Call of Duty: World at War game cover

Call of Duty: World at War CD Key

Call of Duty: World at War immerses players in gritty WWII combat across the European and Pacific fronts. Featuring a cooperative campaign for up to four players, enhanced multiplayer with vehicles, and stunning visuals, it delivers an intense and tactical experience against ruthless foes.

Release Date

18 Nov, 2008

Publisher/Developer

Treyarch, Activision

Reviews

Steam: 92.67% positive (41606/44898)
Metacritic: 83/100

System Requirements

  • Supported OS: Windows XP/Vista/7
  • Processor: Pentium 4 @ 3 GHz/AMD 64 3200+
  • Memory: 512 MB (1 GB for Vista)
  • Hard Drive: 8 GB Free
  • DirectX version: DirectX 9.0c
  • Sound: on-board or better
  • Graphics Card: 256 MB (nVidia GeForce 6600/ATI Radeon X1600)

Call of Duty: World at War Steam Price History Chart

Price Information for Call of Duty: World at War

Current Best Price: $14.99 at Steam

Game: Call of Duty: World at War

Platform: Steam

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Call of Duty: World at War Steam AI Review Summary

SteamAI
Summary generated from 300 most useful Steam user reviews.

Users wrote

World at War is widely praised for its gritty, brutal campaign and dark atmosphere. It introduced Zombies, which many reviewers deem a landmark and still iconic. The campaign and audio design hold up well, even as the game shows its age, but online multiplayer on PC is often broken or abandoned and the port has issues. Many players cherish the nostalgia and the mod-friendly community via Plutonium/private servers to keep multiplayer and Zombies alive. Overall, WaW is celebrated for its campaign and Zombies, while the online experience is a major caveat.

Last updated: 2026-03-05

Most Mentioned Advantages

  • Gritty, immersive campaign (25 mentions) - The campaign is described as gritty, brutal, and immersive with a dark atmosphere. Reviewers highlight its intense missions and harsh depictions of war. The writing, voice acting, and realism contribute to a powerful experience. The campaign remains compelling even as the game shows its age.
  • Birth of the Zombies mode (20 mentions) - Zombies mode is introduced in World at War and is widely regarded as iconic. Reviewers describe it as addictive and fun with memorable maps and cooperative play. The mode contributes to WaW's lasting appeal even when multiplayer is hard to access. Many say the Zombies experience is a major reason to own the game.
  • Mod/Plutonium support for online play (15 mentions) - Several reviews note that Plutonium or private servers let players access online multiplayer and co-op. They say it enables private servers and modded maps, keeping the game playable. Official online support is often unavailable, so Plutonium is a widely used workaround. Some reviewers recommend Plutonium for Zombies and multiplayer.

Most Mentioned Disadvantages

  • Online multiplayer largely unavailable (30 mentions) - Multiple reviews report that online multiplayer no longer works on Steam or is difficult to access. Players cannot reliably create an online profile to play online. This significantly limits the live multiplayer experience. Many players rely on Plutonium or play only single-player or co-op as a workaround.
  • PC port issues and usability problems (18 mentions) - The PC port is described as half-baked with sluggish mouse behavior and other control quirks. Some reviewers note Steam Deck compatibility issues. These port problems can hinder the overall experience.
  • Campaign can be short and basic (12 mentions) - Several reviews note that the campaign is relatively short, often around five hours. Because the campaign ends quickly, some players feel there is less content than expected. This short length reduces the overall value if you are looking for a long, involved campaign.
  • Pricing and value concerns (10 mentions) - Some reviewers describe the game as overpriced for its age. The nostalgia factor does not fully justify the price for everyone. Buying on sale is suggested as a better option.

Compared Games

  • Vanguard (2 mentions) - Several reviews compare WaW to Vanguard, noting WaW’s campaign and Zombies legacy as stronger.
Users wrote

Advantages mentioned by the majority
Less frequently mentioned disadvantages


Call of Duty: World at War

Call of Duty: World at War redefines the WWII gaming experience, immersing players in the most intense and chaotic combat ever depicted. Using the powerful engine from Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, players navigate through harrowing battles in both the European and Pacific theaters, fighting against the relentless Axis powers.

The game features a gritty and uncensored portrayal of war, introducing unique enemies like Kamikaze fighters and showcasing a variety of combat tactics such as ambushes and Banzai charges. For the first time in the franchise, a cooperative campaign mode allows up to four players to band together, enhancing the gameplay experience with challenges, online stats, and competitive elements.

World at War also boasts innovative multiplayer enhancements, including vehicle combat, customizable classes, new Perks, and an increased level cap. The visually stunning graphics deliver a cinematic quality, with detailed character models, realistic fire physics, and breathtaking environments that draw players into the action. Whether playing through the gripping campaign or engaging in competitive multiplayer modes, Call of Duty: World at War offers an unforgettable depiction of warfare and camaraderie.


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