Which COD campaigns connect?
Call of Duty (COD) has a vast array of games, each with its unique storyline and characters. Many fans wonder which COD campaigns connect, and the answer is more complex than one might think. In this article, we’ll break down the connections between COD games, highlighting the chronological order and shared storylines.
The Original COD Games
The first COD game, released in 2003, was a World War II-themed first-person shooter. The series continued with COD 2 and COD 3, also set during World War II. These games have a direct connection, with each game building upon the previous one’s storyline. The three games form a trilogy, with each game exploring different aspects of the war.
Modern Warfare and Black Ops
The Modern Warfare series, starting with COD 4: Modern Warfare in 2007, is set in a fictional modern setting. The series is notable for its gritty realism and realistic portrayal of war. The Modern Warfare games are not directly connected to the World War II-era games. However, the series does have a connection to the Black Ops games, which we’ll discuss later.
Black Ops, starting with the 2010 game of the same name, is set during the Cold War and Vietnam War. The series has a unique storyline, with each game exploring different aspects of the conflict. Black Ops games are set in a fictional universe, but they do have connections to the Modern Warfare series.
WW2 and Black Ops
COD: World at War (2008) and Black Ops (2010) are set during the World War II era and have a direct connection. The two games share the same storyline, with Black Ops serving as a direct sequel to World at War. The game’s story follows the Russian special forces, including Reznov, as they attempt to stop the Nazis’ plans.
Connections to Modern Warfare
Modern Warfare 2 (2009) and Black Ops 1 (2010) have a connection through their storylines. Both games feature a Soviet character, Viktor Reznov, who plays a key role in both games. Modern Warfare 2’s "No Russian" mission is set during the events of Black Ops, and the two games’ storylines intersect at certain points.
Chronological Order
Here is a list of the COD games in chronological order, along with their connections:
| Game | Setting | Connection to other games |
|---|---|---|
| COD 1 | World War II | Forms a trilogy with COD 2 and COD 3 |
| COD 2 | World War II | Forms a trilogy with COD 1 and COD 3 |
| COD 3 | World War II | Forms a trilogy with COD 1 and COD 2 |
| COD: World at War | World War II | Shares the same storyline as Black Ops |
| Black Ops | Cold War/Vietnam War | Serves as a direct sequel to COD: World at War, connects to Modern Warfare through Reznov |
| Modern Warfare | Modern Setting | Not directly connected to World War II-era games, connects to Black Ops through Reznov |
| Modern Warfare 2 | Modern Setting | Connects to Black Ops 1 through Reznov, features "No Russian" mission set during the events of Black Ops |
| Black Ops 2 | Cold War | Sets the stage for future games in the series |
Conclusion
The COD games have a complex web of connections, with each game building upon the previous one’s storyline. The Original COD games form a trilogy, while the Modern Warfare and Black Ops series have connections through their shared universe. Understanding these connections can enhance the player’s experience, providing a richer and more immersive story.
Additional Notes
- COD: Ghosts (2013) is not directly connected to any other COD game, with its own unique storyline.
- COD: Advanced Warfare (2014) and COD: Black Ops III (2015) are not directly connected to the mainline COD series.
- COD: Modern Warfare 3 (2011) is not directly connected to the Modern Warfare series, with its own unique storyline.
By understanding the connections between COD games, players can gain a deeper appreciation for the series’ storytelling and characters. Whether you’re a veteran of the series or new to the world of COD, this guide can help you navigate the complex web of connections between these iconic games.