All Call of Duty Games – All COD Games List Ranked by The Pros
21 minutes
Last Updated: May 28, 2024
Making a list of all CoD games ranked is hard. Personal preference and bias will always exist. Some might enjoy the best CoD zombie games more than others. But if there’s someone worth listening to, it’s probably the best CoD players.
An opinion worth thousands of hours holds a lot of weight in the gaming community. So we pooled opinions from those who have spent the most hours climbing the CoD ranks. And created the definitive Call of Duty list, where all Call of Duty games ranked in order.
Best Call of Duty Game
So what is the best CoD game of all time? Opinions vary but most notable personalities in the community have agreed that one CoD title stands out from the rest. The one that stands out the most from the best CoD games of all time seems to be Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Developer: Infinity Ward
Platforms: PS3, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC, Mac
When it comes to the Call of Duty franchise, opinions on the best installment vary widely. However, for many professional players and dedicated fans of the series, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 stands out as the best entry ever, and it has received high praise for several key reasons.
The sixth installment in the Call of Duty franchise had some big shoes to fill. Being the direct sequel to the revolutionary Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, was a tall task. But Infinity Ward knocked it out of the park. They took everything that worked for them up to that point and made it better.
Modern Warfare 2’s single-player campaign is widely regarded as one of the finest in the Call of Duty franchise. It improved on the original Modern Warfare storyline and introduced new iconic characters like Captain Price and Soap MacTavish.
As captivating as the gameplay was, this title also sparked quite a bit of controversy. The infamous “No Russian” mission created a major discourse about video game storytelling and what young kids are being exposed to. But I guess it did fit the narrative when hunting Vladimir Makarov, leader of the Russian Ultranationalist party and the main antagonist in the campaign.
The multiplayer also took another step forward, despite not every pro player agreeing with the notion. Several game-changing features like the Tactical Nuke airstrike and AC-130 gunships were introduced that added another layer of strategy and excitement to online matches.
If that wasn’t enough, storming the gulag was an unforgettable experience. Every aspect of the game had you coming back for more, making it stand out from all CoD games ranked.
THE ONLY CORRECT LIST. THANK YOU, NEXT. pic.twitter.com/wajTsVMq8f
— Clayster (@Clayster) April 18, 2019
CoD Rust map
This entry to the franchise became entrenched in the hearts of hardcore CoD fans for a few reasons. We got the best combat map in CoD history with Rust, a map meticulously designed for rage-inducing gameplay that sticks with you forever.
Terminal and Highrise provided a more diverse approach, which all coincided with the new weapons. With the Intervention sniper rifle and the Akimbo Model 1887 shotguns, there was no shortage of fun to be had.
If that didn’t get you, you could be killed by sentry guns and riot shields as well. But everything was better than dying to a knife thrown off a rooftop. There was nothing worse than becoming a victim of someone’s montage play. But this also increased the skill ceiling of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, making it hold more weight on this list.
With game modes like Search and Destroy, Domination, and Demolition, each player had something to enjoy that catered to his preferences. The Search and Destroy mode, in particular, became a staple in competitive play due to its tactical depth.
The development team also didn’t stop there. We got two more expansion packs, with each containing 5 new multiplayer maps, each containing 3 new maps and 2 older ones that were reworked.
All of this helped Modern Warfare 2 cultivate a passionate player base. Its enduring popularity is also a testament to its quality. People are still coming back to it, thanks to the nostalgia factor and a thriving modding community. This is why we and many other CoD fans consider Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 the best of all Call of Duty games.
