Introduction Of Black Ops 7
Treyarch is back with Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, delivering a futuristic multiplayer experience, the biggest round-based Zombies map yet, and a new Resurgence location for Warzone called Haven’s Hollow. GameSpot went hands-on with the upcoming title at Call of Duty: Next, and while the new setting and mechanics breathe fresh life into multiplayer and Zombies, Warzone’s integration is noticeably underwhelming.
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A Futuristic Spin Keeps Multiplayer Energized
Back-to-back releases of the same subseries can often lead to fatigue, as we saw with consecutive Modern Warfare titles. Understandably, many players worried that Black Ops 7 would feel like a simple continuation of last year’s entry. Fortunately, Treyarch has taken a bold step forward by moving the setting to 2035, and the shift immediately gives multiplayer a fresh identity.
Scorestreaks now include futuristic tech like the robotic D.A.W.G. and the Rhino, a mechanized twist on the juggernaut. Players also gain access to gadgets that allow cloaking, hologram decoys, and drones. While not entirely new to Call of Duty, these tools haven’t been seen in years and make the futuristic setting feel authentic.
Movement has also been refined. The omnimovement system introduced in Black Ops 6 is faster, flashier, and more dynamic. Wall-jumping opens new routes and strategies, while increased base movement speed and tactical sprint adjustments improve flow. During hands-on testing, wall jumps proved especially impactful, allowing creative plays that weren’t possible before.
Map design also shows improvement. Unlike the smaller, chaotic maps of Black Ops 6, this year’s arenas lean toward medium-sized layouts inspired by Black Ops 2’s iconic three-lane philosophy. Forge, a research facility with rotating cover around its central Domination point, stood out as a highlight—balancing technical complexity with opportunities for stylish, skillful plays.
Zombies Evolves with the Wonder Vehicle
The Zombies mode introduces Ashes of the Damned, the franchise’s largest round-based map to date. Its figure-eight layout connects multiple areas via treacherous roads, but the real star is “Ol’ Tessie,” a drivable and upgradeable Wonder Vehicle. Tessie doubles as transportation and, eventually, a mobile Pack-a-Punch machine—reshaping how players approach survival.
On foot, players face relentless Ravenger enemies, making the vehicle essential for traversing dangerous stretches. Like classic maps, Ashes of the Damned still offers a storyline quest, Wonder Weapons, Wall Buys, GobbleGums, and the Mystery Box. All perks from Black Ops 6 return alongside a new one, Wisp Tea, which spawns a spectral ally.
The map also reunites fan-favorite characters—Takeo, Dempsey, Nikolai, and Richtofen—alongside the Black Ops 6 crew, giving players more character variety and dynamic voice interactions. While Treyarch kept much of the narrative under wraps, the combination of massive scale, vehicle-driven gameplay, and expanded cast sets this Zombies entry apart.
Warzone Stumbles with a Lack of Innovation
Where multiplayer and Zombies shine, Warzone feels stagnant. The integration arrives with Season 1, bringing back Verdansk and introducing Haven’s Hollow as a new Resurgence map. Unfortunately, both fail to deliver the excitement typically expected from yearly updates.
Verdansk only gains two new POIs—Factory and Signal Station—neither of which meaningfully impact gameplay. Haven’s Hollow, set in a pre-outbreak version of Liberty Falls from Black Ops 6, offers a colorful but ultimately uninspired environment. Without Zombies elements or futuristic flair, it feels disconnected from Black Ops 7’s identity and underwhelming compared to previous Warzone additions.
Fans will need to wait until Spring 2026 for the return of Blackout on the Avalon map—potentially a more meaningful addition to the battle royale experience. Until then, Warzone’s update feels like a step back.
Final Verdict
Black Ops 7 is shaping up to be a strong entry in the series, thanks to its futuristic multiplayer enhancements and ambitious Zombies mode. Movement feels faster and more creative, while maps return to classic designs with new twists. Zombies’ introduction of the Wonder Vehicle adds an exciting new dimension to the formula.
Warzone, however, struggles to keep pace, offering recycled ideas and uninspired maps. For fans seeking fresh experiences, multiplayer and Zombies will likely carry the excitement at launch, while Warzone may need to wait for future updates to find its footing.
