So, you're ready to dive into the visceral, action-packed world of World War II with Call of Duty: Vanguard on your PlayStation 5? Excellent choice! The PS5's powerful hardware and the DualSense controller's haptic feedback will give you an immersive experience like no other. Let's get you set up and ready for battle.
Step 1: Get Your Hands on the Game (and Engage Your Inner Soldier!)
First things first, you need to acquire Call of Duty: Vanguard. Have you already bought the physical disc, or are you looking to get the digital version? Either way, let's get you prepared for deployment.
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For Digital Warriors: If you prefer the convenience of digital gaming, you'll need to head to the PlayStation Store. From your PS5's home screen, navigate to the PlayStation Store icon (it's the one that looks like a shopping bag). You can either search for "Call of Duty Vanguard" using the search bar at the top or check the "Latest" or "Featured" sections to see if it's there. Once you find it, select it and follow the on-screen prompts to purchase and begin the download.
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For Physical Commanders: If you've got the disc, simply insert it into your PS5's disc drive. The console will automatically recognize the game and begin the installation process.
Pro-Tip: Be prepared for a significant download size! Call of Duty games are known for their massive file sizes, so make sure you have enough storage space on your PS5's SSD before you start.
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| How To Play Call Of Duty Vanguard On PS5 |
Step 2: The Installation Process - Patiently Awaiting Your Deployment
QuickTip: Read actively, not passively.
Now that the download or installation has started, it's a waiting game. The PS5 is a powerful machine, but a game of this size will still take a while to install.
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Monitor the Progress: You can check the download or installation progress by pressing the PS button on your controller to bring up the Control Center. From there, go to the Downloads/Uploads icon (it looks like a down arrow) to see the status.
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Prioritize the Installation: If you have other downloads in progress, you can prioritize Vanguard to make sure it installs as quickly as possible. Just select the download in the queue and choose "Prioritize Download."
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Don't Be Alarmed by the "Locked" Campaign: You might notice that the single-player Campaign mode is initially locked even after the game appears to be installed. This is a common feature in many large games. The PS5 often downloads and installs the multiplayer and Zombies modes first so you can start playing them while the Campaign data downloads in the background. Simply hover over the Campaign icon on the game's menu and you'll see a prompt to "Start Install" for the rest of the data. Press the corresponding button (usually Square) to begin that download.
Step 3: Mastering the Controls and Settings
The PS5 DualSense controller is a game-changer for first-person shooters, and Vanguard makes great use of its features. But before you jump into a match, it's crucial to optimize your settings.
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Explore the Settings Menu: Once the game is installed, launch it and head to the settings menu. You'll find a wealth of options to customize your experience.
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Tweak Your Sensitivity: This is critical. You'll find "Horizontal Stick Sensitivity" and "Vertical Stick Sensitivity" under the "Controller" tab. The default setting of 4 might feel a bit slow. Many players find that a sensitivity between 5 and 8 is a good starting point. Experiment to find what feels comfortable and allows you to aim quickly and accurately.
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Embrace the Tactical Layout: For a standard controller, the "Tactical" button layout is highly recommended. It swaps the melee button with the crouch/prone button (mapping it to the right thumbstick, R3). This allows you to slide and go prone without taking your thumb off the aiming stick, giving you a huge advantage in fast-paced gunfights.
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Fine-Tune Your Aim Assist: Make sure "Target Aim Assist" is set to "On" and the "Aim Response Curve Type" is set to "Dynamic." Dynamic is often preferred by experienced players as it offers a more responsive and fluid aiming feel.
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Adjust Deadzone: Under "Advanced Controls," you'll find the "Deadzone" setting. This controls how much you have to move your stick before it registers an input. If you're experiencing "stick drift" (where your character moves on its own), slightly increase your deadzone. For a new controller, you can likely keep it low, around 5.
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Customize the DualSense Features: The DualSense's adaptive triggers and haptic feedback are amazing, but they can be a bit intense in a competitive shooter. You can turn off "Controller Vibration" and "Trigger Effect" in the settings. This can reduce fatigue during long play sessions and some players find it helps with aiming stability. Ultimately, it's a matter of personal preference.
