut of the cooperative “Extinction” mode, where players battle alien threats.
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
| Initial Release Date | November 4, 2014 |
| Developer | Sledgehammer Games |
| Platform(s) | – PC – Xbox One – PlayStation 4 – Xbox 360 – PlayStation 3 |
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (2014) takes the franchise into the future, introducing advanced technology and exoskeletons that redefine combat. Set in the year 2054, the story follows Jack Mitchell, a soldier turned private contractor, as he uncovers a global conspiracy involving the powerful Atlas Corporation, led by Jonathan Irons.
The game features futuristic weapons, abilities like cloaking and enhanced mobility, and dynamic mission design. Its multiplayer innovates with the introduction of vertical movement and customizable exo-suits, offering fast-paced, fluid gameplay. Advanced Warfare is celebrated for its cinematic narrative, cutting-edge graphics, and fresh approach to the series.
Call of Duty: Black Ops III
| Initial Release Date | November 6, 2015 |
| Developer | Treyarch |
| Platform(s) | – PC – Mac – Xbox One – PlayStation 4 – Xbox 360 – PlayStation 3 |
Call of Duty: Black Ops III (2015) explores a dark, dystopian future set in 2065, where advanced robotics and cybernetic enhancements dominate warfare. Players take on the role of a cybernetically augmented soldier unraveling a conspiracy involving rogue operatives and a powerful AI. The campaign introduces co-op gameplay and nonlinear levels, emphasizing player choice and customization.
Its multiplayer expands movement mechanics with wall-running and thrust jumps, complemented by the introduction of Specialists—unique characters with distinct abilities. The beloved Zombies mode returns with an intricate storyline and innovative maps, making Black Ops III a standout entry in the franchise.
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
| Initial Release Date | November 4, 2016 |
| Developer | Infinity Ward |
| Platform(s) | – PC – Xbox One – PlayStation 4 |
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (2016) takes the series into space, offering a futuristic narrative set in the 22nd century. The story follows Captain Nick Reyes of the UNSA (United Nations Space Alliance) as he leads a resistance against the Settlement Defense Front (SDF), a militant faction threatening Earth and its colonies.
Featuring zero-gravity combat, space dogfights, and a mix of traditional and high-tech warfare, Infinite Warfare offers a dramatic departure from the series’ usual settings. The game’s multiplayer introduces new modes, movement mechanics, and futuristic weapons, while the Zombies mode expands with a retro, 1980s-inspired storyline. Despite mixed reception for its sci-fi focus, Infinite Warfare is noted for its ambitious narrative and innovative gameplay.
Call of Duty: WWII
| Initial Release Date | November 3, 2017 |
| Developer | Sledgehammer Games |
| Platform(s) | – PC – Xbox One – PlayStation 4 |
Call of Duty: WWII (2017) returns to the series’ World War II roots, offering a more grounded and immersive experience compared to its recent futuristic entries. The game follows the 1st Infantry Division as they fight through key battles in Europe, including the D-Day landings, the liberation of Paris, and the Battle of the Bulge.
The campaign emphasizes the harrowing, personal stories of soldiers and their camaraderie in the face of brutal conflict. Multiplayer revives classic, boots-on-the-ground combat with a focus on teamwork and strategy, while the Zombies mode introduces a dark and eerie Nazi-inspired narrative. WWII is praised for its authenticity, cinematic storytelling, and return to the franchise’s roots.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4
| Initial Release Date | October 12, 2018 |
| Developer | Treyarch |
| Platform(s) | – PC – Xbox One – PlayStation 4 |
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 (2018) marks a departure from traditional single-player campaigns, focusing instead on multiplayer, Zombies, and a new battle royale mode called Blackout. The game features fast-paced, tactical combat, with an emphasis on specialists—characters with unique abilities and equipment. Multiplayer introduces a more strategic, team-oriented approach, with health regeneration removed in favor of manual healing.
The Zombies mode expands with new storylines, maps, and characters, offering both solo and co-op experiences. Blackout introduces a vast, open-world battle royale environment, drawing on Black Ops‘ signature gameplay while delivering a fresh, high-stakes experience. Black Ops 4 is known for its multiplayer innovation and the first venture into the battle royale genre for the series.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (reboot)
| Initial Release Date | October 25, 2019 |
| Developer | Infinity Ward |
| Platform(s) | – PC – Xbox One – PlayStation 4 |
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) is a reboot of the iconic Modern Warfare series, offering a more realistic and gritty portrayal of modern-day conflict. The game follows a new narrative with Captain Price and a diverse cast of characters, as they battle against global terrorism and political instability in regions like the Middle East and Eastern Europe.
The campaign focuses on morally complex situations and the human cost of warfare. The game introduces new gameplay mechanics, including tactical weapon handling, cross-platform multiplayer, and a revamped progression system. Modern Warfare (2019) is praised for its cinematic storytelling, realistic visuals, and intense multiplayer modes, revitalizing the franchise with a more grounded approach to modern combat.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
| Initial Release Date | November 13, 2020 |
| Developer | Treyarch |
| Platform(s) | – PC – PlayStation 5 – Xbox Series X|S – PlayStation 4 – Xbox One |
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020) takes players back to the Cold War era, blending historical events with a fictional narrative of espionage and covert operations. Set in the early 1980s, the game follows CIA operative Alex Mason, along with a new team, as they track down a mysterious figure known as Perseus, who threatens global security.