Every Call of Duty Game in Order
| Title | Release Date | Platforms | Spin-offs and Expansions | Developer |
| Call of Duty | 2003 | Windows, macOS, N-Gage, PS3, Xbox 360 | Call of Duty: United Offensive, Call of Duty: Finest Hour | Infinity Ward |
| Call of Duty 2 | 2005 | Windows macOS, Xbox 360, J2ME | Call of Duty 2: Big Red One, Call of Duty 2 (Mobile) | Infinity Ward |
| Call of Duty 3 | 2006 | PS2, PS3, Wii, Xbox, Xbox 360, J2ME | Call of Duty 2 (Windows Mobile) | Treyarch |
| Call of Duty: Roads to Victory | 2007 | PlayStation Portable | Amaze Entertainment | |
| Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare | 2007 | Windows, macOS, NDS, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360, J2ME | Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (DS), Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Mobile) | Infinity Ward |
| Call of Duty: World at War | 2008 | Windows, NDS, PS3, Wii, X360, Windows Mobile, J2ME | Call of Duty: World at War: Final Fronts, Call of Duty: World at War (DS), Call of Duty: World at War (Mobile), Call of Duty: Zombies | Treyarch |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 | 2009 | Windows, macOS, NDS, PS3, X360 | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2: Force Recon, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare: Mobilized, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare: Reflex Edition, Call of Duty: Classic | Infinity Ward |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops | 2010 | Windows, macOS, NDS, PS3, Wii, X360, J2ME | Call of Duty: Black Ops (DS), Call of Duty: Black Ops Mobile, Call of Duty: Black Ops Zombies | Treyarch |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 | 2011 | Windows, macOS, NDS, PS3, Wii, X360 | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3: Defiance | Infinity Ward |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops II | 2012 | Windows, PS3, Wii U, X360 | Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified | Treyarch |
| Call of Duty: Ghosts | 2013 | Windows, PS3, PS4, Wii U, X360, XONE | Infinity Ward | |
| Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare | 2014 | Windows, PS3, PS4, X360, XONE | Sledgehammer Games | |
| Call of Duty: Heroes | 2014 | iOS, Android, Windows | Faceroll Games | |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops III | 2015 | Windows, macOS, PS3, PS4, X360, XONE | Treyarch | |
| Call of Duty: Siege | 2016 | iOS, Android | Faceroll Games | |
| Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare | 2016 | Windows, PS4, XONE | Infinity Ward | |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered | 2016 | Windows, PS4, XONE | Raven Software | |
| Call of Duty: WWII | 2017 | Windows, PS4, XONE | Sledgehammer Games | |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 | 2018 | Windows, PS4, XONE | Blackout | Treyarch |
| Call of Duty: Mobile | 2019 | iOS, Android | TiMi Studio Group | |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare | 2019 | Windows, PS4, XONE | Infinity Ward | |
| Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War | 2020 | Windows, PS4, PS5, XONE, XSXS | Treyarch | |
| Call of Duty Warzone | 2020 | Windows, PS4, PS5, XONE, XSXS | Raven Software | |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered | 2020 | XONE, PS4, PS5, XSXS | Beenox | |
| Call of Duty: Vanguard | 2021 | Windows, PS4, PS5, XONE, XSXS | Sledgehammer Games | |
| Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II | 2022 | Windows, PS4, PS5, XONE, XSXS | Infinity Ward | |
| Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 | 2022 | Windows, PS4, PS5, XONE, XSXS | DMZ | Raven Software |
| Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile | TBC | iOS, Android | Beenox |
Best CoD Games Ranked
So apart from Modern Warfare 2, which are the best Call of Duty games? The community will always be divided on their opinions. But that’s because there are so many worthy entries. Call of Duty didn’t become one of the best paid crossplay games by accident. So what’s the best COD games?
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2
Developer: Treyarch
Platforms: Xbox 360, PS3, PC, Wii U
The second installment of the Black Ops trilogy is by far the favorite among CoD pro players. And it’s probably the biggest commercial success of all Call of Duty titles. So how come it’s second on this Call of Duty list?
Well, every CoD game has its specific features. And while Modern Warfare 2 is a huge fan-favorite, this is what the pros enjoyed the most.
Treyarch went all out with Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, and it paid off. If the incredibly entertaining commercial with Robert Downey Jr, Jack Black, and FPSRussia wasn’t a giveaway, the gameplay certainly proved it.
2012’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 was the ninth game in the Call of Duty franchise of video games. The follow-up of 2010’s Black Ops trilogy opener also became the first Call of Duty game for the Wii U.
But the reason this entry stands out from all CoD games ranked on this list is the campaign. For the first and final time in the history of Call of Duty titles, players’ choices throughout the game influenced the outcome of the narrative.
By fulfilling Strike Force missions and certain objectives in the main levels, the story would change accordingly. With non-linear gameplay and multiple possible endings, players were induced into giving the single player campaign another shot after completion
This dynamic storytelling captivated a larger audience by creating an immersive experience of espionage, futuristic warfare, and political intrigue.
We saw the return of Alex Mason and Frank Woods, two of the protagonists from Black Ops, with action taking place in the 1980s and 2025. During the later portion of the campaign, the player assumes control of Mason’s son David, codenamed “Section”.
