How to Play Call of Duty on PS5 in the Right Order?
So you just snagged a PS5, and you’re ready to jump into Call of Duty. Smart move. But here’s the thing – with over a dozen games spanning multiple timelines, figuring out where to start can feel like trying to defuse a bomb with no training. And honestly? The franchise doesn’t make it easy. Look, I’ve been there. Staring at my library of games from the series Call of Duty on PS5, wondering if I should start with World War II or jump straight into the modern stuff. The truth is, there’s no single “correct” way to experience these games. But there are definitely some approaches that’ll make way more sense than others.
Let me, as part of ManillaGames team, walk you through this.
Why Playing Order for Call of Duty on PS5 Actually Matters?
Here’s something most people don’t think about – Call of Duty isn’t just one continuous story. It’s more like three or four different universes smashed together. You’ve got the original timeline, the Black Ops universe, the Modern Warfare reboot, and then some standalone stuff that exists in its own bubble.
Playing them randomly? You’ll survive. But you’ll miss out on callbacks, character development, and those “oh damn” moments when you finally understand what that throwaway line from three games ago actually meant.
The campaigns are short – usually around 5-7 hours each. So if you’re committed, you could reasonably work through the entire available catalog in a few months. And trust me, it’s worth it.
The Chronological Approach for History Buffs
Want to experience the timeline as it actually happened? This method takes you from World War II through modern conflicts and into potential futures. It’s not how the games are released, but it follows historical events.
Timeline Breakdown
| Game Title | Time Period | Key Conflicts |
|---|---|---|
| Call of Duty: WWII | 1944-1945 | European Theater, D-Day |
| Black Ops Cold War | 1981-1984 | Cold War tensions, Reagan era |
| Modern Warfare (2019) | 2019 | Urzikstan conflict |
| Modern Warfare II (2022) | 2022 | Las Almas cartel war |
| Modern Warfare III (2023) | 2023 | Makarov’s return |
Here’s the catch – playing chronologically means jumping between completely different gameplay styles. WWII feels slower and more grounded. Then you hit Cold War, and suddenly you’re dealing with espionage and psychological warfare. The Modern Warfare reboot trilogy? That’s peak military thriller territory.
It’s jarring. But it’s also kind of amazing to see how warfare evolved through the decades, both in real history and in how the games portray it.
The Release Order Method (My Personal Favorite)
This is how most longtime shooter fans experienced the series. You follow the games as they come out, which means you also follow the evolution of the franchise itself. The graphics get better. The mechanics improve. The stories get more ambitious.
For PS5 specifically, you’ve got access to these titles:
- Call of Duty: WWII.
- Black Ops Cold War.
- Modern Warfare (2019 reboot).
- Modern Warfare II (2022).
- Modern Warfare III (2023).
- Vanguard (if you can find it, though honestly, you can skip this one).
Starting with WWII makes sense because it sets a baseline. It’s Sledgehammer Games doing their take on the franchise’s roots. Then Cold War brings you into Treyarch’s world – and man, their campaigns have always hit different. More experimental. Weirder. Better, in my opinion.
The Modern Warfare trilogy should be played in order (2019, II, then III) because it’s one continuous story. Skipping around here would be like watching The Dark Knight without seeing Batman Begins. You’ll be lost.
Call of Duty on PS5: The Modern Warfare Reboot Timeline
Since this is probably where most new players will spend their time, let’s get specific.
Modern Warfare (2019): Where It All Begins Again
This reboot changed everything. Infinity Ward basically said, “forget what you knew” and started fresh. Captain Price is back, but this isn’t your 2007 Price. This is a grittier, more morally complex version of the character.
The campaign tackles some heavy stuff. Chemical weapons. Terrorism. War crimes. It doesn’t pull punches, and some missions will genuinely make you uncomfortable. That’s kind of the point.
Gameplay-wise? It’s phenomenal. The gunplay feels weighty and realistic. Night vision missions are tense as hell. And that Clean House mission? Still one of the best in the entire franchise.
You need to start here if you’re touching the reboot trilogy. No exceptions.
Modern Warfare II (2022): Raising the Stakes
A year later in-universe, Task Force 141 is dealing with a new threat. The Las Almas cartel has gotten their hands on some serious hardware, and things spiral out from there.
This one leans harder into the action movie vibes. There’s a mission where you’re riding motorcycles through narrow alleys while getting shot at. Another where you’re literally climbing the outside of a skyscraper. It’s absurd in the best way.
