Does Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 have a story campaign?

Where is Call of Duty Black Ops 4's campaign?

Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is the latest entry in the blockbuster shooter franchise, packing explosive first-person action across a variety of modes. Distancing itself from acclaimed predecessors, the project departs from the established formula, doubling down on its multiplayer modes.

The direction of Call of Duty has remained unchanged for a decade, comprised of a single-player story campaign, competitive multiplayer, and cooperative mode. Making room for the new "Blackout" battle royale game mode, this year ditches the campaign in its entirety. And with the rise of last-man-standing titles like Fortnite and PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG), the move isn't a huge surprise.

Dropping the single-player campaign has allowed developer Treyarch to further invest in refining other modes. So, what does that mean for Call of Duty single-player fans? Sadly, it appears Activision is shifting away in favor of online multiplayer experiences. However, with Modern Warfare 4 potentially on the horizon in 2019, its return hasn't been ruled out entirely.

Does Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 have any story?

While Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 doesn't feature a full-fledged campaign, it still aims to inject a narrative into the experience. The game's new characterized classes, dubbed "Specialists," feature unique personalities comparable to their in-game abilities. This is paired with a single-player "Specialist HQ" mode which features simple tutorial-style missions. It provides additional backstory with full cutscenes although still isn't comparable to a real campaign.

Treyarch has also invested in its Zombies mode in recent years, building deeper narratives outside of a campaign. In Black Ops 4, it features a full cast of characters and standalone narrative, while preserving the cooperative gameplay. It's the closest thing to a campaign and shouldn't be overlooked.

Should you buy Call of Duty: Black Ops 4?

While the allure of online experiences has drawn many, there are still military shooters in 2018 with campaigns. Second World War shooter, Battlefield V, revives its War Stories mode following prior success. Exploring lesser-known stories from the conflict, locations span the North African desert to Norwegian mountains. If you want a pure single-player story campaign in 2018, Battlefield V might be for you.

Alternatively, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 still features an abundance of content. While the game doesn't feature a full story campaign, don't overlook the narrative intertwined through other modes. Overall, it's one of the best Call of Duty titles in years, provided to lack of a single-player isn't a deal breaker.