Call of Duty is one of the most popular video game franchises, particularly among teens and young adults. As an M-rated (Mature 17+) game, it contains realistic violence and requires careful consideration before allowing younger players.
17-17
Recommended Ages: Call of Duty is rated M for Mature (17+) by the ESRB. The game contains intense violence, blood and gore, and strong language. It's designed for adult audiences.
Mature Content
Call of Duty features realistic military combat, graphic violence, disturbing war imagery, and toxic online voice chat. Consider carefully whether your child is ready for this content.
The current release is Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 (November 2025), with the free-to-play Warzone running alongside it. Recent titles are also included with Xbox Game Pass, so a subscription may give access without a separate purchase.
Campaign : Single-player story mode with war scenariosMultiplayer : Online competitive matches against othersWarzone : Free-to-play battle royale (standalone)Zombies : Cooperative wave survival mode
Realistic military violence
Blood and gore
Disturbing war imagery
Strong language
Online interactions with adults
Friends are playing
Popular streamers play it
Competitive gameplay
Social aspect of online play
Cultural relevance
Is your child mature enough for realistic violence?
Can they handle toxic voice chat from strangers?
Will they follow your rules about play time?
Do they understand game violence isn't real?
Are you comfortable with the content?
Fortnite : Cartoon-style battle royale (T)Splatoon : Kid-friendly shooter (E10+)Apex Legends : Less graphic shooter (T)Overwatch 2 : Team-based shooter (T)
Create or access your child's Activision account at activision.com:
Account Privacy & Settings Privacy Settings Communication Options:
Everybody : Can communicate with all playersFriends Only : Only friends can voice/text chatNobody : All communication disabled
Recommended: Friends Only
Open voice chat in Call of Duty is notoriously toxic. Restrict to friends to avoid exposure to inappropriate language and harassment.
Privacy Settings Crossplay Communication Control whether your child can communicate with players on other platforms.
In game settings:
Set to 0 to mute all voice chat.
Audio Voice Chat Mute All Except Party Only hear friends in your party.
Content Filters Text Chat Profanity Filter Enable to blur profanity in text chat (doesn't affect voice).
Some games offer graphic content toggles:
Reduces some violent imagery (not available in all versions).
Use your console's parental controls alongside in-game settings:
Family Management Child's Account Parental Controls
Set content restriction to block M-rated games
Restrict communication to friends only
Set play time limits
Microsoft Family Content Restrictions
Set to Teen or lower to block M-rated games
Configure communication settings
Enable screen time limits
Use Windows Family Safety:
Block specific applications
Set screen time limits
Monitor activity
Warzone is free, meaning:
No purchase barrier
Easy to download without permission
Same mature content as main game
Same Activision account settings apply to Warzone.
Call of Duty includes:
Battle Pass ($10 per season)
Cosmetic bundles ($10-30)
Weapon blueprints
Character skins
Activision account : Don't store payment methodsPlatform level : Enable purchase restrictionsGift cards : Use for controlled spending
Extreme profanity
Racial and homophobic slurs
Sexual comments
Harassment and bullying
Adult conversations
Mute strangers : Play with voice chat off except friendsPrivate party chat : Use platform party chat instead of in-gameDon't engage : Teach to ignore rather than respond to toxic playersReport : Report harassment through the game
Intense war violence
Disturbing scenarios (torture, terrorism)
Strong language throughout
Emotional/traumatic content
Fast-paced shooting
Death animations
Blood effects
Toxic voice chat
Horror elements
Gore and dismemberment
Jump scares
Battle Pass progression
Daily/weekly challenges
Limited-time events
Competitive ranking
Use platform parental controls for time limits:
Weekday maximum
Weekend allowance
Breaks between sessions
If you decide to allow underage play:
Campaign only (no online)
Voice chat completely off
Strict time limits
Regular conversations about content
Monitor wellbeing
Consider waiting
Enable age-appropriate settings
Friends-only communication
Discuss online behavior
Set reasonable time limits
Open dialogue about experiences
Careful consideration of whether to allow Activision account configured Voice chat set to Friends Only or Nobody Platform parental controls configured Communication restricted to friends Purchase approval required Time limits set at platform level Discussed realistic violence vs. reality Talked about handling toxic players Explained reporting function
"I know your friends play it, but I don't think you're ready yet"
"The content is designed for adults, not teens"
"Let's find something we can both feel good about"
"We can revisit this when you're older"
Use platform parental controls to block M-rated games
Monitor for workarounds (friend's house, Warzone download)
Stay firm but understanding
Offer alternatives
Official parental control settings guide
Detailed content review and parent guide
Understanding video game ratings
Mature Content Decision
Call of Duty is designed for adults. If you choose to allow it, the settings above will help reduce some risks, but the core content remains mature.
Follow these steps to configure parental controls. Check off each step as you complete it — your progress stays on this page.
