Which Call of Duty is Free Now? A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The landscape of Call of Duty (COD) has evolved significantly over the years, with a mixture of premium and free-to-play offerings. If you’re wondering which COD titles you can jump into without spending a dime, the primary answer is: Call of Duty: Warzone. Specifically, Warzone 2.0 and its successor which is now integrated with Modern Warfare III (MWIII) are the currently active free-to-play experiences. These battle royale games offer a massive, action-packed arena where you can compete against other players in a variety of modes. Note: Warzone Caldera (the original Warzone) was shut down in September 2023 and is no longer accessible. Let’s break down what that means for you and cover other relevant free-to-play information.
Understanding the Free-to-Play COD Ecosystem
The core of the free COD experience revolves around Warzone. While the main premium Call of Duty titles like Modern Warfare III (MWIII), Modern Warfare II (MWII), and other mainline entries come with a price tag, Warzone provides a consistent and expansive free option. This free-to-play model is a significant draw for the franchise, allowing millions of players to engage with the game.
Warzone and Its Evolution
Initially launching as a standalone title, Warzone has seen various iterations. Warzone 2.0 succeeded the original Warzone, bringing with it new mechanics and game modes. The most recent evolution is the integration of Warzone with MWIII, meaning the game now operates as a unified experience within the MWIII launcher. Despite these changes, the core premise remains: a massive free-to-play battle royale with a variety of maps, modes, and gameplay styles.
How to Access Free Call of Duty Games
Getting access to the free Warzone experience is relatively straightforward across different platforms.
PC
- Launch the Battle.net app and log in to your account. If you don’t have one, create one for free.
- Go to All Games section.
- Find and select Call of Duty: Warzone.
- Click the Install button to download the game and the launcher.
Xbox
- Go to the Microsoft Store on your Xbox console.
- Search for Call of Duty: Warzone.
- Select Install. No Xbox Game Pass Core or Ultimate subscription is required to play.
PlayStation
- Navigate to the PlayStation Store on your console.
- Search for Call of Duty: Warzone.
- Select Download.
Free Access and Weekend Trials
It’s also worth mentioning that, at times, Activision may offer free access weekends for the premium Modern Warfare titles. This free access is typically limited to the multiplayer mode and provides a taste of the full game experience. It’s a great way to try out different maps and modes beyond the free Warzone experience, before deciding to buy the game. Keep an eye on Call of Duty news for these free access periods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Warzone 2.0 still free to play?
Yes, Warzone which is integrated with MWIII is completely free-to-play. You don’t need to purchase the full Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III game to access it.
2. Do I need Xbox Game Pass to play Warzone?
No, an Xbox Game Pass subscription, whether Core or Ultimate, is not necessary to play Warzone. It is a free-to-play title.
3. Can I play Call of Duty campaign for free?
No, the single-player campaign in Call of Duty titles is not free. You must purchase the full game to access the campaign. Only the Warzone mode is free.
4. How big is the download for Warzone?
The initial download size for Warzone can vary and is typically quite large. Updates can also be substantial. You may need ample storage space on your console or PC. The size of the game can fluctuate after updates, making it important to check the requirements for the latest versions. For context, a Season update can be around 22GB.
5. Is the original Warzone still playable?
No, the original Warzone (Warzone Caldera) was shut down on September 21, 2023. It is no longer accessible.
6. Will the Warzone integrated with Modern Warfare III always be free?
Activision has consistently maintained Warzone as a free-to-play title. While future changes are always possible, it is likely to remain free to attract and maintain a large player base.
7. Can I play Modern Warfare multiplayer for free?
At times, Activision may offer free access periods to the multiplayer modes of premium Call of Duty titles like Modern Warfare II and Modern Warfare III. These free access periods are usually limited and are not a permanent free offer.
8. Where can I download Warzone on PC?
You can download Warzone on PC through the Battle.net app. It is the official launcher for Call of Duty on PC.
9. What platforms is Warzone available on?
Warzone is available on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
10. Can I play Call of Duty Mobile for free?
Yes, Call of Duty Mobile is a completely free-to-play mobile game available on Android and iOS platforms.
11. What happened to my progression and cosmetics from the original Warzone?
The original Warzone (Warzone Caldera) had its content moved to Modern Warfare, Black Ops Cold War, and Vanguard as the servers were shut down. Cosmetics and progression are generally not carried over to the current Warzone and MWIII experience.
12. Can I play Warzone with friends who have different consoles or PCs?
Yes, Warzone supports cross-platform play, allowing you to team up with friends regardless of their platform. This is a feature that has been supported across Warzone 2.0 and MWIII’s integrated Warzone.
13. Is there any cost to access all Warzone content?
The base Warzone game is completely free, however, additional content like cosmetics and battle passes are available for purchase. These are optional and are for those that wish to enhance their experience.
14. How do I redeem a code for COD on Xbox?
To redeem a code on Xbox, press the Xbox button, go to the Store, select Redeem, and then enter the 25-character code. This is helpful for buying codes to unlock additional cosmetic content in the game.
15. Is there any other free-to-play COD game other than Warzone?
No, currently Warzone and Call of Duty Mobile are the only mainstream free-to-play Call of Duty games available. All other mainline COD games like Modern Warfare III or Modern Warfare II are not free to play, though trial weekends do occur often.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to jump into the action of Call of Duty without spending money, Call of Duty: Warzone is your answer. The game’s free-to-play model allows you to experience the large-scale battles and engaging gameplay that the franchise is known for. As a free-to-play experience, it is continually evolving and provides a regularly updated game experience. While the premium Call of Duty games come with a price, the free content they offer and occasional free access weekends mean there’s always a way for new and seasoned players to get involved without breaking the bank.