The Call of Duty franchise continues its annual tradition, and while 2025’s Black Ops Gulf War is still fresh, the gaming community is already buzzing about what Activision has in store for Call of Duty 2026. Here’s everything we know so far about the next installment in gaming’s biggest FPS franchise.
Current Status: What We Know (December 2025)
As of late 2025, Activision has not officially announced Call of Duty 2026, but based on the franchise’s established development cycle and industry leaks, here’s what’s taking shape.
Developer: Infinity Ward’s Turn
Following the three-studio rotation, Infinity Ward is expected to lead development on Call of Duty 2026. The studio last delivered Modern Warfare III (2023) and has historically been responsible for the beloved Modern Warfare series.
Development Cycle Reminder:
- 2024: Treyarch – Black Ops Gulf War
- 2025: Sledgehammer Games – (rumored Advanced Warfare sequel)
- 2026: Infinity Ward – TBD
Rumored Settings and Themes
Modern Warfare IV or New IP?
Industry insiders suggest several possibilities:
Option 1: Modern Warfare IV
- Continuation of the rebooted Modern Warfare storyline
- Could conclude Captain Price’s arc
- Modern/near-future setting (2026-2030)
- Focus on emerging technologies and cyber warfare
Option 2: Return to a Classic Setting
- Potential WWII return with next-gen technology
- Vietnam War (underexplored in recent years)
- Korean War setting
Option 3: Completely New Direction
- Original IP within the CoD universe
- Futuristic setting (post-2030)
- Experimental gameplay mechanics
Expected Features and Improvements
Next-Gen Exclusive?
By 2026, we may see the first Call of Duty title that’s truly next-gen exclusive, abandoning PlayStation 4 and Xbox One support entirely. This would allow:
- Enhanced graphics using full potential of PS5/Xbox Series X
- Larger player counts in multiplayer
- More destructible environments
- Advanced AI systems
- Faster loading times and seamless transitions
Game Engine: IW 10.0 or Beyond
Infinity Ward will likely use an advanced version of the IW engine, featuring:
- Improved ray tracing and lighting
- Enhanced physics systems
- Better character animations and facial capture
- More realistic destruction mechanics
Multiplayer Innovations
Expected multiplayer features:
- Map voting system (fan-requested)
- Improved anti-cheat (Ricochet 3.0 or newer)
- Ranked play at launch
- Cross-progression across all CoD titles
- Enhanced customization options
- New game modes mixing classic and innovative gameplay
Warzone Integration
Call of Duty 2026 will almost certainly integrate with Warzone, which by then will likely have evolved into “Warzone 3” or beyond:
- New map tied to the 2026 game’s setting
- Shared progression systems
- Integrated storytelling between premium and F2P experiences
- Enhanced mobility and traversal mechanics
Campaign Expectations
Based on Infinity Ward’s track record, expect:
- 8-12 hour campaign with cinematic storytelling
- Multiple playable characters across different theaters/timeframes
- Branching missions or player choice elements
- Set-piece moments that push hardware to its limits
- Morally gray narratives exploring modern conflict
Potential Campaign Themes:
- Cyber warfare and digital conflict
- Private military corporations
- Drone and autonomous weapons
- Climate-driven conflicts
- Geopolitical tensions in emerging tech sectors
Zombies or Special Ops?
