Microsoft has today revealed its next batch of Xbox Game Pass titles for the end of June, and thankfully, there's a good selection of Activision Blizzard games in this latest roundup - which is something I always like to see these days. Only one of those is for console though in the form of Call of Duty: WWII, but I'm happy to report that this is one of the best COD games in recent memory. Seriously!
I'm aware that this opinion is a bit out there, but stick with me. Most of us who've played Call of Duty over the years will agree that the Xbox 360 days were a golden era for the franchise, with the series then losing its way a little bit during the Xbox One era. However, for me, Call of Duty: WWII is a real standout of the Xbox One days for COD; a game that feels like classic Call of Duty but has the technical chops to stand up to modern scrutiny.
When COD: WWII came around in late 2017, it was off the back of the 'future' era of Call of Duty. Three jetpack-fuelled experiences had launched in the three years prior; to mixed results. Personally, I think each of Advanced Warfare, Black Ops 3 and Infinite Warfare had their merits, but none of them were really a Call of Duty game - especially in the multiplayer department. WWII brought the series back down to earth, and it was a massively refreshing experience back in the day.
The thing is though, COD: WWII still holds up. This was the first Call of Duty game to get Xbox One X support, which means it runs at 4K / 60FPS on Xbox Series X as well. Those figures combined with a more clean and classic look means this one really sings even here in 2025 - I really like the way it presents itself. WWII is missing some of the extra features that the most modern COD games have, but I quite like the simplicity of the game and its presentation, truth be told.
It's also one of the final COD games that has a proper identity, which is hard to quantify but you definitely feel it when playing. Developer Sledgehammer Games went all-in on the series' WW2 roots when going back to 'boots on the ground' gameplay, and that makes it feel like a pretty grounded experience. The campaign has Saving Private Ryan / Band of Brothers vibes, the Zombies mode is more horror-based with a unique star-studded cast, and the multiplayer is free from all of this modern crossover type shenanigans. We like some of that stuff — we gave Black Ops 6 a 9/10 after all — but it is refreshing to go back to this sort of COD game every once in a while.
Anyway, I'm putting all of this down on digital paper right now because Call of Duty: WWII heads to Xbox Game Pass on June 30th, and I really think it's worth a play - especially if you're a little tired of how overwhelming modern COD can be. WWII is a back-to-basics shooter in every sense, and I still think it's the best Call of Duty title of the Xbox One era. Serious single-player shooting, co-op zombie slaying, grounded multiplayer combat - WWII has the lot, and is a great way to jump back into the Call of Duty series here on Xbox Game Pass.