Is Call of Duty Hard to Play? An In-Depth Look
Without a doubt, Call of Duty is considered one of the most intense and challenging first-person shooter franchises. With blisteringly quick gunplay, complex maps, lethal killstreaks and highly skilled opponents, there is undoubtedly a steep learning curve for beginners.
However, while the initial struggle can be frustrating, mastering Call of Duty provides an incredible sense of accomplishment. By implementing key strategies and dedicating time to practice, players can rise through the ranks to become seasoned veterans. This article will analyze the various elements that contribute to Call of Duty‘s difficulty, and provide tips to excel.
Examining the Factors Behind Call of Duty‘s Challenge
Let‘s break down the key factors that ratchet up the intensity in Call of Duty multiplayer:
Fast-Paced Gameplay
- Matches unfold at a breakneck pace, with no time to think before engaging foes
- Requires quick reflexes and split-second decision making
- Easy to feel overwhelmed by amount of stimuli on screen
| Average Time To Kill | 0.39 seconds |
|---|---|
| Avg. Sprint Speed | 6.25 m/s |
Stats from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)
Complex Maps
- Iconic maps like Nuketown feature intricate layouts
- Skilled map knowledge is vital
- Power positions
- Flanking routes
- Lines of sight
- High traffic areas
- Can take over 50 hours playtime to master single map
Lethal Weaponry
- Fierce selection of guns, explosives and killstreaks
- Milliseconds decide gunfights
- Players killed rapidly from all angles
High Skill Opponents
- Passionate Call of Duty community since 2007
- Lifelong fans with over 15,000 hours playtime
- Veteran players own maps and weapon handling
Approaching Improvement as a Beginner
Initially progress can seem hopeless against Call of Duty‘s sharp difficulty spike. But climbing the skill ladder is very achievable by adopting the right mentality and game plan.
Embrace the Challenge
Part of Call of Duty‘s DNA is its unrelenting demands on players. Rather than rage or be disheartened, approach its intensity as the appeal. Allow deaths to fuel the motivation to keep improving. The struggle makes eventual mastery all the more rewarding.
Analyze and Learn
Don‘t immediately quit out of matches. Study killcams to understand how veterans outplay you, whether superior positioning, marksmanship or movement. Save recordings of gameplay to review. Identify weak areas to focus practice. Each death offers valuable intel.
Optimizing Settings
Dialing in controller settings like stick sensitivity and button layouts can provide a real edge. For example, many top players use modifed button layouts allowing them to jump while aiming down sights. Spending time to find your optimal config pays dividends.
Drilling Game Mechanics
Practice core gameplay elements like aiming, positioning, map control until they become muscle memory. Bots and solo custom games let you rehearse against no pressure. Eventually you‘ll gain the tight reflexes and split decision making required in multiplayer.
Persistence Through Frustration
Skill improvement is not linear; expect peaks and valleys. During frustrating ruts remind yourself the early struggles will forge your talents. Elite players have pushed through immense barriers – so must you. Let passion reignite motivation.
Catering Game Modes For Beginners
The premium multiplayer can be ruthless, but Call of Duty offers modes friendlier for getting started:
| Beginner Game Mode | Key Feature |
|---|---|
| Bootcamp | Practice vs. bots to learn basics |
| Combat Pacing | Choose slower-paced fights |
| Lower Skill Brackets | Get easier initial lobbies |
These options let newcomers get familiar at gentler difficulty settings before braving prime time multiplayer and ranking ladders. Private matches also allow fine tuning bots to your current ability level.
The Reward Of Rising Through The Ranks
Reaching those first milestones on the path to expert Call of Duty play is profoundly gratifying. Scoring consecutive kills, clutching objective modes, finally grasping map intricacies – each a monumental personal achievement given the game‘s demands.
Veterans share tales of noobs once stuck at 0.4 K/D ratios who now stand as revered pro players. Your capabilities today don‘t define your limits for tomorrow. Consistent, focused practice pays off, slowly transforming you into a high level player who dominates lobbies.
Call of Duty will never be "easy", nor is it meant to be with a fiercely competitive community. But there are paths to excel for those willing to put in the hours and use losses as fuel. Mastering Call of Duty breeds an immense satisfaction – press onward up the mountain.
