The Call of Duty franchise shows no signs of slowing down. According to several credible leaks, the upcoming Call of Duty 2026 will take the fight to the Korean Peninsula, with both South and North Korea playing critical roles in the campaign’s storyline. While Activision has yet to confirm anything officially, the gaming community is buzzing with speculation and excitement.
Reportedly, Task Force 141, SAS, and the Republic of Korea Army will join forces to battle a returning antagonist: Viktor Makarov. And if that weren’t enough, there are whispers of the Advanced Warfare sub-series returning in 2027.
Here’s a breakdown of what the leaks suggest and what fans can potentially expect.
A New Warzone: The Korean Peninsula
Call of Duty has always walked a fine line between fiction and real-world geopolitical tension. It seems CoD 2026 will continue that tradition with a campaign set in one of the most volatile regions in the world: the Korean Peninsula.
According to early leaks, the story will center around a large-scale conflict that erupts between North and South Korea. This volatile situation draws in Task Force 141 and SAS units, with the Republic of Korea’s army taking on a more active and significant role than ever before in the series. And somewhere behind the chaos is a familiar face pulling the strings Makarov.
This setting opens the door to a rich variety of mission types: urban combat in South Korea’s high-tech cities, stealth operations in North Korean mountains, and high-stakes political espionage.
The Return of Makarov
Viktor Makarov is one of the most iconic villains in the Call of Duty universe, particularly within the Modern Warfare timeline. According to the leaks, Makarov is making a comeback this time with a new global strategy rooted in the chaos of the Korean conflict.
His plan? To destabilize Asia and force a wider international response. If true, this could mean a campaign filled with twists, betrayals, and branching outcomes especially if the storyline explores how each faction responds to Makarov’s provocations.
Gameplay Expectations: Missions, Weapons, and Mechanics
Based on the leaked campaign structure, Call of Duty 2026 is expected to blend classic military realism with light futuristic enhancements.
Here’s what the gameplay may involve:
New stealth infiltration missions set in rural North Korea
Urban combat scenarios in Seoul and Incheon
Advanced but grounded military tech, including improved night vision, thermal optics, and compact drones
Co-op or squad-based missions with the Republic of Korea Army NPCs
Moral decision-making and non-linear story branches
The mix of advanced weaponry and real-world tactics may offer a more immersive and modern battlefield than recent entries.
Is Advanced Warfare Making a Comeback?
Beyond Call of Duty 2026, the rumor mill also hints at a return of the Advanced Warfare sub-series in 2027. Originally released in 2014, Advanced Warfare introduced futuristic combat suits, exo-mobility, and high-tech gear.
While CoD 2026 is expected to remain grounded, its potential sequel may bring the franchise back to its sci-fi action roots, creating a two-year contrast between realism and futuristic warfare.
This strategy could allow Activision to alternate between grounded military stories and advanced tech-driven experiences, appealing to a wider range of fans.
When Will It Be Revealed?
If Activision follows its usual pattern, we can expect the official reveal for Call of Duty 2026 around May or June 2025, with a full release likely scheduled for November 2026.
It’s still unclear which studio is behind this installment though some speculate Infinity Ward may be involved given the return of Makarov and Task Force 141.
One of the Most Ambitious Call of Duty Titles?
If the leaks are accurate, Call of Duty 2026 could be one of the franchise’s most politically bold and narratively intense entries to date. The return of Makarov alone would generate massive fan interest, and placing the storyline in the Korean Peninsula adds real-world complexity to the campaign.
Combined with potential nonlinear storytelling, new factions, and future roadmap connections to Advanced Warfare, Call of Duty 2026 might represent a turning point for the franchise.
But as always, take these leaks with caution until Activision makes an official announcement, all of this remains speculative. Still, if even half of it’s true, Call of Duty fans are in for one explosive year.