Call of Duty Online (also referred to as CODOL, CODO, or Call of Duty: Online) was an exclusive free-to-play first-person shooter released in China. Developed by Activision Shanghai in collaboration with Raven Software and published by Tencent Games, it combined content from multiple Call of Duty franchises, offering a unique experience tailored for the Chinese gaming audience. The game officially launched in closed beta on January 14, 2013, with the full release on January 11, 2015, and remained active until its shutdown on August 31, 2021, giving way to Call of Duty: Mobile.
CODOL was notable for integrating content from a wide range of Call of Duty titles, from Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare to Call of Duty: Black Ops III, effectively making it a central hub for fans wanting to experience maps, weapons, and characters across the series—including elements from COD BO7. Below is a detailed look at the game’s modes, characters, and gameplay mechanics.
Personalized Gameplay and Unique Features
CODOL introduced a microtransaction-based model allowing players to customize weapons, characters, and equipment. Unlike standard Call of Duty titles, it included localized content designed specifically for the Chinese player base. This included skins, gear, and seasonal content unavailable in other regions.
Players could access classic maps and modes from previous titles, making CODOL a unique mix of nostalgia and innovation. Notably, content from Call of Duty: Ghosts, Advanced Warfare, and Black Ops III were integrated, alongside modern multiplayer and PvE modes.
Campaign Mode
The campaign mode in CODOL allowed players to follow a narrative starring Rook while featuring returning fan-favorite characters such as John “Soap” MacTavish, Captain Price, and Simon “Ghost” Riley. The missions often derived from existing multiplayer maps and single-player campaigns from the original Modern Warfare trilogy, giving players both a cinematic and tactical experience.
Key Campaign Missions
- Identity Unknown
- The Pickup
- Safehouse
- Crash
- Infiltration
- Sniper Fi
- Deadly Mist
- Betrayal
- Distant Bridge
- Countdown
Cut Missions: Dirty Battalion
The campaign allowed players to experience tactical combat scenarios familiar to fans of COD BO7, emphasizing strategy, cover mechanics, and teamwork.
Multiplayer Modes
CODOL offered several multiplayer factions and game modes, combining classic and new elements:
Survival Mode
Originally introduced in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Survival Mode returned with added complexity and new enemy types. Players faced escalating waves of AI-controlled enemies, requiring both precision shooting and strategic use of resources.
Cyborg Rising (Treyarch Zombies Mode)
In late 2013, Treyarch’s Zombies mode was adapted as Cyborg Rising, featuring robotic enemies rather than traditional undead. Key maps included:
- Outpost (remake of Nacht der Untoten)
- CyborgLab (remake of Verrückt)
- Ghost Swamp (remake of Shi No Numa)
- Machine Manufacturing Plant (remake of Der Riese)
Special characters such as Cowboy, Trigger, Sergeant, and Lv Bu were initially available but were later simplified in updates.
Cyborg Evacuation
A PvE mode requiring players to rescue survivors while combating Cyborgs, Hellhounds, and bosses. The mode supported up to seven players and offered three difficulty tiers: Medium, Veteran, and Heroic. Maps included:
- Night Quagmire
- Farm
- Ambush
- Estate Tropical
- Seatown
Players needed to strategically manage ammo and killstreak purchases, similar to Survival Mode.
Death March
A variant of Cyborg Evacuation, Death March tasked players with escorting a BTR vehicle to rescue survivors while fighting a final boss. Key maps included:
- Arsenal
- Night Farm
- Suburb
This mode emphasized teamwork and strategic planning, making it a precursor to some mechanics seen in COD BO7’s co-op experiences.
Characters and Factions
CODOL featured a wide range of playable characters drawn from previous Call of Duty entries. Multiplayer factions mirrored those from prior games, giving players familiar identity choices in team-based battles. Customization allowed players to tailor character appearance, weapon loadouts, and equipment to suit both aesthetic and tactical preferences.
Legacy and Impact on COD BO7
Though CODOL was eventually shut down in 2021, its legacy is significant. The game served as a testing ground for features later refined in Call of Duty: Mobile and COD BO7, such as:
- Extensive character and weapon customization
- Integration of PvE and cooperative modes
- Reimagined classic maps for modern gameplay
For fans of COD BO7, CODOL represents a bridge between the franchise’s early online multiplayer mechanics and today’s streamlined, mobile-friendly versions.
Call of Duty Online was more than a regional spin-off—it was a hub for the COD community in China, offering both nostalgia and innovative gameplay. From campaign missions to PvE modes like Cyborg Rising and Death March, CODOL showcased the versatility of the franchise and influenced features seen in COD BO7 and beyond. While the servers are offline, the game remains a vital part of Call of Duty history, highlighting how localized content can create unique experiences for a global fanbase.
For players looking to recapture the competitive thrill of CODOL’s multiplayer battles, the legacy lives on in modern titles. Whether you want to experience fast-paced matches or coordinate with friends in custom setups, some enthusiasts even seek ways to buy COD BO7 lobby to enjoy private, controlled environments that echo the strategic depth and camaraderie of Call of Duty Online. This shows how the community continues to celebrate and innovate on the experiences CODOL first offered.