Is Call of Duty Free on Xbox? Unveiling the Truth Behind Free-to-Play and Paid Content
Yes and no. Certain aspects of Call of Duty are indeed free to play on Xbox, specifically Call of Duty: Warzone. However, the core, mainline Call of Duty games like Modern Warfare III or Black Ops Cold War require a purchase. Furthermore, while Warzone is free, playing online multiplayer, even for free-to-play titles, often necessitates an Xbox Game Pass Core (formerly Xbox Live Gold) subscription. Let’s dive into the specifics to clear up any confusion.
The Free-to-Play Call of Duty Universe: Warzone
What is Call of Duty: Warzone?
Call of Duty: Warzone is a free-to-play battle royale experience within the Call of Duty franchise. It allows players to drop into a massive arena, loot for weapons and gear, and fight to be the last squad standing. Think of it as the Call of Duty version of Fortnite or Apex Legends. This mode features rotating game modes and maps, including Battle Royale, Resurgence, and DMZ, so gamers can test their skills in many ways.
Do You Need Xbox Game Pass to Play Warzone?
This is where it gets interesting. Previously, an Xbox Live Gold subscription was required to play any online multiplayer game on Xbox, even free-to-play ones. Fortunately, Microsoft changed its policy. Now, Xbox Game Pass Core is not required to play free-to-play multiplayer games like Call of Duty: Warzone. This is a huge win for players who want to jump into the action without paying for an additional subscription.
Warzone: A Truly Free Experience?
Yes, in terms of the initial investment. You can download and play Warzone without spending a dime. However, like most free-to-play games, Warzone features cosmetic items and Battle Passes that can be purchased with real money. These purchases are entirely optional and do not affect gameplay balance. You can happily play and compete without spending any money at all.
The Paid Call of Duty Experience: Mainline Titles
Traditional Call of Duty Games: The Price of Entry
The main Call of Duty titles, such as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, are premium games that require a purchase. These games typically include a single-player campaign, a robust multiplayer mode, and cooperative experiences like Zombies.
Xbox Game Pass and Call of Duty: A Changing Landscape
The relationship between Call of Duty and Xbox Game Pass is evolving. While past Call of Duty titles have not been available on Game Pass at launch, Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is changing the dynamics. While older titles and potentially future ones might arrive on Game Pass, this is not the current reality. For example, Activision Blizzard announced on October 9 that while Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Diablo 4 won’t be part of Game Pass this year, the company intends to add games to Game Pass in 2024. Keep an eye on official announcements for any updates to the Game Pass catalog.
Xbox Game Pass Core Requirement for Paid Call of Duty Multiplayer
If you purchase a Call of Duty game, you will need an Xbox Game Pass Core subscription to play the multiplayer component online. This is a standard requirement for playing most paid multiplayer games on Xbox. If you’re primarily interested in the single-player campaign, you can play it without a Game Pass Core subscription.
FAQs: Your Call of Duty on Xbox Questions Answered
1. Can I play Call of Duty for free on Xbox?
Yes, you can play Call of Duty: Warzone for free on Xbox.
2. Do I need Xbox Game Pass to play Call of Duty: Warzone?
No, you do not need Xbox Game Pass Core to play Call of Duty: Warzone.
3. Do I have to pay for the new Call of Duty on Xbox?
If you’re referring to the mainline Call of Duty title (e.g., Modern Warfare III), then yes, you need to purchase the game. Warzone is the free-to-play offering.
4. Is Call of Duty included in Xbox Game Pass?
Currently, mainline Call of Duty titles are not included in Xbox Game Pass at launch. However, this may change in the future. Activision Blizzard announced on October 9 that while Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Diablo 4 won’t be part of Game Pass this year, the company intends to add games to Game Pass in 2024
5. Is Modern Warfare 2 free on Xbox?
No, Modern Warfare II is not free on Xbox. You need to purchase the game to access its single-player campaign and multiplayer modes. Warzone is the free-to-play component.
6. Do I need an Activision account to play Call of Duty?
Yes, to support crossplay and cross-progression, Call of Duty: Warzone requires all players to log in to an Activision account when playing online.
7. What is the free version of Call of Duty?
Call of Duty: Warzone is the free-to-play version of Call of Duty.
8. Which Call of Duty has free-for-all?
Free-for-All (FFA) is a multiplayer mode featured in nearly every main Call of Duty game, putting every player against each other.
9. Why is Call of Duty more expensive on Xbox?
Call of Duty game prices are generally consistent across platforms. The “Cross-Gen Bundle,” which includes both last-gen and current-gen versions of the game, can appear more expensive upfront.
10. Can you play Call of Duty on Xbox One?
Yes, Call of Duty games are typically available on both Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. Check the specific game’s listing to confirm compatibility.
11. Is Warzone Caldera closing down?
Yes, as of September 21, 2023, Call of Duty: Warzone Caldera shut down, as the teams focused on future Call of Duty content, including the current Warzone free-to-play experience.
12. How do you pay for Call of Duty?
You can purchase Call of Duty games digitally through the Xbox Store using various payment methods, including credit/debit cards and Xbox gift cards. For Call of Duty Mobile, payments are made through the game itself.
13. How much will Modern Warfare III (2023) cost?
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023) costs $70 USD for the standard edition.
14. Can I buy Modern Warfare 2 on Xbox One?
Yes, you can buy the “Cross-Gen Bundle” of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II for Xbox One.
15. How can video games be used in education?
Video games offer immersive, interactive learning experiences that can enhance student engagement and understanding across various subjects. To find out more about the educational uses of video games, please see the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion: Call of Duty on Xbox – Options for Everyone
The world of Call of Duty on Xbox offers flexibility for players with different budgets and preferences. Call of Duty: Warzone provides a robust and exciting free-to-play experience, while the mainline Call of Duty titles offer deeper campaigns and multiplayer modes for those willing to invest. Understanding the subscription requirements for online play is crucial, but with the right information, you can enjoy Call of Duty on Xbox in a way that suits your needs.