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Call of Duty

Q: What is the best Call of Duty game?

This is subjective, but **Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)** is widely considered the most influential. **Modern Warfare 2 (2009)** and **Black Ops (2010)** are also fan favorites for their campaigns and multiplayer. For battle royale fans, **Warzone** is the top choice.

Q: What is Warzone?

**Call of Duty: Warzone** is a free-to-play battle royale game released in 2020. It features massive maps (like **Verdansk** and **Caldera**) where up to 150 players fight to be the last squad standing. It integrates weapons and operators from the main annual releases.

Q: Who is Ghost?

Simon "**Ghost**" Riley is a British special forces operator and a key member of **Task Force 141** in the Modern Warfare series. Known for his iconic **skull-patterned balaclava**, he is one of the most recognizable characters in the franchise.

Q: How many Call of Duty games are there?

There are over **20 mainline games**, starting from the original in 2003 to the latest releases like **Modern Warfare III (2023)**. This doesn't include spin-offs, mobile games, or remasters.

Q: What is the Zombies mode?

Originally a hidden mini-game in **World at War**, **Zombies** has become a core pillar of the franchise (especially in Treyarch games). It involves fighting endless waves of undead, buying weapons, and solving complex "Easter egg" story quests.

Q: What does 'Press F to Pay Respects' mean?

It is a famous internet meme originating from a scene in **Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare**, where the player is prompted to press a button to mourn a fallen comrade at a funeral. The juxtaposition of a solemn moment with a game prompt was seen as unintentionally funny.

Call of Duty features engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and compelling narratives that keep players invested in every moment.

Official Website

Jump to:Story·Impact·Characters·FAQ

IP Overview & Key Facts

IP Key Facts

Essential information and quick stats.

Full Name

Call of Duty

Format

game

Release Year

2003

Current Status

Active

Country of Origin

United States

Publisher

Activision

Original Work

game

Genre

adventure, friendship, action, drama, animation, japanese, series

Where to Start & Recommended Order

A beginner-friendly guide for starting Call of Duty without spoilers.

Best starting point

Start with the earliest core game (around 2003), then expand to other official releases as needed.

Recommended order

If multiple formats exist (anime, manga, films, games), follow the official release order within each format to avoid spoilers and missing context.

Fast-track option

To catch up faster, focus on the main story / questline first, then return to side content later.

Story, World & Core Themes

Explore the narrative, setting, and ideas that shape Call of Duty.

Story

High-level synopsis and narrative focus.

Call of Duty features engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and compelling narratives that keep players invested in every moment.

World

Setting, cultures, and distinctive elements.

The franchise spans multiple eras, from the gritty battlefields of World War II to the high-tech conflicts of the Modern Warfare timeline and the covert Cold War operations of the Black Ops series. Ke...

Themes

Core ideas and recurring motifs.

Warfare, Heroism, Politics, Soldier's Sacrifice

Cultural Impact Timeline

High-level milestones showing Call of Duty's global influence.

Evolution

Modern Warfare (2007) revolutionized the FPS genre.

Origin

Started as a WW2 shooter in 2003.

Revenue

$30 Billion+ Lifetime Revenue

Key Characters

Meet representative characters from Call of Duty.

Captain John Price

“Stay frosty.”

Veteran British SAS officer known for decisive leadership, tactical acumen, and iconic boonie hat.View Profile

John "Soap" MacTavish

“Let's do this.”

Scottish special forces operative famed for fearlessness and adaptability.View Profile

Simon "Ghost" Riley

“Tango down.”

Masked operator specializing in covert infiltration and elimination.View Profile

Alex Mason

“We got unfinished business.”

A CIA operative and Marine captain whose brainwashed memories are key to the Black Ops story.View Profile

Frank Woods

“We take care of our own.”

A master sergeant in the USMC and Mason's loyal, tough-as-nails partner.View Profile

Farah Karim

“Freedom is our right.”

Freedom fighter and tactician leading resistance against occupying forces in Modern Warfare (2019).View Profile

Explore all Call of Duty characters

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best Call of Duty game?▼

This is subjective, but Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007) is widely considered the most influential. Modern Warfare 2 (2009) and Black Ops (2010) are also fan favorites for their campaigns and multiplayer. For battle royale fans, Warzone is the top choice.

What is Warzone?▼

Call of Duty: Warzone is a free-to-play battle royale game released in 2020. It features massive maps (like Verdansk and Caldera) where up to 150 players fight to be the last squad standing. It integrates weapons and operators from the main annual releases.

Who is Ghost?▼

Simon "Ghost" Riley is a British special forces operator and a key member of Task Force 141 in the Modern Warfare series. Known for his iconic skull-patterned balaclava, he is one of the most recognizable characters in the franchise.

How many Call of Duty games are there?▼

There are over 20 mainline games, starting from the original in 2003 to the latest releases like Modern Warfare III (2023). This doesn't include spin-offs, mobile games, or remasters.

What is the Zombies mode?▼

Originally a hidden mini-game in World at War, Zombies has become a core pillar of the franchise (especially in Treyarch games). It involves fighting endless waves of undead, buying weapons, and solving complex "Easter egg" story quests.

What does 'Press F to Pay Respects' mean?▼

It is a famous internet meme originating from a scene in Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, where the player is prompted to press a button to mourn a fallen comrade at a funeral. The juxtaposition of a solemn moment with a game prompt was seen as unintentionally funny.