Character development gets deeper here, too. Soap and Ghost’s relationship evolves. Price shows more vulnerability. Alejandro and Rodolfo bring fresh energy to the team dynamic.
But here’s what matters for story continuity – the ending sets up some major plot threads. Don’t skip this one.
Modern Warfare III (2023): Full Circle
Without spoiling too much, this wraps up storylines from both the previous games and pays homage to the original Modern Warfare trilogy. Long-time fans will catch references everywhere.
The campaign is shorter than the previous two, which disappointed some people. But it’s also more focused. Every mission feels purposeful. And the emotional beats hit hard if you’ve been following these characters.
Plus, the multiplayer integration with Warzone makes this feel like a genuine platform rather than just another annual release.
Call of Duty on PS5: The Black Ops Universe (Spy Thrillers)
Call of Duty PS5 owners have access to Black Ops Cold War, which sits in a weird spot. It’s technically a sequel to the original Black Ops, but it’s also designed to be accessible to newcomers.
The campaign shifts between multiple time periods and perspectives. One mission, you’re in Vietnam. The next time you’re infiltrating the KGB. Then you’re dealing with Cold War paranoia in Reagan’s America.
Treyarch loves messing with player expectations, and Cold War does this constantly. There are dialogue choices that actually matter. Multiple endings. Side missions that change the story.
Black Ops Cold War Highlights:
- Branching narrative with player choice.
- Psychological thriller elements.
- 1980s period setting..
- Ties to previous Black Ops games (but not required knowledge).
- Zombies mode that’s actually incredible.
If you’re only playing one Black Ops game on PS5, make it this one. Just know that you’re missing context from Black Ops 1, 2, and 4 – none of which are available on PS5 without streaming through older consoles or services.
What About Vanguard?
Okay, so… Vanguard exists. It’s set during World War II and focuses on the formation of special forces. The campaign introduces multiple playable characters across different theaters of war.
Here’s my honest take – it’s fine. Not bad, not great, just fine. The problem is it came out between Cold War and Modern Warfare III, and it feels like a side quest nobody asked for.
If you’re a completionist, sure, give it a shot. The Pacific theater missions are actually pretty cool. But if you’re trying to experience the “essential” Call of Duty PS5 games? You can safely skip this without missing much.
Multiplayer Considerations (Because Let’s Be Real)
Most people aren’t buying Call of Duty for the campaigns. Multiplayer is where hundreds of hours disappear. Here’s the current state of Call of Duty on PS5.
| Game | Population Status | Worth Playing? |
|---|---|---|
| Modern Warfare III | Very High | Absolutely |
| Modern Warfare II | High | Still going strong |
| Cold War | Medium | Finding matches takes longer |
| WWII | Low | Hardcore fans only |
| Vanguard | Very Low | Mostly dead |
Modern Warfare III is currently the main hub for multiplayer shooter gamers. It integrates with Warzone, which means a massive player pool. You’ll find matches instantly across all modes.
Modern Warfare II still has a dedicated community. The maps are different enough from III that some people prefer it. I bounce between both depending on my mood.
Cold War multiplayer has slowed down significantly, but you can still find Team Deathmatch and Domination games. Anything more niche? You’ll be waiting.
Starting Fresh: My Recommended Path
If I’m being completely honest about the best way to experience Call of Duty on PS5, here’s what I’d tell a friend:
- Start with Modern Warfare (2019) – Get familiar with current-gen mechanics and start the reboot story
- Move to Modern Warfare II – Continue the narrative while it’s fresh
- Finish with Modern Warfare III – Complete the trilogy
- Then try Black Ops Cold War – Experience Treyarch’s different approach
- WWII if you want more – Go back to where it all started, franchise-wise
This gives you the complete reboot story arc, then branches out into different flavors. You’ll also be playing the most active multiplayer games first, which means more people to play with.
The Warzone Factor
Can’t talk about modern Call of Duty without mentioning Warzone. It’s free, it’s massive, and it ties into the main games.
Warzone 2.0 is integrated with Modern Warfare II. Now we’re on a newer version that connects with Modern Warfare III. Playing the campaigns actually enhances your Warzone experience because you understand the maps, recognize characters, and catch story references.
Plus, if you own the full games, you unlock additional operators and weapons in Warzone. It’s all connected now.
