Top 10 Best Call Of Duty Campaigns Of All Time

Since its debut in 2003, the Best Call of Duty Campaigns have set the standard for cinematic, story-driven first-person shooters. While multiplayer modes like Warzone dominate the conversation, it’s the single-player experiences that showcase the series’ creativity, narrative depth, and larger-than-life action. From intense firefights to emotional character arcs, these campaigns have created unforgettable gaming moments that continue to captivate players around the world.

Each entry in the franchise brings something unique, whether it’s the historical authenticity of World War II battles, the high-tech futurism of Advanced Warfare, or the tense espionage of Black Ops. The Best Call of Duty Campaigns balance storytelling with explosive gameplay, allowing players to experience both spectacle and emotion in equal measure. Over two decades, these campaigns have not only defined the franchise but also influenced the wider landscape of first-person shooters. For fans and newcomers alike, revisiting the Best Call of Duty Campaigns is always a thrilling experience.

Here Are The Top 10 Best Call of Duty Campaigns of All Time:

10. Call of Duty: WWII (2017)

After nearly a decade away from its roots, Call of Duty returned to World War II with a bang in 2017. This wasn’t just a nostalgia trip—it was a bold attempt by Sledgehammer Games to bring personal, emotional storytelling into the bombastic world of Call of Duty. You play as Private “Red” Daniels, experiencing the war alongside the US 1st Infantry Division as they fight from Normandy to the Rhine. The campaign blends massive set-pieces like the bell tower collapse and the unforgettable train crash with moments of grounded, human storytelling.

What makes WWII stand out among the Best Call of Duty Campaigns is how it balances spectacle and intimacy. While you’ll remember the thrilling chaos of explosions and firefights, you’ll also carry the emotional weight of the campaign’s quieter scenes, especially its gut-wrenching ending. It may not have reinvented the wheel, but it proved that the series could still tell deeply human stories amidst its loud action.

Game	Release Year	Developer	Setting	Main Character(s)
Call of Duty: WWII	2017	Sledgehammer Games	World War II	Pvt. “Red” Daniels

9. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (2014)

By 2014, the franchise needed to innovate, and Advanced Warfare was the answer. This futuristic take introduced exo-suits, drones, and high-tech weaponry, moving Call of Duty into uncharted waters. The campaign tells the story of Jack Mitchell, a marine who loses his arm in battle and becomes part of Atlas, a powerful private military corporation run by Jonathan Irons (played memorably by Kevin Spacey).

What makes Advanced Warfare one of the Best Call of Duty Campaigns is its narrative depth. Beneath the futuristic gadgets lies a terrifying exploration of private militarization and the dangers of unchecked corporate power. The game asks moral questions rarely addressed in the franchise, while still providing blockbuster action sequences that rival any summer movie. Advanced Warfare proved that Call of Duty could innovate and take risks without losing its identity as a thrilling shooter.

Game	Release Year	Developer	Setting	Main Character(s)
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare	2014	Sledgehammer Games	Future Warfare	Jack Mitchell, Jonathan Irons

ALSO READ:

8. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020)

The Black Ops series is known for experimenting with storytelling, and Cold War continued that tradition. Returning familiar faces like Mason and Woods while introducing new operatives like Bell and Adler, the campaign dives into CIA operations during the height of Cold War paranoia. Unlike many linear Call of Duty titles, Cold War features branching storylines, puzzles, and even alternative endings, making it one of the most replayable campaigns in the franchise.

Its biggest strength is its unpredictability. From tense espionage missions to morally grey choices, the game keeps you guessing until the credits roll. The retro spycraft sequences—where you trade firepower for wit—give the campaign a unique flavor. These narrative risks ensure that Black Ops Cold War earns a rightful place among the Best Call of Duty Campaigns.

Game	Release Year	Developer	Setting	Main Character(s)
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War	2020	Treyarch / Raven	Cold War	Bell, Adler, Mason, Woods

7. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (2016)

At the time of its release, Infinite Warfare faced skepticism from fans tired of futuristic settings. However, beneath the criticism lies one of the most heartfelt and ambitious campaigns in the franchise. You play as Captain Reyes, a newly promoted leader tasked with leading Earth’s forces against the Settlement Defense Front, led by Kit Harrington’s menacing villain.

What elevates Infinite Warfare among the Best Call of Duty Campaigns is its character-driven story. More than a tale of good vs evil, it’s about camaraderie, sacrifice, and leadership under impossible pressure. Combined with its thrilling gameplay innovations—like zero-gravity combat, robot hacking, and space dogfights—the campaign feels like Call of Duty’s answer to Halo Reach. Though underrated at launch, Infinite Warfare has since been reevaluated as a hidden gem.

Game	Release Year	Developer	Setting	Main Character(s)
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare	2016	Infinity Ward	Space / Future	Captain Reyes, Ethan

6. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)

Rebooting a classic is always risky, but Infinity Ward succeeded brilliantly with Modern Warfare (2019). Rather than simply rehashing old material, this reboot reimagined the Modern Warfare universe with gritty realism, stunning visuals, and morally complex storytelling. Players control multiple characters, including CIA agent Alex, SAS sergeant Kyle Garrick, and the legendary Captain Price.

What makes it one of the Best Call of Duty Campaigns is its grounded authenticity. Missions like “Clean House,” which simulate the tension of real-life special forces raids, are among the most immersive experiences in the series. The campaign doesn’t shy away from controversial subjects, depicting the brutality of modern warfare in chilling detail. By blending cinematic storytelling with realism, Modern Warfare (2019) proved that reboots can surpass expectations.

