Call of Duty Modern Warfare Timeline – Complete Game Order

The Call of Duty: Modern Warfare series has defined the modern first person shooter genre for millions of players. However, with multiple timelines, remasters, and reboots, figuring out where to start can be confusing. The single most important thing to know is that there are two completely separate Modern Warfare timelines: the original trilogy that began in 2007, and the rebooted saga that started in 2019.

This guide will provide a clear roadmap to understanding all the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare games. We will walk you through the original trilogy, explain the new rebooted series, clarify where the remasters fit, and give you a definitive list of the games in chronological story order.

The Two Modern Warfare Timelines: Original vs. Reboot Explained

To enjoy the Modern Warfare saga, you must understand that it’s split into two distinct universes. They feature some of the same characters, like Captain Price and Soap MacTavish, but they are not connected.

• The Original Trilogy (2007-2011): This is the classic, self contained story that revolutionized online multiplayer and delivered a blockbuster campaign. It follows Task Force 141 in their fight against Russian ultranationalists.
• The Reboot Saga (2019-Present): This is a complete re-imagining of the series for a modern audience. It features a grittier, more realistic tone and a brand new story. It is not a prequel or a sequel to the original games.

Think of it like two different movie adaptations of the same book. With that clarified, let’s break down the games in each timeline.

The Original Modern Warfare Trilogy (2007-2011)

This is the series that cemented Call of Duty as a global phenomenon. The original trilogy is known for its fast paced action, ground breaking multiplayer, and memorable campaign missions.

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)

The game that started it all. Call of Duty 4 was a turning point for the FPS genre, moving away from the World War II setting that had dominated the market. Its gripping story, innovative multiplayer progression system, and iconic missions like “All Ghillied Up” made it a critical and commercial success.

Here’s a quick look at the minimum and recommended system requirements to run the game smoothly on your PC.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009)

Building on the foundation of its predecessor, Modern Warfare 2 amplified everything. The campaign was more explosive, the multiplayer introduced new perks and killstreaks, and the cooperative “Spec Ops” mode added hours of replayability. It remains a fan favorite for its sheer blockbuster spectacle.

Here’s a quick look at the minimum and recommended system requirements to run the game smoothly on your PC.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011)

The epic conclusion to the original saga, Modern Warfare 3 wrapped up the storyline in a globe trotting campaign that saw World War III erupt. It refined the multiplayer experience and provided a satisfying end to the dramatic conflict between Task Force 141 and the villainous Makarov.

Here’s a quick look at the minimum and recommended system requirements to run the game smoothly on your PC.

The Rebooted Modern Warfare Saga (2019-2025)

In 2019, developer Infinity Ward went back to the drawing board for a complete reboot. This new series offers a darker, more grounded take on modern combat and is not connected to the original story.

The first entry in the new timeline, Modern Warfare (2019) was praised for its stunning graphical fidelity, realistic sound design, and incredible gunplay. Its campaign was a more personal and morally complex story, and it laid the groundwork for the massively successful Call of Duty: Warzone.

Here’s a quick look at the minimum and recommended system requirements to run the game smoothly on your PC.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022)

The sequel to the 2019 reboot, Modern Warfare II, continued the new story, taking players on another global hunt for terrorists. It introduced new gameplay mechanics like swimming and expanded on the vehicle combat, further evolving the series’ gameplay.

Here’s a quick look at the minimum and recommended system requirements to run the game smoothly on your PC.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023)

The most recent entry, Modern Warfare III, directly follows the events of its predecessor. While it was noted for advancing the multiplayer experience, it received criticism from some players for having a shorter than expected campaign.

Here’s a quick look at the minimum and recommended system requirements to run the game smoothly on your PC.

What About the Modern Warfare Remasters?

To add another layer, two of the original games have been remastered with updated graphics, making them accessible to a new generation of players.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered (2016)

This is a full scale remaster of the original Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007). It features completely overhauled graphics and sound, bringing the classic game up to modern visual standards. It includes both the full campaign and multiplayer.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered (2020)

This release features a graphically enhanced version of the Modern Warfare 2 (2009) campaign only. Importantly, it does not include the original’s multiplayer or Spec Ops modes, which was a point of discussion among fans upon its release.

How to Play the Modern Warfare Games in Order?

If you want to experience the stories as they were meant to be told, here are the correct chronological orders for both timelines.

The Original Trilogy Story Order

1. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007) or Modern Warfare Remastered (2016)
2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) or Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered (2020)
3. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011)

The Reboot Saga Story Order

1. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)
2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022)
3. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023)

Which Modern Warfare Game is the Best?

“Best” is subjective, but the consensus often points to two titles for different reasons. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare is hailed as a revolutionary masterpiece, while Modern Warfare (2019) is praised as a spectacular return to form.

Comparison of Main Modern Warfare Titles

Frequently Asked Questions about the Modern Warfare Series

Do I need to play the original Modern Warfare games before the new ones?

No. The reboot saga (2019 onwards) is a completely separate story. You can jump right into Modern Warfare (2019) with no prior knowledge of the original trilogy.

Are the Modern Warfare stories connected to other Call of Duty games?

While some characters might have cameos in other Call of Duty titles like Black Ops, the Modern Warfare timelines (both original and reboot) are self contained stories.

What is the main difference between Modern Warfare 2 (2009) and Modern Warfare II (2022)?

They are completely different games. Modern Warfare 2 (2009) is the sequel to the original game. Modern Warfare II (2022) is the sequel to the 2019 reboot and features a different story, missions, and gameplay mechanics.

Is Call of Duty: Warzone part of the Modern Warfare story?

Call of Duty: Warzone was launched alongside Modern Warfare (2019) and its story and world are deeply integrated with the rebooted saga. It serves as a narrative bridge between the premium titles.

Conclusion

Now that you understand all the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare games, the choice is yours. If you want to experience the series that changed gaming forever with its cinematic campaigns and addictive multiplayer, start with the Original Trilogy. If you prefer a more modern, realistic, and graphically impressive experience, then the Reboot Saga is the perfect place to begin.