Call of Duty: Vanguard received a 73 Metascore from 68 critic reviews on Metacritic when checked on October 8, 2026, a rating the aggregator classifies as “Mixed or Average.” The score reflects a split response: critics often enjoyed its gunplay and multiplayer, while the campaign’s brevity and limited variety drew recurring criticism. Zombies earned a more mixed reception. Whether the game appeals depends heavily on which mode you value.
What is the critic consensus on Call of Duty: Vanguard?
Metacritic displayed a 73 Metascore based on 68 critic reviews on October 8, 2026, and labeled the result “Mixed or Average.” Its displayed breakdown was 34 positive reviews (50%) and 34 mixed reviews (50%), with none classified as negative. These are Metacritic’s page figures on that date, not a permanent or universal verdict: the aggregate can change if reviews are added or revised. The user-score panel is separate and should not be read as critic consensus. Metacritic’s Call of Duty: Vanguard reviews
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Call of Duty: Vanguard | $28.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Call of Duty: Vanguard - Xbox One | $23.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Call of Duty®: Vanguard (PS4) | $26.49 | Buy on Amazon |
Launch-era reviews show why responses varied by mode. In GameSpot’s roundup, published November 5, 2021, Phil Hornshaw rated the game 7/10, praising its framework, gunplay, multiplayer, and inventive campaign moments while observing that the parts do not always come together. Daniel Tack’s Game Informer review, reproduced in that roundup, awarded 8/10. GameSpot’s November 5, 2021 review roundup
How did critics rate the campaign?
The campaign was polished and could be entertaining, with some inventive moments, but its short length and lack of variety were frequent reservations. Reviewers also pointed to uneven missions, limited character development, and a feeling that the individual pieces did not always cohere. That was not universal dismissal: some critics still found the presentation and action enjoyable.
#1 Best Overall
- Rise on every front Dogfight over the Pacific, airdrop over France, defend Stalingrad with a sniper's precision and blast through advancing forces in North Africa
- Through a deeply engaging single player Campaign a select group of soldiers from different countries rise to meet the world's gravest threat
- Call of Duty Vanguard will also usher in a new and unparalleled Call of Duty Warzone integration post launch
- Some features may require an internet connection and an online subscription
IGN’s Simon Cardy gave the campaign 7/10, as quoted in GameSpot’s roundup. His assessment recognized its fun and polish while criticizing its brevity and variety. The score is for the campaign review, not a separate Metacritic score for the full game.
Was multiplayer the strongest part?
Multiplayer and gunplay were among the game’s clearest strengths in launch reviews. GameSpot’s roundup described the multiplayer as exciting; PCGamesN highlighted positive reactions to the feel of weapons, destructible environments, loadouts, and Gunsmith customization. For players who mainly want familiar Call of Duty firefights, these were substantial positives.
Rank #2
- Rise on every front Dogfight over the Pacific, airdrop over France, defend Stalingrad with a sniper's precision and blast through advancing forces in North Africa
- Through a deeply engaging single player Campaign a select group of soldiers from different countries rise to meet the world's gravest threat
- Call of Duty Vanguard will also usher in a new and unparalleled Call of Duty Warzone integration post launch
- Some features may require an internet connection and an online subscription
The counterpoint was novelty. Some critics found the overall design familiar or unremarkable as an advance for the series. If innovation matters more to you than polished, recognizable gunplay, the positive multiplayer comments may not resolve that concern. PCGamesN’s November 5, 2021 review roundup
What did reviewers think of Zombies?
Zombies was a mixed part of the package rather than a consensus highlight. Some reviewers found it fun or approachable; criticisms included the absence of story-focused puzzle-box elements and the feeling that the mode did not make up for the campaign’s shortcomings. Game Informer’s Daniel Tack, quoted by GameSpot, said the campaign missed the mark while multiplayer and Zombies helped bring the title to a good place. That view captures one favorable assessment, not universal agreement about Zombies.
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- Standard Edition Includes:
- - Call of Duty: Vanguard
- -- Includes PS4 version of game
- -- Plays on PS5 via backward compatibility
Is Vanguard worth it for your preferred mode?
- Campaign first: Expect a polished, sometimes inventive but brief experience, with less mission variety than critics wanted.
- Multiplayer first: The strongest fit if you want solid gunplay and familiar Call of Duty action; less compelling if you need a major change to the formula.
- Zombies first: Reviews offer reasons to find it fun, but do not suggest that every player will get the deeper story-driven features they want.
- Choosing a platform: Metacritic and GameSpot list PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X versions. The cited review coverage does not establish comparative performance by platform, so the aggregate score cannot tell you which version runs best.
The game’s initial release date is listed as November 4, 2021, by Metacritic. GameSpot’s roundup and PCGamesN’s roundup are launch-era assessments from November 5, 2021; the current Metacritic total cited above is a later snapshot. GameSpot’s Call of Duty: Vanguard reviews and game page
Quick Recap
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