Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Review – Big Changes, New Co-Op, and Does It Live Up to the Hype?

When Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 (BO7) dropped in November 2025, it came packed with high expectations. This is the next big step in the Black Ops saga, developed by Treyarch & Raven Software and published by Activision.

Set in the year 2035, the campaign follows JSOC unit leader David Mason in the sprawling city of Avalon, fighting a powerful enemy that weaponizes fear. Alongside the campaign, the game brings back multiplayer and the iconic round-based Zombies mode.

So, what’s good and what’s not in this installment? Let’s dive into how the gameplay performs, what’s new, and whether it’s worth your time.

The Good Stuff

One of the standout features of Black Ops 7 is the co-op campaign. For the first time in the Black Ops series, you can play the main story with up to four players working together. This shifts the solo narrative into something more fluid and social.

Multiplayer mode also gets major updates. The title launches with 16 maps for 6v6 and two extra 20v20 maps, mixing large-scale battles with tighter tactical fights.

Movement and mobility mechanics have been refreshed. Players in the beta praised the pace and how the new systems make battles feel more dynamic.

Then there’s Zombies mode, as huge and chaotic as ever, pushing the franchise’s undead variant into deeper territory. With towering set pieces and intense horde gameplay, it delivers for fans of co-op mayhem.

Beyond modes, the game’s setting and presentation impress. The visual atmosphere of Avalon, the psychological themes, and the near-future tech give BO7 a cinematic feel; it’s not just a shooter, but a story-driven experience.

The Not-So-Good

However, the game is not flawless. First, despite the hype, the most trusted rating sites haven’t yet been flooded with user reviews. On Steam, for example, BO7 shows “Mixed” reviews early on. That suggests players are still forming opinions.

Some players also voiced concerns about certain changes, especially in movement and meta weapon balancing. While mobility is improved, for some, it may feel less grounded compared to older titles.

Another concern: the franchise’s history of microtransactions. While BO7 hasn’t been singled out uniquely for this, long-time fans still watch carefully whether the monetization gets in the way of gameplay.

Lastly, while the campaign co-op is a welcome addition, some solos may feel it lacks the focused narrative punch of older single-player-only entries. If you prefer tightly woven single-player stories, you might notice a different tone in this game.

Gameplay and Experience

The environments in BO7 are rich and varied, from the Mediterranean city of Avalon to missions in Nicaragua and Tokyo (per the reveal). That gives the campaign variety and global scale. Each mission offers both combat scenarios and narrative beats, with cinematic sequences and high production value.

Multiplayer’s “Endgame” mode kicks up the intensity. The inclusion of 20v20 and revamped movement means players need to adapt. When you’ve played the larger maps, you’ll realize that teamwork, positioning, and load-out customization matter more than ever.

The Zombies mode layers on the story of Dark Aether once again, giving seasoned players familiar mechanics but with new twists and a larger scale. It’s a mode that cares about fans of the series.

In terms of visuals and sound, BO7 is top-tier. The soundtrack supports the action, the gunfire sounds brutal and realistic, and the graphical fidelity on PS5/Xbox Series X/PC is very good. Clear textures, lighting, and effects all contribute to immersion.

Final Verdict

So, should you pick it up? If you’re a fan of the series, yes, Black Ops 7 delivers an expansive experience with meaningful changes. The addition of campaign co-op, the breadth of multiplayer options, and the visual polish make it a strong release.

If you’re on the fence or play primarily solo, you might want to try a demo or wait for user feedback; the “Mixed” early reviews suggest some players find it uneven in spots. For anyone seeking a big, action-filled shooter with modern systems and solid multiplayer, BO7 hits the mark.

In short, it’s not perfect, but it’s one of the better-rounded entries in the franchise so far. You’ll be getting value, especially if you engage with the multiplayer and co-op modes.