The game starts with Sergeant John “Soap” MacTavish beginning his career with the British SAS at a training camp in Credenhill, Hereford in the UK. There, he trains for a cargo ship raid in the CQB or “Killing House”.

Despite the efforts of the United States Marine Corps and the Special Air Service, the Ultranationalists seize control of Russia and declare Imran Zakhaev a hero and martyr, erecting a statue of him in the heart of Red Square. Meanwhile, Vladimir Makarov, one of Zakhaev’s former lieutenants, begins a campaign against Europe by committing acts of terrorism over the course of five years.

The game will immediately follow the events of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, where Russia continues its invasion of the United States of America, and has also expanded its offensive to Europe, including England, France and Germany.