The Ultimate Guide: Choosing the Best Call of Duty Game for Beginners

So, you’re thinking about jumping into the behemoth that is the Call of Duty franchise? Smart move! But with a history stretching back over two decades and spanning countless installments, it’s understandable to feel a bit overwhelmed. Which CoD game offers the best entry point for newcomers?

The short answer: Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007). This title, often hailed as a revolutionary entry in the series, offers a perfect blend of accessible gameplay, a compelling narrative, and a manageable learning curve. Its influence on the modern first-person shooter landscape is undeniable, and it remains a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to experience the magic of Call of Duty. But the best fit for you depends on what you value the most in a gaming experience. So, let’s dive a bit deeper…

Why Modern Warfare (2007) is a Great Starting Point

Here’s why Modern Warfare (2007) still holds up as the ideal CoD for beginners:

• Accessibility: The gameplay is intuitive and easy to pick up. The mechanics of aiming, shooting, and moving feel smooth and responsive.
• Compelling Story: The narrative is gripping and well-paced, featuring memorable characters and impactful moments. It’s a modern war story that resonates with players even today.
• Iconic Maps: Maps like “Crash,” “Vacant,” and “Bog” are legendary in the Call of Duty community, offering a variety of tactical opportunities and fostering engaging firefights.
• Balanced Multiplayer: The multiplayer component is finely tuned, offering a rewarding experience for players of all skill levels.
• Lower Barrier to Entry: While later Call of Duty games have introduced complex movement systems and specialized abilities, Modern Warfare keeps things relatively simple, allowing beginners to focus on core shooting skills.
• Historical Significance: Understanding the impact of Modern Warfare on the FPS genre will enrich your appreciation for subsequent Call of Duty titles. It laid the groundwork for many of the features and mechanics that define the series today.

However, it’s an older game, and its age shows in some areas (graphics, mainly). If you’re really put off by older graphics, or the lack of some features now commonplace, you might want to consider some alternatives.

Modern Warfare (2019): A Modern Alternative

The 2019 reboot of Modern Warfare is another excellent choice. It boasts stunning visuals, a gritty and realistic campaign, and a streamlined multiplayer experience that’s friendly to newcomers. It still keeps a reasonable level of complexity, avoiding the more outlandish features of some later games.

• Modern Graphics: The game looks stunning, leveraging cutting-edge technology to deliver a visually immersive experience.
• Refined Gameplay: The gunplay feels incredibly satisfying, and the movement mechanics are smooth and responsive.
• Compelling Narrative: The story is dark and thought-provoking, exploring the complexities of modern warfare.
• Crossplay: The availability of crossplay between PC and consoles significantly expands the player base, making it easier to find matches.

Other Considerations

While the Modern Warfare series offers a strong starting point, other Call of Duty games might appeal to beginners based on their specific preferences.

• For Zombie Fans: If you’re primarily interested in the Zombies mode, Call of Duty: Black Ops is a great choice. It introduced the iconic Zombies experience and offers a solid foundation for understanding the mode’s evolution.
• For Easy Campaigns: The article mentioned Call of Duty: Ghosts being an easy game to beat on Veteran difficulty. While not the most popular CoD, its single-player campaign could be a good starting point.
• For Free-to-Play Fun: Call of Duty: Warzone is a great free-to-play option that lets you experience the Call of Duty gameplay without any initial investment.

Ultimately, the best Call of Duty game for beginners depends on individual taste. However, Modern Warfare (2007) and Modern Warfare (2019) offer a balanced and accessible experience that’s perfect for newcomers to the franchise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about getting started with Call of Duty:

1. Which Call of Duty has the best story for beginners?

   • Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007) is widely regarded as having one of the most engaging and accessible stories for newcomers. The narrative is grounded, the characters are memorable, and the pacing is excellent.

2. Is Call of Duty difficult for beginners?

   • Call of Duty can be challenging at first, especially in multiplayer. However, the single-player campaigns are generally more forgiving and provide a good opportunity to learn the game mechanics. Starting with an older title, like Modern Warfare (2007) can also help ease the learning curve.

3. What is the easiest Call of Duty game to play first?

   • The difficulty of a game is subjective, but many players find Call of Duty: Ghosts to be relatively easy, particularly on lower difficulty settings.

4. What Call of Duty should I buy first?

   • If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, consider picking up an older but still popular title like Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare or the Modern Warfare (2019) remake. You can often find these games at discounted prices.

5. Is Call of Duty beginner-friendly?

   • Compared to some other first-person shooters, Call of Duty is generally considered to be relatively beginner-friendly, thanks to its accessible gameplay and intuitive controls.

6. What is the best Call of Duty game for beginners to learn multiplayer?

   • Modern Warfare (2019) offers a good starting point for multiplayer due to its balanced gameplay, refined movement mechanics, and a relatively large player base. The maps are also well-designed and cater to various playstyles.

7. Should I play the Call of Duty games in order?

   • Playing the Call of Duty games in order is not essential, as many of the games feature standalone stories. However, playing through the Modern Warfare or Black Ops series in order can enhance your appreciation for the characters and overarching storylines.

8. What’s the difference between the Modern Warfare and Black Ops series?

   • The Modern Warfare series typically focuses on modern warfare scenarios with a more realistic tone, while the Black Ops series delves into more secretive and unconventional conflicts, often with elements of espionage and historical fiction.

9. Are all Call of Duty games connected?

   • Not all Call of Duty games are directly connected. Some games have standalone stories, while others are part of larger story arcs, such as the Modern Warfare or Black Ops series.

10. What Call of Duty game has the best Zombies mode for beginners?

    • Call of Duty: Black Ops is a great choice for beginners interested in Zombies mode. It features the original Zombies experience and introduces iconic maps and characters that have become staples of the mode.

11. What is the best free Call of Duty game for beginners?

    • Call of Duty: Warzone is the best free-to-play option, offering a battle royale experience with accessible gameplay mechanics and a vast player base.

12. Is it okay for kids to play Call of Duty?

    • Call of Duty games are generally rated M for Mature, meaning they are intended for audiences aged 17 and older. Parents should consider the game’s content (violence, language, etc.) before allowing younger children to play.

13. What Call of Duty games are still active online?

    • The most recent Call of Duty titles, such as Modern Warfare II (2022) and the upcoming Modern Warfare III (2023), are typically the most active online. However, older titles like Modern Warfare (2019) and Black Ops Cold War still have active player bases.

14. Where can I find tips and strategies for Call of Duty?

    • There are numerous online resources for Call of Duty tips and strategies, including YouTube channels, gaming websites, and online forums. The GamesLearningSociety.org website may also provide information on learning through gaming.

15. What Call of Duty game is the most like [another FPS game]?

    • This is a very game-specific question, so research the Call of Duty entries and compare to the gameplay of that other FPS. As a general rule, Call of Duty tends to be faster paced than something like Counter-Strike, but more tactical than something like Quake.

Final Thoughts

Choosing your first Call of Duty game is an exciting decision! While Modern Warfare (2007) remains a timeless classic and an excellent starting point, the Modern Warfare (2019) reboot offers a more modern experience with stunning graphics and refined gameplay. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences and gaming goals. Whichever game you choose, be sure to have fun and enjoy the action-packed world of Call of Duty! For more on the educational aspects of gaming, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

The accessibility of Modern Warfare (2007) is a huge boon for new players. With its intuitive controls and compelling story, it’s the perfect game to introduce you to the thrilling world of Call of Duty.