The Call of Duty franchise is heading in a bold new direction for 2027. According to trusted industry leaker TheGhostOfHope, Sledgehammer Games will launch an entirely new sub-series that breaks away from the Modern Warfare and Black Ops storylines that have dominated recent years. The game will feature completely new characters and take players back to the late 1990s and early 2000s, a time period that hasn’t been explored much in the franchise.
What We Know About COD 2027
Sledgehammer Games, the studio behind Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 and Vanguard, is taking the lead on development for the 2027 title. This comes after Infinity Ward’s planned Modern Warfare 4 release in 2026. The decision to create a fresh sub-series aligns with Activision’s recent announcement that it would stop releasing back-to-back Modern Warfare or Black Ops games to provide unique experiences each year.
The setting alone makes this one of the most interesting Call of Duty projects in years. The late 90s and early 2000s era offers a unique backdrop between the Cold War period and modern combat. Think pre-9/11 geopolitics, the rise of digital warfare, and military operations during a transitional period in global conflicts.
Major Gameplay Changes Coming
COD 2027 will feature omnimovement, the popular movement system introduced in Black Ops 6 that lets players sprint and slide in any direction. However, tactical sprint won’t be part of the package. This means faster, more fluid movement without the speed boost mechanic that divided players in recent titles.
There’s also ongoing debate within Sledgehammer about bringing back the Pick 10 system, a fan-favorite loadout customization method that gives players 10 points to spend across weapons, attachments, perks, and equipment. Nothing’s confirmed yet, but the fact that it’s being discussed shows the team is listening to what players want.
No Zombies Mode Planned
Here’s where things get controversial. As of now, there are no plans for a Zombies mode in COD 2027. This marks a significant departure considering Zombies has appeared in five of the last six Call of Duty releases. TheGhostOfHope suggests Activision wants to avoid burning out Treyarch Studios, the original creators of Zombies, after they’ve delivered back-to-back Black Ops entries in 2024 and 2025.
Instead, the beloved Get High mode from Modern Warfare 3 is reportedly making a comeback, though it’s unclear if this will serve as the game’s third mode alongside Campaign and Multiplayer. Get High, for those unfamiliar, was a tactical mode that emphasized vertical gameplay and strategic positioning.
Why This Matters for the Franchise
The Call of Duty franchise has been facing player fatigue. Despite Black Ops 7 giving fans everything they asked for, including the removal of skill-based matchmaking and classic three-lane maps, the game reportedly underperformed at launch. Players are burnt out on the same formulas repeated year after year.
A completely new sub-series with fresh characters and a different time period could be exactly what the franchise needs. It’s a risk, especially dropping Zombies, but it shows Activision is willing to experiment rather than play it safe. The late 90s/early 2000s setting also opens up storytelling possibilities that feel different from the high-tech future warfare or historical conflicts we’ve seen repeatedly.
The Road Ahead
Before COD 2027 arrives, players will get Modern Warfare 4 from Infinity Ward in 2026. However, early leaks suggest MW4 might play it too safe, described as a near copy of Modern Warfare 2 (2022) with minimal changes. That makes the 2027 release even more important as a potential refresh for the series.
With over 3,000 developers working on Call of Duty games across multiple studios worldwide, Activision has the resources to take creative risks. The question is whether this new direction will resonate with longtime fans who expect certain staples like Zombies, or if it will attract lapsed players looking for something genuinely different.
FAQs
Who is developing Call of Duty 2027?
Sledgehammer Games is leading development on Call of Duty 2027. The studio previously developed Modern Warfare 3, Vanguard, and other titles in the franchise while also providing support on various Call of Duty projects.
Will COD 2027 have a Zombies mode?
No, current reports indicate there are no plans for a Zombies mode in COD 2027. This decision may be related to giving Treyarch Studios a break after developing consecutive Black Ops games with Zombies content.
What time period is Call of Duty 2027 set in?
The game will be set in the late 1990s and early 2000s, featuring completely new characters separate from the Modern Warfare and Black Ops storylines.
Will tactical sprint be in Call of Duty 2027?
No, tactical sprint will not be included. However, the game will feature omnimovement from Black Ops 6, allowing players to sprint and slide in any direction without the tactical sprint speed boost.
Is the Pick 10 system returning in COD 2027?
It’s currently under debate. Sledgehammer Games is discussing whether to bring back the Pick 10 loadout system, but no final decision has been announced yet.
What will replace Zombies mode in COD 2027?
The Get High mode from Modern Warfare 3 is reportedly making a return, though it’s uncertain if this will serve as the game’s third mode or if there will be other content to replace Zombies.
When will Call of Duty 2027 be released?
While no official release date has been announced, Call of Duty games traditionally launch in the fall, likely placing COD 2027 somewhere between October and November 2027.
Conclusion
Call of Duty 2027 represents one of the biggest gambles for the franchise in years. By creating an entirely new sub-series with fresh characters, ditching Zombies, and exploring the late 90s/early 2000s setting, Sledgehammer Games is taking the series in an unexplored direction. Whether this pays off depends on execution, but after years of formulaic releases, the willingness to take risks is refreshing. The franchise needs evolution, not just iteration, and COD 2027 might finally deliver that change.