CoD Pick 10 System
The reason Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is a fan favorite from all CoD games is the revolutionary multiplayer mode with the Pick 10 loadout system. This allowed players to customize their load-outs within the Create-a-Class menu, with 10 allocable slots for guns, perks, and grenades.
With this improved flexibility, players were encouraged to experiment and strategize depending on their preferences, and the map, making every multiplayer experience a lot more dynamic.
The Killstreak rewards from previous Call of Duty games were reworked as Scorestreaks, which were earned by gaining points, not kills. Putting the focus on objectives, encouraged team play and objective-focused gameplay in both casual and competitive matches.
Speaking of which, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 was the first Call of Duty game to include a competitive mode. League Play allowed players of similar skill levels to be matched together, setting the foundation for the competitive CoD scene.
It helped foster the Call of Duty World League (CWL), providing a structured competitive environment for professional players. Many CoD pros credit Black Ops 2 as the title that propelled Call of Duty esports to new heights, hence why they hold it in such high regard to all CoD games.
Black Ops 2 also included a progression system for weapons. This enabled weapon attachments to be earned by using the weapon, which would be later used to personally customize the weapon with clan tags and emblems.
Not every CoD game has had a Zombies mode, but this one brought significant evolution which further increased its popularity and impact. Introducing the “TranZit” storyline and the popular “Grief” mode, was a major success. With two teams of players pitted against each other and massive hordes of zombies, it was a breath of fresh air for hardcore CoD lovers.
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)
Developer: Infinity Ward (original) / Raven Software (remastered)
Platforms: PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, PC
According to pro players, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is the best entry to the trilogy. While all Call of Duty games have made an impact, none has done it quite like this one. Call of Duty titles rarely get reworked, and instead get pushed out as spinoffs. But this one was worth the effort, and Raven Software made it a priority to keep the aura.
The reason this title is high up on this Call of Duty list is because of its impact on FPS gaming in general. All CoD games after this one stole elements from it, which were revolutionary in 2007. Infinity Ward developed and Activision Blizzard published what is looked up now as an indisputable classic.
This was the first CoD titles to move past the usual WW2 setting all CoD games prior were based upon. Radical extremism, ultranationalists, a nuclear threat, and 7 different countries being involved made for quite the selling point.
The titles earned numerous “Game of the Year” titles and two BAFTA Video Games Awards in 2007, becoming the top-selling game worldwide that year. With 7 million copies sold by January 2008 and almost 16 million by November 2013, the audience proved the title’s quality with their wallets.
Modern Warframe set the framework for future FPS titles in many ways. From movement to an immersive tutorial, even its opening mission became the blueprint for kicking off a campaign. Missions like Death From Above, All Ghillied Up, Charlie Don’t Surf, and Aftermath, make for some of the best war stories ever told.
Shipment CoD Map
A change of motive in the campaigns isn’t the only thing making Modern Warfare stand out from all CoD games. For one, this title introduced a revolutionary multiplayer mode. Which was especially notable for console players. Where it actually made the big bucks.
It introduced the “Create-a-Class” system, regenerating health and the perk system. Having the option to customize your load-outs with weapons, attachments, and perks you earned was the real motive to never stop playing.
The different time frame of the action meant that modern weapons and equipment were used, each with its own strengths and recoil patterns. This resulted in different combat scenarios than what players were accustomed to.
Adding the Killstreak system with players earning powerful rewards like airstrikes by achieving higher kill counts, created an even more immersive gameplay. And your efforts wouldn’t go unnoticed. The addition of the prestige system helped you gain recognition and memorabilia, which were invaluable in that gaming era.
With maps like Crash, Shipment, and Overgrown that have since become franchise icons, this game brought a lot to the table for a 2007 release. And that’s not something all Call of Duty games can claim. But all CoD games since have borrowed elements from this timeless classic.
Unlike the best free crossplay games, you had to pay for this gem. But considering all the memories it brought, being the first CoD game for many pros, and the continued support resulting in a remaster, we would say that’s money well spent.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 3
Developer: Treyarch
Platforms: PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One
Survival has been the name of the game for all CoD games. Although it’s still an FPS title unlike crossplay behemoths like the Forest and Warframe, Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 managed to properly execute the setting.
The 2015 release was developed by Treyarch and published by Activision Blizzard, becoming the twelfth entry in the Call of Duty series. The follow-up to the aforementioned Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is a bit lower on our Call of Duty list, but it’s still an amazing entry nonetheless.
