GameTimeline

Release & story order

Call of Duty timeline

Call of Duty from the 2003 World War II original through Black Ops 7 and the planned Modern Warfare 4 (2026)—US release dates, Black Ops in-universe chronology, and how the Modern Warfare reboot ties to Black Ops while the original MW trilogy stays separate.

Updated August 2026

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Release order Story order

Release order

When Activision shipped each annual mainline game—Infinity Ward, Treyarch, and Sledgehammer taking turns since 2003 through Black Ops 7 (2025) and Modern Warfare 4 (planned October 2026). Warzone and Mobile are ongoing online modes, not numbered campaign entries here.

  • First playthrough → Release order (2003 → 2025)—how the series evolved year by year
  • Black Ops lore only → Story order starting with World at War, then switch to Story tab
  • Multiplayer-focused → Buy the latest (Black Ops 7); campaign optional for many players
  • Skip Black Ops 4 campaign—it has none; Infinite Warfare and Ghosts are divisive one-offs
Story order tips

Call of Duty uses several separate story worlds. The connected Black Ops saga runs World at War (1940s) through Black Ops 7 (2030s). The 2019 Modern Warfare reboot shares that world. The original Modern Warfare trilogy (2007–2011) is its own timeline—as are Ghosts, Advanced Warfare, and Infinite Warfare.

  • Black Ops core: World at War → Black Ops → Cold War → Black Ops II (1980s missions) → Black Ops 6 → MW reboot (2019–2023) → Black Ops II (2025 missions) → Black Ops 7 → Black Ops III
  • Original Modern Warfare trilogy (2007 MW → 2009 MW2 → 2011 MW3) is its own universe—not the 2019 reboot
  • WWII cluster (CoD, CoD 2, CoD 3, WWII, Vanguard) uses different casts—optional side history, not Black Ops canon
  • On Story order, later entries may be hidden—click to reveal them, or turn on Show all spoilers

Timeline

When each game was released. Click a game for platforms, dates, and where it fits in your playthrough.

Release order

  1. Call of Duty

    Call of Duty

    PCFPSMainlineWWII

    Call of Duty — Infinity Ward's WWII debut—American, British, and Soviet campaigns. Infinity Ward’s WWII squad debut launches Activision’s annual FPS machine.

    Overview
    Squad-based WWII shooter that launched Activision's annual franchise.
    In-game setting
    Standalone WWII anthology—not the start of the Black Ops continuity.
    Should you play it?
    Historical curiosity or WWII completionist play—Black Ops fans start at World at War for lore. Remasters and current storefront editions usually beat original hardware alone. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US PC launch October 29, 2003. Later ports and Call of Duty Classic (2009).
  2. Call of Duty 2

    Call of Duty 2

    Xbox 360PCFPSMainlineWWII

    Call of Duty 2 — Three WWII fronts—Red Army, British, and US Army. Xbox 360 launch WWII showcase—regenerating health replaces medkits.

    Overview
    Xbox 360 launch title; refined gunplay without the first game's health packs. Annual campaign spectacle and multiplayer/Zombies seasons define the franchise habit.
    In-game setting
    Anthology WWII entry; no story link to Black Ops or Modern Warfare.
    Should you play it?
    Optional WWII chapter—skip unless completing every release-order titles. Keep Black Ops, original Modern Warfare, and the 2019 MW reboot as separate universes.
    Release date
    US Xbox 360 launch November 15, 2005; PC October 25, 2005.
  3. Call of Duty 3

    Call of Duty 3

    PS2PS3XboxXbox 360WiiFPSMainlineWWII

    Call of Duty 3 — Treyarch's first mainline—Normandy breakout, console-only at launch.

    Overview
    First mainline not developed by Infinity Ward; no PC release at launch. Annual campaign spectacle and multiplayer/Zombies seasons define the franchise habit.
    In-game setting
    Final numbered WWII entry before Modern Warfare changed the setting.
    Should you play it?
    Skip unless you're on a full release-order marathon. Skip unless completing every release-order titles before Modern Warfare. Keep Black Ops, original Modern Warfare, and the 2019 MW reboot as separate universes. Remasters and current storefront editions usually beat original hardware alone.
    Release date
    US launch November 7, 2006.
  4. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

    Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare

    PCPS3Xbox 360FPSMainlineModern Warfare

    Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare — Original Modern Warfare—Captain Price, Soap, and the nuke shock.

