Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 has brought forth a Co-Op Campaign, Multiplayer, and Zombies mode, all of which have people talking. Whether it's good or bad, the conversations are there, so why not check out what actually makes Black Ops 7 worth your time? There is plenty of innovation found in Black Ops 7, and fun to be had within its design. Below, we'll outline things that Black Ops 7 does that make it better than previous Call of Duty games.

black-ops-7-all-level-unlocks
All Level Unlocks in Black Ops 7

Find out what you can unlock at every Level in Black Ops 7 across Multiplayer and Zombies to see when you can get your favorite Guns, Perks, and more!

A Reason to Play the Campaign After the Credits

Endgame is an Exciting Mode That Evolves DMZ

The Co-Op Campaign for Black Ops 7 isn't exactly something to rave about, and that's been the general consensus among anyone who's played or even seen it. However, once the credits roll after a short few hours of story missions, players can enter the Endgame. This sprawling activity is a lot of fun to grind camos, acquire XP, and explore with a vast region of Avalon, much like what was previously seen with DMZ.

Players are tasked with completing missions and leveling up their power with unique skills and weapons so that they can become stronger to take on the newer and harder zones featured within Avalon. Exploring the terrain and taking on different challenges for exotic loot is a lot of fun, and something no Call of Duty has tried before.

Further Evolution to Zombies Buildcrafting

Equip Augments to Enjoy Unique Powers in Zombies

Buildcrafting is new to Zombies, and it's seen further evolution in Black Ops 7. While it's not by much, there are still new Augments to research in Black Ops 7 Zombies, and some are far stronger than those featured in Black Ops 6. What's even better is the final Augment to unlock across Perk-a-Colas, Field Upgrades, and Ammo Mods. Players can equip an extra Minor Augment when they 100% research something, and this means that they can bring in 1 Major Augment and 2 Minor Augments.

ashes of the damned promo art
Beginner Tips & Tricks for Black Ops 7 Zombies

Black Ops 7 Zombies introduces a few new mechanics to the round-based series that might prove a challenge to new and returning players.

This is a huge bonus that can truly change the way players experience Zombies, as they will harness immense power that is unique to them. While there is a meta worth discovering for each Perk, Field Upgrade, and Ammo Mod, the fact that you can equip anything to play how you want to play makes Augments so much fun and rewarding to acquire.

The Biggest Offering of Launch Content for Multiplayer Maps

Over 15 Maps on Launch Provide Fun, Not Repetition

Most modern Call of Duty games won't launch with a lot of maps, since they're getting ready to produce a DLC season that will allow for more maps to be released throughout the coming months. However, Black Ops 7 makes sure that it launches with a plethora of offerings, which is why there are over 15 maps on launch to enjoy. From new designs to old favorites, Black Ops 7 has them all.

There are some great new maps created for Black Ops 7 that really highlight the design team well, with decent lanes, height advantage, and control zones. However, the real show stealer is the return of immense classics, like Express, Hijacked, and Raid, with more promised to come in the coming weeks and seasons.

Bringing Back Open Matchmaking to a Pre-MW (2019) World

Skill-Based Matchmaking is Optional Again

Call of Duty always had some form of skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) with League Play, allowing players to test their skills against players of similar skill. However, this was changed in Modern Warfare (2019), in which every lobby, no matter what, would have SBMM. This meant that players could perform exceptionally well in one game, and then get demolished the next.

bo7-perk-slot-1-best-perks
Black Ops 7: Best Slot 1 Perks in Multiplayer

Slot 1 Perks in Black Ops 7 offer players a range of options for their playstyle, so here's all of them, ranked from least to most impressive.

Black Ops 7 is the first Call of Duty in 6 years that's removed SBMM for its core game modes, and while skill is minimally considered with your lobbies, you can still enjoy some lobbies with SBMM with the right playlist. Listening to the fans and bringing back open matchmaking provides a gambling blast, as you might conquer a lobby or be decimated by it.

Banking on Nostalgia for Multiplayer and Zombies

Classic Maps and Characters Bring Back the Charm of Call of Duty

Black Ops 2 is one of the most beloved Call of Duty games of all time, and for good reason. With so many perfect guns and maps, it's no wonder it ranks so high on anyone's list. That's why Black Ops 7 excels in banking on the nostalgia. Previous Call of Duty games seemed to ignore their older entries, but Black Ops 7 seems to be all-in on the nostalgia for Black Ops 2. There are returning weapons from the previous game, and even the characters from the campaign provide a nostalgia overload. What's better yet is that classic maps have returned to Multiplayer, with everyone's favorite Hijacked, and more classics!

The deepest set of nostalgia comes in the Zombies mode, as the launch map itself is inspired by Black Ops 2's launch map, Tranzit. However, where the nostalgia really comes in is with its 4 new Zombies Crew Operators. The return of Dempsey, Richtofen, Nikolai, and Takeo provides a thrilling experience in terms of narrative, writing, humor, and general interest in the Zombies mode.

Rating block community and brand ratings Image
cod black ops 7 tag page cover art
Display card tags widget Display card system widget
Systems
Display card community and brand rating widget Display card open critics widget
Top Critic Avg: 66 /100 Critics Rec: 34%
Display card main info widget
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
Display card main info widget end Display card media widget start
black ops 7 battle royale map
Display card media widget end

WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

Genre(s)
Action, FPS, Sci-Fi