What changed in Call of Duty® in 2026
156 updates · 85 main milestones · Jan 30, 2026 to Jun 12, 2026
- 3 eventsModern Warfare 4 Launch Date ConfirmedsystemMilestone
The full game will launch on October 23, 2026.
SteamModern Warfare 4 Campaign Story Overviewnew contentPlayers will experience the story of Private Park and Captain Price in a conflict involving North Korea's invasion.
SteamModern Warfare 4 Campaign Early Access Announcementdlc releaseMilestonePlayers who pre-order or pre-purchase the game will get Early Access to the Campaign starting October 16.
Steam - 8 eventsDynamic Operations and Story Missionsnew contentMilestone
New narrative-driven Story Missions and Dynamic Operations that evolve every match.
SteamForward Operating Base (FOB) Introductionnew contentMilestoneA central hub for preparation, progression, and squad support.
SteamPersistent Inventory Managementquality of lifeManage a persistent inventory between deployments at the FOB.
SteamWeapon Vendor and Gunsmith Featuresquality of lifePurchase and modify weapons using in-game cash at the FOB.
SteamEnhanced AI Combat IntelligencegameplayImproved AI combatants with coordinated behaviors and dynamic encounters.
Steam3D Printer Crafting Stationquality of lifeCraft functional equipment and support gear at the FOB.
SteamIntroduction of Hajin Exclusion Zonenew contentMilestoneExplore the Hajin exclusion zone with unpredictable enemy encounters and objectives.
SteamEscalating Threat SystemgameplayThreat levels increase enemy responses, deploying elite forces to hunt players.
Steam - 13 eventsNew Scorestreak: Iron Rainnew contentMilestone
A high-altitude, player-controlled aircraft that rains deadly munitions on enemies.
SteamNew Minor Ability: Psych Grenadenew contentA new ability that releases hallucinogenic gas on impact, affecting enemies.
SteamNew Major Ability: Death Machinenew contentA new powerful machine gun ability available at launch.
SteamIntroduction of Operator Prestigenew contentMilestonePlayers can now enter Operator Prestige after maxing out Combat Rating, resetting their progress for greater power.
SteamNew Game Mode: Black Ops Classicnew contentMilestoneA new throwback mode inspired by classic Black Ops gameplay with simplified movement and streamlined Loadouts.
SteamNew Multiplayer Maps: Liminal, Primetime, and Vertigonew contentMilestoneLaunch of three new maps: Liminal, a dynamic 6v6 map; Primetime, themed around a Japanese game show; and remastered Vertigo from Black Ops 2.
SteamSeason 04 Launch with New Contentnew contentMilestoneSeason 04 introduces Operation Wall Breaker, five new and remastered Multiplayer Maps, and a new Rogue Run game mode in Zombies.
SteamFive new and remastered Multiplayer Mapsnew contentMilestonePlayers can explore new and remastered maps in multiplayer mode.
SteamNew Rogue Run game mode in Zombiesnew contentMilestoneFight off the horde in the new Rogue Run mode set on Ashes of the Damned.
SteamIntroduction of Operation Wall Breaker in Endgamenew contentMilestoneNew operation available in the game.
SteamOverhaul of Ranked Play Skill Rating Systembalance changeMilestoneThe Skill Rating system is now fully transparent, removing hidden MMR and clarifying SR gains and losses.
SteamMid-Season Content Tease: Operation King Killernew contentUpcoming mid-season content will introduce new challenges and rewards in Act IV.
Steam - 18 eventsSignature Weapon Collection Availablenew contentMilestone
Unlock five weapons with unique blueprints as part of the Signature Weapon Collection at launch.
SteamAnnouncing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4new contentMilestoneWar erupts on the Korean Peninsula as North Korea launches a full-scale invasion.
SteamSpecial Forces Operator Pack Unlocknew contentMilestoneUnlock the Special Forces Operator Pack with four operators, each with unique skins and voice packs.
SteamGameplay-First VisualsperformanceMilestoneModern Warfare 4 delivers a major leap in visual quality built directly into moment-to-moment gameplay.
SteamPC-Specific Performance OptimizationsperformanceMilestoneDesigned to support a wide range of hardware, from players prioritizing high frame rates to maximum visual fidelity.
SteamTwo Prestige Pathsnew contentMilestoneClassic Prestige and Regular Prestige offer different progression experiences.
SteamModern Warfare 4 Vault Edition Pre-order Benefitsdlc releaseMilestonePre-order the Vault Edition to gain access to exclusive rewards including early access to the Open Beta and various operator packs.