Since Infinity Ward typically doesn’t develop Zombies mode (that’s Treyarch’s domain), expect:
- Spec Ops return with improved co-op missions
- New PvE mode potentially inspired by DMZ’s success
- Extraction-based gameplay integrated into the main game
- Or a completely new third mode
Business Model and Pricing
Premium Game Price
- Likely $69.99 USD standard edition
- $99.99-$109.99 USD for vault/deluxe editions
- Early access for premium buyers
Live Service Elements
- Battle Pass system (seasonal content)
- Cosmetic microtransactions
- Bundles and collaborations
- No traditional DLC map packs (maps free for all)
Game Pass and Microsoft Influence
With Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard complete, CoD 2026 will likely:
- Launch day one on Xbox Game Pass
- Remain available on PlayStation (per existing agreements)
- Feature Xbox exclusive benefits (early beta access, exclusive cosmetics)
- Be available on PC via Game Pass and Battle.net
Technical Specifications
Minimum Expected PC Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10/11 64-bit
- Processor: Intel i5-10600K or AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 3060 / AMD RX 6600 XT
- Storage: 150+ GB SSD (likely 175-200 GB with updates)
Recommended Specs:
- Processor: Intel i7-12700K or AMD Ryzen 7 7700X
- Memory: 32 GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 4070 / AMD RX 7800 XT
- Storage: 200 GB NVMe SSD
Expected Timeline
Based on typical Call of Duty development and marketing cycles:
- Q1 2026 (Jan-Mar): First teaser/rumors intensify
- Q2 2026 (Apr-Jun): Official announcement, title reveal
- Summer 2026: Full gameplay reveal, multiplayer showcase
- August/September 2026: Beta weekends
- October/November 2026: Official launch
Most likely release date: Early-to-mid November 2026
Community Wishlist
The CoD community has been vocal about what they want to see:
Most Requested Features:
✅ Red dot mini-map (classic style) ✅ Traditional prestige system return ✅ Map voting between matches ✅ No SBMM (or significantly reduced skill-based matchmaking) ✅ Dedicated servers option ✅ Better weapon balancing at launch ✅ Classic map remakes done right ✅ Theater mode return ✅ Permanent game modes (no rotation) ✅ Better communication from developers
Potential Challenges
Franchise Fatigue
- Annual releases continue to draw criticism
- Need to innovate while maintaining CoD identity
- Balancing nostalgia with new ideas
Competition
- Battlefield series resurgence potential
- Free-to-play shooters (Apex, Fortnite, Valorant)
- New IPs entering the FPS space
Technical Issues
- Launch stability (recent titles had rough starts)
- Cheating and anti-cheat effectiveness
- Massive file sizes and storage requirements
What Would Make CoD 2026 Special?
For Call of Duty 2026 to stand out, it needs:
- A clear identity – Not just “another CoD game”
- Technical excellence – Smooth launch, no major bugs
- Community-first approach – Listening to player feedback
- Innovation without alienation – New ideas that still feel like CoD
- Long-term support – Two-year development cycle content plan
Leaks and Rumors to Watch
As we move through 2025 and into 2026, watch for:
- Playtest leaks from closed development tests
- Insider reports from Jason Schreier, Tom Henderson, and others
- Job listings from Infinity Ward hinting at features
- Supply chain leaks regarding physical editions
- Influencer teases from CoD content creators with early access
Will It Be Worth It?
Whether Call of Duty 2026 justifies its purchase depends on:
- Campaign quality – Is the story compelling enough?
- Multiplayer longevity – Will it maintain a player base?
- Value proposition – Is $70 justified against F2P alternatives?
- Technical performance – Does it run well at launch?
- Post-launch support – Will Infinity Ward support it properly?
The Bottom Line
Call of Duty 2026 remains largely a mystery, but if history is any guide, Infinity Ward will deliver a polished, action-packed experience that pushes the franchise forward. Whether it’s Modern Warfare IV, a return to classic warfare, or something entirely new, the game will likely dominate sales charts and player counts upon release.
What we can reasonably expect:
- November 2026 release
- Modern or near-future setting
- Next-gen focus with enhanced visuals
- Warzone integration
- Day-one Game Pass availability
- Premium $70 price point
- Robust multiplayer and cinematic campaign
Stay Updated
For the latest Call of Duty 2026 news:
- Follow @CallofDuty on social media
- Watch for Activision earnings calls (often contain hints)
- Monitor gaming news outlets and insiders
- Join CoD community forums on Reddit and Discord
