What Order Should I Play CoD?

What Order Should I Play CoD? A Definitive Guide to Campaign Chronology

For newcomers and veterans alike, navigating the sprawling Call of Duty universe can be daunting. The best order to play the CoD campaigns is generally the release order, as this allows you to experience the evolution of gameplay, story, and technology as the developers intended, although there are compelling arguments for a chronological order if narrative cohesion is your priority.

Introduction: A Call of Duty Odyssey

The Call of Duty franchise has become a juggernaut in the gaming world, boasting a plethora of titles spanning different eras, conflicts, and perspectives. For newcomers, the sheer volume can be overwhelming. Even seasoned veterans might find themselves wondering if they’ve missed crucial plot points or character arcs due to the non-linear release schedule. Choosing the right order to tackle these campaigns can significantly enhance the overall experience, maximizing enjoyment and minimizing confusion. This guide provides a comprehensive overview to help you navigate the Call of Duty universe effectively.

Why Does Order Matter?

While each Call of Duty campaign often presents a standalone story, recurring characters, interconnected narratives, and evolving gameplay mechanics thread their way through the series. Playing in the “wrong” order can lead to:

• Spoilers: Discovering the fate of characters before their origin story unfolds can diminish the emotional impact.
• Confusion: Understanding character motivations and relationships becomes more challenging when the backstory is revealed out of sequence.
• Gameplay Disconnect: Returning to older titles after experiencing modern advancements can feel jarring and less enjoyable.
• Missed References: Certain storylines contain callbacks and references to earlier games that are easily missed when played out of order.

Release Order: The Recommended Approach

Playing in release order is generally considered the best method. This approach offers several advantages:

• Experience the Evolution: Witness the gradual improvements in graphics, gameplay, and storytelling techniques.
• Understand Technological Advancements: Appreciate the incremental improvements in weapon design, movement mechanics, and enemy AI.
• Follow the Timeline Naturally: Experience the character development and narrative arcs as the developers intended.
• Preserve the Surprise: Avoid spoilers by experiencing the plot twists and character deaths in their intended sequence.

Here’s a simplified table listing the main Call of Duty titles relevant to campaign playthroughs in release order:

Chronological Order: For the Narrative Enthusiast

While release order is generally recommended, a chronological order based on the game’s historical setting can appeal to those seeking a more coherent narrative experience. However, this approach can lead to gameplay inconsistencies and potential spoilers. Here’s a possible chronological order based on the historical setting of the campaigns:

1. Call of Duty (WWII)
2. Call of Duty 2 (WWII)
3. Call of Duty 3 (WWII)
4. Call of Duty: World at War (WWII)
5. Call of Duty: Vanguard (WWII)
6. Call of Duty: WWII (WWII)
7. Call of Duty: Black Ops (Cold War)
8. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (Cold War)
9. Call of Duty: Black Ops II (Cold War/Near Future) Note: The Cold War portion
10. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Modern)
11. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Modern)
12. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (Modern)
13. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) (Modern)
14. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022) (Modern)
15. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023) (Modern)
16. Call of Duty: Ghosts (Near Future)
17. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (Near Future)
18. Call of Duty: Black Ops II (Cold War/Near Future) Note: The Near Future portion
19. Call of Duty: Black Ops III (Distant Future)
20. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (Distant Future)

Considerations for Rebooted Sub-Series

The Call of Duty franchise includes several rebooted sub-series, most notably the Modern Warfare games. In these cases, it’s generally best to treat the rebooted series as separate entities and play them in their own release order, independently of the original trilogy.

Campaigns to Potentially Skip

While most Call of Duty campaigns offer a unique experience, some are generally considered less essential or enjoyable. Opinions vary, but Call of Duty: Ghosts and Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare often appear on lists of less favored campaigns. However, even these games have their fans, and it’s ultimately up to the individual player to decide which campaigns to prioritize. Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 does not have a traditional campaign.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

#### Is it necessary to play every Call of Duty game to understand the overarching story?

No, it is not essential to play every single Call of Duty game. While there are interconnected narratives, each game often presents a self-contained story with recurring characters and themes. Focusing on key titles within the Modern Warfare and Black Ops sub-series will provide a solid foundation.

#### What’s the best starting point for someone completely new to the franchise?

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007) is an excellent starting point because it revolutionized the franchise with its modern setting, engaging storyline, and innovative gameplay. Alternatively, the 2019 Modern Warfare reboot offers a fresh and accessible entry point.

#### Should I play the Zombies mode campaigns in any particular order?

The Zombies mode has its own complex and convoluted storyline that spans multiple games. While there’s a chronological order, it’s less critical than with the main campaigns. For a more immersive experience, research the Zombies storyline and play the maps in their narrative sequence.

#### Are the DLC campaigns important to the overall story?

DLC campaigns, such as those found in some Black Ops titles, can offer valuable insights into character backgrounds and plot developments. While not always essential, they can enhance the overall experience for dedicated fans.

#### How long does it take to complete all the Call of Duty campaigns?

The completion time varies greatly depending on the difficulty level and play style. On average, each campaign takes approximately 6-10 hours to complete. Playing all campaigns can take anywhere from 120 to 200 hours or more.

#### What’s the difference between the original Modern Warfare trilogy and the rebooted Modern Warfare series?

The original Modern Warfare trilogy (2007-2011) tells a self-contained story. The rebooted Modern Warfare series (2019-2023) reimagines characters and plot points from the original games, offering a new narrative with a similar tone and setting.

#### Is it worth playing the older Call of Duty games with outdated graphics and gameplay?

While the graphics might be dated, the older Call of Duty games offer classic gameplay and engaging storylines that are still enjoyable today. Some players find the historical settings and unique gameplay mechanics to be a refreshing change from modern titles.

#### Can I skip Call of Duty: Ghosts and still understand the other games?

Yes, you can definitely skip Call of Duty: Ghosts without missing any essential information for understanding other games in the franchise. Its storyline is largely self-contained and doesn’t significantly impact the broader narrative.

#### Which Call of Duty game has the best single-player campaign?

This is subjective, but Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007) is widely regarded as having one of the best single-player campaigns due to its innovative gameplay, compelling story, and memorable characters. Other contenders include Call of Duty: Black Ops and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009).

#### Does Call of Duty: Vanguard tie into any other Call of Duty storylines?

Call of Duty: Vanguard was intended to tie into the Black Ops storyline, but the connection is tenuous and not particularly impactful. It serves primarily as an origin story for some elements of the Black Ops universe, but isn’t essential for understanding the main narrative.

#### What about the spin-off titles like Call of Duty: Finest Hour or Call of Duty: Big Red One?

While these titles expand the lore of the Call of Duty universe, they aren’t considered essential for understanding the main storylines. They are often considered side stories and can be enjoyed independently.

#### Are there any Call of Duty campaigns with branching storylines or multiple endings?

Yes, Call of Duty: Black Ops II features a branching storyline with multiple endings depending on player choices and actions throughout the campaign. This adds replay value and allows for a more personalized experience.

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