    Overview
    Franchise breakthrough—contemporary setting, killstreak multiplayer, All Ghillied Up. Series craft here still shapes how fans describe later entries.
    In-game setting
    Original MW universe begins (~2011 in fiction). Separate from the 2019 reboot timeline. Use adjacent entries if you need cast or setting continuity.
    Should you play it?
    Classic campaign; Story only inside the original MW trilogy lane. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US launch November 7, 2007. Remastered in 2016—see FAQ.
  5. Call of Duty: World at War

    Call of Duty: World at War

    PCPS3Xbox 360WiiFPSMainlineBlack Ops

    Call of Duty: World at War — Pacific/Eastern Front brutality—Reznov debut and the first Zombies mode.

    Overview
    Treyarch return to WWII; first Zombies mode; direct prequel to Black Ops. Later entries still echo the systems or tone introduced here.
    In-game setting
    Reznov and Dragovich threads continue in Black Ops (1960s). neighboring titles cover continuity if you skip optional branches.
    Should you play it?
    Essential for Black Ops story order—play before Black Ops on Story tab. Remasters and current storefront editions usually beat original hardware alone. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US launch November 11, 2008.
  6. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

    PCPS3Xbox 360FPSMainlineModern Warfare

    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 — Original MW2—No Russian, Washington DC invasion, Soap and Price return. Original MW2—No Russian controversy and Spec Ops co-op at peak cultural volume.

    Overview
    Biggest launch in entertainment at the time; Spec Ops co-op and killstreak escalation.
    In-game setting
    Original MW universe (~2016 in fiction). Not the 2022 game of the same name.
    Should you play it?
    Play after CoD 4 on original MW story path—not after the 2019 reboot. Remasters and current storefront editions usually beat original hardware alone. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US launch November 10, 2009. Campaign remaster 2020—optional.
  7. Call of Duty: Black Ops

    Call of Duty: Black Ops

    PCPS3Xbox 360WiiFPSMainlineBlack Ops

    Call of Duty: Black Ops — Alex Mason, Vietnam, and the numbers—Cold War conspiracy tone locks Black Ops identity.

    Overview
    Cold War conspiracy tone; Zombies expanded; Reznov hallucination twist. Series craft here still shapes how fans describe later entries.
    In-game setting
    1961–1968 (plus 1945 prologues) follow WaW characters. Follows World at War characters.
    Should you play it?
    Core Black Ops entry—Story order slot #2 after World at War. Keep Black Ops, original Modern Warfare, and the 2019 MW reboot as separate universes. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US launch November 9, 2010.
  8. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

    PCPS3Xbox 360WiiFPSMainlineModern Warfare

    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 — Original MW trilogy finale—World War III across Europe and the US. Original MW trilogy finale—WWIII across cities as Makarov’s arc ends.

    Overview
    Infinity Ward + Sledgehammer co-development after studio turmoil.
    In-game setting
    Concludes original MW arc (~2016–2017 fiction). Makarov storyline ends.
    Should you play it?
    Keep Black Ops, original Modern Warfare, and the 2019 MW reboot as separate universes. Close original MW here; never bridge straight into 2019 reboot canon. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US launch November 8, 2011.
  9. Call of Duty: Black Ops II

    Call of Duty: Black Ops II

    PCPS3Xbox 360Wii UFPSMainlineBlack Ops

    Call of Duty: Black Ops II — Dual timeline vs Menendez—1980s flashbacks and 2025 strike-force branching.

    Overview
    Branching strike-force missions and Menendez as the main villain.
    In-game setting
    Story splits: 1986–1989 missions before BO6 (1991); 2025 missions after MW reboot era. Two story-order titles exist for that split—follow tab labels, not a single date.
    Should you play it?
    On Story order, 1980s sections play before BO6; 2025 sections play after MW III (2023). On Story, split the campaign: 1980s before BO6; 2025 after MW reboot entries. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US launch November 13, 2012.
  10. Call of Duty: Ghosts

    Call of Duty: Ghosts

    PCPS3PS4Xbox 360Xbox OneWii UFPSMainlineStandalone

    Call of Duty: Ghosts — Near-future US vs Federation—Logan Walker and the Ghosts squad. Federation war standalone—Extinction instead of Zombies.

