Call of Duty is one of the most famous and well-known names in this gaming world. If you are a gamer, then I’m sure you must have tried your hands on Call of Duty games. Call of Duty is not just a game, its emotion of millions of gamers across the world carrying its legacy. The COD franchise has been shaping the FPS genre over the past 2 decades with fast-paced action, cinematic storytelling, and competitive multiplayer experiences.
From gritty World War II battlegrounds to high-tech futuristic warfare and battle royales. Since its debut in 2003, COD has explored almost every kind of conflict imaginable. But not all titles are created equal. Call of Duty (COD) has evolved from a World War II shooter into a global phenomenon, spanning multiple eras, gameplay innovations, and even battle royale modes. The COD franchise releases a new game every year and rotates the development studio cast: Infinity Ward, Treyarch, and Sledgehammer Games.
Today in 2025, Call of Duty has now released 20+ titles in the gaming industry. Some of these games have set very high standards in the FPS genre with instant classics and while, at the same time some were left fans scratching their heads.
In this article, we’ll take a deep look at every Call of Duty game and evaluate it based on campaign quality, multiplayer innovation, gameplay balance, and overall impact on the series. Whether you’re a veteran who remembers the glory days of Modern Warfare 2 or a newcomer loving the Black Ops 6, this ranking will take you on a nostalgic journey through over two decades of gaming history-because this list is packed with action, memories, and lots of emotions!
The Criteria: How We Ranked Every Call of Duty Game
Ranking Call of Duty games is no easy task, and no cakewalk, especially when the franchise has so much diversity and millions of passionate fanbase.
- Campaign: Storytelling, missions, and replay value.
- Multiplayer Experience: Map design, weapon balance, progression, and innovation.
- Zombies/Co-op Modes: For entries with these features, their impact and replayability.
- Legacy: Influence on the FPS genre and the Call of Duty community.
- Critical and Player Reception: Metacritic scores, sales, and community feedback
Ranking Every Call of Duty Game in 2025
Bottom Tier
19. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (2016)
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare tried to take the series to space, but it didn’t click with a lot of fans. The futuristic setting felt too far from the classic boots-on-the-ground style people loved. While the campaign had its moments, the overall vibe just didn’t feel like Call of Duty anymore. Even with some good ideas, the game struggled to win players over.
Modes Available
- Campaign (7–8 main missions, plus side missions)
- Multiplayer
- Zombies
Why It Ranks Low?
- Disconnected from the series’ roots
- Fans disliked the heavy sci-fi missions
- Reveal trailer- one of the most disliked videos on YouTube at the time
- Unbalanced multiplayer
18. Call of Duty: Vanguard (2021)
Call of Duty: Vanguard tried to bring World War II back into the spotlight, but it didn’t leave much of an impact. The story had potential, but the campaign felt rushed and forgettable. Multiplayer launched with a lot of maps, but many players found it repetitive fast. Overall, it just didn’t feel as polished or exciting as past entries.
Modes Available
- Campaign (9 missions)
- Multiplayer
- Zombies
Why It Ranks Low?
- Weak campaign and zombies’ mode
- Multiplayer, while packed with maps, didn’t feel fresh.
- Underdeveloped campaign characters
17. Call of Duty: Ghosts (2013)
Call of Duty: Ghosts tried to shake things up with a new storyline and some fresh features, but it didn’t hit the mark. The campaign had cool moments, but it felt like a step down compared to earlier games. Multiplayer didn’t bring enough innovation, and overall, it felt like the magic of Call of Duty was starting to fade here. It’s not terrible, but it’s definitely not a fan favorite.
Modes Available
- Campaign (18 missions)
- Multiplayer
- Extinction Mode (instead of Zombies)
Why It Ranks Low?
- Storyline lacked emotional depth and strong characters
- Extinction mode wasn’t as popular as Zombies
- Multiplayer maps were too large and felt empty
16.Call of Duty: WWII (2017)
Call of Duty: WWII took the franchise back to its roots with a gritty World War II setting. Visually, it looked great, and the idea was solid. But the campaign felt too short, and multiplayer didn’t hold attention for long. It had the right atmosphere, but the gameplay didn’t evolve much and felt a bit outdated in comparison to other shooters at the time.
Modes Available
- Campaign (11 missions)
- Multiplayer
- Zombies
Why It Ranks Low?
