
Ghosts Cod – Complete Guide, Characters and Multiplayer Info
Call of Duty: Ghosts is a 2013 first-person shooter developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision. Set in an alternate timeline following the nuclear destruction of the Middle East, the game follows the Ghosts, a U.S. special operations unit fighting to protect a weakened America. It launched on November 5, 2013, for multiple platforms, including Xbox 360, PS3, Xbox One, and PS4.
The campaign places players mostly in the role of Logan Walker, a member of the Ghosts squad. The story is told through a linear single-player campaign with 18 levels, according to the IGN walkthrough index. The game also introduced Riley, the first non-human playable character in the franchise.
Beyond the campaign, Ghosts brought a revised multiplayer system and a co-op mode called Extinction. It remains one of the more divisive entries in the long-running series, yet it sold over 20 million copies worldwide.
What Is Call of Duty: Ghosts?
November 5, 2013
Infinity Ward
Activision
Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, PC, Wii U
Key Insights
- Call of Duty: Ghosts is the tenth major installment in the Call of Duty series.
- The game is set in an alternate timeline where the Middle East is destroyed by nuclear weapons, leading to a new global conflict.
- The Ghosts faction is a special operations group fighting against the Federation, a technologically superior global power.
- The game introduced the ‘Squads’ multiplayer mode, allowing players to build and command AI teammates.
- Despite mixed reviews, the game sold over 20 million copies worldwide.
- There is no official confirmation of a Call of Duty: Ghosts 2, though rumors persist.
Key Facts About Call of Duty: Ghosts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Developer | Infinity Ward |
| Publisher | Activision |
| Release Date | November 5, 2013 |
| Platforms | Xbox 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, PC, Wii U |
| Engine | IW 6.0 (modified) |
| Main Protagonists | Logan Walker, David “Hesh” Walker |
| Main Antagonist | Gabriel Rorke |
| Multiplayer | Yes (includes Squads, Extinction mode) |
| Sales | Over 20 million copies |
| Sequel | No official announcement |
Who Are the Main Characters in Call of Duty: Ghosts?
The Ghosts unit is led by Captain Elias Walker and includes his sons Logan and David “Hesh” Walker, along with other operatives. The main faction is the Ghosts, a clandestine U.S. special operations force officially known as Task Force: STALKER.
Logan Walker
Logan Walker is the primary protagonist of the campaign. Players control him for most of the story. He is the younger son of Elias Walker and a member of the Ghosts. (Source: Call of Duty Wiki)
David “Hesh” Walker
Hesh is Logan’s older brother and a fellow Ghosts member. He fights alongside Logan throughout the campaign. (Source: Call of Duty Wiki)
Elias Walker
Elias Walker is a former U.S. Army captain and the leader of the Ghosts. He appears as a playable character in some missions. (Source: Call of Duty Wiki)
Keegan P. Russ
Keegan P. Russ is a member of the Ghosts squad, providing support in several missions. (Source: Call of Duty Wiki)
Riley
Riley is a trained German Shepherd and the first non-human playable character in the Call of Duty franchise. Players control Riley in certain segments of the campaign. (Sources: Call of Duty Wiki, YouTube walkthrough)
Thomas A. Merrick
Commander Thomas A. Merrick is a Navy SEAL commander associated with the Ghosts. He works with the team during key operations. (Source: Call of Duty Wiki)
Is Call of Duty: Ghosts Available on Xbox and PS4?
Call of Duty: Ghosts was released for Xbox 360 and PS3, and simultaneously for the then-next-generation consoles Xbox One and PS4. The game is playable on modern systems through backward compatibility. On Xbox Series X|S, the Xbox One version runs via backward compatibility. On PS5, the PS4 version is playable through backward compatibility.
Downloading the Game
Digital copies can be purchased from the respective storefronts. The Official Call of Duty Website lists the game, and it is available on the Xbox Store and PlayStation Store for download. Check the official store links for availability in your region.
If you own a physical disc or a digital license for Xbox One, the game runs on Xbox Series X|S without additional cost. Similarly, PS4 copies work on PS5. No remastered version has been announced.
Does Call of Duty: Ghosts Have Multiplayer?
Yes. Ghosts introduced a more customizable multiplayer experience where players can customize their soldier and squad. The progression system includes a revised perk structure with seven categories: Speed, Handling, Stealth, Awareness, Resistance, Equipment, and Elite. (Source: Call of Duty Wiki)
Squads Mode
The game includes Squads, a mode where players can fight alongside AI teammates or friends against AI. XP earned in Squads is shared with the main multiplayer progression. (Source: Call of Duty Wiki)
Fresh Start System
Players can reset their stats using a Fresh Start option after reaching the highest level. Weapon camouflages are retained after the reset. (Source: Call of Duty Wiki)
In Squads mode, experience points are shared between Squads and the standard multiplayer mode. This allows players to level up even when playing against AI-controlled enemies.
