WEB DESK: Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is almost here, and Treyarch wants to make sure no one goes into battle blind. Ahead of its November 14 launch, the studio is rolling out a buffet of details on multiplayer.
This includes maps, weapons, modes, gadgets, scorestreaks and even a grenade-powered body shield that turns unlucky foes into walking bombs.
The full multiplayer reveal is set for Call of Duty: NEXT on September 30. Players will not have to wait long to try it out either. An open beta begins across all platforms on October 2, with six core maps and a sampling of modes available before launch day.
The new toys: overclocks, grenades and humiliation
Black Ops 7 leans hard into player customisation. Ten editable loadouts cover weapons, perks and gear, while the new Overclock system lets you power up mid-match. Overclocks can cut scorestreak costs, speed up field upgrades or supercharge explosives, making every fight feel one adjustment away from going off the rails.
Read more: Take-Two delays GTA VI to May 26
The body shield mechanic also returns, but this time it is not just about using enemies for cover. Treyarch has added a finisher where you slap a live grenade onto a captive and boot them back toward their squad. After a short delay the grenade detonates, creating instant chaos and giving players a chance to troll opponents in new ways.
Modes
The headline addition is Overload, a 6v6 mode where both teams fight over a single device. Grab it, protect the carrier and sprint into enemy territory to overload one of their zones. Lose it, and momentum flips instantly. It is tug-of-war with guns, and Treyarch is pitching it as one of the most intense new modes in years.
The classics are still present. Team Deathmatch, Domination, Search and Destroy, Kill Confirmed, Hardpoint, Control and Gunfight are all returning. Fan favourite Kill Order and the stripped down Face Off modes are also back, with the latter disabling scorestreaks for pure, sweaty firefights.
Maps: a mix of new and nostalgic
At launch Black Ops 7 will include 16 core 6v6 maps and two large 20v20 Skirmish maps. The Beta will feature six of them, including Blackheart, Cortex, Exposure, Imprint, The Forge and Toshin.
Settings range from Arctic robotics labs to neon-soaked city blocks, with Treyarch’s classic three-lane design keeping the action fast and tactical.
Read mroe: Is Rockstar planning to add fans to GTA 6 like it did in GTA 5?
For long-time fans, three Black Ops II icons are back. Express, Hijacked and Raid have been rebuilt for the 2035 setting. On the larger side, Hightown and Military Island bring wingsuits, grappling hooks and vehicles into the mix for sprawling 20v20 battles.
Guns, perks and scorestreaks
Black Ops 7 is launching with 30 weapons, 16 of them brand new to the series. Expect the usual suspects such as assault rifles, SMGs, shotguns and snipers alongside melee options. Gunsmith has been upgraded with global builds, deeper stats and code-sharing so players can swap setups with friends.
Perks are grouped into Enforcer, Recon and Strategist categories, with new hybrid perks unlocking bonuses when you mix categories. Wildcards return as well, letting you stack perks or attachments for more flexibility.
Scorestreaks include the Rhino, a remote-controlled robot with a minigun, and the D.A.W.G., a deployable groundcraft loaded with rockets and turrets. Both can be boosted with Overclocks for extra firepower.
Movement and progression
Treyarch is pushing new movement options too. Wall Jumps let you chain leaps across vertical surfaces, opening up new ways to flank or escape. Tactical Sprint has been moved into a perk instead of being a default option, putting more weight on loadout choices.
On progression, the classic Prestige system is back with 10 levels of rewards to climb. Weapon Prestige also returns, letting players reset a maxed-out gun for exclusive attachments and camos. Mastery challenges, daily missions and weekly unlocks add even more grind for completionists.
Beta first, chaos later
If you want a taste before November, the Black Ops 7 beta begins October 2 across all platforms. Six maps and a selection of modes, including the new Overload, will be playable. Special rewards will carry over to launch, giving eager players a head start.
From explosive new mechanics to rebuilt classics, Treyarch is betting on nostalgia mixed with fresh chaos to hook both veterans and rookies. If the beta delivers on its promise, November could see one of the most unpredictable and explosive entries in the Black Ops series yet.
Read next: Apple iPhone 17 prices to drop further in Pakistan