Which CoD Campaigns are Canon?
The Call of Duty (CoD) franchise has a vast array of campaigns, each with its unique storyline, characters, and setting. But have you ever wondered which CoD campaigns are considered canon? In this article, we’ll explore the canon CoD campaigns and provide insights on the continuity of the series.
The Basics
Before we dive into the canon CoD campaigns, it’s essential to understand the term "canon." In the context of CoD, canon refers to the games and their storylines that are considered official and part of the franchise’s main timeline. Non-canon content includes spin-offs, DLCs, and alternate realities.
Main Canon CoD Campaigns
Here’s a list of the main canon CoD campaigns, in chronological order:
• Call of Duty (2003): Set during World War II, this campaign follows multiple storylines and characters from the British, American, and Soviet forces.
• Call of Duty 2 (2005): The sequel to the original, set during World War II, follows American, British, and Soviet forces as they fight against the Axis powers.
• Call of Duty 3 (2006): The third installment, set during World War II, focuses on the battles in Western Europe and North Africa.
• Call of Duty: World at War (2008): Set during World War II, this campaign takes players to the Eastern Front and the Pacific Theater.
• Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010): The first game in the Black Ops series, set during the Cold War, follows a covert operations group.
• Call of Duty: Black Ops II (2012): The sequel to Black Ops, set during the 1980s and 2020s, continues the story of the previous game.
• Call of Duty: Black Ops III (2015): The third installment in the Black Ops series, set in 2065, explores themes of artificial intelligence and global chaos.
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019): A soft reboot of the Modern Warfare series, set in a fictional world, follows a conflict between rival factions.
Alternate Continuity Campaigns
In addition to the main canon CoD campaigns, there are alternate continuity campaigns that exist outside the main timeline. These campaigns include:
• Call of Duty: Ghosts (2013): Set in a futuristic world, this campaign takes place in a different continuity than the main series.
• Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (2014): Set in a futuristic world, this campaign explores the themes of military technology and global power struggles.
• Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (2016): Set in a futuristic world, this campaign follows a space-based conflict between the Solar Union and the Settlement Defense Front.
Other Considerations
While the main canon CoD campaigns and alternate continuity campaigns are considered official, there are other factors to consider when discussing CoD canon:
• Storyline Conflicts: Some games, like Call of Duty: Black Ops and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, have conflicting storylines. This is because the series has undergone several reboots and continuity resets.
• Canonical Relevance: Some campaigns, like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, have a high level of canonical relevance due to their influence on the overall franchise. Others, like Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, have lower relevance due to their isolation from the main timeline.
• Future of the Series: As the CoD franchise continues to evolve, it’s likely that the canon will be expanded and redefined. Future games may integrate elements from previous campaigns or create new ones, redefining the canon for the next generation of CoD players.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the canon CoD campaigns include the main games in the franchise, including Call of Duty, Call of Duty 2, Call of Duty 3, Call of Duty: World at War, Call of Duty: Black Ops, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Alternate continuity campaigns, such as Call of Duty: Ghosts, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, and Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, exist outside the main timeline and are considered non-canon. The series’ continuity has undergone several reboots and resets, resulting in conflicts and redefining the canon. As the CoD franchise continues to evolve, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest developments and storylines to maintain a deep understanding of the series’ canon.
Additional Resources
For a more detailed exploration of CoD canon, check out the following resources:
• Call of Duty Wiki: A comprehensive wiki dedicated to the Call of Duty franchise, covering all games, characters, and storylines.
• Call of Duty subreddit: A community-driven subreddit for discussing Call of Duty, including campaigns, storylines, and gameplay.
• Gaming news sites: Follow reputable gaming news sites, such as IGN, GameSpot, and Polygon, for the latest updates and insights on the CoD franchise.