What changed in Call of Duty® in 2026

156 updates · 85 main milestones · Jan 30, 2026 to Jun 12, 2026

  1. 3 events
    Modern Warfare 4 Launch Date ConfirmedsystemMilestone

    The full game will launch on October 23, 2026.

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    Modern Warfare 4 Campaign Story Overviewnew content

    Players will experience the story of Private Park and Captain Price in a conflict involving North Korea's invasion.

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    Modern Warfare 4 Campaign Early Access Announcementdlc releaseMilestone

    Players who pre-order or pre-purchase the game will get Early Access to the Campaign starting October 16.

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  2. 8 events
    Dynamic Operations and Story Missionsnew contentMilestone

    New narrative-driven Story Missions and Dynamic Operations that evolve every match.

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    Forward Operating Base (FOB) Introductionnew contentMilestone

    A central hub for preparation, progression, and squad support.

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    Persistent Inventory Managementquality of life

    Manage a persistent inventory between deployments at the FOB.

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    Weapon Vendor and Gunsmith Featuresquality of life

    Purchase and modify weapons using in-game cash at the FOB.

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    Enhanced AI Combat Intelligencegameplay

    Improved AI combatants with coordinated behaviors and dynamic encounters.

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    3D Printer Crafting Stationquality of life

    Craft functional equipment and support gear at the FOB.

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    Introduction of Hajin Exclusion Zonenew contentMilestone

    Explore the Hajin exclusion zone with unpredictable enemy encounters and objectives.

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    Escalating Threat Systemgameplay

    Threat levels increase enemy responses, deploying elite forces to hunt players.

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  3. 13 events
    New Scorestreak: Iron Rainnew contentMilestone

    A high-altitude, player-controlled aircraft that rains deadly munitions on enemies.

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    Return of Fortune’s Keepnew content

    Fortune’s Keep map returns to the game.

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    New Minor Ability: Psych Grenadenew content

    A new ability that releases hallucinogenic gas on impact, affecting enemies.

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    New Major Ability: Death Machinenew content

    A new powerful machine gun ability available at launch.

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    Introduction of Operator Prestigenew contentMilestone

    Players can now enter Operator Prestige after maxing out Combat Rating, resetting their progress for greater power.

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    New Game Mode: Black Ops Classicnew contentMilestone

    A new throwback mode inspired by classic Black Ops gameplay with simplified movement and streamlined Loadouts.

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    New Multiplayer Maps: Liminal, Primetime, and Vertigonew contentMilestone

    Launch of three new maps: Liminal, a dynamic 6v6 map; Primetime, themed around a Japanese game show; and remastered Vertigo from Black Ops 2.

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    Season 04 Launch with New Contentnew contentMilestone

    Season 04 introduces Operation Wall Breaker, five new and remastered Multiplayer Maps, and a new Rogue Run game mode in Zombies.

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    Five new and remastered Multiplayer Mapsnew contentMilestone

    Players can explore new and remastered maps in multiplayer mode.

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    New Rogue Run game mode in Zombiesnew contentMilestone

    Fight off the horde in the new Rogue Run mode set on Ashes of the Damned.

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    Introduction of Operation Wall Breaker in Endgamenew contentMilestone

    New operation available in the game.

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    Overhaul of Ranked Play Skill Rating Systembalance changeMilestone

    The Skill Rating system is now fully transparent, removing hidden MMR and clarifying SR gains and losses.

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    Mid-Season Content Tease: Operation King Killernew content

    Upcoming mid-season content will introduce new challenges and rewards in Act IV.

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  4. 18 events
    Signature Weapon Collection Availablenew contentMilestone

    Unlock five weapons with unique blueprints as part of the Signature Weapon Collection at launch.

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    Announcing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4new contentMilestone

    War erupts on the Korean Peninsula as North Korea launches a full-scale invasion.

