Is MW2 Connected to Black Ops? Unraveling the Call of Duty Universe
The question of whether Modern Warfare 2 (MW2) is connected to Black Ops is a common one among Call of Duty fans, given the complex and sometimes intertwined narratives of the franchise. The short answer is: it’s complicated, but primarily, no, the original MW2 and the Black Ops games exist in largely separate timelines, with exceptions in the newest installments. The original Modern Warfare trilogy (CoD4, MW2, MW3), released between 2007 and 2011, follows a distinct narrative path. Similarly, the original Black Ops series (Black Ops, Black Ops II, etc.) has its own self-contained storyline. However, the picture becomes significantly more complex when we consider the rebooted Modern Warfare series and the more recent games. The 2019 Modern Warfare reboot and its sequels, Modern Warfare II (2022) and Modern Warfare III (2023), are explicitly linked to the Black Ops narrative, creating an interconnected universe. This interweaving of storylines means there are specific points where the Modern Warfare and Black Ops timelines converge, particularly in Black Ops Cold War and newer releases, but the original games mostly remain separate.
The Original Timelines: Separate Paths
Original Modern Warfare Trilogy
The original Modern Warfare trilogy focuses on characters like Captain Price, Soap MacTavish, and Ghost, dealing with conflicts against ultra-nationalist threats. The narrative is grounded in modern warfare scenarios, featuring intense action and political intrigue. These games established a highly popular timeline that stood independently from other Call of Duty titles.
Original Black Ops Series
The original Black Ops series, on the other hand, dives into the world of espionage and covert operations. Characters like Alex Mason and David Mason navigate historical events and Cold War conspiracies. The series is known for its psychological elements and storyline, a style that differs from the straightforward modern warfare action seen in the original MW games. These titles, while sharing the Call of Duty universe, were fundamentally narratively distinct.
The Rebooted Timeline: Convergence and Interconnectivity
Modern Warfare Reboot and the Black Ops Connection
The 2019 Modern Warfare reboot and its subsequent sequels (Modern Warfare II (2022) and Modern Warfare III (2023)) have rewritten the rules of engagement regarding Call of Duty’s storylines. This rebooted Modern Warfare series is designed to exist in the same universe as the newer Black Ops games. Specifically, Black Ops Cold War actively connects to the rebooted Modern Warfare timeline. This connection is shown through characters and shared story elements, even referencing events that impact both the Modern Warfare and Black Ops stories.
Key Points of Connection
- Imran Zakhaev’s Appearance: A major point of convergence is the cameo appearance of Imran Zakhaev (a primary antagonist from the original Modern Warfare series) as a Soviet military officer in Black Ops Cold War. This confirmed that the new Modern Warfare timeline and at least the first couple of Black Ops games are connected.
- Shared Universe: The decision to include events from one timeline into another has created a new Call of Duty universe where the events of the Modern Warfare reboot and Black Ops series are happening within the same fictional world.
- Warzone’s Role: The battle royale mode Warzone further connects these storylines by incorporating elements from both the Modern Warfare and Black Ops titles. Warzone merges narratives and characters across both franchises bringing the two timelines into a single, shared space.
- Modern Warfare II and III: These titles act as direct sequels to the Modern Warfare reboot, further building upon the interconnectedness with the Black Ops universe, by referencing those games more directly. The story has continued the path of interconnectivity.
Modern Warfare II (2022) – Reboot, not a Remake
It is crucial to recognize that Modern Warfare II (2022) is a soft reboot rather than a direct remake of the original Modern Warfare 2. It reinterprets the story elements, characters and plot points with modern storytelling sensibilities. While the new MW2 shares a name with its 2009 predecessor, it does not share the same narrative continuity, especially in light of the interconnected timelines. It is in the rebooted Modern Warfare timeline where the Black Ops connection exists.
The Larger Call of Duty Universe
The decision to merge the universes of Modern Warfare and Black Ops signals a shift in how Activision approaches Call of Duty storytelling. For the first time, it means the Modern Warfare, Black Ops, Zombies, and Warzone storylines are all interconnected within a single canon. This creates a vast, complex narrative landscape for future installments. While the original timelines remain largely separate, the newer games are deliberately weaving the two series together.
FAQs: Expanding on the Connections
Is the original MW2 connected to the original Black Ops?
No, the original Modern Warfare 2 and the original Black Ops are not directly connected in terms of their storylines or timelines. They exist in separate narrative spaces.
Does the MW2 (2022) connect with Black Ops Cold War?
Yes, the 2022 MW2 is connected to Black Ops Cold War through the shared universe established by the Modern Warfare reboot series. They take place in the same setting and share some story threads and characters.
Is Modern Warfare 2 (2009) a prequel to any Black Ops title?
No, the 2009 Modern Warfare 2 is not a prequel to any of the Black Ops titles. They are distinct and unconnected storylines.
Are all Call of Duty games connected?
Not all Call of Duty games are connected in a single story. The original timelines are largely separate. The Modern Warfare reboot and the Black Ops games have interconnected universes, and even then, some still have their own separate story. The Zombies storyline also connects into this bigger universe.
Do I need to play Black Ops 1 before 2?
No, you don’t need to play Black Ops 1 before 2. They follow different main characters and their respective stories. However, playing Black Ops 1 first will give you better context for the broader story.
What is the canon ending to Black Ops 2?
The canon ending of Black Ops 2 is the one where Menendez is executed, leading to a global insurrection by Cordis Die. This ending sets the stage for Call of Duty: Black Ops III.
Are the old and new Modern Warfare games connected?
The new Modern Warfare games are not directly connected to the old ones in the sense of a continuous plotline. Instead, the rebooted games act as a reimagining of the classic characters and themes with new narratives that ultimately become interconnected with the Black Ops universe.
Is MW2 (2022) a remake of the 2009 game?
MW2 (2022) is not a remake but a soft reboot, reimagining the story and characters for a modern audience. This version is more of a reimagining of the classic title.
Is Warzone connected to both Modern Warfare and Black Ops?
Yes, Warzone is a unifying link, drawing elements and characters from both the Modern Warfare and Black Ops timelines, merging them into a shared experience. This makes the narratives connected.
Is Modern Warfare III a sequel to MW2 (2022)?
Yes, Modern Warfare III (2023) is a direct sequel to Modern Warfare II (2022). They are part of the same interconnected timeline and narrative.
What Call of Duty games should I play first?
You can play the games in any order, but to follow a narrative path, the original Modern Warfare trilogy should be played in order (CoD4, MW2, MW3), followed by the Black Ops series. The rebooted Modern Warfare trilogy should also be played in order (MW 2019, MWII 2022, and MWIII 2023).
Which Call of Duty has the best campaign?
Many consider Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010) to have one of the best campaigns, due to its story and complex characters.
Is Black Ops 1 worth playing in 2024?
Black Ops 1 is still considered a valuable experience in 2024 due to its storyline, multiplayer and Zombies experiences. Many still find the game enjoyable.
What’s the timeline between Modern Warfare and Black Ops?
The exact timeline is complex due to the overlapping narratives but a simplified version is that the original Modern Warfare trilogy precedes the original Black Ops series, the rebooted Modern Warfare trilogy is happening around the same time as the more recent Black Ops releases, like Black Ops Cold War, merging into a single timeline.
Does MW2 continue its story in MW3?
Modern Warfare II’s story is directly continued in Modern Warfare III, acting as a sequel with the story following the events set up by its predecessor.