SteamUpgrade Path from Standard to Vault Editionquality of lifePlayers can upgrade from the Digital Standard Edition to the Vault Edition for an additional cost.
SteamCampaign Overviewnew contentMilestonePlayers fight as Private Park, a young South Korean soldier facing live combat for the first time.
SteamDMZ Deployment Bonus for Vault Edition Ownersnew contentMilestoneVault Edition owners will receive additional DMZ content via a Deployment Bonus at launch.
Steam10% Loyalty Discount for Returning Playersquality of lifePlayers who have owned previous Call of Duty titles can receive a 10% discount on the Vault Edition.
SteamBlackCell Season Access with Vault Editionnew contentMilestonePre-order the Vault Edition to unlock a single season of BlackCell access, including Battle Pass Tier Skips and exclusive content.
SteamHunter Killer Operator Skin Availablenew contentMilestoneInstantly receive the Hunter Killer Operator Skin in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 and Call of Duty: Warzone upon pre-ordering.
SteamDMZ Overviewnew contentMilestoneDMZ is the definitive Call of Duty extraction experience, a living combat arena.
SteamHostile Alliance Operator Pack Unlocknew contentMilestoneUnlock the Hostile Alliance Operator Pack at launch, featuring operators Price, Valeria, Ghost, and Blix.
SteamProgression and Customization Enhancementsnew contentMilestoneA redesigned Create-a-Class system unifies Operators, weapons, Equipment, and Killstreaks.
SteamKill Block Mapnew contentMilestoneA dynamic new Multiplayer battleground where the combat space reconfigures between rounds.
SteamMultiplayer Innovationsnew contentMilestoneModern Warfare 4 Multiplayer delivers grounded, precise combat built around fluid movement.
Steam - 3 eventsNew Rewards for C.O.D.E. Navigator Challengenew content
Rewards include new emblems, calling cards, weapon charms, and a new melee weapon.
SteamCall of Duty Endowment (C.O.D.E.) Navigator: Tracer Pack Releaseddlc releaseMilestoneNew Tracer Pack inspired by CAPT Chris Cassidy, featuring multiple operator skins and weapon blueprints.
SteamC.O.D.E. Navigator Challenge Announcedseasonal eventPlayers can earn in-game rewards from May 8 to May 21 by participating in the C.O.D.E. Navigator Challenge.
Steam - 14 eventsNew Activity: Freerunnew content
A new training program where players race against the clock through obstacle zones.
SteamReturning Multiplayer Map: Haciendanew contentAttack a fortified crime family estate in this classic mid-sized map.
SteamNew Feature: Wild Fire Field Upgradenew contentPulse waves of fire that burn enemies who get too close.
SteamNew Game Mode: Freeze Tagnew contentA new 6v6 respawn mode where teams compete to freeze their enemies.
SteamNew Zombies Map: Totenreichnew contentMilestoneExplore an old Norwegian fishing village caught in the Dark Aether.
SteamNew Wonder Weapon: Jotunn Starnew contentMilestoneA melee weapon that burns enemies with spectral energy.
SteamNew Operation: Broken Mirrornew contentMilestoneNew challenges and rewards introduced in Act II of the operation.
SteamNew Boss: Mega Abominationnew contentFace a new boss that guarantees an Exotic Weapon Case drop upon defeat.
SteamNew Game Mode: Heat Wave Havocnew contentA new LTM that rewards Operators for supporting their team with non-lethal actions.
SteamNew Enemy: Necropincernew contentMilestoneA new enemy that attacks with a deadly trident and mutated claw.
SteamNew Multiplayer Map: Onsennew contentAssault a remote onsen in Yamanashi designed for 6v6 and 2v2 matches.
SteamRemastered Multiplayer Map: Summitnew contentThe iconic Summit returns with enhanced details and Wall Jumping mechanics.
Steam - 20 eventsBlackCell Seasonal Contentnew contentMilestone
BlackCell offers unique Operator Skins, Weapon Blueprints, and additional rewards throughout the Season 03 Battle Pass.
SteamNew Free Attachment: VAS Convergence Foregripnew contentUnlock the VAS Convergence Foregrip attachment for improved bullet deviation and recoil stabilization.
SteamUpdated Loss Rules in Endgamebalance changeCombat Rating loss from Skills and Power Upgrades capped at 15 CR per wipe.
SteamNew Free Base Weaponsnew contentUnlock the MK35 ISR Assault Rifle and VST SMG for free through the Season 03 Battle Pass.
