Untangling the Call of Duty Web: Which Games Are Actually Connected?

The Call of Duty (CoD) franchise, a behemoth in the gaming world, boasts a sprawling collection of titles across various platforms and timelines. This vastness often leaves players wondering: Which games are actually connected, and how? The answer, as with many long-running franchises, is layered and depends on which type of connection you’re looking at – story, characters, or even gameplay mechanics through Warzone integration.

In short, the interconnectedness of CoD games can be broken down into the following key areas:

Original Timeline (WWII Era): The earliest CoD games, including Call of Duty 1, 2, and 3, along with World at War and WWII, share a historical setting and thematic connection centered around World War II. While they don’t always feature the same characters, they establish the foundation of the CoD universe.
Modern Warfare Universe: The Modern Warfare series (the original CoD 4: Modern Warfare, Modern Warfare 2, and Modern Warfare 3, along with the rebooted Modern Warfare (2019), Modern Warfare II (2022), and Modern Warfare III (2023)) forms a distinct narrative arc. The rebooted series exists in a separate continuity from the original, but both share thematic elements and characters like Captain Price.
Black Ops Universe: The Black Ops games (Black Ops, Black Ops II, Black Ops Cold War, and Black Ops 4) constitute another major interconnected storyline, delving into Cold War espionage, covert operations, and the complexities of international politics. These games frequently reference each other and feature recurring characters.
Warzone Integration: Warzone, the free-to-play battle royale mode, actively integrates with the narrative and content of the Modern Warfare, Black Ops Cold War, and Vanguard titles. This integration blurs the lines between these sub-series by allowing players to use weapons, operators, and cosmetics from different games within the same Warzone experience.
Loosely Connected Titles: Games like Ghosts and Advanced Warfare exist largely as standalone stories within the broader Call of Duty universe. While they might share some thematic elements or gameplay mechanics with other CoD titles, they don’t directly contribute to the overarching narratives of the Modern Warfare or Black Ops universes.

Delving Deeper: Story Arcs and Character Connections

Understanding the connection between CoD games requires a look at the specific story arcs. The original Modern Warfare trilogy, for example, focuses on the fight against ultranationalist Vladimir Makarov and Task Force 141’s efforts to stop him. The rebooted Modern Warfare series reimagines these events with new characters and storylines, but with familiar themes.

The Black Ops storyline, on the other hand, explores the psychological impact of Cold War espionage, government conspiracies, and mind control. Characters like Alex Mason, Frank Woods, and Jason Hudson are central to this narrative, and their actions have long-lasting consequences across multiple games.

The Role of Warzone in Connecting the Universe

Warzone has become a central hub for the Call of Duty franchise, bringing together elements from different games into a single, unified experience. Through seasonal updates and narrative events, Warzone actively weaves together the storylines of Modern Warfare, Black Ops Cold War, and Vanguard, creating a cohesive meta-narrative that spans multiple sub-series. This integration allows players to experience the broader Call of Duty universe in a dynamic and engaging way.

FAQs: Unraveling the Call of Duty Connection

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the connections between Call of Duty games:

Is CoD Ghost connected to MW3?

No, Call of Duty: Ghosts exists in a completely separate storyline and universe from the Modern Warfare trilogy. While the name “Ghost” appeared in Modern Warfare 2, the character and storyline of Ghosts are unrelated.

What CoD games are connected to Warzone?

Warzone’s story is intertwined with the seasonal narratives of Modern Warfare (2019), Black Ops Cold War, and Vanguard. It serves as a bridge between these games, integrating their characters, weapons, and storylines.

Which CoD games are canon?

The term “canon” is subjective and depends on your interpretation. However, the following games are generally considered to be part of the main storylines:

World War II Era: Call of Duty 1, 2, 3, World at War, WWII
Black Ops: Black Ops, Black Ops II, Black Ops Cold War, Black Ops 4
Modern Warfare: CoD 4: Modern Warfare, Modern Warfare 2, Modern Warfare 3; Modern Warfare (2019), Modern Warfare II (2022), and Modern Warfare III (2023).

What is the order of playing the ‘Canon’ Call of Duty games?

A generally accepted order for playing the ‘canon’ Call of Duty games, focusing on major story arcs, is:

Call of Duty 1
Call of Duty 2
Call of Duty 3
Call of Duty: World at War
Call of Duty: WWII
Call of Duty: Black Ops
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (original)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (original)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (original)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023)

Is it necessary to play Call of Duty in order?

Not necessarily. You can enjoy individual CoD games without playing them in chronological order. However, playing the Modern Warfare trilogy (original or rebooted) in order is recommended to fully understand the story arc. The Black Ops series also benefits from being played in order.

Is Black Ops connected to Modern Warfare?

Yes, particularly the rebooted Modern Warfare series. Black Ops Cold War makes direct references to the Modern Warfare universe, establishing that they exist within the same continuity.

Does MW3 follow MW2?

Yes, the campaign of Modern Warfare 3 (both the original and the reboot) directly follows the events of Modern Warfare 2.

Is CoD Ghosts connected to Black Ops?

No, Call of Duty: Ghosts is a standalone installment and is not connected to the Black Ops storyline.

Is Vanguard Zombies canon?

Yes, events of Vanguard Zombies happened within the same universe and are considered canon to the Modern Warfare story.

Is CoD bo Cold War canon?

Yes, Black Ops Cold War is considered canon and serves as a direct sequel to the original Black Ops. It expands on the characters and events introduced in the first game.

Which CoD games are in the same universe?

World War II Era: CoD 1, 2, 3, World at War, and WWII are connected through their historical setting.
Black Ops: Black Ops 1, Black Ops Cold War, and Black Ops 2, follow a continuous narrative.
Modern Warfare: The original Modern Warfare trilogy, and the rebooted Modern Warfare series, exist in their own separate continuities but share similar themes and some characters.

Is Warzone being discontinued?

As of September 21, 2023, Call of Duty®: Warzone™ Caldera was shut down, as our teams focus on future Call of Duty content including the current Warzone free-to-play experience.

Is CoD Cold War and MW connected?

Yes, Cold War features narrative tie-ins to Modern Warfare through the campaign and multiplayer modes, establishing a shared universe.

Is MW2 a new timeline?

Modern Warfare II (2022) is a continuation of the 2019 Modern Warfare reboot, taking place in a new, reimagined timeline, separate from the original Modern Warfare trilogy.

Is Call of Duty Vanguard connected?

Call of Duty: Vanguard connects with both Black Ops and Modern Warfare through its integration with Warzone. This allows for cross-progression and shared content across the three titles within the Warzone environment.

How do I learn more about the educational side of gaming?

If you’re interested in learning more about the intersection of gaming and education, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

What COD games are connected?