Call of Duty is one of the biggest gaming franchises in the world but with over 20+ years of releases, multiple studios, and constantly evolving features, it can get confusing fast.
This complete Call of Duty FAQ guide answers everything you need to know in 2026 from the latest games like Black Ops 7 to upcoming releases, pricing, platforms, gameplay basics, and more. Whether you’re a beginner or a long-time player, this guide has all the answers in one place.
🎖️ The Basics
What is Call of Duty?
Call of Duty (CoD) is a military first-person shooter (FPS) franchise published by Activision, now owned by Microsoft. Launched in 2003, it has grown into one of the best-selling video game franchises in history spanning PC, console, and mobile. It is verified by the Guinness World Records as the best-selling FPS game series of all time.
What is Call of Duty about?
Call of Duty is a military first-person shooter series. Its games feature campaigns set across different time periods – World War II, the Cold War, modern conflicts, and near-future scenarios, alongside competitive multiplayer and co-op modes like Zombies and Warzone’s battle royale.
When did Call of Duty come out / when was it made?
The very first Call of Duty was released in 2003 as a PC game developed by Infinity Ward. It was set during World War II, showing the conflict from American, British, and Soviet perspectives. It was designed to rival the then-popular Medal of Honor series and quickly surpassed it.
How old is Call of Duty?
As of 2026, the Call of Duty franchise is over 22 years old, making it one of the longest-running FPS franchises in gaming history.
Who created / who made Call of Duty?
Call of Duty was originally created by Infinity Ward in 2003. Since then, development has rotated between Infinity Ward, Treyarch, and Sledgehammer Games, with Raven Software co-developing recent titles. Activision publishes all mainline entries.
Did the creator of Call of Duty die?
No. Infinity Ward’s co-founders Vince Zampella and Jason West left Activision in 2010 following a legal dispute, but neither has died. Zampella went on to found Respawn Entertainment (creators of Titanfall and Apex Legends) and is currently at EA.
Who owns Call of Duty?
Call of Duty is owned by Microsoft, via its $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard which completed in 2023. Games are still published under the Activision label. Despite the Microsoft acquisition, CoD remains available on PlayStation under a binding 10-year agreement.
🎮 The Games
How many Call of Duty games are there?
As of 2025–2026, there are 24 mainline Call of Duty games, including Warzone and Call of Duty Mobile. Counting remasters, spin-offs, and platform-specific versions, the total exceeds 30 releases across all platforms.
What is the newest / latest Call of Duty game?
The newest Call of Duty is Black Ops 7, developed by Treyarch and Raven Software. It was released on November 14, 2025 for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. It serves as a direct sequel to Black Ops 2 (2012).
When did Call of Duty Black Ops 6 come out?
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 was released on October 25, 2024. A spy action thriller set in the early 1990s Gulf War era, it was the biggest CoD launch in franchise history and the best-selling game of 2024.
What are the most popular Call of Duty titles ever?
Fan and critical favourites consistently include:
- CoD 4: Modern Warfare (2007): Revolutionised online FPS
- Modern Warfare 2 (2009): One of the best-selling games ever
- Black Ops II (2012): Praised for story and zombies
- Modern Warfare (2019 reboot) and Black Ops 6 (2024): The franchise’s biggest launch.
Which Call of Duty games have Zombies mode?
Zombies mode was introduced in World at War (2008) by Treyarch and has appeared in every Treyarch title since: Black Ops 1, 2, 3, 4, Cold War, Black Ops 6, and Black Ops 7. As of early 2026, Activision officially denied rumours of a standalone Zombies spin-off game.
What is the best Call of Duty game?
Subjective but CoD 4: Modern Warfare (2007) is the most universally respected entry for redefining the FPS genre entirely. Black Ops II leads for story and zombies depth. Modern Warfare (2019) is considered the best modern-era reboot. For competitive play, Black Ops 6 is currently the gold standard.
📡 What’s Next
What is the next Call of Duty in 2026?
The next Call of Duty has not been officially announced, but is widely rumoured to be Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, developed by Infinity Ward. Leaks suggest a campaign set on the Korean peninsula (North and South Korea), and the possible return of a DMZ extraction mode. Activision typically reveals the game at a summer showcase around June.
When does the next Call of Duty come out?
Based on leaks, October 2026 is the rumoured release window, likely chosen to avoid a direct clash with GTA 6’s reported November 2026 launch. Activision has released a new CoD game every year for over 20 years, so a 2026 release is virtually certain. No official date has been confirmed as of May 2026.
When does Call of Duty Black Ops 7 come out?
Black Ops 7 has already been released, it launched on November 14, 2025. It is developed by Treyarch and Raven Software and available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
What is “Call of Duty 7” / when does CoD 7 come out?
“Call of Duty 7” is not an official title. In fan terminology it sometimes refers to Black Ops (2010), the 7th mainline release. The game called Black Ops 7, the 7th game in the Black Ops sub-series launched on November 14, 2025 and is already available.