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    Special Forces Operator Pack Unlocknew contentMilestone

    Unlock the Special Forces Operator Pack with four operators, each with unique skins and voice packs.

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    Gameplay-First VisualsperformanceMilestone

    Modern Warfare 4 delivers a major leap in visual quality built directly into moment-to-moment gameplay.

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    PC-Specific Performance OptimizationsperformanceMilestone

    Designed to support a wide range of hardware, from players prioritizing high frame rates to maximum visual fidelity.

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    Two Prestige Pathsnew contentMilestone

    Classic Prestige and Regular Prestige offer different progression experiences.

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    Modern Warfare 4 Vault Edition Pre-order Benefitsdlc releaseMilestone

    Pre-order the Vault Edition to gain access to exclusive rewards including early access to the Open Beta and various operator packs.

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    Upgrade Path from Standard to Vault Editionquality of life

    Players can upgrade from the Digital Standard Edition to the Vault Edition for an additional cost.

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    Campaign Overviewnew contentMilestone

    Players fight as Private Park, a young South Korean soldier facing live combat for the first time.

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    DMZ Deployment Bonus for Vault Edition Ownersnew contentMilestone

    Vault Edition owners will receive additional DMZ content via a Deployment Bonus at launch.

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    10% Loyalty Discount for Returning Playersquality of life

    Players who have owned previous Call of Duty titles can receive a 10% discount on the Vault Edition.

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    BlackCell Season Access with Vault Editionnew contentMilestone

    Pre-order the Vault Edition to unlock a single season of BlackCell access, including Battle Pass Tier Skips and exclusive content.

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    Hunter Killer Operator Skin Availablenew contentMilestone

    Instantly receive the Hunter Killer Operator Skin in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Call of Duty: Warzone upon pre-ordering.

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    DMZ Overviewnew contentMilestone

    DMZ is the definitive Call of Duty extraction experience, a living combat arena.

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    Hostile Alliance Operator Pack Unlocknew contentMilestone

    Unlock the Hostile Alliance Operator Pack at launch, featuring operators Price, Valeria, Ghost, and Blix.

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    Progression and Customization Enhancementsnew contentMilestone

    A redesigned Create-a-Class system unifies Operators, weapons, Equipment, and Killstreaks.

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    Kill Block Mapnew contentMilestone

    A dynamic new Multiplayer battleground where the combat space reconfigures between rounds.

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    Multiplayer Innovationsnew contentMilestone

    Modern Warfare 4 Multiplayer delivers grounded, precise combat built around fluid movement.

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  5. 3 events
    New Rewards for C.O.D.E. Navigator Challengenew content

    Rewards include new emblems, calling cards, weapon charms, and a new melee weapon.

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    Call of Duty Endowment (C.O.D.E.) Navigator: Tracer Pack Releaseddlc releaseMilestone

    New Tracer Pack inspired by CAPT Chris Cassidy, featuring multiple operator skins and weapon blueprints.

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    C.O.D.E. Navigator Challenge Announcedseasonal event

    Players can earn in-game rewards from May 8 to May 21 by participating in the C.O.D.E. Navigator Challenge.

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  6. 14 events
    New Activity: Freerunnew content

    A new training program where players race against the clock through obstacle zones.

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    Returning Multiplayer Map: Haciendanew content

    Attack a fortified crime family estate in this classic mid-sized map.

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    New Feature: Wild Fire Field Upgradenew content

    Pulse waves of fire that burn enemies who get too close.

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    New Game Mode: Freeze Tagnew content

    A new 6v6 respawn mode where teams compete to freeze their enemies.

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    New Zombies Map: Totenreichnew contentMilestone

    Explore an old Norwegian fishing village caught in the Dark Aether.

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    New Wonder Weapon: Jotunn Starnew contentMilestone

    A melee weapon that burns enemies with spectral energy.

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    New Major Ability: Thermal Spikenew content

    Set enemies aflame with a powerful blast of flames.

