All Call Of Duty Games: Complete Timeline Of The COD Series

Since its launch in 2003, all Call of Duty games have left a lasting impact on the first-person shooter genre. From World War II battlefields to futuristic combat zones, the series has continually pushed technical boundaries and narrative innovation.

The evolution of all Call of Duty games showcases not just how gaming technology has grown, but how player preferences have shaped the direction of one of the most iconic franchises in history. Whether you’re reliving old favorites or diving into the newest installment, this guide will walk you through every mainline entry and spin-off in chronological order.

All Call of Duty games bring more than just new maps and weapons. Each title offers fresh mechanics, reimagined multiplayer experiences, and memorable storylines — and when paired with optimized performance using ExitLag, the experience becomes even more immersive and responsive.

A legacy through the decades

The Call of Duty franchise has spanned over 20 years, released across multiple console generations, and explored both real and fictional conflicts. Understanding the evolution of this series means exploring how the franchise adapted through the decades.

Let’s break down all Call of Duty games in order by decade.

2000s – The origin of COD

Call of Duty (2003) – PC
Call of Duty 2 (2005) – PC, Xbox 360
Call of Duty 3 (2006) – Xbox, PS2, PS3, Wii
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007) – PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Call of Duty: World at War (2008) – PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) – PC, PS3, Xbox 360

2010s – Rise of Black Ops and futuristic warfare

Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010) – PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011) – PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Call of Duty: Black Ops II (2012) – PC, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U
Call of Duty: Ghosts (2013) – PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii U
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (2014) – PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Call of Duty: Black Ops III (2015) – PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (2016) – PC, PS4, Xbox One
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered (2016) – PC, PS4, Xbox One
Call of Duty: WWII (2017) – PC, PS4, Xbox One
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 (2018) – PC, PS4, Xbox One
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) – PC, PS4, Xbox One

2020s – The Warzone era

Call of Duty: Warzone (2020) – PC, PS4, Xbox One
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020) – PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Call of Duty: Vanguard (2021) – PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022) – PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 (2022) – PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023) – PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S

Platform availability and game features

Understanding each game’s impact means looking beyond just the title and release year. Here’s a table comparing key elements of each entry.

COD game releases overview

Game Title	Year	Platforms	Zombies	Campaign
Call of Duty	2003	PC	No	Yes
Modern Warfare 2 (2009)	2009	PC, PS3, Xbox 360	No	Yes
Black Ops	2010	PC, PS3, Xbox 360	Yes	Yes
Ghosts	2013	PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox	No	Yes
Infinite Warfare	2016	PC, PS4, Xbox One	Yes	Yes
WWII	2017	PC, PS4, Xbox One	Yes	Yes
Modern Warfare III (2023)	2023	All major platforms	No

Call of Duty storylines in chronological order

While the release dates show how the series evolved technically, the Call of Duty timeline tells a different story — one shaped by alternate realities, Cold War espionage, and futuristic conflicts. Not all games follow the same universe or chronology, which can be confusing for new players.

To help clarify, let’s break down the timeline according to the internal storyline across major COD sagas.

Check the official YouTube channel of Call of Duty, just click here.

WWII era – The beginning of war

These titles explore historical events from World War II, offering gritty realism and strategic storytelling.

Call of Duty (2003)
Call of Duty 2 (2005)
Call of Duty 3 (2006)
Call of Duty: World at War (2008)
Call of Duty: WWII (2017)
Call of Duty: Vanguard (2021)

Cold War and Black Ops timeline

The Black Ops saga weaves historical conspiracy with futuristic warfare, creating a layered narrative across decades.

Call of Duty: World at War (sets up Black Ops with Reznov and Mason)
Call of Duty: Black Ops (1960s)
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (1980s)
Call of Duty: Black Ops II (spans 1980s and 2025)
Call of Duty: Black Ops III (2065)
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 (multiplayer only, no campaign)

Modern Warfare storyline

The Modern Warfare arc is a fan favorite, exploring global terrorism, military operations, and reboots with modern narratives.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)
Modern Warfare 2 (2009)
Modern Warfare 3 (2011)
Modern Warfare (2019) – rebooted storyline
Modern Warfare II (2022)
Modern Warfare III (2023)

Futuristic and standalone titles

These games step outside the main timelines, introducing advanced technologies and new characters.