    Overview
    First CoD on PS4/Xbox One generation; Extinction mode instead of Zombies. Annual campaign spectacle and multiplayer/Zombies seasons define the franchise habit.
    In-game setting
    Standalone universe (~2027)—no ties to Black Ops or Modern Warfare.
    Should you play it?
    Optional skip—does not connect to other story-order titles on this page. Keep Black Ops, original Modern Warfare, and the 2019 MW reboot as separate universes. Remasters and current storefront editions usually beat original hardware alone.
    Release date
    US launch November 5, 2013.
  11. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare

    Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare

    PCPS3PS4Xbox 360Xbox OneFPSMainlineStandalone

    Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare — Exosuits and Jonathan Irons—2054 private-military coup. Exosuit future war with Kevin Spacey villain energy—movement shooter experiment.

    Overview
    Sledgehammer's first lead title; boost-jump movement and Exo abilities. Annual campaign spectacle and multiplayer/Zombies seasons define the franchise habit.
    In-game setting
    Separate near-future setting (2054)—not Black Ops or MW canon.
    Should you play it?
    Optional one-off—skip for lore unless you want every release-order titles. Standalone; skip on Black Ops/MW lore runs. Keep Black Ops, original Modern Warfare, and the 2019 MW reboot as separate universes.
    Release date
    US launch November 4, 2014.
  12. Call of Duty: Black Ops III

    Call of Duty: Black Ops III

    PCPS3PS4Xbox 360Xbox OneFPSMainlineBlack Ops

    Call of Duty: Black Ops III — Cyber-augmented 2060s—Corvus AI and the frozen Mason reveal. Cybernetics 2060s Black Ops—Winslow Accord future after BO2’s 2025 lane.

    Overview
    Full jump to 2065 sci-fi Black Ops; specialist multiplayer.
    In-game setting
    Story cap of the long Black Ops arc (2065–2070)—play last on Black Ops story path. Fiction 2065–2070—after BO7’s 2035 on this chronology.
    Should you play it?
    Far-future Black Ops finale—Story order after Black Ops 7. Late Black Ops Story; Zombies Chronicles nostalgia sold hard at retail. Keep Black Ops, original Modern Warfare, and the 2019 MW reboot as separate universes.
    Release date
    US launch November 6, 2015.
  13. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare

    Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare

    PCPS4Xbox OneFPSMainlineStandalone

    Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare — Space warfare—Settlement Defense Front vs UNSA. Space-future Infinite Warfare plus retro Zombies in Spaceland distraction.

    Overview
    Zero-G combat and Jackal starfighter missions; bundled MW Remastered initially.
    In-game setting
    Standalone space-future setting—no connection to Black Ops timeline.
    Should you play it?
    Divisive campaign; skip for story canon—MW Remastered FAQ covers the bundle. Optional standalone—bundle nostalgia often outlived the campaign discourse. Keep Black Ops, original Modern Warfare, and the 2019 MW reboot as separate universes.
    Release date
    US launch November 4, 2016.
  14. Call of Duty: WWII

    Call of Duty: WWII

    PCPS4Xbox OneFPSMainlineWWII

    Call of Duty: WWII — Western Front 1st Infantry Division—D-Day through Germany. Sledgehammer returns to WWII boots—Nazi Zombies variant era.

    Overview
    Sledgehammer return to boots-on-ground WWII after Advanced Warfare. Annual campaign spectacle and multiplayer/Zombies seasons define the franchise habit.
    In-game setting
    Standalone WWII story (1944–1945)—not linked to World at War / Black Ops cast.
    Should you play it?
    Optional WWII one-off—different characters from World at War. Optional release-order titles between future entries and the MW reboot. Keep Black Ops, original Modern Warfare, and the 2019 MW reboot as separate universes.
    Release date
    US launch November 3, 2017.
  15. Call of Duty: Black Ops 4

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 4

    PCPS4Xbox OneFPSMainlineBlack OpsNo campaign

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 — Multiplayer, Blackout battle royale, and Zombies—no traditional campaign.

