Best Call of Duty Games for Solo Players

Call of Duty is known for its intense multiplayer showdowns but what if you prefer to play solo? Whether you're diving into a gripping campaign, grinding missions offline, or just want to avoid the chaos of live lobbies, some COD titles truly shine for solo players.

Call of Duty (COD) is a long-running first-person shooter video game franchise known for its fast-paced combat, cinematic campaigns, and competitive multiplayer. Originally set during World War II, the series has expanded into modern warfare, futuristic combat, and even battle royale modes like Warzone. Developed primarily by Infinity Ward, Treyarch, and Sledgehammer Games, Call of Duty has become one of the best-selling video game franchises in history.

The games are popular among casual and competitive players alike offering story-driven solo missions, online multiplayer, and co-op modes like Zombies and Spec Ops. Whether you're playing for the campaign, grinding ranks, or teaming up with friends, Call of Duty delivers high-intensity action across all platforms.

In this guide, we’ve ranked the best Call of Duty games for solo play based on story quality, offline features, replayability, and solo-friendly modes like AI-filled Zombies and Spec Ops. If you’re looking for action-packed gameplay without the pressure of playing online, this list is for you.

🎮 Best overall solo experience

This reboot delivers a powerful cinematic campaign with realistic missions, tactical gameplay, and characters you actually care about. Whether you're breaching rooms in tight quarters or making split-second moral decisions, the story pulls you in like a military thriller.

Why it's great for solo players:

Strong narrative-driven campaign

Spec Ops co-op missions (AI-friendly)

Realistic pacing and modern weapons

Works well without multiplayer

🧠 Most replayable campaign for solo play

Cold War mixes action with espionage, offering a campaign with branching paths and multiple endings. You’ll also get access to offline Zombies, so you can survive solo without needing teammates.

Why solo players love it:

Campaign choices change the story

1980s Cold War vibe with stealth options

Solo-accessible Zombies mode

Great balance of tension and replay value

⚔️ Cinematic and high-impact missions

MW2’s campaign is full of epic set pieces, tight gunplay, and iconic moments perfect for players who want a polished solo experience. With new mechanics like underwater combat and vehicle hijacking, you’ll never feel like you’re missing out on action.

Highlights for solo gamers:

Strong AI companions

Dynamic mission styles

Visual and audio immersion

Can be played fully offline

🔥 For players who love gritty historical stories

If you’re into the raw realism of World War II, World at War’s campaign doesn’t hold back. Its dark, emotional tone makes it one of the most memorable single-player experiences in the series. Plus, it introduced Zombies mode, which you can play solo.

Why it works solo:

Challenging AI enemies

Solo Zombies mode included

Classic WWII weapons and themes

Great for fans of history-based FPS

🚀 Most underrated solo campaign

Don’t sleep on this one. While it got flak at launch, Infinite Warfare has one of the best-written campaigns in the franchise. Set in space, it combines ground combat with aerial dogfights and emotional storytelling.

Solo strengths:

Space missions = fresh gameplay

Deep character arcs

Minimal need for multiplayer

Great pacing and mission variety

🧪 Futuristic fun for solo thinkers

Black Ops III delivers a co-op campaign that still works great solo, thanks to smart AI and flexible mission loadouts. Plus, its offline Zombies mode lets you fight the undead solo at your own pace.

Why it appeals to solo players:

Customizable campaign experience

Sci-fi themes with cybernetic powers

Can play campaign and Zombies without internet

Ideal for gamers who like story + mechanics depth

Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007) – Iconic missions like “All Ghillied Up,” though a bit dated now

Call of Duty: Ghosts – Unique squad-based story, but polarizing reviews

Call of Duty: Vanguard – Decent WWII campaign, but less memorable

Call of Duty Warzone (DMZ mode) – Can be played solo, but still online-required

If you're playing solo, here's what to look for:

🎥 Strong single-player campaigns

🧠 Smart AI and immersive missions

🧟 Offline co-op or survival modes (like Zombies or Spec Ops)

🎮 Flexible difficulty settings and pacing

🚫 Minimal reliance on multiplayer to enjoy full features

Which Call of Duty game has the best campaign for solo play?

Modern Warfare (2019) and Black Ops Cold War are both top-tier picks.

Can you play Call of Duty offline solo?

Yes! Most titles have offline campaigns and AI-driven modes like Zombies or Spec Ops.

What’s the best Call of Duty Zombies mode for solo players?

World at War (original), Black Ops III, and Cold War offer solid solo zombie survival options.

Is Call of Duty fun without friends?

Absolutely. If you enjoy story-driven gameplay, COD delivers plenty of action for solo players.

You don’t need a full squad to enjoy Call of Duty. Whether you're chasing a gripping story or practicing your aim without the chaos of online lobbies, the titles above offer some of the best solo FPS experiences around.

Want to master the game at your own pace? Starting with Modern Warfare (2019) or Cold War they deliver on all fronts for solo players.

If your child loves action, strategy, or storytelling in games like Call of Duty, they’ll thrive on DIY.org, a safe, hands-on learning platform packed with art, animation, and game design challenges for kids. It’s the perfect offline balance to screen time, and a great way to turn gaming interest into real-world creative skills.

👉 Explore DIY.org’s Game Design & Storytelling Projects Today →