- Lack of innovation to stand out in the series
- Campaign was forgettable despite a strong historical setting
- Multiplayer felt unbalanced
- Disappointing new modes
15. Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 (2018)
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 was a bold experiment, ditching the traditional campaign mode completely. It focused heavily on multiplayer, Zombies, and introduced Blackout, the franchise’s first battle royale. While some parts were fun, the missing single-player story left a big hole for many longtime fans. It felt like a game that couldn’t decide what it really wanted to be.
Modes Available
- Multiplayer
- Zombies
- Blackout (Battle Royale mode)
- No traditional Campaign Mode
Why It Ranks Low?
- Missing Single playerCampaign Mode
- Mixed reception to Blackout
- Zombies mode had a confusing and messy launch with technical issues
Mid-Tier
14. Call of Duty 3 (2006)
(Video Credit: Gaming Ekt)
Call of Duty 3 was one of the first entries to push the series into the World War II setting in a big way. The campaign had great moments, especially with its intense, action-packed battles. However, it felt like it was lacking the innovation and polish that later games would bring. While still enjoyable, it didn’t quite meet the standards of the franchise in the long run.
Modes Available
- Campaign (14 missions)
- Multiplayer
Why It’s Not Higher?
- Campaign missions felt repetitive and too similar in structure
- Multiplayer, while fun, lacked the depth
- Control and Gameplay Issues
13. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (2014)
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare introduced a futuristic setting and exo-suits that added a whole new layer of verticality to combat. The campaign was solid, with Kevin Spacey bringing a strong villain performance. However, the multiplayer didn’t entirely convince all players, as some found the exo-movement to be more chaotic than fun. It was an ambitious step forward, but not without its flaws.
Modes Available
- Campaign (15 missions)
- Multiplayer
- Exo Survival (Co-op mode)
Why It’s Not Higher?
- Exo-suits were a cool idea but felt too chaotic and unbalanced in multiplayer
- Campaign story, while entertaining, wasn’t as memorable as other entries
- The addition of futuristic tech didn’t sit well with fans
12. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020)
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War brought the series back to its Cold War roots with a gripping story and strong multiplayer. The campaign was fun with intriguing characters and a solid narrative, though it felt somewhat rushed. While the multiplayer was engaging, some players found the game’s balance issues to be annoying. It’s a good game, but there were a few missed opportunities.
Modes Available
- Campaign (8 missions)
- Multiplayer
- Zombies
Why It’s Not Higher?
- Campaign, while entertaining, lacked the depth
- Zombies mode was fun, but not as innovative or immersive as previous titles.
- Multiplayer balance issues
11. Call of Duty: World at War (2008)
Call of Duty: World at War took the series back to the brutal battles of World War II and gave players a much darker, grittier experience. The campaign was intense and memorable, and it also introduced the world to the now-famous Zombies mode. While it laid the foundation for a lot of future success, some rough edges and aging mechanics keep it from climbing higher on the list.
Modes Available
- Campaign (15 missions)
- Multiplayer
- Zombies
Why It’s Not Higher?
- Multiplayer, though fun, wasn’t as smooth or polished
- Early Zombies mode was iconic but simple
- Technical issues and glitches
10. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 wrapped up the epic Modern Warfare trilogy with high-stakes action and explosive moments. The campaign was fast-paced and satisfying, giving closure to a beloved storyline. Multiplayer was still strong, but by this point, the formula was starting to feel a little too familiar. It’s a solid game, but it didn’t quite deliver the same fresh excitement as its predecessors.
Modes Available
- Campaign (17 missions)
- Multiplayer
- Spec Ops (Co-op mode)
Why It’s Not Higher?
- The campaign, while fun with less emotional weight
- Spec Ops was enjoyable but lacked the lasting appeal of Zombies
- Multiplayer, although polished, didn’t innovate much beyond MW2
9. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022) delivered a visually stunning experience with a strong campaign and updated multiplayer. The gunplay felt tight, and the graphics were some of the best the series has ever seen. However, despite the improvements, some players felt the game played it too safe and didn’t quite live up to the massive hype it had before launch. It’s a great entry, but not a ground-breaking one.
Modes Available
- Campaign (17 missions)
- Multiplayer
- Co-op (Special Ops mode)
- Warzone 2.0 (connected free-to-play mode)
Why It’s Not Higher?
