Fans of the Call of Duty (CoD) franchise are notorious for their passionate debates regarding the best titles in the series. While some enthusiasts hail Advanced Warfare as a standout, others believe that it marked the beginning of a decline for this legendary franchise. The latest installment, Black Ops 6, has quickly made its way into our top rankings. But how does it measure up against the best Call of Duty games of all time?
Throughout its history, Call of Duty has undergone significant transformations. The series has transported players from the battlefields of World War II to the Cold War, ventured into the near future, and even explored outer space. With this in mind, our expert team has meticulously ranked every game in the franchise to help you identify the must-play titles.
For those subscribed to PC Game Pass, several games can be explored at no extra charge, including the new Black Ops 6 and its predecessor, Modern Warfare 3.
In creating this list, our team of Call of Duty aficionados primarily focused on multiplayer experiences while also considering other elements such as campaign quality and Zombies mode. Now, let’s dive into the rankings!
22. Modern Warfare II (2022)
When the original Modern Warfare 2 launched in 2009, it was instantly embraced as one of the franchise’s best entries. The innovative killstreak mechanics, memorable maps, and iconic firearms solidified its legacy.
However, the 2022 reboot failed to recapture that magic. With sluggish movement and uninspired map designs, it struggled to engage fans as previous installments had. It’s fair to classify it as the least favorable in the series.
21. Call of Duty 3 (2006)
While Call of Duty 3 was Treyarch’s inaugural entry into the series, it fell short of expectations. A rushed development timeline of just eight months left it lacking depth compared to its predecessors. Despite noteworthy audio design and the introduction of Ranked Play, it disappointed by failing to deliver an engaging single-player experience.
20. Call of Duty: Ghosts (2013)
Call of Duty: Ghosts offered some fun gameplay modes, such as Search & Destroy, and featured Blitz mode, but it lacked the strong innovations that earlier titles had introduced. The killstreak system felt uninspired, and its monotonous color palette and gameplay were forgettable.
19. Call of Duty (2003)
The inaugural Call of Duty laid the groundwork for everything that followed. Its squad-based gameplay and the introduction of aiming down sights changed FPS conventions. Despite feeling primitive today, its pioneering features and diverse campaigns contributed to its successful launch against competitors like EA’s Medal of Honor.
18. Call of Duty: Vanguard (2021)
Vanguard struggled to captivate audiences, primarily due to its overused World War II setting. The game featured poor map design and an unsatisfying time-to-kill (TTK) metric, though it did have commendable weapons and killstreaks.
17. Infinite Warfare (2016)
Infinite Warfare was released during a time when players longed for a return to grounded gameplay. Despite a rocky start and a negatively received trailer, it found moments of enjoyment with its mechanics and specialist abilities. Few maps proved to be underrated gems, ultimately limiting its overall success.
16. Call of Duty: World War II (2017)
World War II was the series’ first major return to traditional gameplay post-jetpacks. The game disappointed with its weapon balance and level design, but it did evoke nostalgia for older titles. Notable improvements were made mid-cycle under new leadership, enhancing gameplay flow.
15. Call of Duty 2 (2005)
Call of Duty 2 exemplified what a successful sequel should be. It introduced concepts such as health regeneration and a new frag grenade indicator while delivering an engaging campaign that showcased multiple perspectives in World War II. Notably, it established the foundation for multiplayer experiences later in the franchise.
14. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (2014)
Advanced Warfare is often viewed positively for its fun movement mechanics and enjoyable competitive gameplay. However, following the critically lauded Black Ops 2, it felt less impactful, failing to maintain momentum established by previous installments.
13. Call of Duty: World at War (2008)
World at War essentially extended the gameplay experiences of Call of Duty 4 back to the World War II setting. Although it lacked originality, it made monumental contributions to the franchise by introducing a co-op campaign mode and the fan-favorite Zombies, a first for the series.
12. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)
While Modern Warfare 2019 is celebrated for its associated Warzone battle royale, its standalone title introduced controversial gameplay changes without the battle royale aspect. The fast-paced nature and gameplay flow improved player engagement, earning a dedicated following despite some poor design decisions.
11. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020)
Black Ops Cold War followed the success of Modern Warfare 2019 but received a mixed reception. While it felt more aligned with traditional COD gameplay, it could not completely escape criticisms of fluidity and innovation, blending new elements while restoring features fans missed.
10. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
As the newest addition, Black Ops 6 has garnered acclaim for its gameplay fluidity, despite concerns regarding map quality. Overall, it demonstrates the potential to be one of the top titles in recent history.
9. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023)
The latest iteration of Modern Warfare 3 mirrors the strengths of its predecessors, along with faithfully remastering classic MW2 maps. Sledgehammer Games has also delivered an outstanding run of post-launch content, maintaining player interest through dynamic updates.
8. Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 (2019)
Black Ops 4 emerged as a balance between advanced movement and more traditional gameplay mechanics. It boasted well-designed maps and an engaging experience that allowed various playstyles to flourish, earning it a reputation as a hidden gem within the franchise.
7. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)
Call of Duty 4 is often regarded as the most transformative entry, revered not just for its robust campaign but also for revolutionizing multiplayer with features like leveling, the prestige system, and customizable loadouts. Its setting and innovations reshaped the FPS genre, solidifying its lasting legacy.
6. Call of Duty: Warzone (2020)
Warzone, launched in March 2020, quickly established itself as a top battle royale title. With a free-to-play model and multiple innovative changes, it successfully reinvigorated interest in the Call of Duty franchise.
5. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011)
MW3 sometimes goes unnoticed but stands tall among the best. Following the incredible MW2, it delivered classic maps and exceptional gameplay, refining essential features while introducing new modes like Spec Ops.
4. Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010)
Black Ops, a highly engaging title, boasted memorable maps and extraordinary weapons. The inclusion of Party Games and the entertaining campaign solidified its standing during the franchise’s Golden Era.
3. Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (2015)
Black Ops 3 stands out as the best among the jetpack-themed games, offering smooth gameplay and well-structured map designs. The introduction of Prestige Master and intricate camo unlocks added depth and enjoyment to the experience.
2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009)
The fierce debate surrounding the best Call of Duty games often leads back to Modern Warfare 2. It expanded upon its predecessor in monumental ways, introducing iconic killstreaks and unforgettable maps, solidifying its status in gaming history.
1. Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (2012)
Unquestionably, Black Ops 2 remains a pinnacle of the franchise. Catering to multiple playstyles with balanced gameplay, it catalyzed a surge in competitive scenes and fostered a thriving content creator community. The classic maps and unforgettable weaponry formed a perfect gameplay loop across multiple modes.
The enduring appeal of the Call of Duty franchise lies in its ability to foster passionate fandom for each title. From Black Ops 2 to Warzone and beyond, this franchise has created cherished memories for players that are sure to last for years to come.
Leave a Reply