The digital battlegrounds are about to get significantly more crowded. Activision has recently pulled back the curtain on the multiplayer component of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, delivering a trailer that confirms a substantial launch package: no less than 18 diverse multiplayer maps. This reveal offers a tantalizing glimpse into what players can expect from the next iteration of the high-octane franchise, blending classic design with futuristic twists.
A Map for Every Mood: 18 Arenas at Launch
For veterans of the series, the sheer number of maps available from day one is a promising sign. Eighteen maps provide a breadth of strategic possibilities and engagement scenarios, ensuring that repetitive gameplay remains a distant memory. This comprehensive lineup suggests a concerted effort by developers Raven Software and Treyarch to offer immense variety right out of the gate.
Among the eighteen, three names immediately resonate with long-time fans: Express, Hijacked, and Raid. These aren`t just remakes; they are Black Ops 2 remasters, meticulously updated to fit the new game`s engine and mechanics while preserving the iconic layouts that made them legendary. It`s a clever nod to nostalgia, allowing players to revisit cherished arenas with a fresh coat of paint and potentially new tactical nuances. For those who consider themselves connoisseurs of CoD`s golden age, this is indeed a treat.
The full list of confirmed launch maps includes both new battlegrounds and these welcome returns:
Core 6v6 Maps:
- Blackheart
- Cortex
- Exposure
- Imprint
- The Forge
- Toshin
- Colossus
- Den
- Flagship
- Homestead
- Paranoia
- Retrieval
- Scar
- Express (Black Ops 2 remaster)
- Hijacked (Black Ops 2 remaster)
- Raid (Black Ops 2 remaster)
Skirmish Maps:
- Mission: Edge
- Mission: Tide
Stepping into 2035: Futuristic Combat and Fluid Movement
Beyond the impressive map count, the trailer also showcased Black Ops 7`s gameplay set in the year 2035. This semi-futuristic backdrop isn`t merely cosmetic; it directly influences the combat experience. Expect to see an array of new scorestreaks, guns, and gadgets that lean into advanced military technology, promising fresh tactical layers for players to master.
Perhaps one of the most intriguing additions is the introduction of new traversal systems, including wall-jumping. This mechanic has the potential to dramatically alter how players navigate maps, engage in firefights, and flank opponents. Verticality and fluid movement could become paramount, encouraging aggressive playstyles and innovative strategies. While not a completely novel concept in the broader shooter genre, its implementation in Call of Duty`s fast-paced environment could inject a significant dose of dynamism.
Adding to the adrenaline, the reveal trailer itself was scored to `FE!N` by Travis Scott ft. Playboi Carti, setting a high-energy tone that matches the frenetic action depicted. This choice in soundtrack underscores the game`s intent to deliver a modern, impactful experience.
The Road Ahead: Beta, Events, and Launch
Players won`t have to wait until November to experience these new features firsthand. A multiplayer beta is slated for early October, offering a selection of these new maps for community feedback and, inevitably, a good dose of pre-launch competition. It`s an opportunity to test the waters, fine-tune strategies, and perhaps even discover a new favorite weapon before the official launch.
Before the beta, more in-depth details about Black Ops 7`s multiplayer mode are expected at the highly anticipated Call of Duty: Next event on September 30. This event typically serves as a comprehensive deep-dive into the game`s competitive offerings, providing further clarity on mechanics, modes, and the overarching multiplayer vision.
The full release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is scheduled for November 4. As a direct sequel to 2024`s Black Ops 6—a title that impressively became the year`s best-selling game in the US—Black Ops 7 carries significant expectations. With both Raven Software and Treyarch returning as co-lead developers, the lineage of quality and innovation is well-established, suggesting that this installment aims to build upon its predecessor`s success and once again dominate the charts.
In essence, the multiplayer reveal for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 paints a picture of a game ready to deliver on both quantity and quality. With a vast array of launch maps, including beloved remasters, and the promise of exhilarating new traversal mechanics within a compelling futuristic setting, the stage is set for another electrifying year on the virtual battlefield. Prepare for deployment.
Callum Darby