SteamBlackCell Loyalty Bonusbalance changePlayers who purchased Season 02 BlackCell will receive a permanent 10% XP bonus in Black Ops 7.
SteamLoadout Updates for Endgame Operatorsbalance changeEach Endgame Operator will have individually assigned Loadouts, enhancing customization options.
SteamEndgame Goes Free to Playnew contentEndgame mode becomes free to play for a limited time, accessible from the main menu.
SteamBlackCell Instant Rewardsnew contentMilestoneBlackCell users receive immediate access to exclusive rewards including Operator Skins and Weapon Blueprints.
SteamNew Scorestreak: Ion Corenew contentIntroducing the Ion Core Scorestreak, dealing pulsing radioactive damage.
SteamIntroduction of Operations in EndgamegameplayMilestoneOperations are introduced, starting with Operation Poison Pill, featuring strict objectives across multiple matches.
SteamNew Multiplayer Modesnew contentDemolition mode debuts in Black Ops 7, with additional modes like Aim High and Snipers Only coming soon.
SteamNew Zombies Content and Round-Based Mapnew contentMilestoneNew Zombies content available on day one and a new Round-Based Zombies map mid-season.
SteamAdditional Daily Challenges for BlackCell Usersnew contentBlackCell users will receive an extra Daily Challenge throughout Season 03.
SteamNew Weapon Blueprints and Rewardsnew contentOperation Poison Pill rewards include new Weapon Blueprints and various XP tokens.
SteamNew Warband Skill Track and Abilitiesnew contentMilestoneLaunch of the Warband Skill Track with new abilities including Aether Blade and Thermal Spike.
SteamNew Operator: Cole 'Javelin' Donovannew contentMilestoneIntroducing Cole 'Javelin' Donovan, a new Operator specializing in high-risk solo insertions.
SteamNew Weapon Blueprintsnew contentUnlock over 20 new Weapon Blueprints throughout the Season 03 Battle Pass and BlackCell.
SteamBlackCell Camo Tracknew contentIntroducing a new Camo track for BlackCell owners with additional universal Camo rewards.
SteamLaunch of Season 3 with New Multiplayer Mapsnew contentMilestoneSeason 3 introduces nine new and returning Multiplayer Maps including Beacon, Abyss, and remasters of Plaza and Gridlock.
SteamSeason 03 Battle Pass Launchnew contentMilestoneIntroducing the Season 03 Battle Pass with over 100 rewards including new weapons, Operator Skins, and Weapon Blueprints.
Steam - 1 eventTrials of Avalon: Black Ops Royale Eventseasonal event
An all-new Black Ops Royale event featuring 192 creators battling for $6SK from March 23-25.
Steam - 22 eventsWeapon Archetypes and UpgradinggameplayMilestone
Weapons have fixed Build Archetypes with five-attachment upgrade paths using Attachment Kits.
SteamIntroduction of Black Ops Royale Modenew contentMilestoneA new Battle Royale mode inspired by Blackout, featuring no Loadouts, no Gulag, and no Buy Stations.
SteamOptional Activities in MatchesgameplayPlayers can hunt bounties, crack Strongboxes, and capture Relays for strategic advantages.
SteamFlexible Perk SystemgameplayMilestonePlayers can use five swappable, consumable perks during matches, enhancing tactical gameplay.
SteamAvalon Map Introductionnew contentMilestoneAvalon serves as the new large-scale map for Black Ops Royale, featuring diverse combat zones and tactical gameplay.
SteamNew Equipment TypesgameplayPlayers can carry two types of Equipment and use returning favorites like the Grappling Hook and Trauma Kit.
SteamActivities and Objectives in AvalongameplayPlayers can engage in optional activities like hunting bounties and capturing relays for strategic advantages.
SteamCerebral Link HUD ImplementationgameplayThe new HUD provides critical information including health values, weapon rarity, and upgrade paths.
SteamAvalon Map Launchnew contentMilestoneAvalon is the new large-scale map for Black Ops Royale, featuring diverse combat zones and tactical gameplay.
SteamNo Loadouts or Gulag in Black Ops RoyalegameplayMilestonePlayers start with only a pistol and wingsuit, emphasizing scavenging for weapons and resources.
SteamIntegration with Black Ops 7 and Warzone ProgressiongameplayMilestoneBlack Ops Royale features exclusive challenges and missions that tie into the broader Call of Duty progression.
