When Microsoft acquired Activision, many anticipated a swift integration of the sprawling Call of Duty back catalog onto Xbox Game Pass. However, a significant number of the franchise's most celebrated titles are still conspicuously absent from the subscription service, forcing players to purchase them individually. As the next installment, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, approaches its October 23rd release, several iconic entries remain unavailable on Game Pass.
Call of Duty: Black Ops
Released in 2010, Call of Duty: Black Ops redefined expectations following its predecessor. Its campaign delivered outrageous moments, including a fictional assassination attempt on Fidel Castro, and introduced memorable characters. Crucially, it also brought the beloved Nuketown map to the multiplayer landscape, making its absence from Game Pass a notable omission.
Call of Duty: World at War
Launched in 2008, Call of Duty: World at War revisited World War 2 settings. While its campaign was well-received, its lasting legacy is the introduction of the Zombies mode. This cooperative survival mode, where players fend off increasingly difficult waves of zombies, became a staple of future Call of Duty titles. Its exclusion from Game Pass means a generation of players miss out on the origin of this popular feature.
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
Released in 2014, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, developed by Sledgehammer Games, introduced a near-future setting with advanced movement mechanics. The game featured a campaign starring Kevin Spacey as Jonathan Irons, exploring themes of private military contracting and its relationship with government. Despite a memorable, albeit meme-spawning, moment involving a funeral, the campaign offered an intriguing narrative that is currently unavailable on Game Pass.
Call of Duty: Ghosts
Developed primarily by Infinity Ward with contributions from Neversoft and Raven Software, Call of Duty: Ghosts launched in 2013. Following internal studio changes, this title aimed to prove the team's continued creative strength. While criticized for a slower pace and less inspired maps, Ghosts still delivered signature Call of Duty action sequences. It remains a solid entry for those seeking a good experience, provided expectations are managed.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 2
Released in 2012, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 is considered one of the series' most ambitious titles. It featured highly praised multiplayer maps like Raid and Hijacked, and an expanded zombies mode with popular DLC maps such as Mob of the Dead and Origins. The campaign presented a branching narrative with multiple endings, centered on the compelling villain Raul Menendez, and explored a futuristic setting.
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, released in 2016, took players to space for massive battles with advanced technology and zero-gravity combat. The Infinity Ward-developed title featured a gripping campaign with voice performances from Brian Bloom and Kit Harington. Some editions also included Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered, making it a significant release for many fans.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered
Launched on April 30, 2020, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered brought back the acclaimed 2009 campaign with updated visuals. The original game was known for its intense narrative, including the controversial "No Russian" mission, and innovative multiplayer features like the tactical nuke killstreak. Composed by Hans Zimmer, the soundtrack and Special Ops co-op mode added further depth, making its absence from Game Pass a notable oversight.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered
Released in 2007, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare revolutionized the series with its contemporary setting and gripping storyline. Its multiplayer component was also highly praised for its balanced design and addictive progression. Ten years later, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered arrived, first as a bundle bonus and later as a standalone title. It offered updated visuals for modern hardware, allowing players to experience what many consider the finest entry in the franchise. Its inclusion on Game Pass would be a welcome addition.