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    New Operation: Broken Mirrornew contentMilestone

    New challenges and rewards introduced in Act II of the operation.

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    New Feature: Flammenfalle Trapnew content

    A trap that roasts zombies to a crisp.

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    New Boss: Mega Abominationnew content

    Face a new boss that guarantees an Exotic Weapon Case drop upon defeat.

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    New Game Mode: Heat Wave Havocnew content

    A new LTM that rewards Operators for supporting their team with non-lethal actions.

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    New Enemy: Necropincernew contentMilestone

    A new enemy that attacks with a deadly trident and mutated claw.

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    New Multiplayer Map: Onsennew content

    Assault a remote onsen in Yamanashi designed for 6v6 and 2v2 matches.

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    Remastered Multiplayer Map: Summitnew content

    The iconic Summit returns with enhanced details and Wall Jumping mechanics.

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  7. 20 events
    BlackCell Seasonal Contentnew contentMilestone

    BlackCell offers unique Operator Skins, Weapon Blueprints, and additional rewards throughout the Season 03 Battle Pass.

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    New Free Attachment: VAS Convergence Foregripnew content

    Unlock the VAS Convergence Foregrip attachment for improved bullet deviation and recoil stabilization.

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    Updated Loss Rules in Endgamebalance change

    Combat Rating loss from Skills and Power Upgrades capped at 15 CR per wipe.

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    New Free Base Weaponsnew content

    Unlock the MK35 ISR Assault Rifle and VST SMG for free through the Season 03 Battle Pass.

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    BlackCell Loyalty Bonusbalance change

    Players who purchased Season 02 BlackCell will receive a permanent 10% XP bonus in Black Ops 7.

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    Loadout Updates for Endgame Operatorsbalance change

    Each Endgame Operator will have individually assigned Loadouts, enhancing customization options.

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    Endgame Goes Free to Playnew content

    Endgame mode becomes free to play for a limited time, accessible from the main menu.

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    BlackCell Instant Rewardsnew contentMilestone

    BlackCell users receive immediate access to exclusive rewards including Operator Skins and Weapon Blueprints.

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    New Scorestreak: Ion Corenew content

    Introducing the Ion Core Scorestreak, dealing pulsing radioactive damage.

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    Introduction of Operations in EndgamegameplayMilestone

    Operations are introduced, starting with Operation Poison Pill, featuring strict objectives across multiple matches.

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    New Multiplayer Modesnew content

    Demolition mode debuts in Black Ops 7, with additional modes like Aim High and Snipers Only coming soon.

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    New Zombies Content and Round-Based Mapnew contentMilestone

    New Zombies content available on day one and a new Round-Based Zombies map mid-season.

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    Additional Daily Challenges for BlackCell Usersnew content

    BlackCell users will receive an extra Daily Challenge throughout Season 03.

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    New Weapon Blueprints and Rewardsnew content

    Operation Poison Pill rewards include new Weapon Blueprints and various XP tokens.

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    New Warband Skill Track and Abilitiesnew contentMilestone

    Launch of the Warband Skill Track with new abilities including Aether Blade and Thermal Spike.

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    New Operator: Cole 'Javelin' Donovannew contentMilestone

    Introducing Cole 'Javelin' Donovan, a new Operator specializing in high-risk solo insertions.

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    New Weapon Blueprintsnew content

    Unlock over 20 new Weapon Blueprints throughout the Season 03 Battle Pass and BlackCell.

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    BlackCell Camo Tracknew content

    Introducing a new Camo track for BlackCell owners with additional universal Camo rewards.

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    Launch of Season 3 with New Multiplayer Mapsnew contentMilestone

    Season 3 introduces nine new and returning Multiplayer Maps including Beacon, Abyss, and remasters of Plaza and Gridlock.

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    Season 03 Battle Pass Launchnew contentMilestone

    Introducing the Season 03 Battle Pass with over 100 rewards including new weapons, Operator Skins, and Weapon Blueprints.

