Activision is pulling no punches with the launch of the Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 beta today, October 2, 2025, marking yet another high-stakes entry in their blockbuster franchise. Gamers who've been waiting since the reveal at the Xbox Games Showcase back in June have finally got their shot at early access, provided they pre-ordered the game. It's a move that's become all too familiar from the publisher, dangling exclusive perks to boost those sales numbers right out of the gate.
The beta kicks off with Early Access for pre-order holders, running from 10 a.m. PT until October 9. Then, the open beta swings open its doors on October 10 through the 17th, letting anyone with a compatible console or PC jump in without shelling out cash upfront. Indeed, this phased rollout—first for the faithful, then for the masses—feels like Activision's tried-and-true playbook, but one wonders if it still packs the same punch in an era of endless game betas. Multiplayer action takes center stage, with maps, modes, and weapons straight from the 2035-set campaign led by David Mason, picking up threads from Black Ops II. Zombies mode gets a nod too, promising cooperative undead slaying that could either thrill or frustrate, depending on server stability.
However, access isn't entirely seamless. Players need to snag codes through pre-orders on platforms like Xbox, PlayStation, Battle.net, or Steam, and cross-gen console options add another layer of confusion for those upgrading. Treyarch and Raven Software, the co-developers, have hyped up features like the new Overclock system and Hybrid Combat Specialties, aiming to refresh the formula that's powered this series for over two decades. Still, with Black Ops 6 fresh in memory, some fans might eye this beta warily, questioning if it's evolution or just more of the same explosive grind.
Progression carries over to the full release, a smart incentive that rewards beta testers with exclusive skins and blueprints. But as the servers light up worldwide, from global release times tailored to time zones, one can't help but ponder the bigger picture.
In the end, Black Ops 7's beta might just redefine what we expect from annual Call of Duty drops, or it could fade into the franchise's crowded history.