Mastering Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare – Complete Guide and Insights
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare marked a turning point for the franchise. Released on November 4, 2014, it was the eleventh main entry in the series and the first to be primarily developed by Sledgehammer Games. Known internally as Project Blacksmith during development, the game introduced exoskeleton suits (Exos), futuristic weaponry, and a new combat rhythm that still influences COD titles today.
For players who are now excited about COD BO7, revisiting Advanced Warfare can provide valuable insight into how futuristic mechanics shaped modern multiplayer and campaign experiences.
As the Call of Duty franchise continues to evolve, it’s clear that Advanced Warfare laid the groundwork for many of the innovations we see in modern titles. With COD BO7 on the horizon, fans eager for the next big step in the series may find themselves looking back at this game’s bold mechanics with newfound appreciation. And for those wanting to dive straight into competitive action when the new release arrives, options like choosing to buy COD BO7 lobby can help players get a head start and experience the full intensity of the battlefield from day one.
Gameplay Evolution with Exoskeletons
One of the biggest innovations in Advanced Warfare was the Exo movement system. Unlike previous Call of Duty titles, soldiers could now:
- Boost jump for vertical movement
- Dodge dash to evade fire
- Use cloaking for stealth tactics
- Deploy grappling hooks in certain missions
- Enhance strength, speed, and endurance beyond human limits
This changed firefights dramatically, making the maps more vertical and forcing players to rethink strategies. Unlike the boots-on-the-ground combat of earlier COD titles, positioning and timing became crucial.
Weapons and Arsenal
Advanced Warfare introduced directed-energy weapons such as the EM1 and EPM3, which didn’t rely on traditional ammo but instead used overheating mechanics. Traditional ballistic weapons returned as well, with futuristic designs and modular attachments.
Special highlights:
- Hoverbikes and drones for tactical support
- Smart grenades that locked onto enemies
- Exo abilities like shields, overdrive (slowing time), and hover
This blend of tech made it one of the most innovative COD arsenals to date.
Campaign Overview
The campaign, set in 2054, follows Private Jack Mitchell as he transitions from a U.S. Marine to a soldier working for the private military corporation Atlas, led by the charismatic yet dangerous Jonathan Irons (played by Kevin Spacey).
The story explores themes of military privatization, technology dependency, and global security threats.
Key campaign moments include:
- The Battle of Seoul – Mitchell loses his arm and his best friend, Will Irons.
- Joining Atlas – Given a prosthetic Exo-arm, Mitchell rises through the ranks.
- Betrayal of Atlas – Irons’ true motives are revealed, forcing Mitchell and his allies to fight against the corporation.
Multiplayer & Ranks System
Multiplayer in Advanced Warfare became infamous for its fast-paced Exo combat, introducing a skill gap that split fans. Players could customize their Exo abilities alongside loadouts, leading to unique playstyles.
In Extinction/Exo Survival Mode, players progressed through 25 Prestiges:
- Level cap: Rank 30 per Prestige
- Unlocks continued until 10th Prestige, after which rewards stopped
- Progression beyond Prestige 10 earned only Teeth currency
- Final recognition came at Rank 31 after Prestige 25
This ranking system encouraged grinding and rewarded long-term commitment.
Major Characters
| Faction | Characters |
|---|---|
| Sentinel Task Force | Jack Mitchell · Ilona · Cormack · Gideon · Knox · “Kingpin” McDonnell · Guardian 5 |
| Atlas Corporation | Jonathan Irons · Gideon (formerly) · Ilona (formerly) · Joker · Carter · Juarez · Prophet |
| USMC | Jack Mitchell (formerly) · Will Irons · Cormack (formerly) · Jackson · Daniels |
| U.S. Government | “Kingpin” McDonnell · President of the U.S. · Davis |
| KVA (Terrorists) | Joseph “Hades” Chkheidze · Dr. Pierre Danois · Ted Bock |
| Nigeria | Ajani · Samuel Abidoyo |
| Exo Zombies | Oz · Kahn · Lilith Swann · Jim Decker · Lennox · Gideon · An-G |
| Civilians | Wendy |
Tips for Players (Campaign & Multiplayer)
Campaign Tips
- Upgrade Exo Early – Spend points on movement and reload speed to survive tougher missions.
- Use Cloak Tactically – Perfect for stealth sections and avoiding overwhelming firefights.
- Smart Grenades – Always equip them; they identify enemies behind cover.
Multiplayer Tips
- Master Verticality – Boost jumping gives you both escape options and high-ground advantage.
- Balance Exo Abilities – Overdrive and Shield are great for aggressive players, while Cloak helps snipers.
- Map Awareness – Unlike older COD games, danger comes from above as much as from the front.
Connection to COD BO7
As hype builds for COD BO7, many fans speculate that Treyarch may borrow elements from Advanced Warfare. Exo-style mobility, futuristic tech, and private military narratives could see a return, especially with the renewed interest in futuristic warfare mechanics.
For players waiting for COD BO7, replaying Advanced Warfare offers both nostalgia and insight into how Call of Duty has experimented with future combat.