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  8. 1 event
    Trials of Avalon: Black Ops Royale Eventseasonal event

    An all-new Black Ops Royale event featuring 192 creators battling for $6SK from March 23-25.

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  9. 2 events
    Counter Skies Event Passseasonal event

    A cross-mode event pass running from March 17 to April 2, featuring exclusive rewards.

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    Counter Skies Event Passseasonal eventMilestone

    Event pass running from March 17 to April 2, featuring exclusive challenges and rewards.

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  10. 22 events
    Weapon Archetypes and UpgradinggameplayMilestone

    Weapons have fixed Build Archetypes with five-attachment upgrade paths using Attachment Kits.

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    Introduction of Black Ops Royale Modenew contentMilestone

    A new Battle Royale mode inspired by Blackout, featuring no Loadouts, no Gulag, and no Buy Stations.

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    Optional Activities in Matchesgameplay

    Players can hunt bounties, crack Strongboxes, and capture Relays for strategic advantages.

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    Flexible Perk SystemgameplayMilestone

    Players can use five swappable, consumable perks during matches, enhancing tactical gameplay.

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    Avalon Map Introductionnew contentMilestone

    Avalon serves as the new large-scale map for Black Ops Royale, featuring diverse combat zones and tactical gameplay.

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    New Equipment Typesgameplay

    Players can carry two types of Equipment and use returning favorites like the Grappling Hook and Trauma Kit.

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    Activities and Objectives in Avalongameplay

    Players can engage in optional activities like hunting bounties and capturing relays for strategic advantages.

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    Cerebral Link HUD Implementationgameplay

    The new HUD provides critical information including health values, weapon rarity, and upgrade paths.

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    Avalon Map Launchnew contentMilestone

    Avalon is the new large-scale map for Black Ops Royale, featuring diverse combat zones and tactical gameplay.

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    No Loadouts or Gulag in Black Ops RoyalegameplayMilestone

    Players start with only a pistol and wingsuit, emphasizing scavenging for weapons and resources.

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    Integration with Black Ops 7 and Warzone ProgressiongameplayMilestone

    Black Ops Royale features exclusive challenges and missions that tie into the broader Call of Duty progression.

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    Cradle Breaches Gameplay Elementgameplay

    Areas shrouded in red gas spawn zombie hordes and reveal hidden loot.

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    Match Flow ChangesgameplayMilestone

    Features wingsuit infil, wall-jumping, and redeployment via Tokens or captured Towers.

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    Launch of Black Ops Royale Battle Royale Modenew contentMilestone

    Introducing Black Ops Royale, a new Battle Royale mode inspired by Blackout, featuring unique gameplay mechanics.

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    Weapon Rarity and Archetypes SystemgameplayMilestone

    Weapons have fixed Build Archetypes and rarity levels that affect their performance and upgrade paths.

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    Cradle Breaches and Zombie Encountersgameplay

    Cradle Breaches introduce areas with zombie hordes and special loot, adding risk and reward to gameplay.

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    Flexible Perk SystemgameplayMilestone

    Return of the original BR Perk system with five swappable, consumable boosts.

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    Redeployment Mechanicsgameplay

    Players can redeploy using Tokens or by activating Redeployment Towers.

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    New Match Features: Wingsuit Infil and OmnimovementgameplayMilestone

    Players can wingsuit into matches and utilize wall-jumping mechanics for enhanced mobility.

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    Scavenger Warfare MechanicsgameplayMilestone

    Players start with a pistol and must scavenge for weapons and gear, upgrading through rarity.

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    Cerebral Link HUD Introductiongameplay

    New HUD displays health values, weapon rarity, and expanded Backpack Menu for better decision-making.

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    Redeployment MechanicsgameplayMilestone

    Players can redeploy using Tokens or captured Towers, replacing the traditional Gulag system.

