Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 multiplayer is official. Activision has confirmed 18 maps at launch, a new 6v6 mode called Overload, and a beta that runs 2–8 October. Three classics from Black Ops 2 return, and the rest are fresh builds for 2035. For players in the UAE, the beta starts at 9pm GST. Full launch lands on 14 November.
18 maps at launch, built on the three-lane philosophy
Black Ops 7 ships with 16 core 6v6 maps and two 20v20 Skirmish maps. Treyarch is leaning on fast gunplay and classic lanes.
- 16 maps for 6v6
- 2 Skirmish maps for 20v20
- Returning: Express, Hijacked, Raid (from BO2)
- Six maps are playable during the beta on a staggered schedule
The core list includes Blackheart, Cortex, Exposure, Imprint, The Forge, Toshin, Colossus, Den, Flagship, Homestead, Paranoia, Retrieval, Scar, plus the three BO2 remasters. Skirmish maps are Mission: Edge and Mission: Tide. It’s a broad launch slate, and it reads like Treyarch trying to cover close-quarters fights and mid-range lanes without bloating the pool.
New 6v6 mode: Overload
There’s one headline mode. Overload asks teams to grab a single device and push into enemy zones to score.
- One device spawns on the map
- Carrier gets a personal radar buff
- Sides swap at half-time
- Available in the beta
It’s a clear twist on “escort the package” with tug-of-war pacing. The personal radar on the carrier should keep teams grouped, and the two scoring zones near the enemy spawn create risk/reward routes. Expect sweaty mid-map fights and late steals.
Beta dates, times, and what UAE players need to know
You won’t wait long to try it. Activision locked the dates and global start time.
- Call of Duty: NEXT stream: Tue, 30 Sept, 9am PT (8pm GST)
- Early Access beta: Thu, 2 Oct, 10am PT (9pm GST) for pre-orders and eligible Game Pass
- Open beta: Sun, 5 Oct, 10am PT (9pm GST) for everyone
- Beta ends: Wed, 8 Oct, 10am PT (9pm GST)
- Platforms: all, with unified timing
For the UAE, the 10am PT start translates to 9pm GST on the same date. So you can jump in after work without messing with time zones. Handy.
Modes, movement, and progression at launch
There’s a long feature list already. The beta and launch rotations include fan favourites and newer picks.
- Modes: Team Deathmatch, Domination, Search & Destroy, Kill Confirmed, Hardpoint, Control, Gunfight, Kill Order, plus Overload
- Skirmish (20v20) with vehicles, ascenders, grapples, and wingsuits
- Omnimovement updates, optional Tactical Sprint, wall jumps
- Loadouts with Overclocks, Wildcards, Perks, Field Upgrades
- Scorestreaks, player and weapon Prestige, camos and mastery
It’s the usual Treyarch sprawl, but the page notes a push for near-future tech that still fits Black Ops. Skirmish looks built for chaos and squad play, while 6v6 keeps the traditional rhythm. We’ll see how Overclocks and Omnimovement shake out in ranked, but on paper it’s depth without bolt-on gimmicks.
How many maps does Black Ops 7 have at launch?
18. That’s 16 core 6v6 maps and two 20v20 Skirmish maps.
When does the Black Ops 7 beta start in the UAE?
Thursday, 2 October at 9pm GST for Early Access. Open beta starts Sunday, 5 October at 9pm GST. Both end Wednesday, 8 October at 9pm GST.
Which classic maps return?
Express, Hijacked, and Raid from Black Ops 2.