Call of Duty: Ghosts Timeline
- May 2013 – Call of Duty: Ghosts officially announced by Activision.
- November 5, 2013 – Game released worldwide on all major platforms.
- January 2014 – First DLC pack ‘Onslaught’ released.
- April 2014 – Final DLC pack ‘Nemesis’ released.
- June 2014 – Call of Duty: Ghosts becomes a free PlayStation Plus title.
- November 5, 2023 – 10th anniversary of the game; no sequel announced.
What We Know vs. What Is Unconfirmed
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Call of Duty: Ghosts was released in 2013. | Whether a Call of Duty: Ghosts 2 is in development. |
| The game features a campaign, multiplayer, and Extinction mode. | Whether the game will receive a remastered version. |
| The Ghosts faction is led by Logan and Hesh Walker. | Whether the Ghosts faction will appear in future Call of Duty titles. |
| The game is set in an alternate timeline. | No official information about a sequel exists. |
Analysis and Context
Call of Duty: Ghosts was a pivotal release for the franchise, marking the first Call of Duty game on the then-new Xbox One and PS4 consoles. It introduced new gameplay mechanics like the ‘Squads’ mode and the ‘Extinction’ co-op mode, which replaced the traditional Zombies mode. Despite mixed critical reception, the game was a commercial success.
The Ghosts are a special operations unit formed after a devastating attack on the United States. They operate independently from the military and are known for their skull-patterned masks. The faction has become iconic among fans, though they have not appeared in any subsequent Call of Duty games.
Rumors of a Call of Duty: Ghosts 2 have circulated for years, but Activision has not confirmed any plans. The franchise has moved on to other sub-series like Modern Warfare and Black Ops. However, the Ghosts brand remains a nostalgic favorite for many players.
Sources and Quotations
Call of Duty: Ghosts is a 2013 first-person shooter game developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision.
Wikipedia, Call of Duty: Ghosts on Wikipedia
The Ghosts, officially known as Task Force: STALKER, are a friendly playable faction that appears in Call of Duty: Ghosts.
Call of Duty Wiki (Fandom)
Additional sources include the IMDb page and a YouTube gameplay video.
What’s Next for Call of Duty: Ghosts?
While no official sequel or remaster has been announced, players can check for backward compatibility updates on Xbox Series X|S and PS5. Community mods and fan remasters exist on PC. Some also hope to see Ghosts content appear in Call of Duty: Warzone. For now, the game remains a standalone entry in the series. For a deeper dive into the characters, see the Call of Duty: Ghosts wiki.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ghosts mask made of?
The Ghosts mask is a tactical skull-patterned mask worn by the Ghosts faction. It is made of lightweight composite materials and is designed to intimidate enemies.
Can I play Call of Duty: Ghosts on PS5 or Xbox Series X?
Yes, Call of Duty: Ghosts is backward compatible on Xbox Series X|S and can be played on PS5 via backward compatibility.
Is Call of Duty: Ghosts free to play?
No, Call of Duty: Ghosts is a paid game. However, it has been offered as a free title on PlayStation Plus in the past.
What is the Extinction mode in Call of Duty: Ghosts?
Extinction is a co-op mode where players fight against alien creatures. It replaces the traditional Zombies mode in this installment.
How many missions are in the Call of Duty: Ghosts campaign?
The campaign consists of 18 missions.
Will there be a Call of Duty: Ghosts 2?
Activision has not confirmed any plans for a sequel. Rumors persist, but no official announcement has been made.
Who is the main antagonist in Call of Duty: Ghosts?
Gabriel Rorke is the main antagonist. He is a former Ghosts member who becomes the leader of the Federation.
What are the trophies/achievements in Call of Duty: Ghosts?
Platform-specific trophy and achievement lists are available on community guides, but the provided research does not include a full list.
Is Call of Duty: Ghosts set in the same timeline as other Call of Duty games?
No. It is set in an alternate timeline where the Middle East is destroyed by nuclear weapons, separate from the main Call of Duty continuity.
What is the difference between Call of Duty: Ghosts and other Call of Duty games?
It features a weakened United States, a new factions system, the Squads multiplayer mode, and Extinction co-op mode instead of Zombies.