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  11. 12 events
    Infected Mode Returnsnew content

    The fan-favorite Infected Party Game returns, allowing players to face off against the Infected horde.

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    New Zombies Map: Paradox Junctionnew contentMilestone

    Fight through a surreal time loop in the new round-based Zombies map, Paradox Junction.

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    New Features in Zombies: Electro Shock Trapnew content

    Paradox Junction introduces the Electro Shock Trap to stun and sear the undead.

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    New Enemy: Rad-Houndnew content

    Introducing the Rad-Hound, a fast-moving enemy that detonates in radioactive clouds upon death.

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    New Gauntlet Modenew content

    Prove your abilities in the new Gauntlet mode, featuring five different game modes played one after the other.

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    New Multiplayer Maps: Torque and Cliff Townnew content

    Deploy to a twisted remix of The Battle of Los Angeles in Torque and drop into the reimagined Cliff Town from Black Ops 2.

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    New Scorestreak: Lockshotnew content

    Introducing the Lockshot Scorestreak, a low-cost smart gun capable of targeting multiple enemies.

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    New Wonder Weapon: Blundergatnew content

    The Blundergat returns, offering powerful firepower against hordes of enemies.

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    Return of Grind and Firing Range Mapsnew content

    The iconic Grind and Firing Range maps return to the Black Ops 7 map rotation.

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    New GobbleGum: Turncoatnew content

    The new Turncoat GobbleGum charms nearby zombies into temporary allies.

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    Black Ops Royale Mode Introductionnew contentMilestone

    Prepare for the highly anticipated Black Ops Royale, supporting 100 players looting from scratch and fighting to be the last squad standing.

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    New 20v20 Skirmish Map: Mission: Peaknew content

    Battle to secure High Value Sectors in the new large-scale map Mission: Peak.

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  12. 4 events
    New Points of Interest in Avalonnew contentMilestone

    Avalon features multiple new points of interest including Golf Club, Residences, Tennis Club, and more.

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    Enhanced Visual Clarity in Avalonvisuals

    Avalon offers enhanced visual clarity compared to the previous Avalon map in Black Ops 7 Endgame.

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    Introduction of Avalon Map in Black Ops Royalenew contentMilestone

    A new map named Avalon has been introduced for the Black Ops Royale mode in Call of Duty: Warzone.

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    New Traversal Opportunities in AvalongameplayMilestone

    The new Avalon map includes new traversal opportunities for players.

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  13. 2 events
    Wei Lin – Year of the Horse Limited Bundledlc release

    A new limited bundle featuring Wei Lin in Year of the Horse-themed tactical gear.

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    Lunar New Year themed LTM 'Luck Confirmed'seasonal eventMilestone

    Join the limited-time mode from Feb 18 to Feb 27, collecting Lucky Pouches for bonus scores.

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  14. 21 events
    New Multiplayer Maps: Torment, Sake, Nexus, Slumsnew contentMilestone

    Four new maps launch with Season 02, including a remaster of Slums.

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    Introduction of Guild Strikes and Nightmare Zonesnew contentMilestone

    Guild Strikes transform locations into Nightmare Zones with increased difficulty and rewards.

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    BlackCell Loyalty Bonusbalance change

    Players who purchased Season 01 BlackCell will activate a permanent 10% Player and Weapon XP bonus in Black Ops 7.

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    New Eagle Eye Skill Track and Abilitiesnew contentMilestone

    Players can unlock the Eagle Eye Skill Track and new abilities: Sentinel Protocol and Blood Burner.

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    New Operator: Victoria Atwoodnew contentMilestone

    Victoria Atwood, a neural scientist, joins the game as a new Operator in Season 02.

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    Introduction of Exotic Fabricatornew content

    Allows players to upgrade weapons to Exotic rarity and effects.

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    Zombies Content Addednew contentMilestone

    New content for Zombies mode available in Season 2.

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    New Operator: Phantomnew contentMilestone

    BlackCell users can deploy as the new 'Phantom' Operator or the alternate 'Eclipse' Skin.

