Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is set in 2035 and picks up directly after the events of Black Ops 2. That connection alone raises expectations, not only because of the legacy attached to the fan-favorite title but also because BO7 arrives only a year after the previous entry.

Having spent a good chunk of time with the Open Beta, we’ll dig into how it stacks up against BO6, whether the new features could boost or undermine competitive play, and if this installment feels like a genuine evolution—or simply BO6 dressed up in a futuristic skin.

Black Ops 7 Multiplayer First Impressions: Love At First Sight?

BO7 moves faster in some respects, while also adding key changes. Among them is the addition of wall jumps, which let you launch off walls and large objects, adding more verticality than all Call of Duty titles from the 2014–2016 futuristic era. Paired with the returning omnimovement, the pacing often feels downright frantic.

The gunplay in BO7 is solid, though it doesn’t have the same punch as the Modern Warfare reboot trilogy, which set a high bar with its sound design and animation. The shots and recoil of weapons, along with other technical aspects, feel a bit more casual and toned down, giving gunfights a distinct texture.

Overall, movement is very smooth and not far removed from BO6. Treyarch has removed Tactical Sprint as a baseline mechanic and is now locked behind a Perk, a change that should help address some of the pacing issues that plagued last year’s Black Ops.

There’s also a new twist on the grab mechanic that we loved. You can still grab an enemy from behind like in BO6, only now, you’re able to attach a grenade launcher before tossing them into another enemy. It’s chaotic and fun—and precisely a feature we hope returns in future installments.

Black Ops 7 Maps & Modes In The Open Beta

There are six maps in the BO7 Beta. Some are officially labeled as “medium-sized,” but compared to recent CoD entries, they feel pretty small. What’s worse, the “small” ones feel, well, even smaller. While that means less downtime and more action for competitive players, the maps haven’t been a highlight.

As far as game mode variety is concerned, it’s simply “okay.” Overload is a standout addition that has been touted as a selling point, but we don’t think it’s all that interesting or unique enough, although it could have been. The classic modes remain the highlight, especially Domination and Hardpoint.

The 20v20 Skirmish mode (not available in the Black Ops 7 Open Beta) looks like a promising addition, especially since BO6 lacked large-scale modes. But we’ll have to see how it plays out at launch. Notably, the locations and designs of Black Ops 7 maps feel more arcade-like and less authentic.

More specifically, they don’t resemble real places so much as arenas built strictly for gunfights. BO6 (and even Cold War) offered far more natural-looking maps. Maybe it’s because of the futuristic setting, which has given Treyarch an open buffet of locations and aesthetics to choose from, but something about it just felt contrived.

Black Ops 7 vs. Black Ops 6 Multiplayer: Key Differences

BO6 had its issues. The map pacing often dragged, and the meta sometimes encouraged camping or slower play. So it comes as no surprise that Treyarch has changed the map design philosophy in BO7. However, we can’t help but feel that a less severe overhaul could have been implemented.

BO7 addresses many of those complaints, particularly for competitive play. The three-lane philosophy is strictly applied across all maps, and pacing feels more intentional, with minimal downtime between fights. Additionally, removing the default Tactical Sprint (now a Perk) also seems aimed at smoothing the flow.

From what we can tell so far, BO7 appears to be more competitive-ready. Players who prefer predictable structures and layouts in their maps will likely appreciate the new maps. Having said that, it comes at the cost of losing distinctive map personality, which makes it look and feel dull at times.

Black Ops 7 Multiplayer Overclock System: Does It Impress?

The Overclock system in Black Ops 7 is a solid addition, allowing players to buff their equipment. These affect Tacticals, Lethals, Field Upgrades, and Scorestreaks. After testing most of them, they don’t feel overpowered—noticeable, yes, but not outright broken.

Hybrid Combat Specialties are another welcome addition in Black Ops 7. These extra Perks give you some worthwhile buffs, but again, they’re not game-breaking. We like that they deepen your choice of Perks, especially since the classic Perk system hasn’t really changed much in 15 years.

Treyarch sure loves their Scorestreaks—and they’re fun and lethal as ever. They can feel a bit unfair at times, but that’s to be expected in a Call of Duty game. Although the Black Ops 7 Open Beta doesn’t include all of them, we can’t fully see how overclocked Scorestreaks will shape the late meta.

Does Black Ops 7 Multiplayer Have Esports Potential?

The short answer is yes. BO7 shows real promise for competitive play, especially considering that many esports-focused issues have been rooted out. This includes the removal of Tactical Sprint as a base mechanic and stricter adherence to three-lane map designs. There’s also a solid skill ceiling.

The addition of wall jumps and the removal of manual doors reward mastery, giving players the upper hand in getting in and out of interiors. The map flow is also more consistent and predictable (for better or worse)—an advantage for structured play, though it can make maps feel more formulaic.

Beyond that, Hybrid Combat Specialties and Overclock options add a lot more depth to the usual competitive meta. Plus, with a non-SBMM (i.e., non-Skill-Based Matchmaking) playlist in the Open Beta, it’ll be interesting to see if Treyarch and Activision, in general, will expand on that direction moving forward.

Final Verdict: Is BO7 Multiplayer Better Than BO6?

Many players weren’t fans of Call of Duty’s 2014–2016 futuristic era, when each of the “big three” developers delivered games that blurred together and lacked identity. Unfortunately, after a strong grounded run starting with 2019’s Modern Warfare, we’re back to a setting that feels uninspired.

Putting it all together, Black Ops 7 does improve on Black Ops 6 in many ways, most of which will be appreciated by competitive players and the esports meta. However, in broader terms, it still comes across as redundant. You’ve already played this game last year.

Black Ops 7 Open Beta Rating: 6/10

FAQs

What maps are in the Black Ops 7 Beta?

There are six maps in the Open Beta: Cortex, Exposure, Imprint, The Forge, Blackheart, and Toshin, all of which are small or medium-sized.

How does Black Ops 7 compare to Black Ops 6 Multiplayer?

Black Ops 7 feels faster, with tighter, more compact maps. It’s definitely tuned more for competitive players, but it loses some of the charm and identity that BO6 had.

Is Black Ops 7 multiplayer good for esports?

Yes. It seems like Treyarch really built Black Ops 7 with esports in mind this time. The strict three-lane and symmetrical map design is a clear example of this.

Does Black Ops 7 have new mechanics?

Yes. There’s wall jumping, Hybrid Combat Specialties, and the new Overclock system that adds buffs to your equipment and Scorestreaks.

What time period is Black Ops 7 set in?

Black Ops 7 is set in 2035 (ten years after Black Ops 2) and is a direct narrative sequel.