Will new CoD games still come to Xbox Game Pass?
No longer at launch. Microsoft announced in April 2026 that new Call of Duty games will no longer be included in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass on day one. They will still arrive on Game Pass but only after approximately one year from release.
💰 Pricing
Is Call of Duty free to play?
Warzone and Call of Duty Mobile are completely free to play on all platforms – No purchase needed. Mainline games like Black Ops 6 and Black Ops 7 require a paid purchase. As of 2026, new titles no longer launch into Xbox Game Pass on day one.
How much is Call of Duty: Black Ops 6?
At launch (October 2024), Black Ops 6 was priced at $69.99 (Standard Edition) and $99.99 (Vault Edition with exclusive cosmetics and operators). Since then, prices may have dropped. Check the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Battle.net, or Steam for current pricing.
How much is Call of Duty: Black Ops 7?
Black Ops 7 launched at the same structure: $69.99 Standard and $99.99 Vault Edition. Prices vary by region. Check your local digital storefront for the most accurate current price.
🖥️ Platforms & Access
What platforms is Call of Duty on?
Modern CoD titles are available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC (via Battle.net and Steam). Call of Duty Mobile is on Android and iOS. A Nintendo Switch version has been promised but not yet released as of May 2026.
Is Call of Duty Warzone free on PS5?
Yes, Warzone is completely free to download and play on PS5 (and PS4, Xbox, and PC). Simply search for it on the PlayStation Store. In-game cosmetics and Battle Passes are optional paid purchases that never affect gameplay.
Is Call of Duty on Nintendo Switch?
Not yet. Both Microsoft and Activision have publicly promised a CoD game for Nintendo Switch, but no specific game, platform, or release date has been announced. Rumours suggest a Switch 2 version could be in the works.
Does Call of Duty support cross-play?
Yes. All modern CoD titles fully support cross-play across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. You can squad up with friends regardless of platform, with no additional setup required.
Are Call of Duty servers down right now?
Server status changes in real time. For live outage updates check:
→ https://support.activision.com
→ @CallofDuty on X/Twitter
These are the fastest, most accurate official sources for any downtime information.
How many people play Call of Duty?
As of October 2023, Call of Duty had 100 million monthly active players across all platforms. The franchise has sold over 500 million copies and generated more than $30 billion in revenue by 2022. It remains the world’s #1 first-person shooter franchise.
Will CoD stay on PlayStation after Microsoft bought Activision?
Yes. Microsoft signed a binding 10-year agreement to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation. The 2023 Activision acquisition has not removed CoD from Sony platforms, and this commitment is legally enforceable.
🎯 Gameplay
How to play Call of Duty (beginners’ guide)?
- Download the game. Warzone is free on all platforms – The easiest entry point.
- Complete the in-game tutorial to learn movement, shooting, and ADS basics.
- Start with Team Deathmatch (6v6) or Warzone Resurgence – The most forgiving modes for beginners.
- Experiment with loadouts (weapons, perks, equipment) in the Create-A-Class menu.
- Play regularly – SBMM will match you against similarly skilled players, so you’ll improve naturally.
What is ADS in Call of Duty?
ADS = Aim Down Sights. It means pressing the aim button (L2 on PlayStation, LT on Xbox) to look through your weapon’s scope or iron sights. ADS significantly improves accuracy at the cost of movement speed. Nearly all competitive play uses ADS for precision targeting.
Is Call of Duty good for beginners?
Yes, with some patience. The Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) system ensures you play against players of similar ability. Warzone Resurgence and Team Deathmatch are the most forgiving starting points. Call of Duty Mobile is also a great mobile-friendly entry point for absolute beginners.
What is SBMM and why is it controversial?
SBMM = Skill-Based Matchmaking. It pairs players with others of similar skill. Casual players appreciate fairer, more even games. However, veteran players argue it removes “easy lobbies” and makes every single match feel like a sweaty tournament. It has been one of the most divisive ongoing debates in the CoD community for years.
How to change your name on Call of Duty?
- Via website: Go to https://www.activision.com → Log in → Profile → Update your Activision ID.
- In-game: Settings → Account → Display Name.
- Note: There is a mandatory cooldown period between name changes, choose wisely.
⚔️ Game Modes
What are the main game modes?
Core multiplayer modes: Team Deathmatch (6v6, most kills wins), Search & Destroy (plant/defuse bomb, no respawns), Domination (hold 3 flags), Hardpoint (rotating objective), Kill Confirmed (collect enemy dog tags), Gunfight (2v2 fast-paced). Beyond that: Warzone (free battle royale) and Zombies (co-op horde survival).
What is Call of Duty: Warzone?
Warzone is Call of Duty’s free-to-play battle royale mode, launched in March 2020. Up to 150 players drop onto a large map, loot for weapons and armour, and fight until only one team remains. It’s available as a standalone free download and integrates with mainline CoD titles for shared progression.
What is Zombies mode?