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    Snow-Covered Rebirth Islandnew contentMilestone

    Rebirth Island has been updated to feature a snow-covered environment.

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    BO7 Ranked Play Introducednew contentMilestone

    Launch of Ranked Play mode in Black Ops 7.

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    New Maps and Weapons in Season 2new contentMilestone

    Introduction of new maps and weapons for players to explore.

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    Additional Daily Challenges for BlackCell Ownersquality of life

    Players with BlackCell will receive an additional Daily Challenge throughout Season 02 for various game modes.

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    Nightmare Skills Introductionnew content

    New powerful skills can be equipped in a unique slot.

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    Return of Ranked Playnew contentMilestone

    Ranked Play returns with CDL rules and rewards for competitive players.

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    Season 02 Battle Pass Launchdlc releaseMilestone

    The Season 02 Battle Pass delivers over 100 rewards, including new free base weapons, new Operators and Operator Skins, Weapon Blueprints, Calling Cards, Finishing Moves, and more.

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    New Scorestreak: Lockshotnew content

    A smart pistol that locks onto and eliminates multiple targets.

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    Mid-Season Map Additions: Torque, Cliff Town, Mission: Peak, Grind, Firing Rangenew contentMilestone

    New maps and returning favorites added mid-season.

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    New Multiplayer Modes: Safeguard, Luck Confirmed, Solo Hearts Moshpit, Third Wheel Gunfightnew content

    New and returning modes introduced throughout the season.

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    New Free Base Weaponsnew contentMilestone

    Three new free Base Weapons: REV-46 SMG, EGRT-17 Assault Rifle, and H311-SAW Melee Weapon available through the Battle Pass.

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    BlackCell Instant Rewardsnew contentMilestone

    BlackCell users gain immediate access to exclusive rewards including Operators, Weapon Blueprints, and COD Points.

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    Launch of Black Ops 7 Season 02new contentMilestone

    New season introduces a wealth of free and premium content starting February 5.

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  15. 4 events
    Enhanced Anti-Cheat Detectionsbug fixMilestone

    Introduced stronger forms of remote, cloud-based attestation to verify PC integrity and counter attempts to bypass system-level protections.

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    Secure Attestation Wizardquality of life

    A tool to help players confirm whether their PC is configured correctly for Ranked Play.

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    Disabling Cronus Zen and XIM Matrixbalance changeMilestone

    New detections target these input-modifying devices that simulate machine-perfect aim and recoil control.

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    Ranked Play ProtectionsgameplayMilestone

    New remote, cloud-based attestation with Microsoft strengthens protection for Ranked Play by blocking tampered systems before matches begin.

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  16. 9 events
    New Killstreak: Smoke Screennew content

    Smoke Screens can be found as loot and purchased at Buy Stations.

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    New Core Mode: Ranked Play: Resurgencenew contentMilestone

    Competitive Trios mode on Haven’s Hollow with a refined ruleset.

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    New Perks: Slot 1 Perk Refreshnew contentMilestone

    Three new Perks introduced: Field Medic, Drill Instructor, and Surveyor.

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    New Killstreak: RC-XDnew content

    The RC-XD Scorestreak is now available as loot, functioning similarly to its Multiplayer counterpart.

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    Dynamic Infil Eventsgameplay

    New gas explosions and snowstorm gas circle events added to gameplay.

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    Unmarked POI: Outpostnew content

    An unmarked point of interest with enhanced loot and combat opportunities.

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    Rebirth Island Winter Refreshnew contentMilestone

    Season 02 opens on a snow-covered Rebirth Island under Guild control with new structures and terrain changes.

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    Visible Footprints in Snowgameplay

    Players can track footfalls visually in deeper snow areas.

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    New Point of Interest: Turbinenew content

    A large-scale Turbine developed by Guild forces, offering enhanced rotational possibilities.

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