Playing Call of Duty: Vanguard offline can be a great way to enjoy the game's content without needing a constant internet connection. Whether you're looking to dive into the epic single-player campaign, practice your skills against bots in multiplayer, or survive the zombie hordes, there are ways to do it.
Ready to jump into the action without worrying about your internet connection? Let's get you set up!
Step 1: Understand the Initial Requirements
Before you can disconnect and play, there are some crucial first steps that require an internet connection. This is a common requirement for many modern games, even those with offline components.
You need the game installed and updated. If you have a physical disc, you will still need to connect to the internet to download a mandatory update. This update is not optional and the game will not function without it. If you have a digital copy, you will need a stable internet connection to download the entire game.
Your account must be linked. On consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, your user profile needs to be linked to a PlayStation Network or Xbox Live account, respectively. You don't need to be actively online to play, but the profile itself must be associated with an online account. An "offline guest account" that has never been linked will not work for the campaign.
PC players have a significant limitation. Unfortunately, the PC version of Call of Duty: Vanguard, which is linked to Battle.net, requires a persistent internet connection for all modes. This means that at the time of writing, you cannot play any mode of Call of Duty: Vanguard offline on PC. The guide below is primarily for console players (PlayStation and Xbox).
Step 2: Accessing Offline Modes on Console
Once you have completed the initial download and mandatory updates, you can disconnect your console from the internet and access the offline modes.
Sub-heading: Playing the Campaign
The single-player campaign is fully playable offline. It's a gripping story that takes you across various fronts of World War II.
Ensure you are completely offline. You can do this by disconnecting your console from the internet in the network settings.
Launch the game. Make sure you are signed in with the profile that is linked to your online account (PlayStation Network or Xbox Live).
Select 'Campaign' from the main menu. You will be able to start a new game or continue your progress without any internet connection.
Sub-heading: Setting up Offline Multiplayer with Bots
This is an excellent way to practice your aim, learn the maps, and simply have fun without the pressure of online lobbies.
From the main menu, go to 'Multiplayer'.
Select 'Local Game'. This is the key to playing offline.
Customize your match. You can choose the game mode (e.g., Team Deathmatch, Domination, etc.), the map, and the number of bots. You can even set the difficulty for each individual bot!
Start the match. You'll be able to play against AI-controlled opponents on all the multiplayer maps available in the offline mode.
Split-screen fun! You can also play offline split-screen with up to two players. Just have a second controller ready and have the second player join by pressing the designated button (e.g., 'X' or 'A').
Sub-heading: Navigating the Zombies Mode
This is where it gets a little tricky. While you can play Zombies in a solo setting, it still relies on dedicated servers for its functionality.
Zombies requires an internet connection. Even if you play solo, the mode runs on dedicated servers, which means you need to be online. This also means you can experience lag even when playing by yourself and have a limited pause time.
As of now, there is no true offline Zombies experience in Call of Duty: Vanguard. This is a major change from previous titles in the franchise and a point of frustration for many players.
Step 3: What You Can't Do Offline
It's important to be aware of the limitations of playing offline.
No progression: Any progress you make in offline modes will not carry over to your online profile. This includes weapon leveling, unlocking camos, and operator progression.
No cosmetic unlocks: You won't be able to unlock any cosmetic skins, reticles, or weapon charms in offline play. Everything is unlocked from the start in offline mode for you to use.
Limited map and mode selection: While you have access to a good selection of maps and modes, new content released in updates may not be available offline unless you connect and download it.
No co-op in Zombies: As mentioned, Zombies requires a server connection, so you cannot play co-op with a friend on the same screen.
10 FAQs about Playing Call of Duty: Vanguard Offline
How to play the campaign of Call of Duty: Vanguard offline?
You can play the entire campaign offline on console after you've downloaded the mandatory initial updates. Ensure your console is disconnected from the internet and you are signed in with a PSN or Xbox Live-linked profile.
How to play multiplayer with bots in Call of Duty: Vanguard?
Go to the 'Multiplayer' menu, select 'Local Game,' and then set up a custom match. You can add bots and choose the map and game mode.
How to play Call of Duty: Vanguard Zombies offline?
Unfortunately, you cannot play Zombies offline in Call of Duty: Vanguard. The mode is tied to dedicated servers, even for solo play, and requires an internet connection.
How to set up split-screen in Call of Duty: Vanguard?
In the 'Local Game' multiplayer menu, a second player can join with another controller by pressing the designated button (e.g., 'X' or 'A' on PlayStation or Xbox, respectively).
How to play Call of Duty: Vanguard offline on PC?
At present, it is not possible to play Call of Duty: Vanguard offline on PC. All modes require a persistent internet connection through the Battle.net client.
How to download the mandatory update for Call of Duty: Vanguard?
If you have a physical disc, simply connect your console to the internet and launch the game. It will automatically prompt you to download the necessary update.
How to unlock weapons and attachments in offline mode?
In offline local play, all weapons and attachments are unlocked by default. You can create custom classes with anything in the game.
How to tell if my console profile is linked to an online account?
Check your console's account settings. If you've ever signed into PlayStation Network or Xbox Live with that profile, it's linked. You don't need an active subscription, just the linked account.
How to change the bot difficulty in offline multiplayer?
In the local game setup menu, you can customize the match settings and individually set the difficulty for each bot, from 'Recruit' to 'Veteran'.
How to play with friends offline in Call of Duty: Vanguard?
You can play with a friend on the same console using split-screen in offline multiplayer (Local Game) against bots. However, you cannot play the campaign or Zombies in split-screen.