Do You Have to Play CoD Campaigns in Order?
The Call of Duty (CoD) series has been thrilling gamers for decades with its fast-paced action, thrilling storylines, and diverse multiplayer modes. With over 15 main titles, numerous spin-offs, and continuous updates, it can be overwhelming for new players to navigate the series. This article will answer the most pressing question: Do you have to play CoD campaigns in order?
Short Answer: No
While some games in the series are connected by storyline or share similar settings, each title is designed to be played independently. You can jump into any CoD game and enjoy the campaign without feeling lost or missing crucial story elements.
Why isn’t there a strict playing order?
The CoD series is known for its diverse genres, settings, and tone. From historical World War II settings to futuristic, sci-fi universes, each game brings a fresh perspective. Developers Infinity Ward, Treyarch, and Sledgehammer Games create standalone stories with unique characters, plot twists, and themes. This approach ensures that each title can be enjoyed without relying on previous games.
Which campaigns are connected by storyline?
Some titles in the series share connecting storylines or characters:
- Modern Warfare series: Modern Warfare 3, Modern Warfare 2019, and Modern Warfare 2 (2020) share a continuous story, exploring the consequences of war and the impact of military action on civilians.
- Black Ops series: The Black Ops titles (World at War, Black Ops, Black Ops II, Black Ops III, and Black Ops 4) are connected through their setting, characters, and plot, exploring Cold War and modern-day conflict.
- World at War: This trilogy is set in World War II and includes Call of Duty: World at War, Call of Duty: WaW – Final Fronts, and Call of Duty: Black Ops.
How long does each CoD campaign last?
Campaign lengths vary across titles, but most games usually take 4-7 hours to complete, depending on skill level and pace. For example:
- Modern Warfare 3: The campaign takes approximately 3-5 hours to finish.
- Black Ops 4: The solo campaign is approximately 3-4 hours long.
Which CoD game has the best storyline?
While opinions may vary, some standouts in the series are:
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019): Its gripping story explores the themes of war, propaganda, and the consequences of conflict.
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 2: This game features a critically acclaimed storyline with a memorable villain and emotional character arcs.
- Call of Duty: WWII: Its campaign is widely praised for its historical accuracy, well-developed characters, and emotional storytelling.
Multiplayer and side content
While campaigns provide a satisfying single-player experience, the CoD series is known for its intense multiplayer mode. Each game offers unique multiplayer modes, maps, and game mechanics, which can be played independently or in conjunction with the campaign.
Side content, such as multiplayer modes and Zombies,
- Multiplayer: Each title features a robust multiplayer component with various game modes, including Team Deathmatch, Domination, and others.
- Zombies: This iconic mode allows players to join forces against hordes of undead enemies in a horror-themed co-op experience.
- Spec Ops and Survival modes: These side modes provide additional challenges, such as cooperative missions, survival gameplay, and score-based objectives.
In conclusion
While some CoD games are connected by storyline or setting, each title is designed to be played independently. You can enjoy the campaign of any CoD game without feeling lost or missing crucial story elements. If you’re new to the series or looking to join the Call of Duty franchise, remember that you don’t need to play previous games to enjoy the next one.