We’re now several seasons into Black Ops 7, and fans are already wondering when we can expect the next Call of Duty game.
Since all the way back in 2005, CoD has operated on a yearly cycle, with a new main-series game having launched every single year started with Call of Duty 2.
2026 will likely be no exception, so if you’re curious what Activision and Treyarch are cooking up for us next, here’s what we know so far.
When could the next CoD come out? Release date speculation
The release date for the next Call of Duty game has not been confirmed yet.
That being said, we feel very confident in saying that the next CoD will release in either October or November 2026.
We feel so confident saying this, because every single CoD game has first released in October of November, with the exception of Warzone, which released in March 2020.
Last year, BO7 released in mid-November, while BO6 released in late October, so we imagine that the new CoD will come out sometime between the last week of October and the middle of November.
Activision may aim to target the earlier side of that window so as to avoid Grand Theft Auto 6, which itself releases in mid-November.
What is the next CoD game? Modern Warfare 4 rumours explained
While Activision is yet to confirm what the next Call of Duty game is, according to news from reputable leakers, 2026’s release will be Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4.
According to TheGhostOfHope via X, Modern Warfare 4 (stylised as Modern Warfare 사, including the word “four” written in Korean) is currently being developed by Infinity Ward.
Reportedly the game will feature a campaign focused on the Korean Peninsula, with the 141, SAS and South Korean army being the main factions that players will play as.
Following on from the events of Modern Warfare 3, MW4’s story will supposedly centre on Makarov and the Konni Group, who are conducting false flag operations in order to start World War 3.
The game reportedly will also feature some futuristic weapons, but will largely keep to a modern theme.
While there are very few official details about the next CoD – whether it is indeed MW 4 or not – Activision has already confirmed that the game will not be releasing on last-generation consoles, meaning Xbox One and PS4 owners will finally be forced to upgrade.
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