With Black Ops 7 finally here, players are diving into what was easily one of the most anticipated Call of Duty multiplayer launches in years. With promises of a rebuilt core experience and a deep progression system, expectations were sky-high, especially after the Open Beta and early impressions.  

This review will break down Black Ops 7 multiplayer across several categories, including maps, modes, new gameplay systems like the Overclock mechanic and Combat Specialties, as well as weapons, attachments, customization, scorestreaks, and the early meta.

First Impressions: Does Black Ops 7 Feel Like Call of Duty?

Anyone worried that Black Ops 7 won’t be “Call of Duty” enough can breathe easy. The new entry definitely feels like a modern CoD title, albeit with a futuristic polish.

In particular, the gunplay feels responsive and the time-to-kill, coupled with the new wall jump and upgraded Omnimovement mechanics, makes engagements fast and fluid—even more so than in Black Ops 6.

As for the visuals, Black Ops 7 leans heavily into its futuristic setting, while also maintaining a tactical approach. Weapons, character models, and environments are sharp, and it’s pretty easy to distinguish between the many movement mechanics and react accordingly. 

Black Ops 7 Maps & Modes 

The launch of Black Ops 7 maps includes 16 core 6v6 maps and two large-scale 20v20 Skirmish maps. For the latter, think Ground War, but with a few more players and dynamic or ever-changing objectives. 

Seasoned CoD players will immediately recognize the classic three-lane map design. While many have criticized it in comparison to newer titles, it does keep things simple, resulting in constant and fast-paced engagements across the map at all times.

Black Ops 7 also comes with three Black Ops II map remakes (Hijacked, Express, and Raid) and 13 original maps, many of which shine in the multiplayer mode. Our personal favorites include Toshin, a tight but beautiful Japanese map, Scar, which has been in the good graces of several players, and Homestead. 

Although traditional modes like Team Deathmatch, Domination, and Search & Destroy have returned, new ones like Overload keep multiplayer fresh.

Black Ops 7 New Multiplayer Systems 

Arguably, one of the most exciting new additions that comes with BO7’s multiplayer is the new Overclock system. It allows players to upgrade their weapons, as well as Tacticals, Lethals, Field Upgrades, and Scorestreaks, for increased damage and special effects. 

This can be quite advantageous, as each item can be overclocked or upgraded twice over the course of a match. For example, the Stim Shot Overclock abilities can remove debuffs and add a movement speed boost. It’s similar to how Battlefield 6 handles its class specializations.

Another new addition is the Hybrid Combat Specialties system. This allows you to mix perks from different categories to make new and unique combinations for your loadouts. Alternatively, you can choose perks from the same category to unlock Core Combat Specialties, which is a system that returns from Black Ops 6. 

However, the Black Ops 7 Overclock system does introduce some balancing issues. The most obvious of these is the upgraded Scorestreaks.

Since Scorestreaks can be overclocked, they can turn the tide of a match and feel quite overpowered in some cases. While nothing game-breaking has emerged at the moment, the overclocked Scorestreaks may require nerfs as more and more players master the game’s mechanics and build strong loadouts.

Black Ops 7 Weapons & Customization 

The classic Gunsmith system returns in Black Ops 7, giving you more control than ever over weapon customization. With the addition of the Overclock system, you can get into the nitty-gritty of your guns and tune them to your liking. 

While the game’s launch has seen its ups and downs, BO7’s weapon balancing mostly seems to be on the right path at the moment. We’d say “mostly”, as the game has a Scorestreak that is basically a wallhack, allowing you to see other players through walls and even shoot them through any surface.

Beyond that, there’s a ton of freedom to experiment and make powerful builds—and miraculously, no single weapon type is dominating lobbies. We can see players using every class and different builds all across Black Ops 7 maps and game modes. 

Black Ops 7 Scorestreaks & Progression

Like many other Call of Duty games, BO7’s Scorestreaks are some of the most over-the-top and brutally satisfying ever. Lethal streaks make you feel like you’re in a futuristic action movie, which, when combined with the Overclock system, is absolute cinema (to the point of it breaking the game).

Some of the most impactful Scorestreaks are the aforementioned Sniper-streak called Gravemaker, as well as the Deployable Armored Weaponized Groundcraft or DAWG, VTOL Warship, and Legion, similar to MWIII’s Drone Swarm.

Progression in Black Ops 7 is largely tied to how you use your weapons, gear, abilities, and more. Overclocking your Streaks, Tacticals, and Field Upgrades is a great way to earn additional XP.

Black Ops 7 Community & Meta Impressions

With Activision’s announcement of Skill-Based Match Making (SBMM) being replaced by Open Matchmaking, Black Ops 7 players should breathe easier knowing that matches will be less sweaty.

That said, skill only plays a small part in Black Ops 7 multiplayer, as Activision recently clarified that “Open Matchmaking with minimal skill consideration will be the default.”

Early reactions to the Black Ops 7 multiplayer are mostly positive. CoD veterans and new players alike appreciate the launch maps and movement. However, the Open Matchmaking system remains a debated topic and will need to be closely monitored over multiple seasons.

As for Black Ops 7 competitive scene, it will be quite exciting to see what professional players will be able to do with the game’s new mechanics. With CDL being at its most competitive, the CoD esports scene could become a showcase of strategy and utility instead of high-damage builds.

Final Verdict 

The Black Ops 7 multiplayer adds more fluidity to the gameplay and improves the movement yet again. Just like with Black Ops 6, Treyarch has, yet again, nailed the gunplay and pacing while introducing new mechanics like Overclocking and Hybrid Specialties that focus on customization and strategy.

The launch maps are an improvement upon BO6, and the progression system has the potential to be better thanks to the aforementioned new mechanics. However, visuals seem like a downgrade, and balancing issues may come up with the Overclock system and TTK.

Many players also report varying experiences with the Open Matchmaking system, so we’ll just have to see how Activision tunes these systems going forward. Overall, we get a tactical multiplayer mode with futuristic movement and the regular Black Ops crazy sprinkled on top.

Rating: 7/10

FAQs

Is Black Ops 7 multiplayer good?

Yes, the gunplay, maps, and movement in Black Ops 7 feel smooth.

What are the best maps in BO7 multiplayer?

Toshin, Scar, Homestead, and Blackheart are among the best maps in Black Ops 7.

Does Black Ops 7 have new multiplayer features?

Yes. The new Black Ops 7 multiplayer features include the Overclock system and Hybrid Combat Specialties.

Is Black Ops 7 multiplayer worth it?

Yes. Competitive players will enjoy the movement and pacing, while casual players will appreciate the relaxed matchmaking.