    Overview
    First mainline without a solo campaign; Specialists replace the old custom loadout system.
    In-game setting
    Multiplayer lore set ~2043—optional for story fans; see FAQ. Skip on lore runs; specialist fantasy feeds later BO tone only lightly.
    Should you play it?
    Skip for campaign story—multiplayer/Zombies only. Keep Black Ops, original Modern Warfare, and the 2019 MW reboot as separate universes. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US launch October 12, 2018.
  16. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare

    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare

    PCPS4Xbox OneFPSMainlineModern Warfare

    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) soft-reboots Price’s mythology with grounded Gunfight-era campaigns—separate from the 2007–2011 originals.

    Overview
    Soft reboot with darker tone; Warzone launched from this client in 2020.
    In-game setting
    Same continuity as Black Ops (per Activision)—not the 2007–2011 trilogy. Fiction 2019 ops—leads into MWII (2022) / MWIII (2023).
    Should you play it?
    Reboot timeline start—Cold War’s 1980s Story pin still comes earlier. Compare multiplayer habits with Battlefield. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US launch October 25, 2019.
  17. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

    Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

    PCPS4PS5Xbox OneXbox Series X|SFPSMainlineBlack Ops

    Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War — 1980s Black Ops bridge—Perseus hunt tying Mason-era ghosts to reboot tech.

    Overview
    Direct sequel to Black Ops (1960s); ties into Warzone and MW reboot era.
    In-game setting
    Story 1981–1984—Story order after Black Ops, before BO II 1980s missions and BO6. 1981–1984 global Cold War pins.
    Should you play it?
    Essential Black Ops bridge between BO1 and BO6/BO II flashbacks. Story after Black Ops; before BO2’s 1980s missions on many charts. Keep Black Ops, original Modern Warfare, and the 2019 MW reboot as separate universes.
    Release date
    US launch November 13, 2020. Co-developed by Treyarch and Raven.
  18. Call of Duty: Vanguard

    Call of Duty: Vanguard

    PCPS4PS5Xbox OneXbox Series X|SFPSMainlineWWII

    Call of Duty: Vanguard — Special Forces origins across WWII theaters—Arthur Kingsley team. WWII operator fantasy bridging into Warzone seasons—light canon weight.

    Overview
    Cross-gen launch; caldera tied into Warzone Pacific at the time. Annual campaign spectacle and multiplayer/Zombies seasons define the franchise habit.
    In-game setting
    Standalone WWII anthology (1941–1945)—not World at War continuity.
    Should you play it?
    Optional Release; not required on Black Ops/MW Story paths. Keep Black Ops, original Modern Warfare, and the 2019 MW reboot as separate universes. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US launch November 5, 2021.
  19. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II

    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II

    PCPS4PS5Xbox OneXbox Series X|SFPSMainlineModern Warfare

    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II — MW reboot sequel—Task Force 141, Las Almas, and Hassan. Reboot Modern Warfare II—Task Force 141 remixed, not original MW2’s plot.

    Overview
    Not the 2009 game—same name, different timeline. DMZ mode added later.
    In-game setting
    Story ~2022; follows 2019 Modern Warfare in the Black Ops shared universe.
    Should you play it?
    Play after 2019 MW and Cold War on story path—before MW III. After MW (2019) on reboot Story; never after original MW3. Keep Black Ops, original Modern Warfare, and the 2019 MW reboot as separate universes.
    Release date
    US launch October 28, 2022; campaign early access October 20 for pre-orders.
  20. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III

    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III

    PCPS4PS5Xbox OneXbox Series X|SFPSMainlineModern Warfare

    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III — Reboot MWIII—Open Combat Missions and Zombies return in the reboot lane.

    Overview
    Sledgehammer lead; larger open zones; Zombies in MW universe. Annual campaign spectacle and multiplayer/Zombies seasons define the franchise habit.
    In-game setting
    Story ~2023; slots before Black Ops II's 2025 missions on Story order.
    Should you play it?
    MW reboot trilogy cap until Modern Warfare 4 (2026). After MWII (2022). Then BO2 2025 missions if doing full Black Ops interleave. Keep Black Ops, original Modern Warfare, and the 2019 MW reboot as separate universes.
    Release date
    US launch November 10, 2023.
  21. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

    PCPS4PS5Xbox OneXbox Series X|SFPSMainlineBlack Ops

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 — 1990s Gulf War spy thriller—Marshall, Case, and Pantheon. 1991 Gulf War–era Black Ops conspiracy—pantheon cast after Cold War.

