The Unveiling: Which Call of Duty Game Boasts the Briefest Campaign?
For many Call of Duty fans, the multiplayer is king. But for those who crave a cinematic, story-driven experience, the campaign is where it's at. However, with a franchise spanning over two decades and countless titles, a burning question often arises: Which Call of Duty game has the shortest campaign? If you're looking to blast through the story mode quickly, this article is for you.
While definitive, universally agreed-upon "shortest" can be a tad subjective due to varying playstyles and difficulty settings, we can point to games that consistently rank among the quickest to complete. Based on average playtime and critical consensus, one title often rises to the top of the shortest campaign list.
The Reigning Champion of Brevity: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009)
When it comes to sheer campaign length, the original Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) is frequently cited as having one of the most concise experiences in the entire franchise. While it delivered a memorable story with iconic moments like "No Russian," its playtime is surprisingly lean.
On average, players can expect to finish the campaign for Modern Warfare 2 (2009) in approximately 5 to 7 hours. This is significantly shorter than many other Call of Duty titles, which can easily stretch to 8-10 hours or even more for completionists.
Why So Short?
Several factors contribute to Modern Warfare 2 (2009)'s shorter campaign:
- Focused Narrative: While epic in scope, the narrative is tightly packed, moving from one explosive set-piece to another without excessive downtime.
- Mission Structure: The missions themselves, while varied and engaging, are generally not overly long or complex in their objectives, allowing for a faster pace.
- Iconic, Not Extensive: The game prioritizes impactful moments and memorable sequences over padding out the story with numerous filler missions.
Honorable Mentions: Other Quick CoD Campaigns
While Modern Warfare 2 (2009) often takes the crown, a few other Call of Duty campaigns are also known for their relatively short runtimes:
- Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019): This reboot also features a streamlined campaign that can often be completed in around 6 to 8 hours. It focuses on intense, grounded combat and a gripping narrative.
- Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War (2020): While offering some player choice and multiple endings, the core campaign of Black Ops Cold War can be finished in approximately 5 to 7 hours, putting it in contention with MW2 (2009).
- Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (2016): Despite being a sci-fi entry, its campaign is surprisingly brisk, often clocking in at around 6 to 8 hours. It's praised for its narrative quality, making the brevity feel well-utilized.
What About the Longest Campaigns?
For those curious about the flip side, games like Call of Duty: Black Ops III (2015), with its more complex narrative and interconnected missions, can easily push 9 to 12 hours or more to complete.
The Verdict: Quickest CoD Campaign Rundown
In summary, if you're looking for the Call of Duty game with the absolute shortest campaign to power through, the original Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (2009) is your prime candidate, typically finishing in the 5-7 hour range. However, Black Ops Cold War and Modern Warfare (2019) are also excellent choices if you're seeking a relatively brief but impactful story experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does it take to beat the campaign on the easiest difficulty?
On the easiest difficulty settings, you can often shave an hour or more off the average playtime for most Call of Duty campaigns. For titles like Modern Warfare 2 (2009), this could mean finishing in as little as 4-5 hours if you're purely focused on progressing through the story.
Why do some Call of Duty campaigns feel shorter than others?
Campaign length is influenced by several factors, including the number of missions, the length of individual missions, the complexity of objectives, and the pacing of the narrative. Developers often aim for a balance between delivering a compelling story and keeping players engaged without excessive padding. Shorter campaigns tend to be more focused and action-packed from start to finish.
Does playing on veteran difficulty make the campaign significantly longer?
Playing on higher difficulties like Veteran often makes missions take longer due to the increased challenge and the need for more restarts. While it doesn't necessarily add more content, the time spent overcoming difficult encounters can extend your overall playtime considerably, potentially adding several hours to your campaign completion.
