Call of Duty: MW2 / MW3 / Warzone / Black Ops 6 / Black Ops 7

Activision (Infinity Ward; Sledgehammer Games; Treyarch; Raven Software)

PC; PlayStation 4; PlayStation 5; Xbox One; Xbox Series X|SPremium campaigns plus always-on free-to-play Warzone; battle pass; cosmetic bundles

Health Score

RISKY

Official Website Watch Gameplay

About This Game

Super Review

Call of Duty offers highly polished, fast-paced shooting but comes with significant risks. Its realistic violence, aggressive monetization through battle passes and cosmetic bundles, and potential exposure to toxic online interactions make it a risky choice. Parents must establish strict boundaries regarding content, spending, and social features.

Super Review

Parent verdict

With a "Risky" health score of 23, Call of Duty is not recommended for children under 17 and is only suitable for older teens with very strong parental oversight. The game's appeal lies in its competitive gameplay, but this comes at the cost of exposure to intense military violence, persistent pressure to spend real money on in-game items, and potentially toxic online environments. Parents choosing to allow play must be prepared for consistent supervision and setting firm limits on playtime and purchases.

What players actually do

Engage in fast-paced, first-person gunfights across various maps and game modes, testing reflexes and precision aim.
Work cooperatively with a team to complete objectives or eliminate opposing players, exercising tactical planning and communication.
Unlock new weapons, equipment, and cosmetic items by progressing through battle passes and completing in-game challenges, which encourages consistent play.

Where it shines

Offers highly responsive and precise shooting mechanics, rewarding player skill and strategic positioning in combat.
Provides short, competitive multiplayer matches and objective-based gameplay, fitting well into limited play sessions for players seeking quick action.

Parent watch-outs

Exposes players to realistic, intense military violence featuring blood effects and mature themes, leading to an ESRB M (Mature 17+) rating.
Features aggressive monetization tactics, including randomized item purchases (loot boxes), seasonal battle passes, and cosmetic bundles that create constant pressure to spend real money.
Includes unmoderated voice chat and online matchmaking, which can expose players to strong language, harassment, and other forms of toxicity from strangers.

Family rules worth setting

Disable all voice chat features to protect against exposure to strong language and inappropriate content from other players.
Implement strict spending limits or disable in-game purchases entirely to prevent unauthorized spending on battle passes, cosmetic bundles, or random items.
Limit daily play sessions to prevent excessive screen time and reduce exposure to the game's addictive design loops.

Talk about this

Discuss the distinction between realistic violence in games and real-world consequences, emphasizing that in-game actions are not acceptable in reality.
Talk about the psychological tactics games use to encourage spending and extended play, such as limited-time offers and randomized rewards, and how to resist them.

Play style

This is a fast-paced, competitive first-person shooter that demands quick reflexes and strategic thinking. Sessions typically last between 10-20 minutes, making it easy to drop in and out. While core gameplay is solo skill-based, many modes emphasize team cooperation. The game's high difficulty, particularly in competitive modes, can be frustrating, and the constant drive for unlocks and progression creates a strong incentive for continuous play.

Score Breakdown

Positive Aspects

Educational Value

1/5

Creativity

1/5

Pro-Social

3/5

Risk Factors

Addictive Monetization

5/5

Time Pressure / FOMO

4/5

Social Risk

4/5

Content Intensity

4/5

Why this rating

Educational Value

1/5

Call of Duty offers virtually no educational value. Its primary focus is on combat skills and competitive play, with no elements designed for academic learning or broader intellectual development.

Addictive Monetization

5/5

The game scores a 5 for Addictive Monetization due to its aggressive business model. It heavily relies on battle passes, cosmetic bundles, and randomized item purchases, creating constant pressure on players to spend money and play regularly to unlock content before it disappears.

Social Risk

4/5

Social Risk receives a score of 4 because of the unmoderated online environment. Players can be exposed to severe toxicity, strong language, and potentially harmful interactions through voice and text chat with strangers, which is a significant concern for younger players.

Content Intensity

4/5

Content Intensity is rated 4 due to the realistic and intense military violence, including blood and gore, which aligns with its ESRB M (Mature 17+) and PEGI 18 ratings. The game's themes and depiction of combat are not suitable for children or younger teens.