Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Zombies Reveals Changes After Beta

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Zombies is getting major updates based on feedback from its two-phase beta test, developer Treyarch has confirmed. In October, Treyarch surprised fans by launching a standalone beta for the Zombies mode in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, and it has now detailed how that testing has shaped the mode's upcoming full release.

Call of Duty Black Ops 7 Zombies Bear-1 — A zombie bear in *Call of Duty: Black Ops 7* Zombies mode.

One of the most interesting details shared by Treyarch about the Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Zombie s beta is the highest round reached by a player. According to the developer, someone managed to hit round 617, an impressive feat given the limited time spent in Vandorn Farm. Alongside this stat, Treyarch also outlined several changes coming to Zombies when the game launches on November 14.

How Black Ops 7 Changes the Rules of Zombies

The Best War Games sat down with developer Treyarch to talk about how Zombies Mode in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is different to some of its predecessors.

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By Anthony Taormina

Key Changes to Zombies Coming with Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Launch

High-round tuning to emphasize skill-based gameplay
Unique Zombies HUD at launch
Carryover access to Black Ops 6 items in Black Ops 7 Zombies
Sawblade Trap nerf to prevent spamming
Close-range damage bonus for SMGs
Shock Baton nerf to reduce excessive damage
General weapon damage adjustments for better balance

In a video Q&A, Treyarch developers addressed some of the community's biggest questions about the mode and discussed what's been adjusted based on beta feedback. The team's main focus is on balancing high-round gameplay, making it more about strategy and skill rather than simply surviving against faster, stronger enemies. Other updates include a new HUD for the Zombies mode and bonus damage for SMGs in close-quarters combat. The Shock Baton and Sawblade Trap are seemingly set to be nerfed, as the developers noted they could be overpowered and prone to exploitation in the final release. Additionally, Treyarch confirmed that some items unlocked in Black Ops 6's Zombies mode will carry over into the new game, helping players push through higher rounds with less hassle.

Fans eager to jump into the mode at launch should note that several weapons have been adjusted based on beta feedback. Regarding enemy types, Treyarch confirmed that not all Special and Elite creatures from Black Ops 6 will return, with Parasite, Vermin, and Amalgam notably absent from the new Zombies mode.

Treyarch also shared new details about the Cursed mode in Black Ops 7's Zombies. The team acknowledged player requests to have the mode unlocked from the start and confirmed it will become available once a single player completes all quests in Ashes of the Damned. Treyarch described Cursed mode as extremely difficult, so much so that beating it without the Golden Armor may be nearly impossible.

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OpenCritic Reviews: Top Critic Avg: 66 /100 Critics Rec: 34%

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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