SteamCradle Breaches Gameplay ElementgameplayAreas shrouded in red gas spawn zombie hordes and reveal hidden loot.
SteamMatch Flow ChangesgameplayMilestoneFeatures wingsuit infil, wall-jumping, and redeployment via Tokens or captured Towers.
SteamLaunch of Black Ops Royale Battle Royale Modenew contentMilestoneIntroducing Black Ops Royale, a new Battle Royale mode inspired by Blackout, featuring unique gameplay mechanics.
SteamWeapon Rarity and Archetypes SystemgameplayMilestoneWeapons have fixed Build Archetypes and rarity levels that affect their performance and upgrade paths.
SteamCradle Breaches and Zombie EncountersgameplayCradle Breaches introduce areas with zombie hordes and special loot, adding risk and reward to gameplay.
SteamFlexible Perk SystemgameplayMilestoneReturn of the original BR Perk system with five swappable, consumable boosts.
SteamRedeployment MechanicsgameplayPlayers can redeploy using Tokens or by activating Redeployment Towers.
SteamNew Match Features: Wingsuit Infil and OmnimovementgameplayMilestonePlayers can wingsuit into matches and utilize wall-jumping mechanics for enhanced mobility.
SteamScavenger Warfare MechanicsgameplayMilestonePlayers start with a pistol and must scavenge for weapons and gear, upgrading through rarity.
SteamCerebral Link HUD IntroductiongameplayNew HUD displays health values, weapon rarity, and expanded Backpack Menu for better decision-making.
SteamRedeployment MechanicsgameplayMilestonePlayers can redeploy using Tokens or captured Towers, replacing the traditional Gulag system.
Steam - 12 eventsInfected Mode Returnsnew content
The fan-favorite Infected Party Game returns, allowing players to face off against the Infected horde.
SteamNew Zombies Map: Paradox Junctionnew contentMilestoneFight through a surreal time loop in the new round-based Zombies map, Paradox Junction.
SteamNew Features in Zombies: Electro Shock Trapnew contentParadox Junction introduces the Electro Shock Trap to stun and sear the undead.
SteamNew Enemy: Rad-Houndnew contentIntroducing the Rad-Hound, a fast-moving enemy that detonates in radioactive clouds upon death.
SteamNew Gauntlet Modenew contentProve your abilities in the new Gauntlet mode, featuring five different game modes played one after the other.
SteamNew Multiplayer Maps: Torque and Cliff Townnew contentDeploy to a twisted remix of The Battle of Los Angeles in Torque and drop into the reimagined Cliff Town from Black Ops 2.
SteamNew Scorestreak: Lockshotnew contentIntroducing the Lockshot Scorestreak, a low-cost smart gun capable of targeting multiple enemies.
SteamNew Wonder Weapon: Blundergatnew contentThe Blundergat returns, offering powerful firepower against hordes of enemies.
SteamReturn of Grind and Firing Range Mapsnew contentThe iconic Grind and Firing Range maps return to the Black Ops 7 map rotation.
SteamNew GobbleGum: Turncoatnew contentThe new Turncoat GobbleGum charms nearby zombies into temporary allies.
SteamBlack Ops Royale Mode Introductionnew contentMilestonePrepare for the highly anticipated Black Ops Royale, supporting 100 players looting from scratch and fighting to be the last squad standing.
SteamNew 20v20 Skirmish Map: Mission: Peaknew contentBattle to secure High Value Sectors in the new large-scale map Mission: Peak.
Steam - 4 eventsNew Points of Interest in Avalonnew contentMilestone
Avalon features multiple new points of interest including Golf Club, Residences, Tennis Club, and more.
SteamEnhanced Visual Clarity in AvalonvisualsAvalon offers enhanced visual clarity compared to the previous Avalon map in Black Ops 7 Endgame.
SteamIntroduction of Avalon Map in Black Ops Royalenew contentMilestoneA new map named Avalon has been introduced for the Black Ops Royale mode in Call of Duty: Warzone.
SteamNew Traversal Opportunities in AvalongameplayMilestoneThe new Avalon map includes new traversal opportunities for players.
Steam - 2 eventsWei Lin – Year of the Horse Limited Bundledlc release
A new limited bundle featuring Wei Lin in Year of the Horse-themed tactical gear.
SteamLunar New Year themed LTM 'Luck Confirmed'seasonal eventMilestoneJoin the limited-time mode from Feb 18 to Feb 27, collecting Lucky Pouches for bonus scores.
