Makarov is the main villain in the Modern Warfare series
As a hardcore Call of Duty fan, I can confidently say that Vladimir Makarov stands out as the most memorable and impactful villain in the legendary Modern Warfare series. This ruthless Russian terrorist became the franchise‘s standout antagonist across three hit games, driving the conflict with his violent extremism.
Ruthlessly Orchestrating Devastating Attacks
We first met Makarov in Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare as the protégé of Ultranationalist leader Imran Zakhaev. But he truly stepped into the spotlight in 2009‘s epic Modern Warfare 2, directing a horrifying terrorist strike on Zakhaev International Airport that killed hundreds.
As a player during that shocking "No Russian" mission, I still vividly remember the feeling of walking through the airport as Makarov‘s team gunned down civilians. It immediately established him as a new level of threat – a brutal zealot with no regard for human life.
The frightening attacks he coordinates only escalate in scale across Modern Warfare 2 and 3. His actions ultimately lead to all-out war between Russia and the U.S., with him directing multiple terror cells carrying out bombings across European cities like London and Paris. He causes absolutely devastating harm in his fanatical crusade against the West.
By my count, the death toll from Makarov‘s assaults ranges from 1,500 to a staggering 20,000 lives lost across just a few days during World War 3. It cements him as the single most destructive adversary in the series – worse even than past baddies like Zakhaev or Al-Asad.
Driven By a Fanatical Ideology
As the leader of a violent offshoot faction, Makarov represents an extremist wing of the Russian Ultranationalist party – one completely devoted to annihilating Western civilization at any cost. He sees America and her allies as threats that must be utterly destroyed for Russia to reclaim her former glory.
Unlike someone like General Shepherd who betrays allies out of misguided patriotism and revenge, Makarov wages war purely out of hateful ideology. He spends years planning the terror attacks we see unfold in MW2 and 3 – striving to push tensions between East and West into outright global war. I see him as the most ideologically-motivated villain in the series.
In my view, several moments in MW3 capture his fanaticism – like his tirade aimed at the kidnapped Russian president, accusing him of weakness for negotiating with the West. Makarov just can‘t abide any compromise or peace that hinders his aims. He is devoted utterly to bringing about the downfall of nations like the U.S. through catastrophic attacks.
Climactic Confrontation and Downfall
As satisfying as it was blasting my way through ultranationalist troops, I had spent years eagerly awaiting the confrontation where Price or Soap would finally take down Makarov. That moment arrived in MW3‘s climax as Price catches up to Makarov hiding out in the Arabian Peninsula‘s hotel.
Their brutal hand-to-hand fight remains an all-time highlight of the trilogy for me. And I‘ll never forget Price‘s cold fury as he slams a cable around Makarov‘s neck before hanging his lifeless body from the glass ceiling, bringing an end to No Russian‘s infamous leader for good.
The pleasure I felt watching Makarov swing lifeless before a stunned crowd below made all those years chasing him worthwhile! It marked the end for Call of Duty‘s greatest modern villain – the terrorist whose attacks had sparked such furious violence. I couldn‘t have asked for a better finish to his arc after the devastation he unleashed.
For my money, Makarov stands tall as Call of Duty‘s definitive villain – the pinnacle of antagonists after years spent opposing Zakhaev‘s protege. No other enemy has struck such fear into me as a player with his catalogue of horrific attacks and the zealotry that fueled his war against the West. I still remember peeking out at that airport in stunned silence, thinking "we‘re going to be chasing this monster for years…" Makarov‘s bloody legacy won‘t soon be forgotten.