Think of Warzone as the connective tissue between annual releases. It keeps the player base engaged year-round and makes each new game feel like an expansion rather than a reset.
Technical Considerations About Call of Duty on PS5
The PS5 versions of these games are genuinely impressive. Fast loading times thanks to the SSD. Haptic feedback in the DualSense controller lets you feel different weapon types. 3D audio that helps you pinpoint enemy positions.
Storage Management Tips:
- Each game is 100-150GB.
- Delete campaign packs after completion to save space.
- Modern Warfare III shares assets with Warzone, saving some room.
- External SSD works for PS4 versions, but PS5 versions need internal storage.
You probably can’t keep everything installed at once unless you upgrade your internal storage. I usually keep the current game plus one older title for variety.
Frame rates are buttery smooth – 60fps in campaign, up to 120fps in multiplayer if your TV supports it. The visual upgrade from PS4 is substantial, especially in the Modern Warfare games.
Why Story Still Matters (Even in Call of Duty)?
I know some people buy these games purely for multiplayer and never touch the campaigns. That’s fine – no judgment here. But you’re missing out.
These campaigns are short enough to finish in a weekend, and they’re often incredibly well-crafted. The Modern Warfare reboot trilogy has some genuinely great storytelling. Black Ops Cold War plays with narrative structure in interesting ways. Even WWII has its moments.
And honestly? After spending dozens of hours in competitive multiplayer getting absolutely destroyed by 14-year-olds with inhuman reflexes, it’s nice to play through a campaign where you can be the badass for a few hours.
The campaigns also serve as great training grounds. You learn maps, test weapons, and get comfortable with mechanics before jumping into the chaos of online play.
Accessibility and Modern Features
One thing that doesn’t get talked about enough – these newer Call of Duty games have incredible accessibility options. Colorblind modes. Customizable subtitles. Audio descriptions. Control remapping that goes way beyond basic settings.
If you have any accessibility needs, spend time in the settings before starting. The options are extensive, and they genuinely improve the experience for everyone, not just people who specifically need them.
The Modern Warfare games also include a combat pacing filter in multiplayer that lets you choose between tactical (slower) and blitz (chaos) modes. Game-changer for finding the experience you actually want.
FAQ
Can I play older Call of Duty games on PS5?
Not natively. PS5 doesn’t have backward compatibility with PS3 games, so classics like Modern Warfare 2 (original) or Black Ops 1 aren’t accessible unless you use PlayStation Plus Premium streaming. The PS4 versions of games like WWII work through backward compatibility, though.
Do I need PlayStation Plus to play?
For multiplayer, yes. Campaigns work offline without a subscription. Warzone is free-to-play and doesn’t require Plus, which is pretty great, actually.
Which Call of Duty has the best campaign on PS5?
Modern Warfare (2019) gets my vote. It’s intense, well-paced, and sets up the reboot trilogy perfectly. Black Ops Cold War is a close second if you prefer spy thriller vibes over military action.
Should I play campaigns before multiplayer?
Not required, but recommended. Campaigns teach you mechanics, let you test weapons, and give context for maps and characters you’ll see in multiplayer. Also, they’re fun.
How long does each campaign take?
Most run 5-7 hours. Modern Warfare III is shorter at around 4 hours. You could reasonably finish one in a weekend gaming session.
Is Vanguard worth playing?
If you love World War II settings and want more content, sure. But it’s not essential. The multiplayer is mostly dead, and the campaign is the weakest of the current-gen offerings.
Can I jump straight into Modern Warfare III?
You can, but you’ll miss important story beats. The game assumes you know who these characters are and what happened in the previous two games. Start with Modern Warfare (2019) instead.
Wrapping This Up
Playing Call of Duty on PS5 gives you access to some of the best entries in the franchise. Whether you go chronological, follow release order, or just cherry-pick the campaigns that sound interesting, you’re in for a solid time.
My advice? Start with the Modern Warfare reboot trilogy. Experience that story from beginning to end. Then branch out to Black Ops Cold War for something different. If you’re still hungry for more, circle back to WWII.
And remember – there’s no wrong way to do this. These are games, not homework. Play what sounds fun, skip what doesn’t, and don’t let anyone tell you you’re doing it wrong.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a date with Shipment 24/7. Those camo challenges aren’t going to complete themselves. By the way, support the ManillaGames team by sharing this post online. Make sure to send a message directly if you seek collaboration.