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (2014)
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (2016)
Call of Duty: Ghosts (2013) – alternative universe
Call of Duty: Warzone (2020)
Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 (2022)

Are all Call of Duty games connected?

No. While some entries like the Black Ops and Modern Warfare series follow interconnected plots, not all Call of Duty games share the same universe. Others, like Infinite Warfare or Ghosts, are standalone narratives with no direct ties to previous titles.

Understanding these branches helps clarify which games you can play in isolation and which benefit from following the full saga. For story continuity, players often replay entire sagas like Black Ops or Modern Warfare in timeline order.

How critical reception shaped the franchise

Each game in the Call of Duty series was met with varying levels of critical acclaim and fan feedback. Some entries revolutionized FPS gaming, while others divided opinions with controversial design choices.

Highest-rated Call of Duty games (Metacritic)

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007) – 94/100
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) – 94/100
Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010) – 88/100
Call of Duty: Black Ops II (2012) – 83/100
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) – 81/100

Games like Modern Warfare and Black Ops were praised for their intense campaigns and engaging multiplayer. Conversely, titles like Ghosts and Infinite Warfare received mixed reactions due to futuristic themes or gameplay imbalances.

You can check the official COD page by clicking here.

Where to play Call of Duty today

Many titles are available on modern platforms, including Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Some of the older titles have backward compatibility, while others are part of digital collections.

Call of Duty games are also periodically included in Xbox Game Pass, especially older entries like WWII and Black Ops Cold War. Subscription access varies, so check regularly for availability.

Why Call of Duty keeps evolving

What makes all Call of Duty games stand the test of time is the franchise’s ability to evolve with the gaming community. Each entry not only reflects advancements in game design and graphics but also responds to player demands — whether that means grounded military realism or fast-paced futuristic combat.

As the franchise expands across platforms and genres, Call of Duty continues to attract both longtime fans and new players. From World War II to cyber warfare, each title builds upon the last, introducing better mechanics, larger maps, and smoother online performance.

To stay competitive across any version of Call of Duty, optimizing your connection is key. ExitLag improves server routing and reduces lag spikes, giving you a smoother experience across every installment — whether you’re in Verdansk, Berlin, or the Blackout Zone.

FAQ — Frequently asked questions about all Call of Duty games

What are all the Call of Duty games in order?

From Call of Duty (2003) to Modern Warfare III (2023), the series includes over 20 main titles. Games like Black Ops and Modern Warfare also have sequels and spin-offs in their timelines.

Are all Call of Duty games connected?

Not all games share the same universe. The Modern Warfare and Black Ops sagas are narrative-linked, while others like Ghosts or Infinite Warfare are standalone.

Do all Call of Duty games have a campaign?

Most do, but not all. Black Ops 4, for example, was released without a traditional campaign mode and focused entirely on multiplayer and battle royale.

What is the timeline of Call of Duty games?

Chronologically, the games begin with WWII titles, followed by Cold War and Modern Warfare arcs. Black Ops introduces a split timeline that spans decades into the future.

Are all Call of Duty games on Game Pass?

Several older titles appear on Game Pass, including WWII and Cold War. However, availability rotates, so it’s best to check the official Game Pass catalog regularly.

All Call of Duty games define a genre

From the original 2003 release to the expansive Warzone and rebooted Modern Warfare titles, the legacy of all Call of Duty games is undeniable. This franchise has not only defined the FPS genre but has also continuously adapted to trends and technology — keeping millions of players engaged worldwide.

Whether you’re reliving nostalgia or diving into the latest release, optimizing your gameplay with ExitLag ensures your reaction time, FPS, and server connection stay at peak performance. Lag-free gunfights? Now that’s a killstreak worth celebrating.

Experience smoother, more responsive on all Call of Duty games sessions today with ExitLag — and never miss a shot again.

All Call of Duty games: Complete timeline of the COD series