Is Call of Duty: Vanguard worth your time and hard-earned cash in 2025? That's a question many of you might be asking, especially with new CoD titles constantly on the horizon. Well, buckle up, because we're about to dive deep into what Call of Duty: Vanguard offers, from its gritty campaign to its fast-paced multiplayer and revamped Zombies experience. We'll explore its strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately, help you decide if this World War II shooter is for you.
Step 1: Are You Ready for a Trip Back to WWII?
Alright, soldier, let's start here. Before we even talk about gameplay mechanics or weapon balancing, consider this: are you in the mood for a World War II setting? Call of Duty: Vanguard takes you back to the brutal battlefields of WWII, focusing on the origins of special forces. If you're looking for modern warfare or futuristic combat, this isn't it. Vanguard aims for a cinematic, intense, and somewhat gritty portrayal of the global conflict. If that historical backdrop excites you, then proceed to the next step! If not, perhaps another CoD title might be more up your alley.
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| How Is Call Of Duty Vanguard |
Step 2: Unpacking the Campaign Experience
The campaign in Call of Duty: Vanguard is a divisive topic, but undeniably cinematic. It tells a story through the eyes of various international heroes who form Task Force One, each with their own compelling (though sometimes predictable) backstories revealed through flashbacks.
Sub-heading: A Narrative of Origins
The campaign isn't a linear march through a single front. Instead, it's a series of flashbacks that introduce you to the diverse cast of characters: Arthur Kingsley, Polina Petrova (Lady Nightingale), Wade Jackson, and Lucas Riggs. You'll experience different theaters of war, from the frozen streets of Stalingrad to the sands of North Africa and the Pacific skies.
- Arthur Kingsley: The inspiring leader, often calling out targets for his team.
- Polina Petrova: A fierce sniper whose sections offer tense stealth gameplay and powerful one-shot kills.
- Wade Jackson: A hotshot pilot with thrilling aerial combat sequences.
- Lucas Riggs: A demolitions expert, bringing the heavy firepower to the ground.
Sub-heading: Pacing and Length
The campaign is relatively short, clocking in at around 5-8 hours depending on your difficulty and playstyle. It's a linear experience with no branching paths or collectibles to hunt, which means you can just focus on the action. While some criticize its historical inaccuracies and reliance on flashbacks, many find the individual character stories engaging and the overall presentation visually stunning. Expect a blockbuster movie feel.
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Step 3: Diving into the Multiplayer Mayhem
Call of Duty's bread and butter is always its multiplayer, and Vanguard delivers a fast-paced, high-octane experience. It comes packed with a variety of maps and modes, aiming for that classic CoD feel with some new twists.
Sub-heading: Core Gameplay and Mechanics
Vanguard introduces several gameplay enhancements:
- Destructible Environments: Small elements of the environment can be destroyed, offering new lines of sight or cover options.
- Blind Fire: You can fire from behind cover without fully exposing yourself, adding a tactical layer.
- Mounting and Peeking: Utilize cover effectively to gain an advantage.
- Combat Pacing: This feature allows you to choose your preferred lobby size and intensity.
- Tactical: Slower, more traditional CoD experience with 6v6.
- Assault: Mid-range experience with 20-28 players.
- Blitz: High-intensity, chaotic battles with 28-48 players. This is where the real action often is!
Sub-heading: Maps and Modes
Vanguard launched with a generous number of multiplayer maps, set across various WWII locations. You'll find a mix of classic CoD modes like Team Deathmatch, Domination, Kill Confirmed, and Search and Destroy, alongside new additions:
- Patrol: A moving Hardpoint objective, keeping players on the move and creating dynamic engagements.
- Champion Hill: A fast-paced, tournament-style elimination mode where teams battle it out in small arenas, with a buy phase between rounds.
Sub-heading: Weaponry and Gunsmith 2.0
Vanguard boasts a robust weapon customization system. The Gunsmith returns, allowing you to heavily modify your weapons with up to ten attachments. This offers an insane amount of customization, letting you tailor each weapon to your specific playstyle. Experiment with different scopes, barrels, stocks, grips, and ammunition types to create your perfect loadout.
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- Some fan-favorite weapons include the STG44, MP40, Kar98k, and Automaton. Each has its own unique feel and requires mastering for optimal performance.
Step 4: Surviving the Undead in Zombies
The Zombies mode in Vanguard, developed by Treyarch, takes a different approach from previous iterations. It aims to integrate with the overarching Dark Aether story but presents a new, objective-based experience rather than traditional round-based maps at launch.
Sub-heading: Der Anfang and Shi No Numa Reborn
The initial Zombies experience, "Der Anfang," focuses on a hub-world where you complete various objectives across different portals. This was a significant departure for many Zombies fans. Later updates brought back the classic round-based survival with "Shi No Numa Reborn."
- Objective-Based Gameplay: You'll undertake tasks like "Blitz" (surviving waves), "Harvest" (collecting runes), and "Transmit" (escorting a floating orb) to progress and earn perks and upgrades.
