Best CoD Campaigns of All Time

While the buzz around Black Ops 7’s multiplayer is undeniable, with the largest number of new and returning 6v6 maps in Call of Duty history and the new Zombies map “Ashes of the Damned,” one aspect of the game has not landed as well with fans: the campaign. As of now, Black Ops 7’s campaign holds the unfortunate distinction of being the lowest-rated Call of Duty campaign ever, drawing criticism for its unengaging storyline, hackneyed characters and overall execution.

So that got me thinking: What are the best CoD campaigns of all time? In this article, we rank the top Call of Duty campaigns of all time, exploring what makes each one unforgettable — from mission design and narrative impact to characters and emotional resonance. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer curious about the series’ best single-player experiences, this list highlights the campaigns that define Call of Duty at its finest.

1. Modern Warfare 2 (2009)

Modern Warfare 2 is widely regarded as one of the greatest Call of Duty campaigns ever. This campaign set new standards for storytelling, mission design, and emotional impact. From intense urban firefights to covert operations in foreign countries, every mission keeps players on the edge of their seats.

The campaign is most famous for iconic missions like “No Russian,” “Whiskey Hotel,” and “The Gulag.” These missions combined thrilling gameplay with shocking narrative moments. The story follows Soap, Price, and Roach as they navigate betrayal, global terrorism, and a fight against General Shepherd, one of the most memorable villains in the series.

Modern Warfare 2 is praised for its relentless pacing and cinematic set pieces. The campaign balances globe-spanning action with moments of tension and strategy. Players experience a variety of mission types, including stealth, assault, and urban combat, making this campaign unforgettable.

2. Black Ops (2010)

Black Ops is a Cold War thriller that blends psychological tension with classic military action. The story follows Alex Mason, a CIA operative and retired Marine Force Recon captain as he recalls secret missions under interrogation. This unreliable narration creates a tense and engaging experience for players.

Black Ops introduces Viktor Reznov, a key character whose role drives one of the series’ most famous twists. Missions take players across Vietnam, Cuba, and Russia, offering varied gameplay that combines stealth, combat, and espionage. The campaign’s Cold War setting provides a gritty and atmospheric backdrop, adding depth to the narrative.

The campaign stands out for its storytelling innovation. By blending psychological suspense with real-world historical events, Black Ops proves that Call of Duty campaigns can offer more than just action. Its memorable characters, plot twists, and cinematic presentation make it a fan favorite.

3. Modern Warfare (2019)

The 2019 reboot of Modern Warfare introduced a more realistic and mature tone to the franchise. This campaign focuses on modern conflict, including counterterrorism operations, chemical threats, and urban warfare. The story features Captain Price and new protagonist Farah Karim, providing players with memorable characters and a grounded narrative.

Modern Warfare 2019 is best known for the “Clean House” mission, a tense close-quarters operation in a London townhouse. The campaign emphasizes tactical gameplay, moral choices, and realistic combat scenarios. The story addresses contemporary issues such as insurgency, propaganda, and civilian risk, offering more depth than previous campaigns.

With high-quality visuals, immersive audio design, and cinematic storytelling, Modern Warfare (2019) set a new standard for modern military shooters. Its balance of realism and cinematic action makes it one of the best campaigns in the Call of Duty series.

4. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare revolutionized the FPS genre with its cinematic storytelling and mission variety. Players experience combat from multiple perspectives, including British SAS operations and U.S. Marine assaults. The campaign’s pacing and level design set a new standard for military shooters.

The mission “All Ghillied Up” is widely considered one of the best stealth missions in gaming history. The campaign also features shocking moments, such as a nuclear detonation that demonstrates the unpredictability and consequences of war. Characters like Captain Price and Gaz became iconic for their personality, leadership, and moral complexity.

Call of Duty 4 redefined single-player FPS experiences. Its story-driven approach, cinematic missions, and innovative gameplay mechanics continue to influence shooters today. This campaign remains essential for fans of the series and modern military games.

5. Black Ops II (2012)

Black Ops II is the most ambitious Call of Duty campaign to date, featuring branching storylines, multiple endings, and player choice. The campaign follows two timelines: Alex Mason during the Cold War and David Mason in the near future. This dual narrative structure adds depth to the story and makes player decisions impactful.

Raul Menendez serves as one of the most compelling villains in the series. His motivations are driven by trauma and ideology, making him relatable while remaining threatening. The campaign also introduces innovative missions, including drone operations and futuristic combat sequences.

Black Ops II set a new standard for replayability and storytelling in Call of Duty. Its blend of narrative ambition, strategic choices, and varied gameplay makes it a standout campaign in the series.

6. World at War (2008)

World at War returns to the brutal reality of World War II. The campaign features two distinct fronts: the Pacific with U.S. Marines and the Eastern Front with the Soviet Red Army. This dual perspective allows players to experience different aspects of the war, from ambushes and trench warfare to massive urban assaults.

The campaign does not shy away from the violence and intensity of combat. Its missions are immersive and emotionally charged, and Viktor Reznov’s character adds narrative depth. The final assault on the Reichstag provides a satisfying and climactic ending, capturing the high stakes and human cost of WWII combat.

World at War is praised for its raw depiction of war and its memorable characters. It set the tone for future Black Ops campaigns while delivering some of the most intense and cinematic moments in the series.

What did you think of our list of the best CoD campaigns of all time? Which Call of Duty campaign would you add or omit from this list? Which CoD campaign is your all-time favorite? Let us know.