Call of Duty: WWII is a 2017 first-person shooter game created by Sledgehammer Games and released by Activision. It was made available globally on November 3, 2017, for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One. This game is the fourteenth main entry in the Call of Duty series and the first in the series to focus mainly on events from World War II since Call of Duty: World at War in 2008.
The game’s story takes place in Europe and follows a group of soldiers in the 1st Infantry Division during battles on the Western Front, with much of the campaign based on real events from Operation Overlord, also known as D-Day. The player controls a character named Ronald "Red" Daniels. His teammates can provide extra ammunition, health, or grenades, as well as help spot enemies or throw targeted grenades. These items are not automatically restocked during the campaign. The multiplayer mode includes maps not seen in the campaign and introduces a new system called Divisions, which replaces the create-a-class system used in earlier games. A social area called Headquarters was added to the game, allowing players to interact with one another.
Sledgehammer Games wanted to return to World War II after making Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare (2014), a game with futuristic technology. The studio’s leader, Michael Condrey, was unsure if a World War II game would feel right after creating a futuristic title, but the team decided to proceed. They included details about wartime horrors and Nazi concentration camps in the campaign to create an accurate story.
When the game was released, critics gave it mostly positive reviews. Praise was given for its story, changes to combat, multiplayer features, and visuals. However, some critics noted that the single-player mode lacked new ideas and felt similar to older games set in the same time period. The game was a commercial success, earning $500 million in revenue within three days of its release. It became the top-selling console game in North America in 2017 and made over $1 billion in worldwide sales by the end of the year.
Gameplay
Call of Duty: WWII is a first-person shooter game. Unlike recent versions, it does not include advanced movement features like double jumping or wall running. Instead, it returns to traditional movement, focusing on ground-based combat, similar to how the game was played in earlier titles. The game includes an unlimited sprint feature, which was also in previous versions. Instead of a sliding movement, players can use a "hit-the-deck" mechanic to quickly roll to cover, similar to a feature called "dolphin dive" in earlier Call of Duty games.
This game is the first since the original Call of Duty and Call of Duty 2: Big Red One to not include automatic health recovery during the campaign. Players must collect health packs or rely on a medic squadmate to restore health. Other squad members can provide ammunition, throw grenades, call in mortar attacks, or reveal enemy positions with silhouettes. In some parts of the campaign, players can capture enemy soldiers or drag injured allies to safety. In certain sections, players can also control vehicles.
The multiplayer mode for Call of Duty: WWII was announced at E3 2017, an event held from June 13–15. Sledgehammer Games introduced features like a new social space called "Headquarters," "Divisions," and a return to ground-based gameplay. Players who pre-ordered the game participated in a closed beta initially available on PlayStation 4, later released on other platforms.
In online matches, players are randomly assigned to either the Allied or Axis side. Developers explained that the game distinguishes between German regular soldiers and the SS, reflecting historical differences between the German military and the Nazi party. Some critics argued that this distinction downplays the role of the Wehrmacht in war crimes during World War II.
Instead of a class creation system, WWII uses "Divisions," which are groups with unique training and weapon skills. Players earn ranks within divisions to unlock perks and also use a global system called "Basic Training." Initially, five divisions were available (Infantry, Airborne, Armored, Mountain, and Expeditionary), with three more added later (Resistance, Cavalry, and Commando). The division system was updated in 2018 to improve balance.
The game includes a social space called "Headquarters," set on Omaha Beach after the Allied invasion. Up to 48 players can gather there to participate in activities like watching loot boxes, practicing shooting at a firing range, testing scorestreaks, or competing in 1v1 duels.
The end-of-match highlight, called "Bronze Star," shows the most impressive kill of the game, based on points earned in a row. However, the "Search & Destroy" mode uses a final killcam instead.
A new mode called "War" was introduced as a story-focused multiplayer experience. Players work in teams of six to complete objectives as either Allies or Axis, inspired by real World War II battles. Other modes like Team Deathmatch and Domination return, along with "Gridiron," a ground-based version of a previous game mode. New and fan-favorite modes are added during seasonal events.
