Call of Duty: World at War is a straightforward military first-person shooter with authentic weaponry like the Thompson Sub Machine Gun or the Arisaka Rifle Type 99. The game features fairly linear but heavily scripted levels that put the player right in the middle of the action with several NPC-controlled team mates always on his side to aid him and add to the atmosphere. The objectives in these missions range from clearing houses from enemies to planting bombs or defend a position. The gameplay involves the player completing various objectives, such as regenerating health by escaping fire for a few seconds, rather than using medipacks or other healing items. A new feature this time around is the co-op campaign for up to four players, allowing everyone to play through the whole single-player campaign together with friends.
The game's story follows two main campaigns. The first begins on August 17, 1942, on the Makin-Atoll in the Asian-Pacific region, where Pvt. Miller must watch as his squadmates are brutally murdered by Japanese soldiers. After a shocking turn of events, Miller joins the American troops and helps drive back the enemy.
The second campaign takes place on September 17, 1942, in Stalingrad, where Pvt. Petrenko lies wounded but alive amidst a sea of blood and death as German forces continue their onslaught. With the guidance of Sgt. Reznov, Petrenko sets out to kill General Heinrich Amsel.
The game also features a multiplayer mode similar to Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare , with playtypes such as Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag, and Search & Destroy. The ranking system allows players to gain experience points and levels up to unlock additional weaponry, attachments, or abilities, which can then be used to create custom classes.