The Call of Duty franchise has explored diverse eras, from Cold War tensions to futuristic warfare. As experts tracking the series for years, we're diving into the setting of Sledgehammer Games' Call of Duty: Vanguard.
Excitement is building as the release date approaches, with fans eager for this WWII-themed shooter.
Each title's historical or futuristic backdrop shapes its gripping campaign and dynamic multiplayer—so when exactly does Vanguard unfold?
While precise campaign dates aren't detailed yet, Vanguard is firmly rooted in the WWII era, spanning September 1, 1939, to September 2, 1945.
The single-player story highlights the origins of special forces, spanning the Pacific, Western, Eastern Fronts, and North Africa.
Until launch, we can't confirm if it covers the full war or a focused period.
Vanguard takes creative liberties with history. Narrative director Masse noted the story is "rooted but not beholden" to real events.
This was evident in a viral TikTok spotting anachronistic red dot sights—invented decades post-war—suggesting the timeline may diverge for gameplay.
That said, authenticity matters: Campaign creative director Dave Swenson revealed the team researched real "reverse-engineered battles" for realism.
We'll pinpoint the exact WWII window once we play Vanguard and update accordingly.
For more, see the full weapon list and confirmed changes post-Alpha.
Image credits: Activision