The game includes a cooperative zombies mode, set in an alternate history and separate from the main story. Called "Nazi Zombies," it follows Allied soldiers facing an undead army created by the Third Reich. While fictional, the story includes some real historical events. Players can choose from four roles (Offense, Control, Medic, Support) and use class-specific weapons and perks. The mode includes a hint system to guide players through the story, with both casual and challenging paths available.
Plot
On June 6, 1944, United States Army Private First Class Ronald "Red" Daniels (Brett Zimmerman), of the 1st Infantry Division, attacks Omaha Beach with his platoon as part of the Normandy landings. He is joined by PFC Robert Zussman (Jonathan Tucker), Technician Fifth Grade Frank Aiello (Jeff Schine), and Private Drew Stiles (Kevin Coubal). The platoon also includes Technical Sergeant William Pierson (Josh Duhamel), who is described as difficult and alcoholic, and First Lieutenant Joseph Turner (Jeffrey Pierce). During the battle, Zussman is stabbed by a German soldier but is saved by Daniels after being pulled to safety. On July 25 and 26, the platoon travels with the 745th Tank Battalion as part of Operation Cobra, helping to free the town of Marigny. Daniels later learns that Pierson was demoted after leading his men into danger without following orders during the Battle of Kasserine Pass.
On August 20, Colonel Davis (Matt Riedy) orders the platoon to work with British Special Operations Executive officers Arthur Crowley (David Alpay) and Vivian Harris (Helen Sadler) to stop a German armored train carrying V-2 rockets. The mission includes meeting with French resistance member Camille "Rousseau" Denis (Bella Dayne). On August 25, Rousseau and Crowley enter a German garrison in Paris to get explosives for the platoon’s attack. Rousseau places explosives at the entrance and kills Gestapo officer Heinrich (J. Paul Boehmer) when she discovers his identity, helping the platoon free the city.
On October 18, the platoon attacks Aachen with support from an M4 Sherman tank led by Staff Sergeant Augustine Pérez (Christian Lanz) of the 745th Tank Battalion. After capturing a hotel, they find civilians hiding in the basement. Turner orders the civilians to be evacuated, despite Pierson’s objections. Daniels rescues a young girl named Anna (Lilith Max), but German soldiers shoot at a truck carrying the civilians, killing Anna’s older sister, Erica. Pierson sends the truck away without protection. On November 14, the platoon is ordered to capture Hill 493 during the Battle of Hürtgen Forest. Pierson and Zussman are sent to advance toward the hill, while Daniels and Turner provide cover. Turner’s squad later discovers that Pierson launched an early attack on the hill, forcing them to join. The platoon destroys enemy artillery positions but is attacked by a Tiger II tank. Daniels is injured while destroying the tank, and Turner sacrifices his life to protect the platoon after saving Daniels. After the battle, Pierson becomes the platoon leader, and Daniels is promoted to corporal.
On December 25, during the Battle of the Bulge, the platoon is surrounded by German forces. African-American combat engineer Marcus Howard (Russell Richardson) helps the platoon contact air support. The player then controls Second Lieutenant Matthew Weber in his P-47 Thunderbolt of the 509th Fighter Squadron. On December 27, Daniels gets information from a German prisoner of war that the Germans plan to destroy the bridge during the Battle of Remagen, the last bridge over the Rhine. After stopping the explosives from being moved, the platoon attacks a nearby air base to destroy the remaining explosives. The attack fails, and Zussman is captured. Daniels disobeys Pierson and tries to chase the truck carrying Zussman but is wounded and fails. Pierson fires Daniels from the platoon, and Zussman is sent to a concentration camp. Daniels is awarded a Bronze Star for discovering the German intelligence and is given the chance to return home to his pregnant wife. He refuses, still wanting to rescue Zussman. While recovering, Daniels learns from Colonel Davis that Pierson was actually demoted after the Battle of Kasserine Pass for disobeying orders to retreat in an attempt to save part of his platoon. Daniels confronts Pierson, who admits the truth, and allows Daniels to rejoin the platoon.
On March 7, 1945, the platoon captures the last bridge over the Rhine. They travel into Germany to search for Zussman and eventually reach the Berga concentration camp, which they find abandoned. The camp’s survivors had been sent on a death march. Daniels finds and rescues Zussman. After the war in Europe ends, Daniels leaves his platoon and returns home to Texas, reuniting with his wife and newborn son. He visits the grave of his older brother, Paul (Chris Browning), who died during Daniels’ childhood after being attacked by a wolf that Daniels failed to shoot, and places his medal on the tombstone.