- Altar of Covenants: A new system allowing you to choose temporary buffs and abilities, adding a rogue-lite element to your run.
- Perk Fountains and Pack-a-Punch: These familiar elements return, allowing you to power up your character and weapons.
Sub-heading: Is it for Traditional Zombies Fans?
While the initial reception to Vanguard's Zombies was mixed due to its objective-based nature, the addition of Shi No Numa Reborn brought back some of the classic CoD Zombies charm. If you're a long-time Zombies player, you might find the early content a bit different, but the later additions and ongoing support aimed to cater to the traditional fanbase. It's a mode that evolved post-launch.
Step 5: Is Call of Duty: Vanguard Worth It in 2025?
This is the million-dollar question. As of June 2025, Call of Duty: Vanguard is no longer the latest title, which means you'll likely find it at a discounted price. Here's a breakdown of considerations:
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- Campaign: If you enjoy a cinematic, albeit short and somewhat historically loose, WWII narrative with diverse characters, the campaign is an enjoyable ride. Don't expect a deep, branching story, but rather an engaging action movie.
- Multiplayer: The multiplayer is arguably where Vanguard shines. With its fast pace, solid gunplay, and varied combat pacing options, it offers a genuinely fun and competitive experience. The Gunsmith provides immense customization, and you can still find active lobbies, especially in popular modes. If you're a multiplayer fanatic looking for a CoD fix, it's a solid choice, especially if you enjoy faster gameplay.
- Zombies: If you're a hardcore Zombies enthusiast, the initial offering might have been a deviation, but the round-based map additions improve the experience. It's not Black Ops 3 or Cold War Zombies, but it has its own unique flavor and can be quite enjoyable, especially with friends.
- Community and Support: As an older title, new content updates have ceased. However, the player base is still active enough to find matches, though perhaps not as quickly as the latest CoD game.
- Price: This is key. If you can snag Vanguard at a significant discount, it offers substantial value, particularly for its multiplayer component. Paying full price in 2025 would be less advisable.
In conclusion, Call of Duty: Vanguard is a competent, high-octane Call of Duty experience that brings the fight to World War II. While its campaign has some narrative quirks and its initial Zombies offering was unconventional, the multiplayer remains a strong draw, providing countless hours of frenetic fun. If you're looking for a solid CoD title with a WWII setting and can find it at a good price, then Call of Duty: Vanguard can definitely be a worthwhile addition to your gaming library in 2025.
Call of Duty: Vanguard - Frequently Asked Questions
How to improve in Call of Duty Vanguard multiplayer?
To improve, focus on map knowledge, learn the best weapon loadouts for different situations, utilize cover effectively (mounting and blind fire), and adjust your combat pacing to match your preferred playstyle. Practicing your aim and movement is also crucial.
How to find the best weapon loadouts in Vanguard?
Experiment with the Gunsmith! Look for attachments that complement your playstyle. Generally, for assault rifles, prioritize recoil control and damage range. For SMGs, focus on mobility and aim-down-sight speed. Online guides and pro players' setups can also provide excellent starting points.
How to level up weapons fast in Vanguard?
Playing objective-based modes like Domination or Hardpoint often yields more XP. Utilizing Double Weapon XP tokens is also highly effective. Completing daily and seasonal challenges can also significantly boost weapon progression.
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How to unlock operators in Call of Duty Vanguard?
Operators are typically unlocked by completing specific challenges related to their character, such as getting a certain number of kills with a particular weapon type or in a specific game mode. Some were also available through Battle Pass progression.
How to play Call of Duty Vanguard with friends?
You can invite friends to your lobby through the in-game social menu. Vanguard supports split-screen co-op for multiplayer on consoles, allowing you to play with a friend on the same machine.
How to access the campaign if it's locked?
If your campaign is locked, it usually means the full game hasn't finished downloading. Go to the campaign section and initiate the remaining download. On consoles, it often prompts you to "Start Install" for the campaign pack.
How to play Zombies in Call of Duty Vanguard?
From the main menu, navigate to the Zombies mode. You can choose between "Der Anfang" (objective-based) or "Shi No Numa Reborn" (round-based survival) if you prefer the classic experience.
How to check your stats in Vanguard?
Your player stats (K/D ratio, wins, losses, etc.) can be viewed in the barracks or combat record section of the main menu. Weapon stats and progression are typically found within the Gunsmith or progression tabs.
How to customize your operator in Vanguard?
Go to the "Operators" tab in the main menu. Here you can select your chosen operator and apply different skins (outfits) that you've unlocked through challenges, bundles, or the Battle Pass.
How to get better at aiming in Vanguard?
Adjust your controller sensitivity or mouse DPI to find what feels comfortable. Practice in private matches against bots to refine your aim. Pay attention to attachment benefits that reduce recoil or improve aim stability. Consistent practice is key.
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