Summary
- Black Ops 3: standout multiplayer with fluid movement and the franchise's richest Zombies content.
- Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone: evolving, polished multiplayer with great gunplay; Warzone stays free and integrated.
- Call of Duty: Mobile is a must-try free on-the-go COD; Black Ops 7 promises huge content and Game Pass availability.
Call of Duty is arguably one of the longest-running first-person shooter franchises of all time, spanning twenty-two years since its first release. With the series receiving annual entries, Call of Duty has taken players everywhere from the historical battlefields of World War II to the distant future filled with sci-fi technology and advanced weaponry.
While most players tend to stick with the current Call of Duty title before moving on to the next one at release, the franchise has delivered its fair share of standout games that have stood the test of time. For those wondering what Call of Duty game they should play right now in 2025, here are the entries that are still worth playing today.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 3
Boasts Excellent Multiplayer & The Peak of Zombies Content
Call of Duty: Black Ops III
- Released
- November 6, 2015
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Treyarch
- Publisher(s)
- Activision
- Franchise
- Call of Duty
- Genre(s)
- FPS
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Serving as the first entry, and as no surprise to anyone, is Call of Duty: Black Ops 3, currently the Call of Duty game with the highest unit sales. It's easy to see why Black Ops 3 is so beloved. The Multiplayer is excellent, featuring fluid, advanced movement that's not as chaotic as Advanced Warfare, blending in wall-running and thrusters for players to make use of. The maps are also iconic, and with the introduction of Specialist Abilities and Weapons, each match feels action-packed and rewarding.
But that's not all, as Zombie lovers will surely enjoy Black Ops 3's Zombies, often regarded as the best rendition of the co-op mode in the franchise. With iconic maps like Shadows of Evil and Der Eisendrache, along with the ability to play a bunch of remastered maps with Zombie Chronicles, the sheer amount of Zombies content may be the largest seen in any Call of Duty. That is without factoring in Custom Zombies over on Steam. While players will need to purchase additional DLCs to play post-launch Multiplayer and Zombies maps, Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 may still be the best Call of Duty to revisit in 2025.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023)
A Great Call of Duty For Multiplayer Players
Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare III
- Released
- November 10, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Use of Drugs
- Developer(s)
- Sledgehammer Games
- Franchise
- Call of Duty, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
- Genre(s)
- First-Person Shooter
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5
- OpenCritic Rating
- Weak
- Free with Xbox Game Pass Standard & PC
Next up is the recent Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023), a game that was the subject of controversy during its initial launch back in 2023. Modern Warfare 3 is a mixed bag for many, boasting one of the worst campaigns of all time paired with an extraction-based Zombies mode that, while having its own niche fanbase, failed to garner the interest of long-time Zombie fans and DMZ players alike. However, one of the game's most redeeming qualities is the sole reason why fans are still jumping in two years later.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3's Multiplayer may have launched with very little original content back in the early days of its lifecycle, but the mode only got exponentially better with each passing update. With excellent gunplay and movement that improved on Modern Warfare 2's sluggish feel, a bunch of unique weapons and endless Aftermarket Parts, paired with iconic maps from Modern Warfare 2, it is easy to see why Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2023) still has heaps of players populating its lobbies well after the release of Black Ops 6. Best of all, it is free with the Standard Tier of Xbox Game Pass.
Call of Duty: Warzone
Featuring nostalgic Action on Verdansk & Rebirth Island
Call of Duty: Warzone
- Released
- March 10, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Infinity Ward, Raven Software
- Franchise
- Call of Duty
- Genre(s)
- First-Person Shooter, Battle Royale
- Platform(s)
- Xbox One, PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Call of Duty: Warzone has come a long way since its initial launch back in 2020, from numerous integrations with the mainline premium titles to a relaunch in 2022. From impressive highs to noticeable lows, Call of Duty's own Battle Royale game has stood the test of time, even if morale surrounding the game is not always the best. It is easy to see why players keep coming back to Warzone, however. It is free-to-play, long-running, and integrates with every mainline title, making progression between the two seamless.
While the glory days of Warzone may be long overdue, those jumping into the game in 2025 can engage in large-scale Battle Royale action on Verdansk, and try their luck in Resurgence on Rebirth Island. In terms of upcoming content to look forward to that will close off 2025, The Haunting update is on its way, followed by a potential additional Resurgence map during the Black Ops 7 and Warzone integration in December. This will give players something new to try out before heading into the new year.
Call of Duty: Mobile
Call of Duty Action That Can Be Played on The Go
Call of Duty Mobile
- Released
- October 1, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- TiMi Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Activision
- Franchise
- Call of Duty
- Genre(s)
- FPS
One of the biggest reasons some players skip an annual Call of Duty release is the premium price. But what if you could play a version that mashes together elements from across the franchise, for free, right on your phone? That’s essentially what Call of Duty: Mobile is: a free-to-play title that pulls from multiple Call of Duty games into one streamlined experience.
Call of Duty: Mobile is a blast for anyone who enjoys mobile FPS games. Gameplay-wise, it feels a lot like Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, featuring weapons from across the series, a roster of classic and new maps for Multiplayer, plus both a Battle Royale and Zombies mode. With frequent updates and events still rolling out, Call of Duty: Mobile remains a must-try in 2025.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)
One of the Highest-Rated Modern Call of Duty Games
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
- Released
- October 25, 2019
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Infinity Ward
- Franchise
- Call of Duty
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
- Genre(s)
- FPS
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) dropped at arguably the perfect time, following a string of back-to-back futuristic Call of Duty games and one set in World War II. It brought players back to the modern era with gritty action while leaning more into the tactical and realistic side of modern shooters, and fans loved it.
Modern Warfare (2019) may be the most well-praised Call of Duty title of the modern era, featuring fast-paced Multiplayer, unique weapons, and a striking art style. While it also introduced some of the franchise’s most divisive mechanics, like Tactical Sprint and doors, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) remains popular and well worth trying today.
Call of Duty: WWII
Great World War II Shooter With Players Still Jumping In
Call of Duty: WWII
- Released
- August 25, 2017
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Sledgehammer Games, Raven Software
- Publisher(s)
- Activision
- Franchise
- Call of Duty
- Genre(s)
- First-Person Shooter
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
- Free with Game Pass Ultimate & PC
Call of Duty: WWII is another entry that dropped at the perfect time, releasing just one year after Infinite Warfare, one of the franchise’s most divisive titles. Developed by Sledgehammer Games, it isn’t the studio’s only attempt at a World War II shooter, but it’s the only one of the two that still feels worth playing in 2025.
With Call of Duty: WWII being free on Xbox Game Pass, it’s much easier to find stable Multiplayer lobbies, but that’s far from the only reason to dive in. The gameplay feels authentic, featuring a lineup of iconic weapons, creatively designed Killstreaks, and maps that genuinely resemble warzones. Add in a social player hub called the Headquarters, along with a creepier spin on Zombies, and Call of Duty: WWII stands out as one of the unique entries on this list, one that players should absolutely jump into in 2025.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
Features Fast Action Multiplayer & Expansive Zombies
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
- Released
- November 13, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
- Developer(s)
- Raven Software, Treyarch
- Franchise
- Call of Duty
- Genre(s)
- First-Person Shooter
- Platform(s)
- PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
Up next is Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, one of the more highly rated modern Call of Duty games. Released right after Modern Warfare 2019, it uses the same engine, but the difference in gameplay is clear. When it comes to Multiplayer, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is solid, with its own style and flair that make it beloved by players who still jump in today.
The gunplay is sharp, the maps are both stunning and well-designed, and the roster of 80s-era weaponry gives it a distinct identity. Add to that the complete absence of tactical sprint, a mechanic many players dislike in newer titles, and the result is smoother movement overall. On top of that, Black Ops Cold War delivers both classic round-based Zombies and the open-world Outbreak mode, with all content accessible without the need for additional DLCs.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Controversial Call of Duty Title With Smooth Multiplayer & Zombies
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
- Released
- October 25, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ // Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Suggestive Themes, Strong Language, Use of Drugs
- Developer(s)
- Treyarch, Raven Software
- Franchise
- Call of Duty
- Genre(s)
- FPS
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
- Free with Game Pass Ultimate & PC
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is far from the most beloved entry in the franchise, and it has been surrounded by controversy for quite some time. From the inclusion of cartoon-style characters that clash with the game’s tone to the heavy push toward microtransactions in nearly every area, including free-to-play events and mini-Battle Pass-style event passes, the criticisms are definitely plenty. That said, when it comes to core gameplay, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is solid.
The game’s standout feature is its omnimovement system, which, once mastered, greatly enhances the Call of Duty experience. The maps are a mixed bag, with some not being particularly great, while others work quite well. However, competing in core playlists can still be fun. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 also offers a strong round-based Zombies mode, which many consider a step up from Cold War, featuring maps that some players already consider iconic, such as Citadelle Des Morts and Shattered Veil. All in all, whether you are into Multiplayer or Zombies, there is plenty to enjoy for players able to look past the over-the-top skins and aggressive microtransactions.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
2025's Upcoming Sequel to Black Ops 2
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
- Released
- November 14, 2025
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs
- Developer(s)
- Treyarch, Raven Software
- Franchise
- Call of Duty, Call of Duty: Black Ops
- Platform(s)
- PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- Free with Game Pass Ultimate & PC
While not technically a Call of Duty title that players can jump into just yet, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is set to be 2025's installment in the franchise, launching officially on November 14. It is not easy to judge how good the game will be based only on marketing, trailers, and gameplay reveals, but Treyarch is making clear efforts to make Black Ops 7 one of the best Call of Duty titles to date. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 takes players into the near future and may end up being one of the most content-heavy launches in the series.
The game will feature a co-op Campaign alongside a 32-player PvE extraction-based mode called Endgame, Multiplayer with enhanced movement mechanics such as wall jumping, 16 core 6v6 maps, a 20v20 Skirmish mode, 30 weapons available at launch, and a round-based Zombies mode set on Ashes of the Damned, the largest map to date. A Multiplayer Beta is also scheduled, running from October 2 to October 8. To top it off, Black Ops 7 will be included with Game Pass Ultimate and PC, allowing subscribers to play at no additional cost.