Call of Duty Release Dates: A Complete Calendar Guide

Published: October 15, 2024
Keywords: Call of Duty release dates, Call of Duty launch dates, COD franchise release schedule, Monsoon, Modern Warfare, Black Ops, Call of Duty timeline

The Call of Duty (CoD) franchise is one of the most anticipated video game series in the world, releasing new versions nearly every year with major installments defining gaming culture. Whether you're a casual fan or a competitive player, keeping track of the Call of Duty release dates helps you plan your gameplay, anticipate new content, and stay ahead of the latest battle royale, shooter, or tactical releases.

Understanding the Context

In this in-depth guide, we cover the full release calendar of major Call of Duty titles, including seasonal shifts, spin-offs, and regional variations. From launching blockbusters like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 to recent entries like Call of Duty: Black Ops Six, discover when every major release hit the shelves and what to expect in the future.

The Annual Release Tradition

Typically, the Big Ten major Call of Duty titles follow a predictable annual release window, often clustered in the fall or early winter. This tradition aligns with holiday shopping seasons and allows developers like Infinity Ward, Raven Software, Treyarch, and others to deliver optimized console and PC versions.

Key Insights

Call of Duty Release Pattern Over the Years

| Year | Major Releases | Platform | Release Date (UTC) |
|------------|------------------------------------------------|----------|--------------------------|
| 2024 | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Warzone 2.0 | PS5/Xbox, PC | September 28 – ongoing |
| 2023 | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, Warzone 2.0 | PS5/Xbox, PC | October 26 |
| 2022 | Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, Warzone 2.0 | PS5/Xbox, PC | October 28 |
| 2021 | Call of Duty: Vanguard, Warzone 2.0 | PS5/Xbox, PC | October 27, 2021 |
| 2020 | Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Warzone | PS5/Xbox, PC | October 29, 2020 |

Note: Release times are generally listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), while regional drops may vary by days.

Understanding the Seasonal Releases

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Final Thoughts

Fall Launch Season – September & October

The hallmark Call of Duty fall season remains the most significant annual event. Historically, game codenames, trailers, and press conferences premiere in September, with full releases in early October. This period includes new multiplayer maps, maps revisions, and the latest Battle Pass content for Warzone.

Recent titles follow this rhythm:

Modern Warfare III: Launched in September 2024 and 2023 during late summer/early fall.
Warzone 2.0: Typically released alongside MW3 updates, keeping the ecosystem fresh.

Spring/Summer Tilt – Spin-Offs & Revivals

While mainline CoD follows fall timelines, several spin-offs and legacy titles see release throughout the year:

Call of Duty: Legacy (mobile hybrid titles)
Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 spin content drops monthly
Annual remasters or HD re-releases (e.g., Black Ops, Modern Warfare seasons)

Spin-Off Titles & Regional Rollouts

Some Call of Duty installments launch separately or in staggered releases, especially in viewer-catered versions:

Call of Duty: Vanguard: Rolled out in October 2021 after a fall launch, with regional content adjustments.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Six (2025): Already scheduled for late fall 2025 with a promise of enhanced multiplayer and historic map remakes.

Moreover, Japan and South Korea sometimes experience regional difference in release dates due to localized content and platform availability.