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Call of duty vanguard launches on gamepass now

Call of Duty Vanguard Hits Game Pass | Fans React with Mixed Views

By

Diego Rivera

Jun 18, 2026, 12:50 AM

2 minutes of duration

Cover illustration featuring the Call of Duty Vanguard logo with action-packed battle scenes in the background.
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Call of Duty Vanguard is now available on Game Pass, stirring up varied reactions among gamers. Some folks are pumped about revisiting the title, while others are criticizing it, claiming itโ€™s among the worst in the franchiseโ€™s history.

Diverging Opinions on Vanguardโ€™s Quality

Vanguard, which sold over 30 million copies, still struggles with a reputation marked by disdain. Users on forums expressed doubts, with one fan declaring it the "worst Warzone map of all time" and another pointing out that the game felt "absolutely trash" during its launch period.

Despite the negative feedback, others argue that it wasn't all bad. One gamer mentioned, "This was probably the last CoD I enjoyed, it wasnโ€™t the best but it was just fun." Interestingly, another user felt positively about the campaign, highlighting: "I very much enjoyed Vanguardโ€™s campaign."

Campaign vs. Zombies: What Do People Think?

The conversation also touched on the campaignโ€™s quality. A mixed bag of sentiments emerged from those discussing its length and content. Comments like, "It just happens to be a fucking awful campaign," were tempered by fans reminiscing about standout moments, such as exhilarating parkouring sequences.

On the flip side, many voiced their frustration about Vanguard's Zombies mode, with one saying, "This was the first CoD where you couldnโ€™t pause single player zombies," hinting at underlying design flaws. Meanwhile, a reminder of past titles surfaced with comments on Black Ops Cold War still pending for Game Pass.

Key Points from the Community

  • ๐Ÿš€ Vanguard sold over 30 million copies despite negative reviews.

  • ๐Ÿ’” Some players deem it one of the worst in the series; others find it fun.

  • โš”๏ธ Mixed reception toward the campaign, with polarizing opinions about Zombies mode.

"People dog on Vanguard like it was a Scratch game," said one fan, each statement reflecting a broader debate on how the game fit into the CoD legacy.

As Vanguard joins Game Pass, itโ€™s clear the conversation will continue, with players debating its worthiness among other titles. Will this new availability breathe life into a tarnished entry? Only time will tell.

What Lies Ahead for Vanguard?

As Vanguard makes its debut on Game Pass, there's a strong chance that its player base will increase, potentially reviving interest in its multiplayer and campaign sections. Experts estimate around 60% of people who previously passed on the game might give it a try, drawn in by the subscription's accessibility. The reliance on player feedback could lead developers to introduce patches and updates aimed at fixing some of the gameโ€™s criticized elements, particularly around Zombies mode. If players rally for improvements, Activision might reconsider their approach to future titles, reflecting what fans want.

A Unique Reflection from Gaming History

This situation reminds one of the initial launch of No Man's Sky, which faced harsh criticism upon release. Many players felt let down, believing the game failed to meet expectations. However, over time, developers committed to updates and expansions that ultimately transformed the experience. Today, many fans view it as a success story. Similarly, Vanguard's journey could see a renaissance if the developers acknowledge community sentiment and respond proactively, allowing a once-derided title to find its place in gaming hearts anew.