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Call of Duty Series in Order: a Timeline of an Iconic Franchise

November 18, 2024

November 25, 2024

3 minutes

The Call of Duty Series in Order is a rich game timeline of war-focused games that revolutionized first-person shooters and storytelling in the gaming industry. Since its debut in 2003, Call of Duty has captivated players with immersive campaigns, intense multiplayer modes, and unforgettable characters. 

This Call of Duty Series in Order overview dives into each game in the series, highlighting the timeline and key innovations that have kept the franchise relevant through nearly two decades.

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Call of Duty Series in Order: a Timeline of an Iconic Franchise

Complete List of Games in the Call of Duty Series in Order

Understanding the Call of Duty Series in Order involves more than just listing release dates. Each game offers unique insights and improvements, building upon its predecessors’ game timeline:

  1. Call of Duty (2003) – The original game that started it all, set during WWII.
  2. Call of Duty 2 (2005) – Expanded campaigns and improved graphics.
  3. Call of Duty 3 (2006) – Focused on multiplayer modes with larger maps.
  4. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007) – A shift from WWII to modern combat, revolutionizing the franchise.
  5. Call of Duty: World at War (2008) – Revisited WWII with intense gameplay and introduced Nazi Zombies.
  6. Modern Warfare 2 (2009) – Iconic missions and storylines cemented this title as a fan favorite.
  7. Black Ops (2010) – Entered the Cold War era, blending espionage with gripping narratives.
  8. Modern Warfare 3 (2011) – Concluded the Modern Warfare trilogy with massive battles.
  9. Black Ops II (2012) – Futuristic warfare and branching storylines gave players more control.
  10. Ghosts (2013) – Introduced new characters and dynamic maps.
  11. Advanced Warfare (2014) – Brought futuristic exo-suits and advanced movement mechanics.
  12. Black Ops III (2015) – Expanded on future combat and cooperative campaigns.
  13. Infinite Warfare (2016) – Took the series to outer space with futuristic combat.
  14. WWII (2017) – Returned to its roots with classic WWII action.
  15. Black Ops 4 (2018) – Focused on battle royale and multiplayer, without a traditional campaign.
  16. Modern Warfare (2019) – A reboot of the iconic series with a more realistic approach.
  17. Warzone (2020) – Free-to-play battle royale that integrates with main series games.
  18. Cold War (2020) – Set during the Cold War, bringing Black Ops and Warzone together.
  19. Vanguard (2021) – Revisits WWII with innovative multiplayer and storytelling.
  20. Modern Warfare II (2022) – Follows the events of 2019’s Modern Warfare, adding new mechanics.

For more detailed gameplay tips and settings, check out our Best Graphic Settings to Increase FPS in COD Warzone II.

Key Innovations Over Time

The Call of Duty Series in Order timeline highlights a steady evolution in gameplay and technology. Starting with WWII settings and straightforward mechanics, Call of Duty has advanced to futuristic combat with exo-suits, adapting and innovating continually. Notable changes include:

  • Exo-suits and advanced movement in Advanced Warfare and Infinite Warfare.
  • Branching storylines in Black Ops II, with multiple endings.
  • Realistic combat and environments in Modern Warfare, blending cinematic storytelling and HD graphics.

These features set the franchise apart, providing a comprehensive franchise overview that has influenced many first-person shooters that followed.

Evolution of Storylines in Call of Duty Series

As the series progressed, Call of Duty moved beyond linear campaigns. Covering themes from WWII to futuristic conflicts, it introduced complex characters and political intrigue. Titles like Black Ops and Modern Warfare delve into moral ambiguity and the psychological impact of war. Even the iconic Zombies mode offered a unique storyline, mixing horror with innovative gameplay.

Call of Duty Series in Order as a Gaming Legacy

In summary, the Call of Duty Series in Order is a testament to how first-person shooters can evolve with the times, keeping audiences engaged with fresh themes, gameplay mechanics, and an expanding universe of stories. Each title reflects not only the advancements in technology and storytelling but also the adaptability of a franchise that knows how to keep its fans invested.

About The Author

Lucas Stolze, a Mechanical Engineering graduate from Purdue University Northwest, is the CEO of ExitLag, a company dedicated to improving stability and internet connections for online gaming. It shares an innovative approach to developing solutions that improve internet stability for online gamers. Their commitment has driven the ExitLag Blog.

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