Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 returns to form after 2025 slump
After a rough 2025, Call of Duty’s Modern Warfare 4 delivers a strong campaign and refined DMZ mode, aiming to reclaim its throne before GTA 6 drops.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 is back, and it’s aiming to restore the franchise’s reputation after a disappointing 2025 [1]. Last year’s Black Ops 7 dropped to seventh in US sales and eighth in the UK, with critics citing weak single-player content and competition from Battlefield 6 and newcomer Arc Raiders. This year, Activision has responded with a campaign that’s been described as ‘leagues above’ the previous entry [2].
The story concludes the saga of Captain John Price, played by Barry Sloane, who goes rogue after assassinating General Shepherd and teams up with the Mexican cartel to hunt down The Archer, portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen [1]. The campaign alternates between Price and new protagonist Park Hyun Jun, set against a war between North and South Korea, with fictional locations—according to one source, possibly to avoid controversy [2].
While the narrative leans into B-movie tropes, the pacing is sharp and the missions vary in style—from supermarket raids in Hajin City to a tense escape as North Korea’s new leader [2]. The final mission, where players assume the role of a reluctant supreme leader, is a standout. However, the ending is considered rushed, and the story lacks the bold risk-taking of earlier entries.
The real surprise is DMZ, the extraction mode that’s been refined and expanded. Set across the massive Hajin map—featuring forests, nuclear reactors, and prisons—it now offers a balanced mix of PvPvE action, progression systems, and optional open-ended exploration [2]. It’s positioned as a direct rival to Arc Raiders and Marathon [1].
Activision’s marketing strategy is also bold: a life-sized replica of a South Korean street in Shoreditch, a Baller League sponsorship, and a Mr Beast collaboration to promote DMZ [1]. Chief marketing officer Tyler Bahl sees GTA 6’s upcoming release not as a threat but an opportunity to attract new players.
With GTA 6 launching on PlayStation 5 and Xbox only, and no multiplayer at launch, Bahl argues Call of Duty can stand out [1]. The game’s social draw—players staying for friends, not just combat—remains a core strength. The story was first reported by BBC News and Metro.
Sources
This article is based on reporting by the outlets below.
