With the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 set for November 14, detailed insights into its multiplayer mode have been revealed ahead of its open beta, arriving October 2. The latest breakdown covers new gameplay systems, maps, modes, and innovations that aim to refresh the franchise’s competitive core. 

Modes & Gameplay Features

A key new entry is the “Overload” mode, a 6v6 competitive match where one team must carry a device into the enemy area to score. The twist? The player carrying the device gets a personal radar, making them both powerful and vulnerable. 

Traditional modes are also back:

• Team Deathmatch

• Domination

• Search & Destroy

• Hardpoint

• Kill Confirmed

An additional mode, “Burning Clash”, intensifies action by shrinking maps and removing scorestreak respawns to favor raw gunplay. 

Maps & Environments

On launch, Black Ops 7 will feature 18 maps in its multiplayer suite:

• 16 standard 6v6 maps, designed with Treyarch’s signature three-path layout for flow and balance. 

• 2 larger maps tailored for the “Skirmish” mode (20v20), offering more open space for large-scale battles. 

Some fan favorites from Black Ops 2 are making a return after full reworks: Express, Hijacked, and Raid. 

Beta players will get early access to maps such as Black Heart, Cortex, and Exposure. 

Gear & Customization — The New Add-Ons System

One of the biggest additions this time is the Add-ons system. This lets players evolve their tactical gear, lethal items, field upgrades, and scorestreaks over time. Each gear piece can unlock up to two add-ons, such as:

• Reducing scorestreak cost

• Boosting bomb damage

• Speeding up field upgrade recharge

This dynamic system encourages players to specialize in distinct playstyles and adds depth to how one customizes loadouts. 

Scorestreaks return as a reward for aggressive, objective-based play. The add-ons system expands this by allowing modifications to traditional streaks—such as making them cheaper or longer in duration. 

New lethal gear also arrives:

• The Steel Dog, a ground assault creature

• Reimagined aerial units like VTOL aircraft

• Classic assets like helicopters and guardian units persist, but with new strategic value. 

Movement & Mobility Enhancements

Black Ops 7 brings more fluid and expressive movement systems:

• Wall-jumping returns, enabling players to chain up to three jumps across surfaces to navigate maps vertically. 

• Tactical sprint becomes a perk rather than a default – letting players choose whether or not to include it in their builds. 

• A revamped human shield bomb mechanic allows you to stick a grenade to a grappled enemy and push them toward adversaries, triggering an explosion. 

Progression, Prestige & Weapon Ranks

After reaching level 55, players can enter Classic Prestige, which resets their rank and awards exclusive icons, operator skins, and weapon blueprints. 

Weapons themselves also have a Weapon Prestige concept:

• When a weapon maxes out, you can prestige it

• Each weapon can be prestiged twice

• Then there's a Weapon Master Prestige with 250 additional levels for rare unlocks and camouflages. 

Zombies Mode: Horror Returns

Treyarch is bringing back a round-based Zombies mode—only darker and more surreal. As the squad becomes trapped in an ever-shifting “void,” the world warps, shadows shift, and the undead menace grows. This is more than just survival: it’s psychological horror in multiplayer form. 

What To Expect From The Beta & Launch

• Open beta begins October 2, giving fans early playtime with maps, modes, and gear. 

• Full launch is scheduled for November 14, when all modes, maps, and progression systems go live. 

Expect Black Ops 7 to bring a hybrid experience: familiar core gameplay seasoned with new systems meant to evolve how players engage in multiplayer wars.