Development
Call of Duty: World War II is the second game in the Call of Duty series created by Sledgehammer Games. It is the fourth game in a three-year development plan managed by Activision, which allows more time to make each game. A new Call of Duty game set during World War II was mentioned in a 2014 interview with Michael Condrey, co-founder of Sledgehammer Games, during the launch of Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare. When asked about possible settings for future games, Condrey said, "Some of my favorite stories are set in World War II." He specifically mentioned Band of Brothers, a TV show about soldiers during the war. Condrey explained that a new game with high-quality production and a World War II setting like Band of Brothers would be exciting. He also noted that designing gameplay and multiplayer features after the new movement system in Advanced Warfare would be a challenge. The game uses an improved version of the custom engine from Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare developed by Sledgehammer Games.
Sledgehammer Games did not share all the real historical locations from World War II used in the game’s story. Activision did not confirm or deny reports that Nazi extermination camps would appear in the game. Adam Rosenberg of Mashable wrote that many World War II games avoided discussing the Holocaust for business reasons, but this game might be the first Call of Duty title to show the Holocaust. Bret Robbins, a senior creative director, said, "Some very dark events happened during the war, and it felt wrong to ignore them." He added, "We show these events because they are part of the true history, and people today can handle difficult stories with maturity." When asked if players could control Axis soldiers, such as those from Nazi Germany or Fascist Italy, Sledgehammer Games confirmed the campaign would only include Allied forces.
The Windows version of the game was developed with Raven Software. Raven’s CTO, Dwight Luetscher, said the team focused on improving the Windows platform and meeting community needs. The Windows version includes changes such as removing controller aim assist and adding a sensitivity slider for aiming.
All pre-orders except the PC version gave players access to a private beta. The beta first tested on PlayStation 4 from August 25–28, then on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One from September 1–4. The PC beta was open to all players and ran from September 29–October 2 on Steam. Players who joined the beta received the Beta Combat Pack, which includes a special helmet, emblem, and calling card. The game is sold in three versions: Base Edition, Digital Deluxe Edition, and Pro Edition. The Pro Edition was only available at GameStop, and pre-orders at GameStop also included a limited-edition hat.
Release
The game was launched worldwide on November 3, 2017, for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One.
Call of Duty: WWII includes four downloadable content map packs. Each pack contains three regular multiplayer maps, one War map, and one Nazi Zombies map. Players who bought the Season Pass received access to all four map packs when they were first available. They also received "Carentan," a remake of the multiplayer map from Call of Duty and Call of Duty 2.
On December 19, 2017, Activision shared a preview trailer for the first downloadable content pack, The Resistance. This pack includes three new multiplayer maps: "Anthropoid," "Valkyrie," and "Occupation" (which is a remake of "Resistance" from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3); one new War map: "Operation Intercept"; and one new Nazi Zombies map: "The Darkest Shore." The map pack was released on January 30, 2018, first on PlayStation 4, and on March 1 for Xbox One and Steam.
On April 6, 2018, Activision announced the second downloadable content pack, The War Machine. This pack includes three multiplayer maps: "Egypt," "Dunkirk," and "V2"; one new War map: "Operation Husky"; and one new Nazi Zombies map: "The Shadowed Throne." The map pack was released on April 17, 2018, first on PlayStation 4, and on May 17 for Xbox One and Steam.
On June 19, 2018, Activision announced the third downloadable content pack, United Front. This pack includes three multiplayer maps: "Monte Cassino," "Market Garden," and "Stalingrad"; one new War map: "Operation Supercharge"; and three new Nazi Zombies maps: "Into the Storm," "Across the Depth," and "Beneath the Ice," which are referred to as "The Tortured Path." The map pack was released on June 26, 2018, first on PlayStation 4, and on July 26 for Xbox One and Steam.