Casual fans might not think of it highly, but for many pro players currently on the scene, this release was a major change of pace. The story develops a futuristic setting, with action taking place in the distant 2065, 40 years after the events of Black Ops 2. Climate change, new technologies that enhance and challenge the Black Ops, and many more dystopian elements are what makes this title so intriguing.
This title’s innovative campaign mode which is designed to support 4-player cooperative gameplay is the reason it became so popular. Who wouldn’t want to team up with their friends in a squad? If only Red Dead Online could offer the same feature.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 also made a big impact on the gaming landscape by introducing the Specialist system. Before hero shooters like Overwatch and Valorant became the industry norm, CoD, and Treyarch were giving players unique characters with special abilities and weapons to choose from.
Zombie Chronicles
But it wasn’t just the characters. The futuristic setting also meant that weapons were going to be nothing like we’ve seen before in all CoD games. Black Ops agents enhanced with cybernetics and abilities made for a lot of fun.
Having jet packs and running up walls all while having complete control over your weapon made for an unbelievable experience in a title released in 2015. This new aspect of gameplay was also enhanced by several different levels.
The “realistic” difficulty mode, where players get eliminated with 1 bullet, was a treat for hardcore fans. Unlocking the “Nightmares” mode after finishing all campaign missions was another adrenaline rush. Replaying the entire campaign with a new narrative and zombies instead of normal enemies, just added layers to the content the game had.
The Zombies mode was also revolutionary for the time, with a new XP progression system that helps you unlock rewards and content. Regardless if you were modding your gun or character, the feeling of earning the reward and recognition held real value for players.
The Zombie mode would go on to become so popular that it received continued support for years. Both from the development team and the community. 5 DLCs with new and reworked maps were released, which have become franchise cornerstones since.
Bonus maps like “The Giant” had original characters, and each zombie game mode had a separate storyline with maps like “Der Eisendrache”, “Zetsubou no Shima”, “Gorod Krovi” and “Revelations” included.
The community later received the “Zombies Chronicles” DLC with reworked older maps like “Nacht der Untoten”, “Verrückt”, “Shi No Numa”, “Kino Der Toten”, “Ascension”, and “Shangri La”. It was a good time to be a CoD fan in 2015, and this title is rightfully among the best of all CoD games.
Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0
Developer: Infinity Ward
Platforms: PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X
Warzone 2 is the latest in a long line of Call of Duty titles. The entry is a sequel to 2020’s Call of Duty: Warzone and is a spin-off of 2022’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. Although not a stand-alone title, as it was introduced during Season 1 of Modern Warfare 2, Warzone 2 deserves some recognition.
Unlike all CoD games, Warzone 2 is free to play and does not require the purchase of any of the parent titles. It will be subsequently connected to 2023’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, so there will be plenty of updates to come.
So why is this entry of similar importance to other Call of Duty titles previously mentioned? Well, just like its predecessor, Warzone 2 is primarily Infinity Wards and Raven Software’s attempt at a Battle Royale title.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past 5 years, free to play titles like Apex Legends and Fortnite have made the format an industry standard. Even paid titles like PUBG are popular around the world. So why should a franchise as famous and successful as CoD not give it a shot? After all, titles like this one will influence the next generation of gamers.
CoD Battle Royale
The format remains fairly simple. Players parachute onto a large game map, where their objective is to be the last man standing. They encounter and eliminate opposing teams on the continuously shrinking map. With Warzone 2, the Circle Collapse feature was added.
It allowed multiple circles to spawn within the map and converge into one safe zone. Considering they are shrinking independently of one another, this added another layer of tactical optimization for each team and player.
If a player gets downed, they are sent to the title signature Gulag, where they can fight for another shot at redemption. There’s also a new extraction mode called DMZ, where players battle against both AI-controlled and player-controlled opponents as they try to get away with the loot they collected within the playable area (also known as the Exclusion Zone).
With every passing season, the developers have released another game mode, with Resurgence and Plunder being the latest additions.
This influx in content means that the map pool is continuously getting expanded. The title’s connections to the main CoD franchise entries prior to and after it, mean that this is unlikely to change. So fans can enjoy thrillers like Al Mazrah, Ashika Island, Building 21, Vondel, Koschei Complex, and Al Bagra Fortress.
