Call of Duty is one of the most iconic gaming franchises in history, celebrated for its fast-paced first-person shooter action, immersive campaigns, and thriving multiplayer communities. However, not every title in this legendary series has been a triumph. Some games have stumbled, earning lower scores from critics and disappointing fans. In this article, we explore the 10 worst-rated Call of Duty games based on Metacritic scores, uncovering why they didn’t live up to the franchise’s high standards. Whether you’re curious about the series’ missteps or searching for the lowest-rated Call of Duty games, this list has you covered.
Using Metacritic—a trusted aggregator of critic reviews—we’ve ranked the franchise’s weakest mainline entries, from the lowest score to the highest among the bottom tier. These scores reflect critical reception at launch and shed light on the challenges developers faced. From uninspired campaigns to technical hiccups, each game here has a story of what went wrong. Let’s dive in.
The List: 10 Worst-Rated Call of Duty Games
Below are the 10 Call of Duty games with the lowest Metacritic scores, ordered from worst to best within this group. This list focuses on mainline console and PC releases, excluding spin-offs and free-to-play titles like Call of Duty: Warzone, which are judged by different standards.
| Rank | Game | Year | Metascore |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III | 2023 | 56 |
| 2 | Call of Duty: Vanguard | 2021 | 73 |
| 3 | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II | 2022 | 75 |
| 4 | Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War | 2020 | 76 |
| 5 | Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare | 2016 | 77 |
| 6 | Call of Duty: Ghosts | 2013 | 78 |
| 7 | Call of Duty: WWII | 2017 | 79 |
| 8 | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare | 2019 | 80 |
| 9 | Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare | 2014 | 81 |
| 10 | Call of Duty: Black Ops III | 2015 | 81 |
1. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023) – Metascore: 56
- Why it fell short: Modern Warfare III holds the dubious honor of being the worst-rated Call of Duty game on Metacritic. Critics slammed it for feeling like an overpriced expansion rather than a standalone title. Its campaign was short and uninspired, relying heavily on recycled content, while the multiplayer, though decent, couldn’t redeem it. This game’s low score reflects a failure to innovate in a series known for pushing boundaries.
2. Call of Duty: Vanguard (2021) – Metascore: 73
- Why it fell short: Returning to World War II, Vanguard promised a fresh take but delivered a lackluster campaign that felt stale. Critics found its multiplayer competent but unremarkable, and the Zombies mode was panned for repetitive gameplay. For a franchise built on excitement, Vanguard struggled to stand out.
3. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022) – Metascore: 75
- Why it fell short: Following the success of 2019’s Modern Warfare, this sequel disappointed with a shorter, less engaging campaign and persistent technical issues at launch. While its multiplayer was polished, critics felt it lacked the innovation needed to justify its place in the series.
4. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020) – Metascore: 76
- Why it fell short: Set in the Cold War era, this installment earned praise for its multiplayer but stumbled with a disjointed campaign and launch-day glitches. Critics noted a lack of polish that held it back from greatness, making it one of the lower-rated Call of Duty games.
5. Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (2016) – Metascore: 77
- Why it fell short: Infinite Warfare ventured into space, a bold shift that didn’t resonate with all fans. Its ambitious campaign was overshadowed by a backlash against its futuristic setting, and the multiplayer, while solid, couldn’t win over critics or players who preferred classic Call of Duty gameplay.
6. Call of Duty: Ghosts (2013) – Metascore: 78
- Why it fell short: Ghosts introduced new ideas—like the canine companion Riley—but its forgettable campaign and uninspired multiplayer left critics cold. It’s often cited as a low point for failing to capitalize on the series’ momentum.
7. Call of Duty: WWII (2017) – Metascore: 79
- Why it fell short: A return to the franchise’s World War II roots, WWII delivered a strong campaign but faltered with multiplayer maps and modes that felt too familiar. Critics appreciated the effort but found it lacking the spark to reinvigorate the series.
8. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019) – Metascore: 80
- Why it fell short: This reboot of the Modern Warfare saga was generally well-liked, but its score lands it among the lower-rated entries. Critics took issue with controversial campaign choices and a multiplayer mode that, while robust, didn’t break new ground.
9. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (2014) – Metascore: 81
- Why it fell short: Featuring exosuits and a futuristic twist, Advanced Warfare divided fans. Its campaign, boosted by Kevin Spacey’s performance, was ambitious but forgettable, and the new mechanics didn’t fully win over critics or players.
10. Call of Duty: Black Ops III (2015) – Metascore: 81
- Why it fell short: Black Ops III excelled in multiplayer and Zombies mode but tripped over a convoluted sci-fi campaign. Its focus on cooperative play and complex narrative didn’t click with everyone, earning it a spot on this list.
Trends and Patterns: Why These Games Ranked Low
Examining the worst Call of Duty games reveals common pitfalls:
- Lack of Innovation: Titles like Vanguard and Ghosts played it safe, recycling ideas instead of pushing the franchise forward. In a series with such a rich history, repetition breeds disappointment.
- Technical Flaws: Games like Modern Warfare II and Black Ops Cold War launched with bugs and performance issues, tarnishing their reception in an era where polish is non-negotiable.
- Fan Backlash: Futuristic shifts in Infinite Warfare and Advanced Warfare alienated players who craved the series’ traditional military roots.
- High Expectations: Recent entries like Modern Warfare III faced immense pressure to top previous successes, and even decent efforts fell short of the hype.
How We Compiled This List: Methodology and Sources
To create this ranking of the lowest-rated Call of Duty games, we relied on Metacritic scores, which aggregate critic reviews into a score out of 100. Our process included:
- Gathering data on all mainline Call of Duty titles for consoles and PCs.
- Sourcing Metascores from Metacritic.
- Focusing on major releases and excluding spin-offs or free-to-play games like Warzone.
- Verifying data to ensure accuracy, prioritizing consistency across platforms where possible.
For more details, check out these official Metacritic pages:
Conclusion: What’s Next for Call of Duty?
Even the worst Call of Duty games have played a role in shaping the franchise’s legacy. Their shortcomings—whether in innovation, execution, or fan reception—offer lessons for developers and insight for fans. As Call of Duty continues to evolve, balancing bold new ideas with the core elements that made it a titan of gaming will be crucial.
From Modern Warfare III’s record-low score to Black Ops III’s mixed reception, these titles remind us that even giants stumble. Yet, they also highlight the resilience of a series that remains a cornerstone of the industry. What do you think the future holds for Call of Duty? Let us know in the comments!
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