Call of Duty Vanguard is an entry in the long-running Call of Duty franchise, developed by Sledgehammer Games. Set during the Second World War, the game explores different battlefronts and characters from various Allied nations. With its campaign, multiplayer, and zombies modes, Vanguard offers a full-featured experience that blends cinematic storytelling with competitive gameplay. For fans of first-person shooters, it delivers fast-paced action, historical drama, and a wide array of customization and progression systems to keep the experience engaging across hours of play.
Campaign Experience
A Story from Multiple Perspectives
Unlike traditional war games that follow one protagonist, Vanguard presents its narrative through the eyes of several different characters, each representing a unique front in the global conflict. From the harsh deserts of North Africa to the stormy skies above the Pacific and the blood-soaked streets of Stalingrad, the game places players in a variety of historically inspired environments. This multi-character approach helps to highlight the diverse roles and contributions made by different nations during the war.
Main Characters
- Arthur Kingsley– A British paratrooper leading missions behind enemy lines.
- Polina Petrova– A deadly Russian sniper inspired by real-life Soviet women soldiers.
- Wade Jackson– An American pilot involved in air and naval battles across the Pacific.
- Lucas Riggs– An Australian demolition expert active in North Africa.
The campaign follows these heroes as they form an elite international task force, designed to stop the remnants of the Nazi regime and uncover a secret project known as Project Phoenix. This fictional twist adds mystery and urgency to an otherwise historically grounded narrative.
Multiplayer Mode
Core Gameplay and Mechanics
Vanguard’s multiplayer mode retains the signature Call of Duty gameplay tight controls, responsive shooting, and quick respawns but adds a layer of depth with destructible environments and reactive elements. Gunplay feels polished, with a wide variety of weapons and attachments. Each map is designed to offer multiple engagement routes, verticality, and destructible walls, enabling dynamic encounters and tactical approaches.
Combat Pacing Options
One of the most notable additions is the Combat Pacing feature, which lets players choose how chaotic or controlled their matches feel. There are three pacing styles
- TacticalFewer players per map, ideal for slower, strategic play.
- AssaultBalanced pacing between action and tactics.
- BlitzHigh player counts and non-stop action.
This system gives players the flexibility to tailor their multiplayer experience to their personal preferences, whether they enjoy methodical strategy or high-octane skirmishes.
Maps and Modes
Vanguard launched with a wide selection of maps, ranging from snowy urban environments to jungles and desert outposts. Classic modes like Team Deathmatch, Domination, and Search and Destroy return, alongside newer additions such as Patrol, which requires constant movement to capture a moving zone. The diversity in maps and modes ensures a fresh and varied multiplayer experience.
Operators and Customization
Playable Characters
Operators in Vanguard are not just avatars they have their own backstories, voice lines, and personalities. Each operator can be leveled up individually, unlocking skins, finishing moves, and other cosmetic items. This creates a sense of progression that is separate from weapons and general player level.
Weapon Loadouts and Gunsmith
The Gunsmith system returns with even more customization options. Players can equip up to ten attachments per weapon, affecting performance, handling, and visual style. This deep customization allows players to experiment and refine their gear based on playstyle whether they prefer run-and-gun tactics, long-range accuracy, or stealth operations.
Call of Duty Zombies Mode
A Dark Twist on the Vanguard Universe
Vanguard’s Zombies mode, developed by Treyarch, continues the storyline started in previous games. Known as Der Anfang, the mode blends occult horror with Nazi experiments, introducing players to supernatural enemies and eldritch powers. Instead of a traditional round-based format, this version of Zombies offers objective-based gameplay and a hub area from which players access missions.
Perks, Covenants, and Progression
Players can still find familiar elements such as perks, Pack-a-Punch machines, and mystery boxes. However, new features like the Covenant system provide unique buffs that can be tailored for different roles or builds. This adds a layer of strategy and encourages experimentation, especially in co-op play.
Graphics and Audio Design
Visual Fidelity
Using the same engine as Call of Duty Modern Warfare (2019), Vanguard offers impressive visuals, from realistic lighting to detailed character models and environments. The level of destruction possible during gameplay adds immersion, especially in the campaign and multiplayer maps.
Sound and Music
The sound design is rich and impactful. Gunfire echoes realistically based on the environment, and the soundtrack enhances both action-packed moments and emotional story beats. Voice acting is strong across the board, bringing depth to the characters and grounding the story in humanity.
Post-Launch Content and Seasons
Live Service Model
Vanguard continues the live service model of regular seasonal content. Battle passes offer free and premium rewards such as operator skins, weapon blueprints, and XP boosts. Seasonal updates introduce new maps, weapons, and challenges, keeping the community engaged over time.
Community Events and Integrations
Integration with Call of Duty Warzone allows for cross-progression, shared operators, and synchronized storylines. This keeps Vanguard relevant even for players primarily active in the battle royale mode. Special seasonal events, such as limited-time game modes and community challenges, foster player engagement and reward active participation.
Criticisms and Reception
Mixed Reviews at Launch
While Vanguard was praised for its campaign direction, strong visuals, and multiplayer variety, it also received criticism. Some players noted that the Zombies mode felt less robust compared to previous entries. Others expressed concerns about bugs, balance issues, and the lack of innovation in some multiplayer aspects.
Ongoing Improvements
Since launch, updates have addressed many technical problems and added new content to improve the overall experience. Community feedback plays a large role in shaping future patches and seasonal content, helping Vanguard evolve over time.
Call of Duty Vanguard blends historical fiction with intense first-person action, offering a well-rounded experience across campaign, multiplayer, and Zombies modes. With detailed customization, operator progression, and live service updates, the game appeals to both casual and hardcore FPS fans. Whether you’re diving into a dramatic WWII story or battling online with friends, Vanguard delivers the polished gameplay and content depth that fans of the series expect. Its flexible pacing, strong visuals, and narrative focus make it a distinctive entry in the Call of Duty franchise worth exploring.