Call of Duty: Black Ops is one of the most loved series in the franchise. This FPS game has been entertaining its fans since its inception in 2010. Treyarch has built a legacy of innovation within the FPS genre, continuously raising the bar with each new entry in the Black Ops saga.
The Black Ops series has dominated the first-person shooter genre for over a decade. Each title offers unique game mechanics and storylines. The series has rarely disappointed its fans, from the first game to the latest. This guide takes you through all the Black Ops games released so far.
A History of the Black Ops Franchise
Here’s everything you need to know about the history of Call of Duty Black Ops:
Black Ops (2010)
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+ 6The original Black Ops is set during the Cold War and the Vietnam War. It introduced players to characters that would soon become beloved figures within the COD Community. Players took on the role of Alex Mason, a CIA operative brainwashed by the Soviets to become a sleeper agent.
The diverse locations where each mission took place made the game all the more interesting. From the USA to the Soviet Union, each mission got better than the one before. Black Ops had a fantastic campaign story, an amazing multiplayer mode, and a memorable Zombies mode.
Black Ops II (2012)
click to enlarge + 6Call of Duty Black Ops 2 quickly garnered much attention due to its non-linear storyline. It was the first COD title to use a branched campaign, meaning any player's decisions would alter the game's ending. The game was set in both the 1980s and 2025. Black Ops 2 introduced the famous protagonist, Raul Mendez.
Black Ops 2 is considered to be the Holy Grail of COD Multiplayer. The weapons were well-balanced, and the maps were extremely well-made. Both casual and competitive players loved the game. The Zombies plot for BO2 is quite memorable as well.
Black Ops III (2015)
click to enlarge + 6Call of Duty Black Ops 3 took the gameplay to a whole new level with its fantastic game mechanics. Players could perform wall runs and slow jumps in the air using thrusters. This allowed for more momentum-based gameplay. The game is set in 2065 after the events of Black Ops II and follows the consequences caused by Raul Mendez’s drone strikes.
BO3 had a successful multiplayer and zombies run. Futuristic weapons, along with scenic maps, made the game highly desired. Professional Players battled out on Call of Duty Black Ops 3 during the Call of Duty World Championships 2016 for a Prize Pool of two million dollars.
Black Ops 4 (2018)
click to enlarge + 6Call of Duty Black Ops 4 was the first title to ditch the traditional single-player campaign and focus on the three available game modes. The game's main focus was its online experience, which included Multiplayer, Battle Royale, and Zombie modes. This decision was made to bring a fresher look to the franchise.
This was the first Call of Duty title to bring out a battle royale mode known as Blackout. This game mode garnered much attention due to its brilliant map setting and gameplay. Alcatraz, known as Rebirth Island, was first introduced in Call of Duty Black Ops 4.
Black Ops Cold War (2020)
click to enlarge + 6Released in 2020, Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War became the fifth installment in the Black Ops Series. The long-anticipated title became extremely famous due to its non-linear campaign and much-loved Ranked Play mode. The title also included a round-based zombie mode, making it a force to reckon with.
The game lets players control Bell, a Soviet sleeper agent who helps Adler and his team stop the notorious Russian spy Perseus. It features multiple endings based on player choices. The game's conclusion is still debated among fans today.
Black Ops 6 (2024)
click to enlarge + 6Call of Duty Black Ops 6 picks up from where Cold War left off. Characters such as Adler, Mason, and Frank Woods make a comeback. The game is set during the American invasion of Panama in 1989. This time, players face an even bigger threat, a clandestine force known as Pantheon.
The game introduces a new movement mechanic called Omnimovement, allowing players to run, slide, and dive in any direction. It also allows for full 360-degree movement while prone. This is a game changer in Call of Duty as it allows for more diverse gameplay.
Call of Duty Black Ops 6 is co-developed by Treyarch and Raven Studios. The most anticipated change to the game is the addition of a round-based zombie game mode. The story continues after Samantha Maxis is sacrificed to seal the rift between the Earth and Dark Aether dimension.
This is a full breakdown of the History of the Black Ops Franchise, highlighting all the impactful moments and significant features from Black Ops 1 through 6. We hope you enjoyed the read. Check back for more updates; we'll drop even more content soon.
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