How to Play Call of Duty Games in Story Timeline Order

Call of Duty is one of the most iconic first-person shooter franchises of all time. With multiple sub-series like Modern Warfare, Black Ops, and World War II entries, it can be confusing to figure out the correct story timeline. Whether you’re a newcomer or a returning fan, understanding the narrative order will help you fully enjoy the deep, cinematic stories these games offer. This guide lays out how to play the Call of Duty games in chronological order based on the in-game events, not their release dates.

Let’s dive into the complete story timeline of Call of Duty, with each major installment arranged for maximum narrative continuity. If you’re looking to make FPS games like Call of Duty, understanding how they build compelling stories across timelines is a great starting point.

1. World at War (2008) – The Beginning of the Black Ops Timeline

“World at War” sets the stage for the Black Ops saga. Set during the brutal events of World War II, this installment follows American and Soviet soldiers as they fight through the Pacific and Eastern Fronts. Characters like Viktor Reznov are introduced here, who play pivotal roles in future entries.

Although it’s not the first game released, it’s the earliest chronologically. The gritty, realistic warfare and narrative depth serve as a foundation for what becomes the psychological thriller of the Black Ops series.

2. Call of Duty: WWII (2017) – Grounded Grit

While WWII tells a different story than World at War, it also takes place during the same era. This game focuses on the European theater, portraying a soldier’s journey from D-Day to the final days of the war.

It’s best played after “World at War” to give you a complete view of WWII from different perspectives. The storytelling here is deeply emotional and highlights the horrors of war something to consider if you aim to make FPS games like Call of Duty.

3. Black Ops (2010) – Cold War Espionage Begins

Jump forward to the Cold War. “Black Ops” introduces covert missions, brainwashing, and an intense focus on psychological warfare. The story follows CIA operative Alex Mason, who struggles to distinguish between memory and manipulation.

This entry lays the foundation for the next several games in the Black Ops storyline and continues the narrative thread from Reznov’s appearance in “World at War.”

4. Black Ops: Cold War (2020) – Filling the Gaps

This game fits between “Black Ops” and its sequel, though it’s a direct sequel to the original “Black Ops.” It expands on the Cold War setting with a mix of real history and fiction. Ronald Reagan even makes an appearance to greenlight clandestine operations.

You get to play multiple characters and make choices that affect the ending. This game deepens the intrigue and is essential to playing in timeline order.

5. Black Ops II (2012) – A Tale of Two Timelines

“Black Ops II” is unique because it jumps between two timelines: the 1980s and 2025. The story is centered around David Mason, son of Alex Mason, and his conflict with the villain Raul Menendez.

This game introduces branching storylines based on player choices. Playing it now allows you to appreciate the generational conflicts and legacy themes built up in earlier titles.

6. Modern Warfare (2019) – A New Beginning

Now we pivot to the Modern Warfare universe. The 2019 reboot isn’t connected to the original Modern Warfare trilogy but reimagines characters like Captain Price and Gaz.

This game is more grounded in contemporary military conflicts and intelligence operations. Its realistic approach and moral ambiguity offer inspiration if you plan to make FPS games like Call of Duty.

7. Modern Warfare II (2022) – Rebuilding the Task Force

Following directly from 2019’s Modern Warfare, this sequel continues the story of Task Force 141. The stakes are higher, the characters more developed, and the visuals absolutely stunning.

You’ll see new threats like the Las Almas cartel, and familiar characters return with fresh depth. Playing this after the 2019 reboot keeps the story momentum flowing.

8. Modern Warfare III (2023) – The Makarov Menace

Makarov, one of the franchise’s most notorious villains, takes center stage in this follow-up. It wraps up many plotlines introduced in the reboot series.

The action is fast-paced, but the story threads back to earlier character arcs and geopolitical themes. If you’re trying to understand how to build coherent trilogies in FPS games, this is a great case study.

9. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007) – The Original Timeline

If you’re interested in the original timeline, now’s the time to visit the 2007 classic. This was the game that revolutionized FPS storytelling with its cinematic moments and plot twists.

Although it’s part of a separate timeline from the 2019 reboot, playing it after the reboot trilogy helps you see how storytelling evolved over the years.

10. Modern Warfare 2 (2009) – The Iconic Sequel

“Modern Warfare 2” continues the story with Soap and Price battling Russian ultranationalists. The infamous “No Russian” mission and shocking betrayals made this entry unforgettable.

This game is essential for understanding the original Modern Warfare storyline and how it shaped the franchise’s future.

11. Modern Warfare 3 (2011) – Closing the Loop

The original trilogy concludes here with a dramatic end to Makarov’s arc. Global warfare reaches a peak, and the resolution ties up many emotional storylines.

If you want to make FPS games like Call of Duty, this title exemplifies how to deliver satisfying conclusions without losing narrative tension.

12. Black Ops III (2015) – The Future War Begins

Set in 2065, this entry dives into transhumanism, AI, and robotics. The story is more philosophical, asking what it means to be human.

Though divisive among fans, it’s critical to the overall timeline. It’s a must-play if you’re following the Black Ops arc and are intrigued by futuristic warfare.

13. Black Ops 4 (2018) – No Campaign, Just Context

This title doesn’t have a traditional campaign, but it includes lore through its multiplayer and zombies modes. It fits between BO2 and BO3.

Skip the campaign expectations, but don’t ignore its contributions to the timeline if you want every detail.

14. Black Ops: Declassified (2012) – A Portable Prequel

This PS Vita game offers additional backstory between “Black Ops” and “BO2.” It may not be essential, but it’s a nice supplement.

For completionists or those researching how to expand game universes across platforms, this is worth a look.

15. Infinite Warfare (2016) – Far Future Sci-Fi

Set in space and in the distant future, this installment feels almost like a different franchise. Still, it’s technically part of the extended Call of Duty timeline.

The single-player campaign features strong storytelling and memorable moments. It’s a bold step away from traditional warfare and shows how to innovate within a genre. Much of this impact stems from the game’s distinct visual tone something made possible through high-quality video game concept art services that help shape immersive worlds and unforgettable scenes from the ground up.

Final Thoughts

Playing Call of Duty in story timeline order is a rewarding experience that offers a fresh perspective on the franchise’s layered narrative. From historical realism to speculative futures, each title builds on the last, forming an interconnected universe.

If you’re looking to make FPS games like Call of Duty, studying their timeline helps you understand how developers maintain coherence, character development, and thematic depth across multiple eras.