The annual Call of Duty cycle continues, and for 2025, Activision is handing the reins back to Treyarch (with support from Raven Software), delivering a direct sequel that’s already generating considerable buzz: Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. This marks the first time in franchise history that we’re getting back-to-back Black Ops titles, following 2024’s Black Ops 6. While a full “review” isn’t possible before launch, we can dive deep into all the confirmed details, exciting rumors, and what fans can expect.
The Official Announcement & Setting
- Title Confirmed: Call of Duty 2025 is officially Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.
- Developers: Lead development is handled by Treyarch and Raven Software, who also spearheaded Black Ops 6.
- Setting: Black Ops 7 takes a significant leap forward in time, setting the stage in 2035. This places it 40+ years after Black Ops 6 (set in the 90s) and notably, 10 years after the events of Call of Duty: Black Ops II (which concluded in 2025). This futuristic backdrop promises advanced technology, psychological warfare, and a world on the brink of chaos.
- Reveal: A cinematic announcement trailer was showcased during the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 on June 8th, confirming the title and premise. A full reveal is expected at Gamescom, scheduled for August 19th, 2025.
Story, Characters, and Campaign
Black Ops 7 is set to be a direct sequel to Black Ops II, picking up in the aftermath of Raul Menendez’s death.
- Protagonist: David Mason, the son of Black Ops protagonist Alex Mason, will return as a central character.
- New Characters: Emma Kagan, CEO of “The Guild,” will be introduced, portrayed by Kiernan Shipka.
- Returning Cast: Michael Rooker is set to reprise his Black Ops II role as Mike Harper. Milo Ventimiglia is also confirmed in the cast.
- Campaign Type: Confirmed to feature a single-player campaign that is also playable in co-op. This is a rare and highly anticipated feature for a Call of Duty main entry, a hallmark of Treyarch’s development.
- Story Premise: The narrative will revolve around David Mason and his team fighting against a “manipulative enemy who weaponizes fear above all else” in a world ravaged by conflict and psychological warfare. New locations will include Japan and the fictional city of Avalon (also featured in Black Ops 6).
Multiplayer Innovations
Treyarch is known for pushing the envelope in multiplayer, and Black Ops 7 aims to evolve core mechanics.
- Omnimovement: The innovative “omnimovement” system introduced in Black Ops 6 (allowing players to sprint, dive, and slide in any direction) will be evolved and carried forward into Black Ops 7.
- New Movement Mechanics: Leaks suggest the addition of a new wall-running mechanic, bringing a dynamic verticality to gameplay, similar to Black Ops III but integrated with omnimovement.
- Carry Forward Program: It’s heavily rumored that the “Carry Forward” program will return, allowing players to transfer weapons and operators from Black Ops 6 into Black Ops 7, ensuring their progression isn’t wiped.
- Map Design: Expect a blend of new futuristic maps and potentially remastered classic maps from older Black Ops titles, reimagined for the 2035 setting and new movement capabilities. Early leaks mentioned the possibility of 32v32 modes.
- “Pick 10” System: Rumors suggest the return of the fan-favorite “Pick 10” create-a-class system from Black Ops II, which offers deep customization.
Zombies Mode: A Return to Roots
For many, Treyarch’s Zombies mode is the true highlight, and Black Ops 7 is set to deliver.
- Round-Based Mode: Confirmed to bring back the classic, beloved round-based Zombies mode as seen in Black Ops 6.
- Dark Aether Storyline: The mode will continue the Dark Aether storyline.
- Largest Round-Based Map: Leaks point to the development of the “largest round-based map ever created” for Zombies, along with a remake of the iconic Tranzit map from Black Ops II.
- Original Crew & Timelines: Hints suggest a focus on the original Zombies crew and an “exploration of the old timelines,” which would excite long-time fans.
- Difficulty Slider: A rumored difficulty slider aims to make the mode more accessible to newcomers while still challenging veterans.
Platforms, Release, and Game Pass
- Release Window: Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is scheduled for release in 2025, historically in October or November.
- Platforms: It will launch on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows (PC), Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. While Microsoft is committed to Nintendo platforms, no specific Call of Duty titles have been announced for Switch or Switch 2 yet.
- Xbox Game Pass: Following Black Ops 6, Black Ops 7 will also be a Day One launch on Xbox Game Pass for Xbox and PC subscribers. This is a massive win for Game Pass users.
- Pricing: Some reports suggest the price point for new first-party Xbox games around the holiday season might increase to $79.99 (USD), which could apply to Black Ops 7.
The Hype Meter
Black Ops 7 is set to be a significant entry, building on the success of Black Ops 6 while diving into a futuristic setting that fans have clamored for. The return to the Black Ops II timeline, the inclusion of a co-op campaign, the promise of massive Zombies maps, and the evolution of movement mechanics all contribute to immense anticipation.
While the “review” can only truly happen at launch, the confirmed details and credible leaks paint a picture of a game that aims to be a complete package, honoring Black Ops’ legacy while pushing the franchise forward. Get ready to embrace the madness of 2035!
