Ranking The Call of Duty Games: All Main Entries From Worst to Best 

Since storming onto the scene in 2003, the Call of Duty series has cemented itself as one of gaming’s most iconic first-person shooter franchises. These adrenaline-fueled games have transported players from the battlefields of World War II to the frontlines of futuristic warfare. The gripping narratives and heart-pounding multiplayer arenas have made Call of Duty a household name among gamers.

With over 20 entries in the core series and numerous spin-offs under its belt, Call of Duty has thrilled fans by bringing them to exotic new combat theatres with each successive release. However, not every game has achieved the same legendary status. With Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III ready to set the multiplayer landscape a blaze once again, we thought it was time to break down the full mainline entries and rank the series from worst to best. I should also mention that since we are only looking at mainline releases, Call of Duty on the Wii, along with Call of Duty: Warzone, will not be counted in our ranking.

From the trailblazing early pioneers that ignited the phenomenon to recent efforts striving for greatness, we critically analyze each game’s highs and lows. For devoted fans and curious newcomers alike, this is the ultimate guide to navigating Call of Duty’s hallmark triumphs and regrettable misfires over its storied history.

Call of Duty 3 (2006)

Call of Duty 3, released in 2006, marked a bit of a downturn for the franchise. Developed by Treyarch rather than series creators Infinity Ward, it lacked the polish and innovation of previous entries. Set during the Normandy Breakout, the campaign takes you through 14 missions as different Allied forces. Gameplay sticks to the Call of Duty formula – run-and-gun FPS action through scripted setpieces. But it feels a bit janky and unrefined.

The enemy AI seems less intelligent, with their attack patterns becoming repetitive. Visually, it looks good, with some excellent lighting and foliage effects bringing the many environments to life. But ultimately, CoD 3 comes off as a rushed cash grab to capitalize on the success of Call of Duty 2. With no significant improvements or new ideas, it ends up being one of the most forgettable entries in the long-running shooter franchise—definitely not a highlight for the series and a sign of the yearly churn to come.

Call of Duty: Ghosts (2013)

Call of Duty: Ghosts arrived in 2013 as the tenth installment in the Juggernaut FPS franchise and the sixth installment developed by Infinity Ward. While divisive among fans, it tried some new things. The single-player campaign wasn’t groundbreaking but told a unique story about a crippled near-future America fighting a newly powerful South American Federation. It focused on the Walker family and their military service as Ghosts, with more emphasis on characters than the series was known for.

Multiplayer kept the fast-paced action CoD is loved for while adding in new elements like sliding, leaning around corners, and the ability to customize soldiers. New modes like Cranked and Blitz shook things up, keeping veterans on their toes. The most significant addition was Extinction, a co-op mode with up to four players fighting waves of aliens. It was a totally fresh take that succeeded in expanding the typically PvP-focused franchise.

Call of Duty: Ghosts was divisive but brought some positive new ideas to the series. The campaign didn’t blow anyone away but had emotional hooks. Extinction was a blast with friends. Multiplayer kept things fresh while retaining that classic CoD feel. It may not have achieved greatness, but it deserves credit for not just phoning it in.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 (2018)

Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 was definitely a bold move for the franchise when it launched in 2018, even if everything did not pay off as the studio would have liked. For the first time ever, Treyarch ditched the traditional single-player campaign to focus solely on multiplayer. And you know what? I think it paid off.

The highlight was definitely Blackout, their take on the battle royale genre. Dropping into a massive map with iconic locations from past Black Ops games with up to 100 players was a total blast. The gunplay felt tight, and movement was smooth – everything you’d expect from a Call of Duty game.

That signature fast-paced multiplayer component also made a return. Specialists with unique abilities were an excellent addition but received mixed reactions from players. I can see how some felt they disrupted the purity of gun-on-gun gameplay. The lack of a campaign also felt weird for a series known for its over-the-top set pieces and storylines.

