Activision has revealed that four smaller Gunfight maps will be part of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7's initial map pool at launch. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is following up last year's Black Ops 6, much like Modern Warfare 3 did with MW2 two years ago. This time, Black Ops 7 will have a futuristic setting, taking place after Black Ops 2. It'll be the first futuristic Call of Duty title since 2018's multiplayer-only entry, Black Ops 4.
There have already been several key details that have come out about the three different components that will ultimately make up Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. The game's story campaign offers full four-player co-op, with a controversial final "Endgame" mission that reportedly brings together 32 players in a larger open-world map. Its co-op Zombies mode is rumored to have maps inspired by Black Ops 2's unique TranZit map, which brought players on a demonic bus ride around several different locations. As for Black Ops 7's Multiplayer suite, it's largely expected to house all the common modes like Team Deathmatch, Kill Confirmed, and others; the bigger questions revolve around new gameplay features and map designs.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Could Mark a New Era For Warzone
Warzone has had to adapt to many CoD entries over the years, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 may mark a thematic turning point for the battle royale.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Will Have Four Strike Maps at Launch
It seems Call of Duty: Black Ops 7's number of launch maps will be identical to Black Ops 6's. On Twitter, Treyarch Design Director Matt Scronce confirmed that four of Black Ops 7's 16 multiplayer launch maps will be smaller "Strike" maps that are designed for modes like 2v2 Gunfight and Face Off. He continued that more Strike maps will be added to Black Ops 7 post-launch, including "former faves." These launch map numbers line up with Black Ops 6's release last year, which also launched with four Strike maps in Stakeout, Gala, Pit, and Warhead.
Seeing more Strike maps isn't at all surprising. It's been a trend of both Modern Warfare 3 and Black Ops 6 to add more small maps, like Call of Duty's infamous Shipment map, that are conducive to chaotic fun. MW3 post-launch maps like Meat and Stash House come to mind, and Black Ops 6's Bullet, Lifeline, and Stakeout maps are comically tiny. It's good that Treyarch is maintaining flexibility with these small maps, as they can serve as battlegrounds for slower, more methodical 2v2 no-respawn Gunfight matches, but can also be used as 6v6 maps for hectic, ultra-fast fun. While it's not confirmed, it's likely that Black Ops 7's small maps will play host to 2v2 and 6v6 game modes, just like Black Ops 6's Strike maps do.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is coming out on November 14 for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, and, just like Black Ops 6, will be available on Xbox Game Pass. Before then, Activision has a Call of Duty Next event taking place on September 30, which is set to be the stage for the game's full multiplayer reveal where some of Black Ops 7's four launch Strike maps may be put on display.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 66 /100 Critics Rec: 34%
- Released
- November 14, 2025
- ESRB
- Mature 17+ / Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs
- Developer(s)
- Treyarch, Raven Software
- Publisher(s)
- Activision
