Are you ready to jump into the action-packed world of Call of Duty: Vanguard's campaign and experience the thrilling story of Task Force One? You're probably wondering, "Just how long is this journey going to take?" Well, you've come to the right place. We're going to break down the campaign's length for you, from a quick run-through to a full-on completionist grind.
Step 1: First, let's set some expectations.
Before you even start, you need to ask yourself: what kind of player are you? Are you the type who rushes through the story, focusing only on the main objectives, or do you like to explore every nook and cranny, hunting for every last collectible? Your playstyle will drastically impact your playtime. So, grab a drink, get comfortable, and let's dive into the details.
Step 2: The Main Story: A Cinematic Sprint
For players who just want to experience the narrative and see the credits roll, the Call of Duty: Vanguard campaign is a relatively short and cinematic experience.
How Many Missions Are There?
The campaign consists of nine distinct missions. Each mission focuses on a different member of Task Force One, offering a unique perspective on various fronts of World War II. You'll switch between characters like the sniper Polina Petrova, the demolitions expert Lucas Riggs, and the pilot Wade Jackson, each with their own special abilities and gameplay mechanics.
Average Playtime for the Main Story
Based on data from players, the average time to complete the main story is around 6 hours.
For those who are rushing and on an easier difficulty, you can finish it in as little as 5 hours.
If you take your time to appreciate the cutscenes and the environments on a regular difficulty, you'll likely be looking at a playtime closer to 6-7 hours.
Remember, this is a linear campaign. There are no branching paths or major decisions that will change the outcome of the story. It's a straightforward, action-packed ride from start to finish.
Step 3: Main Objectives + A Little Extra
If you're someone who likes to do a little more than just the bare minimum, you might want to look for some of the optional objectives and challenges within each mission. This will add some extra time to your playthrough.
You can expect the playtime to increase to around 9-10 hours if you're trying to complete some of these extra challenges.
These can include things like getting a certain number of kills with a specific weapon, finding intel, or completing a mission without dying.
This is a great option for players who want to get a little more out of the campaign without committing to a full completionist run.
Step 4: The Completionist's Journey: A Marathon, Not a Sprint
For the dedicated gamers who want to achieve 100% completion, the campaign's length increases significantly.
What Does 100% Completion Mean?
In Call of Duty: Vanguard, a completionist run involves:
Completing all nine missions.
Unlocking all the achievements and trophies. This often requires completing the campaign on the highest difficulty (Veteran), which is a serious challenge in itself.
Finding all collectibles like the "Intel" pieces scattered throughout the levels.
Completing all the in-game challenges for each mission.
How Long Will It Take?
A full completionist run can take anywhere from 20 to 30 hours, with some players reporting even longer times. This is because playing on Veteran difficulty will lead to many retries and requires a much more tactical approach. You can't just run and gun your way through it. You'll need to use cover, plan your attacks, and be patient.
The difficulty setting is a key factor here. Playing on Veteran can easily add a couple of hours to your playtime due to the increased aggression of enemies and the lower health of your character.
Step 5: The Verdict: So, How Long is it?
To summarize, here is a quick breakdown of the estimated campaign length:
Main Story (Rushed): 5-6 hours
Main Story (Average): 6-7 hours
Main + Extras: 9-10 hours
Completionist (100%): 20-30 hours
So, whether you want a quick cinematic experience or a long, challenging grind, Call of Duty: Vanguard's campaign can offer it.
10 Related FAQs
How to find all the collectibles in the Vanguard campaign?
To find all the collectibles, such as intel, you need to explore every corner of the missions. Some are hidden in plain sight, while others are tucked away in side rooms or behind objects. Look for glowing items or subtle visual cues that indicate an interactable item.
How to beat the campaign on Veteran difficulty?
Beating the campaign on Veteran difficulty requires a change in playstyle. Don't rush! Use cover, lean around corners, and take out enemies one by one. Utilize your character's special abilities and use grenades and flashbangs to your advantage. It's a test of patience and tactical thinking, not just reflexes.
How to unlock all the achievements in the Vanguard campaign?
To unlock all achievements, you'll need to complete the campaign on different difficulties, complete specific challenges, and find all the collectibles. Check the in-game achievement list or an online guide for a detailed breakdown of each achievement's requirements.
How to skip cutscenes in the campaign?
You can typically skip cutscenes by pressing a button prompt (like "A" on Xbox, "X" on PlayStation, or "Spacebar" on PC) when the cutscene begins. This can help speed up your playtime if you're replaying the campaign.
How to replay specific missions in Vanguard?
After completing the campaign, you can go to the mission select menu to replay any mission you've already finished. This is great for hunting down missed collectibles or attempting a speed run.
How to change the difficulty in the campaign?
You can change the difficulty before starting a new campaign or by going to the mission select menu and choosing a different difficulty for a specific mission.
How to check your progress in the campaign?
The game provides a progress tracker in the mission select menu, showing you which missions you've completed and which collectibles you've found in each level.
How to get a better score in each mission?
To get a better score, try to complete the mission quickly, get a high number of headshots, and avoid taking damage. Completing challenges and finding collectibles will also boost your score.
How to access the campaign after buying the game?
Once you have installed the game, the campaign mode should be available from the main menu. You may need to download a separate campaign pack depending on your platform.
How to know if the Vanguard campaign is worth playing?
If you enjoy fast-paced, cinematic action and a character-driven story set in a World War II backdrop, then the Vanguard campaign is definitely worth playing. While it is short compared to some other games, it is a fun and engaging experience.