- Campaign, while solid, lacked the emotional impact
- Some maps and modes felt uninspired compared to earlier titles
- Multiplayer progression system and unlock structure frustrated many players
8. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023)
Modern Warfare III (2023) had a lot of hype but didn’t fully deliver. The campaign felt rushed, almost like an add-on to MW2 (2022), and the multiplayer mostly recycled old maps. While Zombies was a fresh idea for the Modern Warfare series, it couldn’t fully carry the experience. It’s fun but clearly not peak Call of Duty.
Modes Available
- Campaign (15 Open Combat Missions)
- Multiplayer
- Zombies
Why It’s Not Higher?
- Short and Weak Campaign
- Recycled Multiplayer Content
- Zombies Mode Was Just OK
- Felt More Like a Big DLC
7. Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (2015)
Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 took the series deep into futuristic warfare, introducing advanced movement like wall-running and boost jumps. The campaign was bold with its sci-fi storytelling, though it confused a lot of players. Multiplayer was fast and smooth, and Zombies mode was one of the best the franchise has ever had. It’s a strong, content-rich game, but not without some rough edges.
Modes Available
- Campaign (11 missions)
- Multiplayer
- Zombies
Why It’s Not Higher?
- Campaign story was overly complicated
- Futuristic movement system wasn’t loved by everyone, feeling too chaotic at times.
- Multiplayer had some balancing issues
- Zombies was excellent, it almost outshined the core game itself
Top Tier
6.Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010)
Call of Duty: Black Ops stands out for its gripping Cold War campaign, filled with surprising twists and an unforgettable cast of characters like Mason and Woods. The game introduced some of the most iconic multiplayer maps, including Nuketown, which quickly became a fan favorite. The Zombies mode was a game-changer, with Kino Der Toten becoming a classic. Black Ops remains a milestone in the series, offering an excellent balance of story, multiplayer, and co-op action.
Modes Available
- Campaign (15 missions)
- Multiplayer
- Zombies
What Makes It Top-Tier
- Unforgettable Campaign
- Zombies Mode with Kino Der Toten
- Multiplayer Innovation: Nuketown
- Long-lasting Influence
5. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) took the series in a bold direction, offering a more realistic and gritty campaign that focused on modern warfare’s complexity. The game brought back iconic characters like Captain Price, with a story that tackled current global issues. Multiplayer was revamped with a more tactical approach, offering new modes like Gunfight and large-scale Ground War. Modern Warfare also introduced Warzone, a free-to-play battle royale, making a massive impact on the gaming community.
Modes Available
- Campaign (14 missions)
- Multiplayer
- Special Ops
- Warzone (free-to-play)
What Makes It Top-Tier?
- Gripping Campaign: A realistic and emotionally charged story
- Warzone: free-to-play battle royale
- Multiplayer Revamp: Gunfight and Ground War
- Iconic Characters like return of Captain Price
4. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (2024)
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, released on October 25, 2024, brings players into a gripping spy-thriller set in the early ’90s. The campaign follows rogue CIA operatives Troy Marshall and Frank Woods as they assemble a team to dismantle Pantheon, a covert paramilitary group with ties to the agency. The game introduces the new Omnimovement system, allowing for 360-degree movement, enhancing both campaign and multiplayer experiences. With a four-year development cycle, Black Ops 6 offers a polished and immersive experience across all modes.
Modes Available
- Campaign (11 missions)
- Multiplayer
- Zombies
- Warzone (free-to-play)
What Makes It Top-Tier?
- Engaging Campaign
- Omnimovement System: Introduces fluid 360-degree movement
- Multiplayer Innovation: 16 new maps
- Zombies Mode
3. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) takes everything that made its predecessor great and elevates it to the next level. With a thrilling campaign full of jaw-dropping moments, it introduced new characters like Ghost and Roach, who quickly became fan favorites. The multiplayer experience was revolutionary, introducing Spec Ops missions and new killstreak rewards that became core components of the franchise. This game set the standard for future titles and remains one of the most beloved entries in the series.
Modes Available
- Campaign (18 missions)
- Multiplayer
- Special Ops
What Makes It Top-Tier?
- Iconic Campaign
- Revolutionary Multiplayer: Killstreaks and new modes
- Spec Ops Mode
- Enduring Popularity
2. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)
(Video Credit: Gamehelper)
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007) was a groundbreaking title that changed the landscape of first-person shooters forever. It shifted the series from World War II settings to modern-day warfare, introducing players to iconic characters like Captain Price and Soap MacTavish. The campaign was intense, with unforgettable moments, and the multiplayer mode became a cultural phenomenon, setting the foundation for the multiplayer experience we know today. The game’s realism, combined with fast-paced action, made it a fan favorite.
