Released in November 2021, Call of Duty: Vanguard marked a significant return to the World War II setting for the beloved franchise. Developed by Sledgehammer Games and published by Activision, Vanguard brought players back to one of the most pivotal conflicts in modern history, combining cinematic storytelling, intense multiplayer combat, and an evolving Zombies experience.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what makes Call of Duty: Vanguard a noteworthy entry in the series — its campaign, multiplayer innovations, Zombies mode, and how it connects with the larger Call of Duty ecosystem. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer, Vanguard offers a powerful blend of historical drama and high-octane action.
The Campaign: A Global Story of Heroes Forged in War
One of the standout features of Call of Duty: Vanguard is its cinematic, character-driven campaign. Unlike some previous entries that focused on a single protagonist, Vanguard tells a sprawling story through the eyes of multiple characters from different Allied nations.
The Birth of Task Force One
The narrative centers on the formation of Task Force One, a multinational special forces unit assembled to combat the growing threat of the Axis powers. The game takes players through various theaters of World War II, including the brutal Eastern Front, the deserts of North Africa, the dense jungles of the Pacific, and the streets of Western Europe.
Each campaign mission focuses on a different member of Task Force One, giving players insight into their unique backgrounds, fighting styles, and personal struggles. This approach humanizes the war experience, offering diverse perspectives on the conflict.
Intense, Immersive Gameplay
The campaign’s missions are designed to blend stealth, tactical combat, and explosive set pieces. Players engage in daring raids, undercover operations, and large-scale battles, often shifting between tight infantry combat and vehicular engagements.
The story tackles real historical events while weaving in fictional elements and conspiracies, adding layers of intrigue and suspense. The writing and voice acting are strong, delivering emotional weight to characters and moments of sacrifice and heroism.
Multiplayer: Fast-Paced Action with New Features
Call of Duty: Vanguard delivers a robust multiplayer experience that builds on the franchise’s signature fast-paced, skill-based gameplay, while introducing several new mechanics and improvements.
Combat Pacing and Movement
The multiplayer preserves the tight gunplay and mobility fans expect, with sprinting, sliding, and tactical crouching. Movement feels smooth and responsive, catering to both aggressive players and those who prefer a more methodical approach.
New ‘Combat Pacing’ System
Vanguard introduces the Combat Pacing system, which lets players choose the style of matches they prefer:
- Tactical: Smaller player counts and slower-paced, more strategic matches.
- Standard: The classic Call of Duty experience with balanced player counts and pacing.
- Assault: Larger-scale battles with more players and faster gameplay.
This choice allows players to tailor their multiplayer experience to their preferred playstyle, whether they want intense close-quarters firefights or broader team engagements.
Weapon Customization and Gunsmith
The Gunsmith system returns with extensive weapon customization options, allowing players to fine-tune their loadouts with barrels, grips, optics, and more. This deep customization supports diverse playstyles, from stealthy marksmen to run-and-gun operators.
New weapons introduced in Vanguard, such as the STG44 and the new combat shotgun models, add variety to the arsenal, blending historical authenticity with balanced gameplay.
New Features: The ‘Champion Hill’ Mode
One of Vanguard’s exciting additions is Champion Hill, a fast-paced, round-based multiplayer mode combining elements of traditional gunfights and battle royale gameplay. Players compete in teams of two or three in a series of small-scale, high-intensity battles, earning cash to buy weapons and equipment between rounds. The mode rewards quick thinking, teamwork, and adaptability, offering a fresh challenge alongside the classic multiplayer modes.
Zombies Mode: Dark Aether Saga Continues
Vanguard’s Zombies mode continues the ongoing Dark Aether storyline that has become a staple of the Black Ops subseries but is also accessible for new players.
A New Map — ‘Der Anfang’
At launch, Vanguard introduced “Der Anfang,” a richly detailed map set in a mysterious Nazi bunker filled with supernatural horrors. The map combines tight corridors and wide-open areas, requiring players to use both teamwork and strategy to survive relentless waves of undead enemies.
Gameplay and Progression
Zombies in Vanguard offer deep RPG-style progression with customizable loadouts, weapon upgrades, and perk systems. New mechanics such as weapon crafting and buildable traps add layers of strategy and player choice.
Integration with Call of Duty: Warzone
Vanguard’s Zombies mode, like the multiplayer, integrates with Call of Duty: Warzone. This synergy allows players to carry over weapons and cosmetics between modes, enhancing player investment and unifying the Call of Duty experience.
Visuals and Audio: Capturing the Brutality and Beauty of WWII
Call of Duty: Vanguard makes excellent use of the latest gaming hardware, delivering stunning visuals and immersive audio that bring the World War II setting to life.
The environments are varied and richly detailed — from war-torn cities to lush jungles and arid deserts. Weather effects, lighting, and realistic textures contribute to an atmosphere that feels authentic and visceral.
The sound design is equally impressive, with authentic weapon sounds, environmental effects, and a powerful orchestral soundtrack that heightens the tension and drama throughout the game.
Post-Launch Content and Support
Activision and Sledgehammer Games have supported Vanguard with a steady stream of updates, including new multiplayer maps, weapons, and seasonal events. The ongoing content keeps the community engaged and introduces fresh challenges and experiences.
Cross-play and cross-progression features ensure that players across different platforms can compete and progress together seamlessly, broadening the player base and enhancing matchmaking.
How Vanguard Fits into the Modern Call of Duty Landscape
Call of Duty: Vanguard arrived at a time when the franchise had explored futuristic warfare, Cold War espionage, and battle royale formats extensively. By returning to World War II, Vanguard appealed to longtime fans who cherish the historical roots of the series, while also pushing the gameplay forward with modern features and design philosophies.
The game’s integration with Warzone also reflects the franchise’s evolving strategy — blending traditional multiplayer and narrative experiences with the popular battle royale ecosystem.
Conclusion: A Powerful Tribute to World War II with Modern Flair
Call of Duty: Vanguard stands out as a compelling entry in the franchise that respects the past while embracing the future. Its gripping, multi-perspective campaign offers an emotional and cinematic journey through some of the most critical battles of World War II. The multiplayer balances classic Call of Duty thrills with innovative modes and player choice, while the Zombies mode adds supernatural depth and cooperative fun.
For players seeking a mix of history, action, and teamwork, Vanguard delivers a richly detailed and adrenaline-pumping experience. It’s a game that honors the sacrifices of the past while providing hours of engaging gameplay for today’s gamers.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in epic battles, strategic multiplayer, or cooperative zombie survival, Call of Duty: Vanguard offers something for everyone, wrapped in one of the most iconic settings in gaming history.