Introduced by Treyarch in World at War (2008), Zombies is a co-op survival mode for 1–4 players. You fight off increasingly difficult waves of undead, earning points to unlock areas, buy weapons, and activate power-ups. It features an overarching story universe told through Easter egg quests and has grown a massive dedicated fanbase over the years.
How does ranked / competitive play work?
Recent titles feature a Ranked Play mode with an SR (Skill Rating) system. Wins earn SR; losses cost SR. Players are placed into tiers: Bronze → Silver → Gold → Platinum → Diamond → Crimson → Iridescent. Top Iridescent players appear on global leaderboards. Ranked uses competitive rule sets (no kill-streaks, specific modes).
🏢 Dev Studios
Which studios make Call of Duty?
- Infinity Ward: The original creators. Lead developer for all Modern Warfare titles, including the rumoured MW4 in 2026.
- Treyarch : Lead developer for all Black Ops titles (BO1–BO7). Creators of the Zombies mode.
- Sledgehammer Games : Led Advanced Warfare, WWII, Vanguard, and MW3 (2023).
- Raven Software : Co-developer on all recent Treyarch titles and primary overseer of Warzone.
Supporting studios include Beenox, High Moon Studios, Demonware, and Activision Shanghai.
⚙️ Features & Systems
What are CoD Points (CP)?
CoD Points are the in-game premium currency for purchasing Battle Passes, operator skins, weapon blueprints, and other cosmetic bundles. They are bought with real money. All cosmetic purchases are optional and never affect gameplay performance.
What is the Battle Pass?
The Battle Pass is a seasonal content system. Buying it and playing regularly unlocks rewards across ~100 tiers operator skins, weapon blueprints, calling cards, emblems, and more. A free track offers limited rewards; the paid pass (~1000–1100 CoD Points) unlocks the full tier list.
What is Prestige in Call of Duty?
Prestige is a progression reset system. Once you reach the maximum player level, you can “Prestige” resetting your rank but retaining unlocked items and earning a special Prestige icon. Black Ops 6 features up to 10 Prestige levels with additional rewards at each milestone. It’s a badge of honour for dedicated players.
Franchise Timeline
| Year | Title | What made it significant |
|---|---|---|
2003 | Call of DutyInfinity Ward | Infinity Ward launches the franchise as a WWII PC shooter, directly rivalling Medal of Honor. Sets the template for cinematic military shooters. |
| 2007 | Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare Genre-definingInfinity Ward | Redefines the FPS genre entirely. Killstreaks, perks, create-a-class, and the Prestige system become industry standards worldwide. Still considered the franchise peak by many. |
| 2008 | World at War Zombies bornTreyarch | Treyarch introduces Zombies mode — a co-op survival experience that spawns its own universe, lore, and dedicated fanbase spanning 17+ years. |
| 2009 | Modern Warfare 2 Best-sellingInfinity Ward | One of the best-selling games in history at the time of release. “No Russian” becomes gaming’s most controversial single level, sparking global debate. |
| 2012 | Black Ops IITreyarch | First CoD with branching storylines and meaningful player choices. Set in 2025 with a futuristic aesthetic. Still regarded as a franchise high point for campaign and multiplayer. |
| 2019 | Modern Warfare (Reboot)Infinity Ward | Infinity Ward reinvents the franchise visually and mechanically. The MW reboot trilogy restores CoD’s critical credibility after a string of divisive entries. |
| 2020 | Warzone Free to playRaven Software | CoD enters battle royale and transforms into a live-service platform. Reaches 100M+ players and becomes one of the most-played games globally within months of launch. |
| 2023 | Microsoft Acquires Activision $69B dealMicrosoft | The $69 billion acquisition closes after an 18-month regulatory battle. CoD becomes a Microsoft property. PlayStation commitment locked in for 10 years via binding agreement. |
| 2024 | Black Ops 6 Biggest launch everTreyarch · Raven | Biggest CoD launch in franchise history and the best-selling game of 2024 globally. A 1990s Gulf War spy thriller introducing Omnimovement — the most significant mobility overhaul in series history. |
| 2025 | Black Ops 7Treyarch · Raven | Released November 14. Strong multiplayer and the largest Zombies map ever created, though criticised for heavy use of AI-assisted content generation in the campaign. |
| 2026 | Modern Warfare 4 RumouredInfinity Ward | Leaked October 2026 release. Set on the Korean peninsula with North and South Korea central to the storyline. Official announcement expected at Microsoft’s June 2026 showcase. |
Final Verdict
Call of Duty is still one of the biggest and most popular FPS games in 2026. It offers multiple game modes, regular updates, and a massive player base that keeps the experience active and engaging. It is not perfect. Features like SBMM and in game purchases can be frustrating for some players. Even so, the gameplay remains smooth, fast, and easy to pick up for both new and experienced players.
If you want a reliable shooter with plenty of content and an active community, Call of Duty is still worth playing. Warzone being free also makes it easy to get started.
