How to Play Call of Duty Campaign Early: A Comprehensive Guide
The allure of diving into a new Call of Duty campaign before anyone else is a major draw for many players. If you’re eager to experience the single-player story ahead of the official launch, you’re in the right place. Here’s your definitive guide on how to get early access to the Call of Duty campaign.
How to Play Call of Duty Campaign Early
The primary method to play the Call of Duty campaign early is by pre-ordering a digital copy of the game. This is a consistent trend across recent titles, allowing those who purchase digitally to begin the campaign typically a week ahead of the global release date. This early access is exclusively for the campaign mode; the multiplayer modes are released on the standard launch day. Therefore, you must digitally pre-order to gain this advantage. This means purchasing from an online store like PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Battle.net, or Steam rather than buying a physical disc.
It’s important to note that this benefit is generally not available if you pre-order a physical copy of the game. Early access is a perk specifically reserved for digital purchasers. Once you’ve pre-ordered and the early access period begins, the game will be available for download and you can jump directly into the campaign.
Understanding the Early Access Window
The early access period for the campaign is typically about one week before the full game’s global release. During this window, you can play through the entirety of the single-player story, including any new modes that may be tied to it, such as Open Combat Missions. This gives you ample time to immerse yourself in the story and complete the campaign before the full game releases with its multiplayer modes.
This early launch is a calculated move by Activision and the game developers to generate early buzz and give loyal fans a chance to enjoy the single-player experience without the distraction of the multiplayer mode. For avid story lovers, this is a chance to fully enjoy the narrative arc of the campaign before the competitive hustle of multiplayer begins.
Key Steps to Secure Early Campaign Access
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you secure your spot for early access to the Call of Duty campaign:
- Choose a Digital Platform: Decide on which digital platform you prefer to play on – PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, or PC via Battle.net or Steam.
- Pre-Order Digitally: Navigate to the respective store on your chosen platform and pre-order a digital copy of the Call of Duty game. Make sure you choose the digital version, not a physical copy.
- Pre-Load the Game: Once your purchase is complete, look for an option to pre-load the game. This means the game files will download before the early access period begins so that you can jump straight into the action when it goes live.
- Be Ready at Launch Time: Check the official communication from the game developers for the precise launch time of the early access campaign. Usually, this is a specified time that is consistent across all platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Call of Duty Campaign Early Access
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify any doubts you might have:
1. Do I need to pre-order to play the campaign early?
Yes, pre-ordering a digital copy of the game is the primary way to get early access to the campaign.
2. Does physical copy pre-order give early access?
No, early access to the campaign is not granted for physical copies. It is exclusively for digital pre-orders.
3. Is the campaign early access available on all platforms?
Yes, campaign early access is usually available on all platforms, including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Battle.net and Steam, as long as you digitally pre-order.
4. What if I pre-order the standard edition?
Early access to the campaign is granted to any digital pre-order, whether it’s the standard edition or a premium edition like the Vault Edition.
5. Does early access include multiplayer?
No, early access is exclusively for the single-player campaign. Multiplayer modes typically launch on the game’s official release date.
6. What time does the early access launch?
The exact time may vary, but typically, the campaign early access launches at a consistent time across all platforms. For example, in a recent release, the time was 10 am PT. Be sure to check official announcements from Activision or the game developers for the exact time.
7. Can I pre-load the campaign?
Yes, pre-loading for the campaign is usually available before the early access period begins, allowing you to have the game downloaded and ready to play as soon as it goes live.
8. How long is the campaign mode?
The length of the campaign can vary, but recent campaigns have ranged from 3-4 hours if focusing only on the main story to 6-8 hours on average, and even over 12 hours if exploring every aspect.
9. What is the difference between a digital and physical pre-order for campaign early access?
Digital pre-orders grant early access to the campaign, while physical pre-orders do not. This is a major distinction.
10. What are “Open Combat Missions” within the campaign?
Some Call of Duty titles introduce “Open Combat Missions” that allow for more player freedom in how they tackle objectives, offering a different experience within the campaign structure.
11. Is early access available to Vault Edition owners only?
No, early access is not exclusive to the Vault Edition. Anyone who digitally pre-orders any edition of the game can access the campaign early.
12. How do I start the campaign when early access goes live?
Once the early access period begins and your game is pre-loaded, you can simply launch the game and select the campaign mode from the main menu.
13. Can I play the campaign on my old console?
This depends on which **Call of Duty** game you are playing. Make sure the game is available on your respective console as there are sometimes generational restrictions. Some titles might only be on the newer generation of consoles.
14. What happens if my download is slow?
It’s best to pre-load the game as soon as possible. Slower download speeds could delay your ability to jump into the campaign the minute it goes live.
15. Is it worth pre-ordering for early access?
This depends on your preferences. If you are eager to experience the single-player campaign before anyone else and want to avoid multiplayer spoilers, then yes, **pre-ordering a digital copy for early access is worth it**.
By understanding these guidelines and FAQ’s, you are now fully equipped to secure early access to the next Call of Duty campaign. Enjoy your early adventure into the story and be prepared for the full game release.