Which Call of Duty Game is Third Person? Exploring the Series’ Perspective Shifts
The Call of Duty (CoD) franchise is primarily known for its intense, first-person shooter (FPS) gameplay. However, the series has occasionally dabbled in third-person perspective (TPP), offering a different experience for players. The answer isn’t as simple as one specific game being entirely third-person; rather, it’s about specific modes and titles incorporating the perspective. Several Call of Duty games have offered third-person experiences, most notably within multiplayer playlists and specific game modes. Let’s delve into the details and see which games have allowed players to experience this different perspective.
The Return of Third-Person Playlists
Modern Warfare 2 & Warzone 2.0: The Resurgence of TPP
The most significant recent examples of third-person gameplay can be found in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022) and Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0. Both titles launched with dedicated third-person multiplayer playlists, giving players a chance to engage in familiar game modes with a completely different perspective. This was a notable shift for many long-time players who had grown accustomed to the franchise’s first-person view.
The inclusion of TPP in these modern titles introduced a change of pace and strategic approach. Navigating maps, peeking around corners, and managing engagements required a different skill set than traditional first-person CoD gameplay. It provided a fresh way to experience these games, particularly for those wanting a break from the usual.
Modern Warfare III: Limited Third-Person Access
While Modern Warfare III doesn’t feature a dedicated third-person playlist in public matches, it does allow players to enjoy third-person mode in Private Matches and in Split-Screen Multiplayer. This offers a way for players to experiment and play with the mode in a more controlled setting with friends and family.
The Legacy of Third-Person in the Series
Original Modern Warfare 2: A Precedent Set
It’s important to note that the 2022 versions of MW2 and Warzone 2.0 weren’t the first to experiment with third-person. The original Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) also featured third-person multiplayer playlists. This was a significant moment in the series’ history as it marked one of the earliest departures from its FPS roots. The 2009 playlists offered modes like Domination, Team Deathmatch, Capture The Flag, and Demolition in third-person. This shows a long history of the series trying the different perspective.
Call of Duty Mobile: A Dual Perspective
Another notable title is Call of Duty: Mobile, which features a unique approach. It has both first-person and third-person modes, but the third-person perspective is limited to its Battle Royale mode. This allows players to choose their preferred view before each match, making it the most flexible game in the series in terms of perspective.
Key Differences: First-Person vs. Third-Person
The differences between the first-person and third-person experiences in Call of Duty are substantial. In first-person, the player sees the world through the eyes of their character, directly immersing them in the action. In third-person, the camera sits behind the character, providing a broader view of their surroundings, which affects combat and movement strategies. This is a major change for long-time Call of Duty players.
Call of Duty Titles and their Primary Perspective
While some titles have offered third-person experiences in specific modes, it’s crucial to note that many Call of Duty games are primarily first-person shooters. Games like Call of Duty: Vanguard, Call of Duty: Black Ops, and the majority of other titles are designed with this core perspective in mind. This core perspective is integral to the core gameplay experience.
Third-Person Mode: A Change of Pace
Ultimately, the inclusion of third-person modes in specific Call of Duty games offers a change of pace. It provides a different way to experience the familiar combat and strategic elements, which makes for a diverse experience overall. While the core franchise identity remains rooted in first-person shooting, the ability to switch perspectives adds a refreshing twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Call of Duty always first-person?
No, while most Call of Duty games are primarily first-person shooters, specific modes and some titles have included third-person perspectives. This has been mostly limited to multiplayer modes in recent Call of Duty titles.
2. When was third-person first introduced to Call of Duty?
Third-person mode first appeared in the original Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) as a multiplayer playlist option. This introduced the concept to the series.
3. Can you play Modern Warfare 2 (2022) in third-person?
Yes, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2022) includes third-person playlists in its multiplayer modes. This was a key feature of the game at launch.
4. Is Warzone 2.0 third-person?
Warzone 2.0 also featured third-person playlists upon its release. This allowed players to experience the battle royale genre from a different point of view.
5. Is Call of Duty: Vanguard third-person?
No, Call of Duty: Vanguard is a first-person shooter and does not have any third-person modes. It is primarily a first-person experience.
6. Can you play Modern Warfare 3 (2023) in third-person?
Yes, but Modern Warfare 3 only offers third-person in Private Matches and Split-Screen Multiplayer. It does not have dedicated public third-person playlists.
7. Does Call of Duty Mobile have third-person?
Yes, Call of Duty: Mobile allows players to select third-person view in its battle royale mode. This is a unique feature of the mobile version.
8. What is third-person limited perspective?
Third-person limited is a narrative technique, not a game perspective. It is used in storytelling where the narrator reveals the thoughts and feelings of only one character while using “he/she/they” pronouns.
9. What Call of Duty games have a story mode?
Most Call of Duty titles feature a single-player campaign story mode, including Call of Duty 3, Call of Duty: Black Ops, and both Modern Warfare titles (2019, and 2022).
10. How many people can play split-screen in CoD?
The number of players who can play split-screen varies depending on the game. Some titles allow for up to four players, whereas Modern Warfare 3’s third person mode is limited to two in split-screen.
11. Is Call of Duty: Black Ops a first-person shooter?
Yes, Call of Duty: Black Ops is a first-person shooter. It is a staple of the first-person shooter experience.
12. Is Call of Duty Mobile a first-person shooter?
Yes, Call of Duty: Mobile is primarily a first-person shooter, but offers a third-person perspective in battle royale. This dual perspective allows for variety.
13. Can I change my perspective in game?
In games that offer both perspectives, you can often switch using menu options to toggle between first-person (FPP) and third-person (TPP).
14. What is the benefit of playing third-person in CoD?
Third-person can offer a different strategic approach, allowing you to see more of your surroundings, which is beneficial for combat and navigating maps. This different approach is a welcome change for many players.
15. What are some examples of third person games outside of CoD?
Many battle royale games such as Fortnite are completely third person, however, some games with the option of third and first person include titles like The Elder Scrolls and Grand Theft Auto.