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Call of Duty Campaign Forces Constant Online Play

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 6:13 GMT by Eurogamer

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Call of Duty’s Campaign Has a New Twist – No Pause, No Checkpoints, Always Online

When Activision released the “Call of Duty” entry for 2022, most of the conversation was about the title’s return to the familiar “World War II‑style” setting, the new tactical weapons, and the controversial “Zero‑Kill” mode that would have let you win a match by eliminating all enemies. Less attention was paid to the fact that, according to the game’s developers, the campaign is designed as a single‑player experience that cannot be paused, has no checkpoints, and requires an active internet connection at all times.

Eurogamer’s recent feature—linked here in the article—delves into the implications of these design decisions and what they mean for players who prefer a more relaxed or even offline experience. The article starts by noting that the game’s official FAQ (linked in the piece) states the following: “The Campaign mode is an online‑only mode and does not support pausing or local saving.”

Why the Game Needs a Constant Connection

The article explains that Activision’s reasoning behind this decision is mainly to keep the game “safe from cheating” and to facilitate real‑time updates to the campaign’s global leaderboard. By keeping the player connected at all times, the company can verify that the player is actually completing the content and not simply “cheating” or “speed‑running” through the levels. The article also mentions that the game’s servers will be used to stream the cut‑scenes and cinematic footage, reducing the amount of data that needs to be stored locally.

“From the developers’ standpoint, it’s a small price to pay for keeping the multiplayer ecosystem stable,” says one source quoted in the article. The company has indicated that the online connection will also allow the game to receive future “live‑updates” to the campaign, which could include new missions, story beats, or even alternate endings.

No Checkpoints? That’s a Game‑Changing Statement

A major point of the feature is the fact that there are no checkpoints. In contrast to other modern first‑person shooters that store your progress after each mission, Call of Duty’s single‑player campaign does not automatically save. If a player dies or a mission fails, they must start from the beginning of the entire campaign. The article points out that this “no‑checkpoint” policy is a deliberate design choice that is intended to create a “tighter sense of tension” and to keep players fully immersed in the experience. It also allows the game to enforce a “strict time limit” for the campaign that is tied to the online servers.

The feature includes a side‑by‑side comparison of the checkpoint system in previous titles like Modern Warfare 2019 and Infinite Warfare, and the stark difference in Modern Warfare II’s design philosophy. Eurogamer also links to a Reddit thread where community members debate the merits of such a restrictive approach. While some fans argue that it “makes the game more intense,” others complain that it’s a recipe for “excessive frustration.”

The Online‑Only Stance and What It Means for Your Play

Because the game “requires an internet connection at all times,” it cannot be played on a console or PC without a stable broadband connection. The article points out that this is not an isolated case. In an interview with the game’s creative director (linked in the article), the director explained that “the campaign is part of a larger ecosystem that relies on cloud‑based progression.” In practice, this means that if your internet drops mid‑mission, you’ll lose your progress, and the game will force you to restart the entire campaign.

The article also discusses the fact that the campaign can still be played offline if you start it via the console’s “Offline Mode” but you won’t be able to complete missions or view cut‑scenes. The company’s FAQ states that “Offline mode is only for preview purposes.”

Community Reactions and Potential Future Adjustments

Eurogamer’s piece quotes several community members who are vocal about the lack of pause or checkpoints. One Reddit user wrote: “If you’re a casual player who likes to hop in and out, this is a nightmare.” The article also notes that there have been several petitions asking Activision to add a pause button and checkpoints to the campaign.

On the other hand, the article highlights that many fans are grateful for the design’s “authentic, film‑style experience.” Some players see it as a step toward a “tighter narrative” that keeps them fully invested in the story.

Activision, in response to these concerns, says they are “exploring ways to allow a more flexible experience without compromising the integrity of the campaign.” The company has not yet announced any specific patches or updates, but the article mentions a future update scheduled for Q3 that may address some of the community’s concerns.

Bottom Line

The Eurogamer article does an excellent job of laying out the facts: Call of Duty’s single‑player campaign is an online‑only mode that can’t be paused, has no checkpoints, and will force players to start over if they die. This design choice is rooted in a desire to create a “tight, cinematic” experience while keeping the campaign secure and open to real‑time updates. For players who enjoy casual, relaxed play or who may not always have a stable internet connection, these rules could be a deal‑breaker. For others, the promise of a more intense, story‑driven adventure may be worth the extra pressure.

Whether Activision will revisit this approach in the future remains to be seen. The next few months will likely bring more fan feedback, possible patches, and, perhaps, a debate that will continue to split the Call of Duty community between “experience purists” and “practical players.” For now, the campaign remains a high‑stakes, always‑online challenge that will push players to finish every mission without a safety net.