What Was the Last Call of Duty Black Ops?
The last installment in the Call of Duty: Black Ops series, as of the current date, is Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, which was released in 2020. Developed by Treyarch in collaboration with Raven Software, Black Ops Cold War serves as a direct sequel to the original Black Ops while being a prequel to Black Ops II in terms of the overarching storyline. This title immersed players in the tense geopolitical landscape of the 1980s Cold War, delivering a narrative steeped in espionage, conspiracy, and covert operations. Its engaging single-player campaign, coupled with the series’ signature multiplayer and zombies modes, made it a notable addition to the Black Ops legacy. The game is distinct in its setting and is not directly chronologically placed after the other Black Ops games. It sits in the timeline to tell a story that links some characters and historical events.
Black Ops Series Overview
The Black Ops sub-series is a critical part of the broader Call of Duty franchise, renowned for its intense storytelling, memorable characters, and a darker, more mature tone. It delves into the morally grey world of clandestine operations, historical conflicts, and future warfare. Here’s a quick look at how the games were released:
- Call of Duty: World at War (2008): While not officially named a Black Ops title, this game developed by Treyarch, serves as a precursor and is canonically linked to the series due to the presence of some key characters and historical elements.
- Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010): The game that kicked off the sub-series, set during the Cold War and explored the world of covert missions and psychological warfare.
- Call of Duty: Black Ops II (2012): This sequel took players through two time periods, from the Cold War to 2025, introducing future technologies and continuing the series’ themes of deception and warfare.
- Call of Duty: Black Ops III (2015): Placed in 2065, this installment featured cybernetic enhancements and a dark, futuristic setting.
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 (2018): This entry was unique for excluding a traditional single-player campaign, focusing solely on multiplayer, zombies, and the introduction of the popular battle royale mode called “Blackout.”
- Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020): As mentioned, the last Black Ops game to date, it returns the series to the Cold War era.
Each of these games contributes uniquely to the series, providing distinct narratives, gameplay mechanics, and overall experiences that attract a wide range of Call of Duty fans.
The Significance of Black Ops Cold War
Black Ops Cold War holds a significant position within the series because of several reasons. It brought a return to the Cold War era, which resonated with many fans of the original game. Its emphasis on a narrative-driven campaign with multiple choices was a welcome addition, allowing players to experience the game with more agency. Additionally, the game integrated with Warzone and other Call of Duty titles of the time, offering a cohesive experience for the player base. It was also a collaboration project for Treyarch and Raven Software which gave the title a unique feel compared to previous titles.
While rumors and speculation surrounding future installments are always present within the gaming community, as of today, Black Ops Cold War remains the most recent entry in the Black Ops sub-series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many Call of Duty Black Ops games are there?
There are six core games in the Black Ops sub-series: World at War, Black Ops, Black Ops II, Black Ops III, Black Ops 4, and Black Ops Cold War. World at War, developed by Treyarch is considered a precursor title that set the stage for the Black Ops storylines, not an official part of the series.
2. When was the first Black Ops game released?
Call of Duty: Black Ops was released worldwide in November 2010.
3. Is Call of Duty World at War a Black Ops game?
While not officially part of the Black Ops title series, World at War is canonically linked to the series. It features characters and plot points that are further explored in later Black Ops titles and is considered the first in-game entry before the events of Black Ops.
4. What year is Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 set in?
Black Ops III is set in the year 2065, 40 years after the events of Black Ops II. This title takes place in a future where technology and cybernetics play a dominant role in warfare.
5. Which Black Ops game has zombies?
All games in the Black Ops series, including World at War, feature a Zombies mode. This is a very popular feature for the series and a staple of the Black Ops brand.
6. Is Call of Duty Black Ops 3 still active?
Yes, Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 is still active, particularly on consoles like Xbox One and PC. The game maintains an active player base who still enjoy the Zombies mode as well as the multiplayer experience.
7. What is the chronological order of the Black Ops games?
The chronological order, incorporating key settings and plot links, is as follows: World at War, Black Ops, Black Ops Cold War (set before the later parts of Black Ops II), Black Ops II, Black Ops III, and then Black Ops 4.
8. How long is the single-player campaign of Black Ops 1?
The single-player campaign for Black Ops 1 is approximately seven hours long, which is a typical length for the campaigns in Call of Duty games.
9. What makes the Black Ops series stand out from other Call of Duty titles?
The Black Ops sub-series is known for its story-driven narratives, its exploration of historical conflicts and secret operations, and a generally darker and more mature tone compared to other Call of Duty entries. It focuses heavily on the narrative surrounding the characters and their relationships.
10. Is there a direct sequel to Black Ops Cold War planned?
While there is not a direct confirmed sequel to Black Ops Cold War at this point, there has been speculation that a 2024 title will follow the narrative and be set during the Gulf War.
11. What are black operations in real life?
In real life, black operations are covert or clandestine activities conducted by government agencies, military units, or paramilitary organizations. These operations are characterized by their secrecy and the fact that they are not attributable to the organization carrying them out.
12. Who won the Black Ops 4 Call of Duty World Championship?
eUnited, an American team led by James “Clayster” Eubanks, won the Call Of Duty World Championship 2019 while playing Black Ops 4.
13. Which Black Ops game is the most successful in terms of sales?
Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010) is the most successful in the series, with around 31 million copies sold. It remains a favorite among fans to this day.
14. What is the latest Call of Duty game to be released?
The latest Call of Duty game to be released is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, released on November 10, 2023. This is the third entry in the rebooted Modern Warfare series.
15. Will there be another Black Ops game in the future?
While there is no official confirmation of a new Black Ops title, the rumor mill suggests that Call of Duty’s 2024 project will be a follow-up to 2020’s Black Ops Cold War, potentially set during the Gulf War. With the Call of Duty franchise constantly evolving, it is very likely there will be future installments in the series.
This comprehensive overview should provide a clear understanding of the Black Ops series, the placement of Black Ops Cold War, and the current status of the sub-series within the larger Call of Duty universe.