The Call of Duty: NEXT 2025 event has delivered a treasure trove of new details about the highly anticipated Black Ops 7. From beta windows and access requirements to the return of Zombies and fresh gameplay modes, here’s your full breakdown of what’s coming — and what you need to know now.
Black Ops 7 Beta Schedule & Access
Treyarch and Activision have confirmed that the Black Ops 7 beta will run from October 2 to October 8, 2025.
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Early Access Beta: October 2–4 — available exclusively to those who pre-order the game (digital or physical) or hold an eligible Game Pass subscription (Ultimate, PC, or console).
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Open Beta: October 5–8 — no restrictions; all players can join.
Preload support will be available, though the exact time and details are still pending.
In the UK, EE has partnered with Call of Duty to offer free early access beta codes to a limited number (150,000) of customers.
Also, a clever way to get early access is by tuning in to COD NEXT. Watch affiliated streams for at least one hour to unlock a free beta code.
Beta Content: What You Can Try
Multiplayer Modes & Maps
The beta will include a mix of classic and new modes:
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Team Deathmatch
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Domination
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Hardpoint
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Kill Confirmed
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Search & Destroy
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The new Overload mode Call of Duty+2Call of Duty+2
Participants will get access to six multiplayer maps from the full 16-map launch roster. Call of Duty+2Call of Duty+2
Zombies & Survival Mode
One of the biggest draws this year is the return and expansion of Zombies content:
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The Zombies Survival mode will be playable in the beta on the map Vandorn Farm.
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Expect new mechanics like sliding knockbacks, updated armored zombie behavior, and new currency / power-up systems. (Source: Windows Central)
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Story-wise, the Beta will let players see the original cast (Richtofen, Nikolai, Takeo, Dempsey) reunited with newer heroes (Weaver, Grey, Carver, Maya).
COD NEXT 2025 — Major Announcements
The Call of Duty: NEXT event on September 30, 2025 was packed with reveals across Multiplayer, Zombies, Warzone, and more on Call of Duty
Multiplayer & Gameplay Innovation
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The game’s setting is 2035, giving the devs room to introduce futuristic tech while maintaining the classic Black Ops feel.
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Omnimovement has been refined: expect added wall-jumps, faster base speed, tweaks to sliding and sprinting.
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Weapon systems and progression will include Weapon Prestige (returning feature), shareable builds, and an expansive camo journey — the game will have 16 Mastery Camos across modes.
Zombies & Story
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The Ashes of the Damned map is the largest round-based Zombies map ever in the series.
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A new mode called Cursed is introduced for Zombies.
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Survival maps, including Vandorn Farm, will let players test new Zombies systems.
Warzone & Ecosystem
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Warzone will receive a new map called Haven’s Hollow Resurgence and remastered POIs (e.g. Factory) in Verdansk.
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On the call of cross-mode synergies: your progression and rewards will carry across Multiplayer, Zombies, Campaign, and even Warzone.
Other Highlights
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Dead Ops Arcade 4 makes a return on Call of Duty
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Team RICOCHET additions, new GobbleGum mechanics, and tweaks to seasonal systems were also discussed.
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Preorder bonuses include the GobbleGums Monster Pack, which transfers to the final game.
What About the Full Game Launch?
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Release Date: November 14, 2025 (Source: GamesRadar)
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Platforms: Black Ops 7 will be available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (Steam, Battle.net, Xbox app).
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The full campaign can be played in co-op with up to four players.
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Game Pass: Black Ops 7 will be available day-one on Game Pass Ultimate
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To combat cheating, new PC requirements will be more stringent: Secure Boot and TPM 2.0 will be required to support RICOCHET anti-cheat.
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Also, the developers have promised a more grounded aesthetic this time, dialing back any over-the-top skins.
Tips for Players & What to Watch
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Preorder / Subscribe Early — If you want early access, don’t wait. Digital preorders automatically grant you access; physical ones require a code redeem.
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Tune into streams — Watching COD NEXT or partner streams gives you a shot at free early access codes.
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System readiness — Make sure your PC supports Secure Boot & TPM 2.0 ahead of time to avoid compatibility issues.
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Beta as test ground — Use the window from Oct 2–8 to explore maps, test movement, and understand Zombies mechanics before the full release.
With the Black Ops 7 beta around the corner and all the reveals from COD NEXT, fans of the franchise have a lot to look forward to. Between refined movement, robust multiplayer, a massive Zombies map, and cross-mode progression, Treyarch is aiming high. The early access and open beta give everyone a chance to sample these innovations before the full game launches November 14, 2025.