Best Call of Duty Campaigns, Ranked

In the world of video games, Call of Duty has become a true legend. The series has evolved significantly from the early days of World War II-themed battles to the more recent and intense modern warfare scenarios. Over time, the games have introduced graphics, gameplay mechanics, and storytelling advancements, earning acclaim from the gaming community worldwide.

Additionally, the success of Call of Duty campaigns lies in their ability to blend historical accuracy with gripping narratives. The combination of intense action, memorable characters, and evolving gameplay has contributed to the game’s popularity, making each new installment highly anticipated and well-received by fans globally. That said, let us explore the best Call of Duty campaigns.

5. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, the 2019 release, brought a fresh and intense campaign that many loved. The series perfectly shows the messy and complicated nature of modern war. In this game, the story revolves around the use of chemical weapons, a line that most people agree should never be crossed. The game introduces a character named Farah, who becomes a symbol against using chemical weapons due to her tough experiences. The game lets players experience the war through the eyes of Farah, a young girl in a war-torn town. Despite her importance, the game sometimes shifts focus away from her character to other protagonists like Sergeant Kyle Garrick and Captain Price.

The game worked hard to feel real, telling a war story that felt brave and believable. With characters we knew in a new setting, it added excitement. Missions like “Clean House” and “The Wolves' Den” stood out for their intense and realistic gameplay. The made-up country of Urzikstan gave the story a unique background. Gamers liked the game because it told a robust and modern war story, making it a memorable experience. Undoubtedly, this Call of Duty campaign got lots of praise from the community for its story, characters, and how it played.

4. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, released in 2009, is a first-person shooter game developed by Infinity Ward. As the sixth installment in the Call of Duty series, it garnered widespread acclaim for its intense and cinematic single-player campaign and robust multiplayer experience.

The single-player story continues the narrative from the first Modern Warfare game. Additionally, it follows a series of interconnected events involving an ultranationalist Russian villain. Players take on different roles, including Task Force 141 and US Army Rangers members, engaging in high-stakes missions across various global locations.

The multiplayer component of Modern Warfare 2 introduced numerous new features and became highly popular. It retained the Create-a-Class system for customizable load-outs and introduced Killstreaks. Consequently, players were rewarded with special abilities or weapons for achieving a certain number of consecutive kills. The game's diverse maps, weapons, and modes contributed to its long-lasting appeal among the gaming community. Undoubtedly, it remains a significant entry in the Call of Duty franchise and is remembered as one of the most influential and impactful shooters of its time.

3. Call of Duty: Black Ops

Call of Duty: Black Ops is the seventh installment in the Call of Duty series, set during the Cold War era. The game features a gripping single-player campaign, a robust multiplayer mode, and the introduction of the popular Zombies mode. This mode gained immense popularity and became a staple in subsequent Call of Duty titles.

The single-player campaign follows the character Alex Mason, a member of an elite covert operations unit known as SOG, as he undertakes various missions spanning different periods during the Cold War. The narrative features mind-bending twists and turns involving conspiracies, psychological warfare, and historical events.

The multiplayer component of Black Ops brought several innovations to the Call of Duty franchise. The game introduced the “Create-a-Class” system, allowing players to customize their load-outs and choose perks, weapons, and equipment. The currency-based Wager Matches added a new dimension, allowing players to bet in-game currency on their performance in unique game modes. The game was a commercial success, and its impact on the Call of Duty series is evident in the continued inclusion of similar features in subsequent titles.

2. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is a critically acclaimed first-person shooter. It marks a significant mark from the series' historical settings, bringing the gameplay into a modern, contemporary setting. The single-player campaign follows two main characters, Sergeant John “Soap” MacTavish and Captain Price, as they engage in a series of missions against a radical ultranationalist group threatening the world.

The game's progression system featured a level-up mechanism for unlocking new weapons, perks, and customization options for players. The multiplayer maps, such as “Shipment” and “Crash,” became iconic in the Call of Duty community. The success of the game's multiplayer paved the way for future Call of Duty titles to prioritize online multiplayer features.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare received widespread critical acclaim for its engaging single-player campaign. The community praised its groundbreaking multiplayer innovations and overall impact on the first-person shooter genre. It is often regarded as one of the best and most influential entries in the Call of Duty series.

1. Call of Duty 2

Call of Duty 2 is the second installment in the Call of Duty series set during World War II. The game is known for its intense and realistic portrayal of historical battles and its emphasis on squad-based gameplay. Players are often part of a larger military unit and must work with their comrades to achieve objectives and survive enemy attacks.

The game features a single-player campaign that follows four different Allied soldiers. The soldiers participate in crucial battles across the European and North African locations of war. Similarly, the narrative provides a diverse perspective by allowing players to experience the war from the viewpoints of different soldiers, including those from the British, American, and Soviet armies.

The game featured stunning graphics, sound design, and immersive gameplay. It was particularly well-received for its cinematic presentation and attention to historical accuracy. The multiplayer mode of Call of Duty 2 also contributed to its success, offering a range of maps and game modes for online play. Notably, Call of Duty 2 significantly established the franchise as a leading name in the first-person shooter genre.

So, what's your take on picks for the best Call of Duty Campaigns? Do you agree with our tips? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.