    Overview
    360-degree movement system; story ties directly to Black Ops II flashbacks. Annual campaign spectacle and multiplayer/Zombies seasons define the franchise habit.
    In-game setting
    Story set 1991—after Cold War, before BO II future arc.
    Should you play it?
    Latest Black Ops campaign as of mid-2026 story list. Story after BO2 1980s / Cold War cluster before near-future entries. Keep Black Ops, original Modern Warfare, and the 2019 MW reboot as separate universes.
    Release date
    US launch October 25, 2024. Treyarch + Raven.
  22. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 7

    PCPS4PS5Xbox OneXbox Series X|SFPSMainlineBlack Ops

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 — 2035 Specter One future Black Ops—after BO2’s 2025 lane on Story.

    Overview
    Back-to-back Black Ops before Activision shifts sub-series rotation in 2026+. Annual campaign spectacle and multiplayer/Zombies seasons define the franchise habit.
    In-game setting
    Story ~2035—David Mason's Specter One team; follows BO II 2025 missions.
    Should you play it?
    Current mainline endpoint on this page until Modern Warfare 4. Late saga Release; verify live-service season context at purchase. Keep Black Ops, original Modern Warfare, and the 2019 MW reboot as separate universes.
    Release date
    US launch November 14, 2025.
  23. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4

    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4

    PCPS5Xbox Series X|SSwitch 2FPSMainlineModern WarfareUpcoming

    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 — Planned MW reboot follow-up—Activision announced May 2026. Announced Modern Warfare 4 placeholder—treat date/platforms as upcoming.

    Overview
    Returns to Modern Warfare sub-series after consecutive Black Ops entries. Continues annual MW reboot cadence after MWIII (2023).
    In-game setting
    Story placement TBD—expected to continue the 2019 reboot universe. Not playable chronology yet—keep MWIII (2023) as last finished reboot campaign.
    Should you play it?
    Upcoming entry—dates and platforms may change before launch. Newest MW reboot Release marker; story-order titles may arrive after launch locks.
    Release date
    Targeted for 2026 on PC/PS5/Xbox Series/Switch 2—confirm final editions at preorder time.

FAQ

Release vs story order, Black Ops timeline, original vs reboot Modern Warfare, Warzone/Mobile, remasters, and games without campaigns.

Release order

Release order is when Activision shipped each annual mainline game (2003–2025, plus Modern Warfare 4 planned for 2026). Story order follows in-universe chronology for the connected Black Ops saga and the 2019 Modern Warfare reboot that shares that universe. The original Modern Warfare trilogy (2007–2011) is a separate timeline—see Story tab and the MW reboot FAQ below.

New to CoD multiplayer → latest entry (Black Ops 7). Campaign lore → World at War then Black Ops on Story order, or 2019 Modern Warfare for the reboot arc. Classic FPS → Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007) original trilogy. Full series → Release order from 2003—expect standalone detours (Ghosts, Advanced Warfare, Infinite Warfare).

Story & universes

Connected Black Ops campaign chronology: World at War (1942–1945) → Black Ops (1960s) → Black Ops Cold War (1981–1984) → Black Ops II 1980s missions → Black Ops 6 (1991) → Modern Warfare reboot trilogy (2019–2023) → Black Ops II 2025 missions → Black Ops 7 (~2035) → Black Ops III (2065). Black Ops 4 has no campaign—2043 multiplayer lore is optional.

Two different story worlds. The original trilogy (Call of Duty 4, Modern Warfare 2 2009, Modern Warfare 3 2011) follows one Price/Soap/Makarov arc ending around 2017 in fiction. The 2019 reboot (Modern Warfare 2019 → Modern Warfare II 2022 → Modern Warfare III 2023) reuses character names but tells a separate story that Activision places in the same world as Black Ops. Modern Warfare II (2022) is not the same game as Modern Warfare 2 (2009).

Remasters & bundles

Optional & online modes

More timelines

Other release-order and story-order guides on this site.