Warzone 2 might not be like all Call of Duty games before it. But it will probably be the foundation for upcoming titles. It’s still a fairly new entry on this Call of Duty list. But that shouldn’t discredit it amongst all CoD games.
Best Old CoD Game
Call of Duty 2
Developer: Infinity Ward
Platforms: PC, Xbox 360
The second Call of Duty title to be released has to take this title. Call of Duty 2 set the stage for franchise success that followed suit. While being a significant upgrade over the initial release. The title maintained the WW2 setting by recreating historically accurate battles of that period. Attention to detail was key to creating an immersive experience, with weapons and uniforms playing a key role in achieving that.
This is back in 2005 mind you, and this was the first CoD game to be available on consoles. Regenerating health was introduced alongside and a ping that signaled a nearby grenade was about to explode. The new features combined with much sharper graphics and a more immersive sound experience meant that more people were willing and capable to give this title a shot.
Playing the single player campaign from 4 different perspectives in the boots of 1 Red Army,1 USA, and 2 British soldiers gave you a different experience every single time. The four individual campaigns were split into three stories, with a total of 27 missions.
From the D-Day Normandy landings to the harsh Russian winter and the North African desert, the second CoD entry had everything we could ask for.
The weapons used were unique to WW2, each with its custom mechanics and characteristics that added depth to the gameplay and increased the skill floor of the title. But the big changes came to the online multiplayer. The PC version of Call of Duty 2 introduced the 64-person multiplayer in all its glory.
The Xbox Live could only hold 8 players, but both had 16 maps to work with. Stalingrad was part of the 13 original maps that were etched in Call of Duty history.
Best CoD Games with Zombies
We already did an article covering the best CoD games for zombies game modes. You can check it out here. And in it, we detailed which of all CoD games do a fine job of getting your blood pressure going. Opinions are subjective and will always vary, but this is what we found out.
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare Zombies
Developer: Infinity Ward
Platform: PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One
Releasing Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare in 2016 as a follow-up to Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 didn’t bode so well for Infinity Ward. While generally, all CoD games that are considered exceptional are developed by them, they dropped the ball with Infinite Warfare. Or maybe just Treyarch set the bar really high with Black Ops 3.
Regardless, not many CoD pro players hold this entry in high regard. Infinite Warfare’s announcement trailer was the second-most-disliked video on YouTube at the time. Fans were furious over the lack of innovation in the storytelling department. We had already seen futuristic settings in a CoD title. Despite this, the title received praise for its gameplay, characters, and Zombies mode, which was a real change of pace.
Infinite Warfare’s Zombies mode, known as “Zombies in Spaceland,” took a bold approach. Players were fighting the army of undead in an amusement park set in the 1980s. Which was nothing similar to traditional zombie maps.
Unlike the highly critiqued campaign and multiplayer modes, Zombies in Spaceland retained the normal movement system, instead of zero-gravity environments. The cooperative multiplayer had its own gameplay mechanics and story, designed to be more accessible to newer audiences.
With new features like Fate and Fortune Cards, sharing points and teambuy doors, on top of core gameplay mechanics like perks and power-ups, surviving was made much easier and enjoyable.
This helped the game mode distinguish itself from previous Call of Duty titles. Not all CoD games have innovative Zombie modes, but Infinite Warfare nailed it. The community might have other preferences as it pretends to the campaign and multiplayer modes. But this is the best CoD zombie mode.
The best in the game 👑 pic.twitter.com/Hq8Umq0Pdl
— Call of Duty League (@CODLeague) September 12, 2023
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
When Will CoD Games be on Game Pass?
2023 turned out to be a major year for gaming. As Microsoft inches closer to acquiring Activision Blizzard, so too are big changes on the horizon. The CEO of Microsoft already announced that once the transaction was complete, the Call of Duty franchise would make its way to the Xbox Game Pass. But considering EU regulators are still preventing the deal, it’s still unclear when this will actually happen.
Where to Buy CoD Games on PC?
The Steam platform is the perfect one-stop shop for all of your Call of Duty needs. Wherever you are looking for a specific title or the entire franchise bundled in a great deal, the Steam platform has you covered.
Is CoD free on PC?
Call of Duty is free on PC only if you’re looking to play Warzone, which is the Battle Royale version. Call of Duty: Mobile can also be modulated on PC, but that game is meant for mobile devices. If you are looking for the true campaign experience with CoD, you will have to go with a paid title.