Game	Release Year	Developer	Setting	Main Character(s)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare	2019	Infinity Ward	Modern Conflict	Alex, Kyle Garrick, Captain Price

5. Call of Duty: Black Ops II (2012)

Black Ops II was revolutionary, introducing branching storylines and multiple endings to the franchise. Set across two timelines—the Cold War in the 1980s and a futuristic conflict in 2025—the campaign follows Alex Mason and his son David as they battle the charismatic villain Raul Menendez.

The reason it stands tall among the Best Call of Duty Campaigns is its replayability and storytelling innovation. Every choice matters: saving or losing a character can change the outcome of the story. Raul Menendez, meanwhile, is arguably one of the series’ greatest villains—a tragic figure shaped by war rather than a one-dimensional antagonist. By blending player agency with compelling narrative design, Black Ops II remains a benchmark for the franchise.

Game	Release Year	Developer	Setting	Main Character(s)
Call of Duty: Black Ops II	2012	Treyarch	Cold War / 2025	Alex Mason, David Mason, Raul Menendez

4. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009)

Few campaigns have had the cultural impact of Modern Warfare 2. Picking up after the events of Call of Duty 4, the game continues the saga of Soap and Captain Price while introducing shocking new moments like the infamous “No Russian” mission. The campaign escalates the stakes with large-scale battles, betrayals, and an unforgettable ending where you stab General Shepherd with his own knife.

As one of the Best Call of Duty Campaigns, Modern Warfare 2 is iconic for its sheer cinematic spectacle. Every mission feels like a blockbuster movie, with perfect pacing between quiet tension and explosive action. The campaign also deepens the emotional connection to beloved characters, cementing its legacy as one of the most memorable entries in the franchise.

Game	Release Year	Developer	Setting	Main Character(s)
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2	2009	Infinity Ward	Global Conflict	Soap, Captain Price, Roach

3. Call of Duty 2 (2005)

Call of Duty 2 marked a generational leap forward, launching alongside the Xbox 360 and setting new standards for console shooters. Returning to World War II, players fight across iconic theaters like North Africa, Normandy, and Stalingrad. Its graphics and smoke effects were groundbreaking at the time, immersing players in chaotic, cinematic battles.

What earns it a spot among the Best Call of Duty Campaigns is its scale and intensity. Unlike its predecessor, Call of Duty 2 gave players more freedom, bigger battles, and more polished AI. It captured the chaos of war like no game before it, helping solidify the franchise as a dominant force in gaming. The campaign’s legacy endures as one of the defining launch titles of its era.

Game	Release Year	Developer	Setting	Main Character(s)
Call of Duty 2	2005	Infinity Ward	World War II	Multiple Protagonists

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

Modern Warfare (2007) didn’t just change Call of Duty—it changed gaming. By shifting from WWII to modern conflict, it revitalized the series and catapulted it into global dominance, earning its place among the Best Call of Duty Campaigns. Players met iconic characters like Soap and Captain Price, and experienced missions that became instant classics: the AC-130 gunship level, the nuclear explosion, and the heart-pounding finale on the bridge. This entry is often cited by fans as one of the Best Call of Duty Campaigns, combining cinematic storytelling with intense gameplay. Even years later, it remains a benchmark for immersive experiences, reminding players why it’s still ranked among the Best Call of Duty Campaigns.

Why is it among the Best Call of Duty Campaigns? Because it set the gold standard for cinematic shooters. Its blend of storytelling, pacing, and gameplay innovation created unforgettable moments that players still talk about today. Without Modern Warfare, the franchise might not have become the cultural juggernaut it is today.

Game	Release Year	Developer	Setting	Main Character(s)
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare	2007	Infinity Ward	Modern Conflict	Soap, Captain Price

1. Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010)

At the very top of the Best Call of Duty Campaigns list is Black Ops, the espionage thriller that redefined storytelling in the series. Set during the Cold War, you play as Alex Mason, whose mind is fractured by brainwashing and mysterious “numbers” broadcasts. The story takes you to Cuba, Vietnam, and beyond, weaving an intricate plot filled with conspiracies and shocking twists.

What makes Black Ops unforgettable is its storytelling ambition. The psychological narrative, combined with excellent pacing and intense missions, kept players hooked from start to finish. The twist ending, revealing the true nature of Mason’s condition, remains one of the most shocking moments in gaming. Add in a phenomenal soundtrack and unforgettable characters like Hudson and Reznov, and you have the greatest campaign the series has ever produced.

Game	Release Year	Developer	Setting	Main Character(s)
Call of Duty: Black Ops	2010	Treyarch	Cold War	Alex Mason, Jason Hudson, Viktor Reznov

FAQs

1. Which Call of Duty campaign is considered the best overall?

While opinions vary, many fans and critics agree that Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010) features the most engaging story, memorable characters, and shocking twists, earning its place at the top of the Best Call of Duty Campaigns list. Its Cold War espionage setting is still widely praised today.

2. Are modern Call of Duty campaigns better than older ones?

Modern campaigns like Modern Warfare (2019) offer improved graphics, realistic mechanics, and emotional storytelling, but classic titles such as Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007) and Black Ops (2010) remain favorites. The Best Call of Duty Campaigns mix nostalgia, innovation, and cinematic flair, appealing to both new and veteran players.

3. Do Call of Duty campaigns differ from multiplayer experiences?

Yes. While multiplayer focuses on competitive matches and fast-paced action, the single-player campaigns deliver cinematic narratives, character development, and scripted set pieces. The Best Call of Duty Campaigns immerse players in stories, missions, and plot twists that multiplayer cannot replicate, offering a more narrative-driven experience.

READ MORE: