Top 10 Best-Selling Call Of Duty Games

The Call of Duty franchise has been a cornerstone of the gaming community since its launch in 2003. With over 400 million games sold by 2021, its appeal is undeniable. Representing diverse timelines and settings, each game in the series brings unique elements to the table. Let’s dive into the 10 best-selling Call of Duty games that have left an indelible mark on the gaming world.

Call of Duty 3: A Precursor to Greatness

Released as the third installment in the series, Call of Duty 3 marked a turning point for the franchise. Developed by Treyarch and published by Activision, this game sold over 7 million copies. Being a launch title on the PS3, it featured graphics that were considered advanced for its time.

Call of Duty 3 provided players with a rich single-player experience. The campaign allowed players to see the war from multiple perspectives: American, British, Canadian, and Polish soldiers on the Western front of World War II. This multi-faceted approach laid the groundwork for future Call of Duty titles, which would continue expanding the narrative horizons.

Modern Warfare 2 (2022): A Record-Breaking Launch

The 2022 release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 shattered records right out of the gate. Becoming the fastest-selling title in the series, it amassed over $1 billion in revenue within the first week. Specific sales numbers remain elusive, but it’s confirmed that over 8 million copies were sold in the initial week alone.

The game’s success can be attributed to its fresh approach to the modern warfare setting, blending classic elements with new twists. The excitement surrounding its release exemplifies the enduring appeal of the Modern Warfare sub-series.

Infinite Warfare: From Outer Space to Our Hearts

Despite initial resistance from fans, Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare sold over 12 million copies. Set in outer space, it introduces players to the character of Lieutenant Nick Reyes, tasked with defending the Solar System from the hostile Settlement Defense Front (SDF).

Infinite Warfare also gained traction through its compelling Zombies mode, which won accolades for its engaging gameplay. The initial skepticism was quickly overshadowed by its compelling story and rich content.

World at War: Reintroducing World War II

Call of Duty: World at War, released in 2008, sold over 17 million copies and brought players back to the harrowing battles of World War II, focusing on the Pacific and Eastern fronts. Utilizing the Modern Warfare game engine, it offered gritty, realistic depictions of combat.

This title served as a springboard for the Black Ops series and introduced the iconic Zombies mode, which has since become a staple feature of the franchise. With its realistic combat and engaging gameplay, World at War left a lasting impact.

WWII: Revisiting Historic Battles

Released on November 3, 2017, Call of Duty: WWII sold over 19 million copies. It returned to the franchise's roots, concentrating on World War II. The game featured a robust campaign mode, multiplayer, and a Nazi Zombies mode with an intricate plot.

The setting and gameplay resonated well with fans, becoming a penultimate homage to the original titles that set the foundation for the series. The addition of new story elements and game modes kept the experience fresh and engaging.

Advanced Warfare: Accelerating to the Future

Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, launched in 2014, managed to sell over 21 million copies. This title stood out for focusing on a future setting, introducing advanced technology and combat techniques.

The game featured a streamlined single-player campaign centered around one protagonist, giving players a more cohesive narrative. Its innovative mechanics and futuristic setting provided a fresh twist on the traditional Call of Duty gameplay.

Modern Warfare 2 (2009): Iconic and Timeless

The 2009 release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 sold over 25 million copies and remains one of the most beloved titles in the series. Revered for its compelling campaign and unforgettable characters, it set high standards for storytelling in first-person shooters.

Iconic multiplayer maps like Terminal and Rust, combined with a gripping single-player experience, solidified its place in gaming history. Fans continuously return to this classic, ensuring its legacy endures.

Black Ops 3: Cooperative Campaign Adventures

Call of Duty: Black Ops 3, released in 2015, sold over 26 million copies. One of its main attractions was the co-op campaign, allowing friends to tackle missions together for the first time.

Another innovative feature was the “Nightmares” mode, which replaced all campaign enemies with zombies. Engaging gameplay and new features helped maintain the momentum of the Black Ops series.

Ghosts: A New Direction

Released in 2013, Call of Duty: Ghosts sold 28 million copies. Following up on Black Ops 2, this game introduced new gameplay concepts, such as playing as a German Shepherd in the campaign.

Though it received mixed reviews for its campaign structure, its unique Extinction mode, which pitted players against alien creatures, garnered significant attention and boosted sales.

Black Ops: The Best of the Best

Topping the list is Call of Duty: Black Ops, with over 31 million copies sold. Released in 2010, this game followed the success of World at War and introduced fans to the now-iconic Nuketown multiplayer map.

The combination of a riveting campaign, multiplayer excellence, and the fan-favorite Zombies mode made Black Ops a defining moment for the franchise. Its success laid the foundation for one of the most beloved sub-series in Call of Duty history.