Call of Duty (2003)

The first entry in the juggernaut Call of Duty franchise, developed by Infinity Ward and released in 2003, was Call of Duty. While it laid the groundwork for the series and showed promise, Call of Duty was quite basic compared to later entries and ran on the same engine as Quake III Arena. It implemented core components that would become staples of the franchise, including different viewpoints, celebrity voice acting, realism like iron sights, and a shellshock mechanic.

However, the gameplay itself was straightforward, and the maps were small. Still, Call of Duty took steps towards cinematic intensity with varied settings, from storming beaches to assaulting cities. The AI, while primitive, added life to the battlefield. Call of Duty was a taste of what the series would become – while rough around the edges; it showed glimmers of the gritty realism and epic moments that would come to define Call of Duty. This first glimpse hinted at the potential ahead for Infinity Ward to build upon.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011)

The next Call of Duty on our ranking list is 2011’s Modern Warfare 3 from the people at Infinity Ward. This was the first Call of Duty title developed by Infinity Ward after many of the studio’s key developers left the company. You can really feel the impact of losing that talent because Modern Warfare 3 leans hard on the reputation of the Modern Warfare name without bringing much new to the table.

The campaign’s story picks up right where Modern Warfare 2 left off, continuing the globe-trotting tale of WW3 between the US and Russia. But it lacks any memorable set pieces or watercooler moments. The gameplay also feels dated compared to other shooters that have been released. I remember the multiplayer feeling especially average – just minor tweaks to the formula without anything groundbreaking. It was still popular thanks to the name, but overall a pretty forgettable entry in the series.

Modern Warfare 3 definitely relied too much on franchise inertia without having the talent left to truly justify it. The magic was gone. It felt like the beginning of Call of Duty fatigue setting in. But it still sold a gazillion copies because it had Modern Warfare on the box.

Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (2016)

The Infinity Ward developed Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare landed with a thud in 2016. The sci-fi setting and space combat failed to resonate with fans, and the multiplayer especially felt like a rehash of Black Ops 3. Don’t get me wrong – the campaign has its moments, like engaging in dogfights across the rings of Saturn. Kit Harrington also lends his voice as the villain, but his character is pretty one-dimensional.

Ultimately, the campaign suffers from uneven pacing and takes too long to pick up. It’s not until the last few missions that things really take off. The multiplayer faces the same issues as Black Ops 3 – questionable balance with the supply drops and rigs. It just doesn’t feel as tight or fair as previous games. Zombies offer some silly B-movie fun, but there’s only one map at launch.

Infinite Warfare tries some new things with the setting and space combat, but it’s still chained too tightly to the past games. The fresh coat of paint can’t cover up the aging foundation. I’d recommend checking out the flashier Titanfall 2 or the grittier Battlefield 1 for your shooter fix instead. Call of Duty needs more than a space skin to be infinite again.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (2015)

Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 delivers a mind-bending campaign with a stellar voice cast, including Jeff Goldblum and Ron Perlman. The addition of cybernetics and robot combatants shakes up the standard Call of Duty formula, though the convoluted storytelling can be tough to follow. The single-player campaign allows up to four players to experience the cyberpunk action cooperatively. However, the overwhelming number of enemies and tonal whiplash between missions like the Battle of the Bulge and fighting zombies leads to a disjointed experience.

The multiplayer mode suffers from a similar lack of cohesion, with too many chaotic elements competing for attention. The specialists with unique weapons and abilities add diversity but also contribute to the sensory overload. Zombies return with an intricate 1940s noir setting, providing some of the most engaging co-op action the series has seen. Ultimately, Black Ops 3 tries to do too much at once between the campaign, multiplayer, and zombies. While moments of brilliance shine through thanks to the polished gameplay and production values, the thematic inconsistency and lack of restraint hold it back from greatness.

Call of Duty: World at War (2008)

World at War was a big moment for the Call of Duty franchise, marking the first entry to feature the now-iconic Nazi Zombies mode. Set in the Pacific theatre and Eastern Front of World War II, it brought players to locales that were less explored in previous WWII shooters. I remember everyone being hyped about storming the beaches of Peleliu and fighting through the ruins of Stalingrad.

