In the ever-churning world of first-person shooters, Activision is ramping up excitement for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, with its multiplayer and Zombies beta finally hitting consoles and PCs today, October 2, 2025. Gamers who've been waiting since the game's reveal back in June at the Xbox Games Showcase can now dive into the action, though not without the usual caveats of server strains and limited access that plague these events.
The beta kicks off with an open phase that's accessible to everyone on PlayStation, Xbox, and Battle.net or Steam for PC users—no pre-order required this time around, which is a refreshing change from the gated early access model. Indeed, early access wrapped up just yesterday for those who shelled out for the Vault or BlackCell editions, but now the floodgates are open until October 9. Expect maps like those teased in the multiplayer deep dive last week, including tactical setups for hybrid combat specialties that promise to shake up the formula a bit. Zombies fans, too, get a taste with survival modes that build on the round-based chaos from past entries.
However, Activision hasn't skimped on the fine print. Progression in the beta ties directly to the full launch on November 14, so those weapon blueprints and operator skins earned now will carry over— a smart incentive, if you ask me, to keep players grinding despite the inevitable bugs. The game's set in 2035, following David Mason's team in a story that picks up from Black Ops II's threads, co-developed by Treyarch and Raven Software. It's all part of Activision's aggressive yearly cadence, which some critics say dilutes the series' once-fresh edge, but sales figures suggest it still hooks millions.
Moreover, with global release times staggered—starting at 10 a.m. PT for the West Coast crowd—the beta aims to sync up play across time zones without much hassle. Pre-order bonuses remain a draw, especially for cross-gen console options, but today's open beta levels the field somewhat. As players queue up, one can't help but wonder if this installment will recapture the Black Ops magic or just blend into the franchise's crowded lineup.