Step 4: Choose Your Mode and Deploy!
Tip: Pause, then continue with fresh focus.
Call of Duty: Vanguard offers a variety of modes to suit every playstyle.
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Campaign: A thrilling, cinematic single-player story that takes you through various theaters of World War II. It's a great way to get a feel for the game's mechanics and weapons.
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Multiplayer: This is the heart of the Call of Duty experience. You'll find a wide range of game modes, from classic Team Deathmatch and Domination to the new "Champion Hill" mode, a fast-paced 2v2 tournament.
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Combat Pacing: A unique feature in Vanguard is "Combat Pacing," which allows you to choose the intensity of your matches.
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Tactical: For those who prefer a slower, more deliberate pace with fewer players.
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Assault: A balanced experience with a standard player count.
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Blitz: For maximum chaos and action, with high player counts and constant engagements.
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Zombies: A cooperative mode where you and your team fight off endless waves of the undead. This mode has its own unique progression system and challenges.
Step 5: Get into the Action and Have Fun!
Now that you're all set up, it's time to play. Remember these key tips:
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Stay in Cover: Don't just run out into the open. Use the environment to your advantage.
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Learn the Maps: Knowing the layout of each map is a huge advantage. Where are the chokepoints? Where are the best spots for sniping?
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Customize Your Loadout: Use the Gunsmith system to customize your weapons. Experiment with different attachments to improve a gun's recoil, range, or fire rate.
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Communicate with Your Team: If you're playing with friends, use a headset and communicate callouts and enemy positions.
You are now ready to dominate on the PS5. Have fun, soldier!
Tip: Reread if it feels confusing.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about playing Call of Duty: Vanguard on PS5.
How to download and install Call of Duty Vanguard on PS5? To download the digital version, go to the PlayStation Store, search for the game, and select "Download." For the disc version, simply insert the disc, and the installation will begin automatically.
How to upgrade the PS4 version of Vanguard to the PS5 version? If you have the PS4 disc or digital version, you may be eligible for a free or paid upgrade to the PS5 version. Go to the game's page on the PlayStation Store and look for the upgrade option. It often involves downloading a separate "upgrade pack."
How to redeem a Call of Duty Vanguard code on PS5? On your PS5, go to the PlayStation Store, select the "..." (More) icon at the top right, and choose "Redeem Code." Enter your 12-digit voucher code and follow the on-screen instructions.
How to check for a Call of Duty Vanguard update on PS5? From the PS5 home screen, highlight the Call of Duty: Vanguard game icon, press the Options button on your controller, and select "Check for Update."
Tip: Reading on mobile? Zoom in for better comfort.
How to improve my aiming in Call of Duty Vanguard on PS5? Adjusting your stick sensitivity, using the "Tactical" button layout, and setting your "Aim Response Curve Type" to "Dynamic" are key steps. Practice in a custom match or in the firing range to get a feel for your new settings.
How to find my friends and play with them in Vanguard on PS5? In the game's main menu, go to the "Social" tab. You can search for your friends using their Activision ID or PlayStation Network ID and send them a friend request. Once they accept, you can invite them to your party.
How to change my PS5 controller settings for Vanguard? In the game's main menu, go to "Settings," then "Controller." From there, you can adjust your sensitivity, button layout, deadzone, and other settings.
How to get better at multiplayer in Call of Duty Vanguard? Start with less intense game modes, like Team Deathmatch or Kill Confirmed, to learn the maps and weapon handling. Pay attention to your mini-map, use cover, and don't be afraid to experiment with different weapons and loadouts.
How to fix the "Campaign is locked" issue in Vanguard on PS5? This is a common issue where the Campaign data hasn't finished downloading. Highlight the Campaign mode on the main menu and look for the "Start Install" prompt at the bottom of the screen.
How to access Zombies mode in Call of Duty Vanguard on PS5? From the main menu, simply navigate to the "Zombies" tab. If it is locked, you may need to wait for the download to complete, just like the Campaign mode.
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