The game does a great job bringing its gritty, brutal depiction of the war and intense close-quarters combat to the CoD series. Blasting through Japanese tunnels with a flamethrower or getting swarmed by Soviet soldiers in the streets of Berlin really made you feel like you were there. And who could forget those gory visuals, like when you blew a soldier’s legs off with a grenade? Gruesome stuff. If that were not enough, you also get to experience the voice talent of Gary Oldmanand Kiefer Sutherland, what could be better?

Of course, the addition of Nazi Zombies took World at War to another level. Fighting the undead with your buddies, boarding up windows, and racking up points to upgrade weapons was just so addicting. The DLC maps were super popular, too—who doesn’t love making a last stand in Der Riese? All in all, World at War set a new bar for the franchise and remains a fan favourite, even if it did not make the top 10 on our list.

Call of Duty: WW2 (2017)

Call of Duty returned to its World War 2 roots with Call of Duty: WW2, and it was a welcome change after years spent in the future. The campaign introduced some fresh ideas like replacing knee-slides with a prone button and your AI squadmates supplying ammo and grenades. It made teamwork feel more authentic. The multiplayer was a bizarre experiment, though, with loot boxes literally falling from the sky onto Normandy beaches in the new social area.

Yeah, loot boxes and microtransactions in a WW2 game…yikes. The multiplayer maps and weapons just felt too modern and high-tech for the WW2 setting overall. Like, did soldiers in WW2 really quick scope with sniper rifles and bunny hop around with SMGs? I don’t think so. The game looked and sounded amazing, especially on PC, but the multiplayer gameplay lacked authenticity. Still, the campaign told an emotional story that honoured the soldiers of The Great War. Call of Duty found its heart again, even if the multiplayer went a bit crazy with the loot boxes.

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (2014)

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare came out in 2014 and brought some major changes to the franchise, as well as bringing big-name star power to the game’s story with Kevin Spacey. The Exo suits with jetpacks completely changed the gameplay, allowing for new vertical movement and abilities. It was great fun to boost around the maps and added a new layer of strategy to multiplayer. The Exo abilities, such as the grappling hook, also opened up new gameplay possibilities in the campaign, offering more freedom than in older linear Call of Duty games.

While the Exo suits were a big hit, Advanced Warfare did start the trend of loot boxes and microtransactions in Call of Duty, which I think negatively impacted the series. The supply drop system added an element of randomness to unlocks that could encourage spending real money. Advanced Warfare took some big risks that really reinvigorated Call of Duty after the disappointment of Ghosts. The Exo suits made it feel fresh, and the multiplayer was fantastic. The campaign was pretty standard Call of Duty fare but benefited from the new mechanics and some massive names. It’s definitely one of the better Call of Duty games in recent years, despite the loot box issues.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020)

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War returns the series to the Cold War era with a globe-trotting campaign following CIA operative Russell Adler. The story delivers some memorable moments across locations like Vietnam, East Berlin, and Moscow. However, the multiplayer mode feels lacklustre compared to 2019’s Modern Warfare, with simple map designs and unexciting additions to playlists.

The campaign brings back fan-favourite characters like Frank Woods and features solid voice acting. While the plot twists and multiple endings don’t fully stick the landing, playing through the blockbuster missions is a blast. Multiplayer provides a decent CoD experience with polished gunplay and modes like Team Deathmatch, but the era-appropriate setting limits weapon selection. The Zombies mode is a highlight, with the new Die Maschine map offering tense co-op survival gameplay.

Call of Duty: Vanguard (2021)

Call of Duty: Vanguard brings the franchise back to World War II, featuring a campaign following a special forces team across various fronts. The Gunsmith weapon customization system allows robust loadout options, and the destruction mechanic makes combat environments more dynamic. However, the narrative lacks exploration into the special forces team dynamics.