The campaign features intense, narrative-driven missions set across various locations, from East Berlin to Vietnam. Multiplayer offers fast-paced, tactical gameplay, while the popular Zombies mode returns with a new storyline and gameplay innovations. Cold War is praised for its engaging campaign, nostalgic Cold War atmosphere, and refined multiplayer experience.
Call of Duty: Vanguard
| Initial Release Date | November 5, 2021 |
| Developer | Sledgehammer Games |
| Platform(s) | – PC – Xbox Series X|S – PlayStation 5 – Xbox One – PlayStation 4 |
Call of Duty: Vanguard (2021) returns to World War II, focusing on the global conflict’s final stages and the formation of special forces units. The game follows four soldiers from different nations—an American, a British, a Soviet, and an Australian—who are brought together to combat the Axis powers.
The campaign features a variety of combat experiences across key WWII locations, including the Eastern Front, the Pacific Islands, and the North African desert. Vanguard’s multiplayer introduces new modes and maps, along with a more streamlined combat system. The Zombies mode, continuing from Black Ops Cold War, dives into an occult storyline. Vanguard is known for its cinematic action, high-octane gameplay, and a mix of classic and fresh WWII experiences.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
| Initial Release Date | October 28, 2022 |
| Developer | Infinity Ward |
| Platform(s) | – PC – Xbox Series X|S – PlayStation 5 – Xbox One – PlayStation 4 |
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022) is a direct sequel to the 2019 reboot of Modern Warfare, continuing the story of Task Force 141 as they battle against a global threat involving the drug cartels and a new terrorist organization. The game features a gripping narrative with high-intensity missions, including covert operations and large-scale battles across various locations around the world.
Its multiplayer introduces new gameplay mechanics, including a revamped perk system, AI-driven combatants, and a new progression system. Modern Warfare II also offers an expanded Spec Ops mode, with cooperative missions. Known for its realistic graphics, refined mechanics, and cinematic campaign, the game is praised for modernizing the series while staying true to its roots.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
| Initial Release Date | November 10, 2023 |
| Developer | Sledgehammer Games |
| Platform(s) | – PC – Xbox Series X|S – PlayStation 5 – Xbox One – PlayStation 4 |
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023) continues the narrative from its predecessors, following Task Force 141 as they confront the ultranationalist war criminal Vladimir Makarov, who is extending his influence across the globe. The single-player campaign offers a mix of linear and open-world missions, known as “Open Combat Missions,” providing players with greater freedom in approaching objectives.
The game features all sixteen maps from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009), with the added ability to vote for maps during match lobbies. It also reintroduces the “red dot” minimap, allowing players to see enemies on their radar when they fire a weapon without a suppressor. Classic game modes like “Kill Confirmed” and “Hardpoint” return, alongside new modes such as “Cutthroat,” where three teams of three players compete against each other.
The open-world Zombies mode allows up to 24 players to play together as separate squads in a large map, which also serves as the new battle royale map for Warzone. Teams can tackle zombies and AI-controlled human enemies to complete objectives, collect loot, and extract via exfiltration.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
| Initial Release Date | October 25, 2024 |
| Developer | Treyarch |
| Platform(s) | – PC – Xbox Series X|S – PlayStation 5 – Xbox One – PlayStation 4 |
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (2024) is the seventh main entry in the Black Ops sub-series, taking place during the Gulf War.
The single-player campaign offers players multiple ways to approach missions, including dialogue trees for the cast of NPCs. Multiplayer includes 16 all-new maps, bringing with it the return of the Prestige leveling system, the Theater mode, and Zombies.
Call of Duty in Chronological Order
World War II Era (1939-1945)
Call of Duty
Set during 1942 and 1944.
Call of Duty 2
Set during 1942, 1943, and 1944.
Call of Duty 3
Set during 1944.
Call of Duty: World at War
Set between 1944 and 1945.
Call of Duty: WWII
Set in 1944 (in spite of some brief flashback sequences in 1940).
Call of Duty: Vanguard
Set in 1945 (in spite of some brief flashback sequences in 1941).
Post-WWII / Early Cold War Era (1945-1980s)
Call of Duty: Black Ops
Set between 1961 and 1968 during the Cold War and the Vietnam War.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
Set in 1981.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Set in 1991 during the Gulf War.
Modern Warfare Era (1990s-2020s)
Original Modern Warfare Timeline
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Set in 2011 (present-day during the game’s release window).
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Set in 2016.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Set between 2016 and 2017.
Modern Warfare Reboot Timeline
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
Set in 2019 (present-day during the game’s release window).
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
Set in 2022 (present-day during the game’s release window).
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
Set in 2023 (present-day during the game’s release window).
Near Future Era (2020s-2060s)
Call of Duty: Black Ops II
Set in a split timeline between the 1980s and 2025.
Call of Duty: Ghosts
Set in the near future (2020s).
Call of Duty: Black Ops III
Set in the later future (2060s).
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
Set in the late 21st century.
Divergent Timelines and Standalone Entries
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
Set in 2054.