On August 23, 2018, Activision announced the fourth and final downloadable content pack, Shadow War. This pack includes three multiplayer maps: "Airship," "Chancellery," and "Excavation"; one new War map: "Operation Arcane"; and one new Nazi Zombies map: "The Frozen Dawn." The map pack was released on August 28, 2018, first on PlayStation 4, and on September 27 for Xbox One and Steam.
In addition to the map packs, the game received several free multiplayer maps as part of seasonal events. On December 7, 2017, Sledgehammer Games released "Winter Carentan," a winter-themed version of the "Carentan" map, to all players as part of the Winter Siege event. On March 13, 2018, "Shipment 1944," a remake of the map "Shipment" from Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, was released to all season pass holders, and to all players three days later. On April 17, Sledgehammer Games introduced a new map, "HQ," based on the same Headquarters social hub, as a playable map in several party modes. On May 29, the Nazi Zombies map "Gröesten Haus" was added to multiplayer as a playable map for zombie-themed game modes as part of the Attack of the Undead event. On July 30, a new map, "Sandbox," was added for free to all PlayStation 4 players as part of the Days of Summer event, and on August 30 for Xbox One and Steam players.
Reception
Before the game was released, some people criticized it for using the Swastika symbol in limited ways and for allowing players to control a variety of German soldiers in online multiplayer. During E3 2017, Michael Condrey, a co-founder of Sledgehammer Games, explained that swastikas were removed from multiplayer and Zombies modes because "including Nazi symbols without the historical context of World War II would not be appropriate." He also said that multiplayer experiences are shared globally, so the game had to follow local laws, such as Germany's rules about swastika imagery. However, swastikas were included in the campaign mode because the developers wanted to "be historically accurate and tell the story they wanted to tell." Condrey acknowledged that including Black and female German soldiers in multiplayer was not historically accurate, as Nazi Germany did not recruit people from these groups. He said the game aimed to appeal to a diverse audience and allow players to choose avatars that reflect their identities.
Call of Duty: WWII received "generally favorable" reviews from critics for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, while the PC version received "mixed or average" reviews, according to Metacritic. Miguel Concepcion of GameSpot gave the game a 9/10, praising the campaign's emotional storytelling, strong character development, and high-quality visuals and sound. Nick Plessas of EGMNow gave it an 8.5/10, highlighting the campaign's well-developed protagonists and the game's strategic gameplay, which encouraged teamwork and careful planning. Miranda Sanchez of IGN gave it an 8/10, calling the campaign "human and diverse" but criticizing some action scenes and repetitive missions. She praised the Zombies mode for balancing fun and challenge. Daniel Tack of Game Informer gave it an 8.75/10, calling the multiplayer the game's strongest feature but saying the campaign felt slow and repetitive.
Jason Faulkner of GameRevolution noted that some missions felt familiar, as similar scenarios appeared in other games, but he praised the game's production quality. Chris Moyse of Destructoid called the campaign one of the best in the series but said the game did not change the franchise enough. Russ Frushtick of Polygon praised the multiplayer but criticized the campaign for feeling unoriginal. Jeff Gerstmann of Giant Bomb said the characters and enemies were unimpressive and that the game did not take advantage of its World War II setting.
Eurogamer ranked the game 38th in their "Top 50 Games of 2017" list, and EGMNow ranked it 20th in their "25 Best Games of 2017" list. The game was nominated for "Best Shooter," "Best Graphics," "Best Multiplayer," and "Best Spectator Game" in IGN's 2017 awards.
The game earned over $500 million in its first three days and over $1 billion worldwide by December 2017. It was the highest-grossing console game of 2017 in North America and second in the United Kingdom. By the end of 2017, it had over 20.7 million players, with 12.1 million on PlayStation 4, 7.8 million on Xbox One, and 825,000 on Steam. In Japan, the PlayStation 4 version sold 168,234 copies in its first week, making it the top-selling game that week.
Soon after the game's release, a tragic event occurred. Casey Viner, an Ohio resident, threatened to "swat" his teammate, Shane Gaskill, after a tournament match was ruined by friendly fire. Gaskill shared his old address, and Viner contacted Tyler Barriss, who called Wichita Police claiming to have killed his father and taken his family hostage. Officers arrived at the address, now occupied by Andrew Finch, and one officer shot Finch, believing he reached for a weapon.