A returning David Mason in a familiar techno-chaotic world is what Black Ops 7 has lined up for this year's Call of Duty. This is the second time we're getting back-to-back entries in the same sub-series, following on from MWII and MWIII in 2022 and 2023.
Finer details regarding the title are yet to be revealed, although it isn't hard to guess what Activision's unyielding two-decade-old annual series will include. We also have a couple of leaks that shared some surprises we can expect this time.
After scouring every crumb of information, we have detailed below everything known so far about the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Expected Release Date
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+ 4We do not have any official update on Call of Duty: Black Ops 7's release date. However, all mainline Call of Duty games have been released in either October or November.
They have also mostly been released either in late October or in the first two weeks of November. Black Ops 7 is all but confirmed to release during that window, unless there are any unexpected changes.
Black Ops 7 Platforms
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is confirmed to be releasing on PlayStation 4 & 5, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
The Nintendo Switch release is not mentioned by Activision in the reveal trailer or elsewhere. Microsoft reassured that they're still committed to the 10-year binding agreement they signed to release the shooter on Nintendo's handheld.
So, while things are certainly moving behind the scenes, it is unclear when new Call of Duty games will start to pop up on Nintendo's storefront. Black Ops 7 will be playable on last-gen consoles, so a Switch 2 port is within the realm of possibility.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Story & Setting
click to enlarge + 4Black Ops 7 is set in Avalon, a fictional city-state where the majority of the Black Ops 6 maps are located. We'll be taking a four-decade leap from BO6 to 2035, placing it 10 years after the events of Black Ops 2.
There are many narrative ties between these games, with familiar faces returning. Highlights, of course, are David Mason and the main antagonist of BO2, Raul Menendez.
David Mason will be leading the team this time, with the general premise being fighting against "a manipulative enemy who weaponizes fear above all else." Raul Menendez was supposed to be dead by now. So, if the Inception-like reveal trailer and emphasis on "psychological warfare" are anything to go by, we're set for a mind-bending technological thriller, and Menendez could be part of it.
The Guild from Black Ops 6 will also be returning and will play a big role this time. From just measly smugglers, they're now global leaders of tech manufacturers who are there to "safeguard" common people. We all know where this is heading now.
All in all, if Black Ops 6 is anything to go by, expect lots of explosions, modern tech... and even more cinematic explosions.
Black Ops 7 Gameplay Details
click to enlarge + 4In terms of gameplay, there doesn't appear to be anything strikingly different for Black Ops 7.
Activision already shut down the rumors about jetpacks and wall running while also confirming that we'll have an "evolution of Omnimovement." Wall jumping, meanwhile, was leaked a long time ago, so maybe we get new ways to flit across the map, even if it is not flying on flames.
Aesthetically, the multiplayer will look similar to the previous entries with more "futuristic" twists, as seen in the accidentally leaked developer message of the day.
The leaked images also reveal two new modes, Overload and Skirmish (20v20).
The description for Overload reads, "Two teams of 6 players each fight to control a neutral EMP device that must be delivered to the enemy HQ for score. Reach the score limit and claim victory by delivering multiple EMP devices!" It sounds similar to the Uplink mode we had in BO3.
Skirmish looks to be your typical 20v20 mode with multiple objectives like capturing points of interest and scoring more to win. The image does mention, "use your wingsuit to flank," so wingsuit is going to be a new movement addition this time.
The Pick 10 system was also rumored to return. It gives you more freedom to pick items for your loadout. You could trade more attachments instead of equipment as long as you're within the allotted points.
Outside of all that, expect new and remastered maps from the previous entries, traditional modes, and all the usual things we have come to expect.
On the single-player side of things, it was rumored that it'll feature some sort of "open world" co-op gameplay. Activision already confirmed co-op in their announcement. We'll have to wait for confirmation on the open-world part.
Black Ops 7 Zombie Details
click to enlarge + 4Round-based zombies will return to Black Ops 7, as confirmed during the official reveal — "descend into the next twisted chapter of Round-Based Zombies in the heart of the Dark Aether."
Per Insider Gaming, the game could feature six fully fledged round-based zombie maps. It is said to be the biggest yet, and we'll have transportation to cover the undead grounds.
Another notable thing mentioned in the report is that the original crew could return. Tank Dempsey, Nikolai Belinski, Takeo Masaki, and Edward Richtofen were the original gang. Other than that, expect all the usual staples.
That's just about everything major known about the upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Of course, Treyarch and Raven Software will have a couple of other surprises up their sleeves. We'll keep you updated on any significant reveals about the series and the game.
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