Modes Available
- Campaign (18 missions)
- Multiplayer
What Makes It Top-Tier?
- Revolutionary Multiplayer: Introduced killstreaks, customizable loadouts
- Memorable Campaign
- Iconic Characters: Captain Price and Soap MacTavish
- Enduring Influence
1. Call of Duty: Black Ops II (2012)
Call of Duty: Black Ops II isn’t just another great CoD game — it’s the one that really changed how we think about the series. With its branching storylines, futuristic weapons, and multiple endings, it gave players choices that actually mattered. Multiplayer was at its absolute peak too, with iconic maps and smooth gameplay that kept everyone hooked for years. It’s the perfect mix of innovation, excitement, and just pure fun.
Modes Available
- Campaign (11 missions)
- Multiplayer
- Zombies
Why It’s Number One?
- Branching campaign with player choices
- Deep, balanced multiplayer with lasting influence
- Best Zombies experience to date
- Strong community and esports support
Honorable Mentions & Spin-Offs
While this ranking focuses on the mainline Call of Duty games, several spin-offs and mobile titles deserve mention for their contributions to the franchise’s popularity.
- Call of Duty: Warzone (2020): Although not a mainline entry, Warzone revolutionized the battle royale genre with its free-to-play model and massive scale. It became an essential part of the Call of Duty experience, offering fast-paced action and intense firefights.
- Call of Duty: Mobile (2019): Call of Duty: Mobile brought the classic COD experience to smartphones, featuring both iconic multiplayer modes and a battle royale. It gave gamers the chance to experience Call of Duty on the go, without compromising on quality.
- Call of Duty: Black Ops: Declassified (2012): Black Ops: Declassified aimed to bring the Black Ops experience to the PS Vita, offering a portable version of the franchise. While it had mixed reviews, it still provided some enjoyable moments for handheld gaming fans.
Complete Call of Duty Ranking List (2025)
Top Tier
| Rank | Game Title | Release Date |
| 1 | Call of Duty: Black Ops II | November 13, 2012 |
| 2 | Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare | November 5, 2007 |
| 3 | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) | November 10, 2009 |
| 4 | Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (2024) | October 25, 2024 |
| 5 | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) | October 25, 2019 |
| 6 | Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010) | November 9, 2010 |
Mid-Tier
| Rank | Game Title | Release Date |
| 7 | Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 (2015) | November 6, 2015 |
| 8 | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023) | October 27, 2023 |
| 9 | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022) | November 28, 2022 |
| 10 | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011) | November 8, 2011 |
| 11 | Call of Duty: World at War (2008) | November 11, 2008 |
| 12 | Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020) | November 13, 2020 |
| 13 | Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (2014) | November 3, 2014 |
| 14 | Call of Duty 3 (2006) | November 6, 2006 |
Bottom Tier
| Rank | Game Title | Release Date |
| 15 | Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 (2018) | October 12, 2018 |
| 16 | Call of Duty: WWII (2017) | November 3, 2017 |
| 17 | Call of Duty: Ghosts (2013) | November 5, 2013 |
| 18 | Call of Duty: Vanguard (2021) | November 5, 2021 |
| 19 | Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (2016) | November 4, 2016 |
Conclusion
In 2025, Call of Duty continues to evolve. Whether you prefer classic WWII battles, futuristic warfare, or intense multiplayer competition, there’s a Call of Duty game for every type of player. This ranking serves as a guide to help you explore the franchise’s best moments and understand its journey through gaming history. From the groundbreaking Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare to the genre-defining Black Ops II, and the modern successes like Warzone and Black Ops 6, the series continues to evolve and captivate millions worldwide.
Before You Go: Final Thoughts & Disclaimer
This Call of Duty ranking is based on personal opinions, current community feedback, gameplay experiences, and overall reception in 2025. We understand that everyone’s preferences can vary, and what’s “best” or “worst” is subjective. Your favorite CoD title might rank differently—and that’s perfectly valid. We welcome respectful discussion and differing views in the comments!
Call of Duty isn’t just a franchise — it’s a legacy that has shaped the world of gaming, bringing players together and creating unforgettable memories and emotions that last a lifetime.
🎮 Happy Gaming🔥
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