Multiplayer includes fan-favourite modes like Team Deathmatch on 20 launch maps, with the signature fast-paced Call of Duty gameplay. The era-appropriate setting is undermined by out-of-place operator customization, though. Vanguard is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The Hotel Royal map provides intense close-quarters combat. Actress Laura Bailey voices the protagonist, Polina Petrova, with the talents of James Frain, Dominic Monaghan, Terrell Clayton, Elya Baskin also rounding out the cast.

Vanguard delivers the polished Call of Duty experience but doesn’t take enough risks. The campaign doesn’t fully capitalize on the special forces narrative, while multiplayer customization and progression feel too familiar. It’s a solid entry supported by continued post-launch content but doesn’t stand out as one of the best in the long-running series.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 (2012)

Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is one of the most memorable entries in the long-running FPS franchise. Developed by Treyarch, the campaign features an engaging Cold War narrative with fan-favourite characters like Alex Mason, alongside his son David in 2025. The story jumps between time periods and introduces pivotal decision points that alter missions. This created a layer of replayability unseen in previous CoD campaigns.

The polished gameplay allows players to tailor their loadouts, and the multiplayer map design is phenomenal. Maps like Raid and Standoff are all-time greats, with an emphasis on verticality and flanking routes. Zombies mode also relates to the campaign for the first time, continuing the undead survival action while expanding the lore.

Black Ops 2 took risks that paid off tremendously. The campaign introduced branching storylines, Strike Force missions added RTS elements, and Pick 10 revolutionized multiplayer loadouts. It set a new bar for production value in the series, from the graphics to the celebrity voice acting. Treyarch’s clear passion for crafting an ambitious CoD comes through in Black Ops 2, cementing it as one of the franchise’s highlights.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022)

Infinity Ward’s second newest Call of Duty delivered an exhilarating campaign filled with blockbuster setpieces and stealthy crawl missions. Sniper-fuelled levels like ‘Recon By Fire’ and ‘Alone’ showcase MW2’s excellent gunplay and variety of engaging scenarios. The revamped multiplayer mode is a tactical shooter fan’s paradise, with compelling new game modes like Prisoner Rescue putting communication and strategy at the forefront.

Ground War’s chaotic 32v32 matches are perfect for those who enjoy embracing pandemonium, while the refined core maps promote experimentation with winding paths and verticality. All the guns feel weighty and lethal, especially MW classics like the M4 and Desert Eagle. The overhauled Gunsmith system allows for deep customization to suit your playstyle.

While Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 struggles to innovate the CoD formula at times, its refined mechanics and visuals showcase why the series continues to dominate the FPS genre. For both casual players and hardcore fans, Modern Warfare 2‘s campaign setpieces and multiplayer innovations deliver an engrossing experience that stands out as a highlight in the long-running franchise and one of the better entries from Infinity Ward.

Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010)

Call of Duty: Black Ops takes us back to the Cold War era with its gripping single-player campaign. You play as CIA operative Alex Mason, trying to unravel a mysterious numbers broadcast while reliving your past missions in Vietnam, Cuba, and more. The setting feels straight out of a spy thriller, with plenty of conspiracies and double-crosses to keep things interesting.

Of course, the multiplayer is still the main draw for most fans. It sticks to the familiar Call of Duty formula, with a few tweaks like the new CoD Points system for buying gear. It’s a polished evolution of Modern Warfare 2’s multiplayer, just with a Cold War coat of paint. Features like Theater Mode and the ability to customize your emblem and guns offer fun new ways to show off.

The zombie mode returns with some humorous new twists, though only with only two maps, which is a bit of a letdown. But with its cinematic campaign and addictive competitive multiplayer, it’s no shock Black Ops broke sales records, selling nearly 6 million copies in 24 hours. For FPS fans, it’s a must-play entry in the legendary CoD series and shows Treyarch still has the magic touch.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)

Developed by Infinity Ward, the 2019 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare reboot was a return to form for the iconic first-person shooter franchise. Set in a realistic and modern world, the campaign thrusts players into the boots of British SAS forces on covert operations against the terrorist group Al-Qatala. The varied missions take you across the globe with settings ranging from a tense nighttime raid in London to open desert combat.

While the story hits on some heavy themes, the gameplay is as smooth and polished as ever. The gunplay feels weighty and impactful, while the graphics and animations are some of the best in the series. Speaking of graphics, the photorealistic visuals are jaw-dropping at times — like the night vision mission where you methodically clear a house in the dark.

The multiplayer received a bit of a tactical overhaul with larger maps, more camping spots, and the excellent 2v2 Gunfight mode. Reception was mixed on some of these changes, but there’s no denying the solid customization and smooth gameplay. At the 2019 Game Critic Awards, Modern Warfare took home Best Online Multiplayer.

If that were not enough, this is the game that also first introduced Call of Duty: Warzone, the Battle Royale Mode that gave Call of Duty players a new way to experience the game they love. Modern Warfare successfully reinvigorated the Call of Duty franchise with a stellar campaign and solid multiplayer package. The realistic setting and gameplay evolutions helped the series feel fresh again.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009)

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) delivers the explosive action the series is known for across its iconic single-player campaign and addictive multiplayer. The campaign throws players into cinematic set pieces like escaping an avalanche and invading a Russian gulag. At the same time, the globe-trotting story of terrorism and betrayal is over-the-top. Levels like No Russian push things into controversial territory.

On the multiplayer side, MW2 perfected the formula with a huge arsenal of weapons to customize and perks to equip. Unfortunately, some perk and weapon combos like One Man Army and grenade launchers broke the balance. Before patches, matches often devolved into endless grenade spam. Despite balance issues, MW2‘s multiplayer shined on classic maps like Terminal. The iconic airport map exemplified the frantic action as players battled across open tarmacs and through grounded airliners.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 delivered bombastic single-player missions and innovative multiplayer, though certain elements, like the story, went a bit too silly while powerful combos ruined multiplayer balance. Available on PS3, Xbox 360 and PC, MW2 remains one of the most iconic Call of Duty games.

Call of Duty 2 (2005)

Call of Duty 2 was a game changer when it launched in 2005. Developed by Infinity Ward, the game Built on the success of the original Call of Duty, the sequel took the immersive World War II experience to new heights. The visuals were a massive leap forward, bringing gritty battlefields to life like never before. Gameplay-wise, the addition of regenerating health was a revelation, creating a smoother flow during firefights. No more frantically hunting for health packs! The grenade indicator was another subtle but impactful innovation, giving you a fighting chance to evade explosions.

Of course, it wasn’t all about the tech. Call of Duty 2 shined thanks to its variety of locales and scenarios. Storming the beaches of Normandy, defending a bombed-out factory in Stalingrad, skirmishing in the North African desert – each campaign felt distinct. And the multiplayer was fantastic, laying the foundation for the juggernaut Call of Duty would become. With its cinematic presentation and authentic combat, Call of Duty 2 set a new standard for first-person shooters. It brought World War II to life in a way no game had before. Even today, it stands as one of the finest examples of the genre—a true classic.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare was a game changer when it launched in 2007. I still remember everyone freaking out over how cool and innovative it was. The decision to move away from World War II into modern combat was brilliant and made the action feel fresh.

The multiplayer mode completely revolutionized things. The create-a-class system lets you customize your loadout, and the perk system adds a new layer of strategy. Prestige levels gave hardcore players something to strive for. But it was small touches like regenerating health and killstreak rewards that made matches intensely fun and addictive. Suddenly, every other shooter felt dated compared to CoD4.

The campaign was also killer, with memorable missions like the AC-130 gunship level that made you feel like a total badass. The story felt ripped from the headlines, adding to the immersive experience. And the graphics and sound design were top-notch for the time. It’s no wonder CoD4 is considered one of the most influential games ever made. It established the template that turned Call of Duty into the juggernaut franchise it is today.

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