Steam - 21 eventsNew Multiplayer Maps: Torment, Sake, Nexus, Slumsnew contentMilestone
Four new maps launch with Season 02, including a remaster of Slums.
SteamIntroduction of Guild Strikes and Nightmare Zonesnew contentMilestoneGuild Strikes transform locations into Nightmare Zones with increased difficulty and rewards.
SteamBlackCell Loyalty Bonusbalance changePlayers who purchased Season 01 BlackCell will activate a permanent 10% Player and Weapon XP bonus in Black Ops 7.
SteamNew Eagle Eye Skill Track and Abilitiesnew contentMilestonePlayers can unlock the Eagle Eye Skill Track and new abilities: Sentinel Protocol and Blood Burner.
SteamNew Operator: Victoria Atwoodnew contentMilestoneVictoria Atwood, a neural scientist, joins the game as a new Operator in Season 02.
SteamIntroduction of Exotic Fabricatornew contentAllows players to upgrade weapons to Exotic rarity and effects.
SteamNew Operator: Phantomnew contentMilestoneBlackCell users can deploy as the new 'Phantom' Operator or the alternate 'Eclipse' Skin.
SteamSnow-Covered Rebirth Islandnew contentMilestoneRebirth Island has been updated to feature a snow-covered environment.
SteamNew Maps and Weapons in Season 2new contentMilestoneIntroduction of new maps and weapons for players to explore.
SteamAdditional Daily Challenges for BlackCell Ownersquality of lifePlayers with BlackCell will receive an additional Daily Challenge throughout Season 02 for various game modes.
SteamReturn of Ranked Playnew contentMilestoneRanked Play returns with CDL rules and rewards for competitive players.
SteamSeason 02 Battle Pass Launchdlc releaseMilestoneThe 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.
SteamNew Scorestreak: Lockshotnew contentA smart pistol that locks onto and eliminates multiple targets.
SteamMid-Season Map Additions: Torque, Cliff Town, Mission: Peak, Grind, Firing Rangenew contentMilestoneNew maps and returning favorites added mid-season.
SteamNew Multiplayer Modes: Safeguard, Luck Confirmed, Solo Hearts Moshpit, Third Wheel Gunfightnew contentNew and returning modes introduced throughout the season.
SteamNew Free Base Weaponsnew contentMilestoneThree new free Base Weapons: REV-46 SMG, EGRT-17 Assault Rifle, and H311-SAW Melee Weapon available through the Battle Pass.
SteamBlackCell Instant Rewardsnew contentMilestoneBlackCell users gain immediate access to exclusive rewards including Operators, Weapon Blueprints, and COD Points.
SteamLaunch of Black Ops 7 Season 02new contentMilestoneNew season introduces a wealth of free and premium content starting February 5.
Steam - 4 eventsEnhanced Anti-Cheat Detectionsbug fixMilestone
Introduced stronger forms of remote, cloud-based attestation to verify PC integrity and counter attempts to bypass system-level protections.
SteamSecure Attestation Wizardquality of lifeA tool to help players confirm whether their PC is configured correctly for Ranked Play.
SteamDisabling Cronus Zen and XIM Matrixbalance changeMilestoneNew detections target these input-modifying devices that simulate machine-perfect aim and recoil control.
SteamRanked Play ProtectionsgameplayMilestoneNew remote, cloud-based attestation with Microsoft strengthens protection for Ranked Play by blocking tampered systems before matches begin.
Steam - 9 eventsNew Killstreak: Smoke Screennew content
Smoke Screens can be found as loot and purchased at Buy Stations.
SteamNew Core Mode: Ranked Play: Resurgencenew contentMilestoneCompetitive Trios mode on Haven’s Hollow with a refined ruleset.
SteamNew Perks: Slot 1 Perk Refreshnew contentMilestoneThree new Perks introduced: Field Medic, Drill Instructor, and Surveyor.
SteamNew Killstreak: RC-XDnew contentThe RC-XD Scorestreak is now available as loot, functioning similarly to its Multiplayer counterpart.
SteamDynamic Infil EventsgameplayNew gas explosions and snowstorm gas circle events added to gameplay.
SteamUnmarked POI: Outpostnew contentAn unmarked point of interest with enhanced loot and combat opportunities.
SteamRebirth Island Winter Refreshnew contentMilestoneSeason 02 opens on a snow-covered Rebirth Island under Guild control with new structures and terrain changes.
SteamNew Point of Interest: Turbinenew contentA large-scale Turbine developed by Guild forces, offering enhanced rotational possibilities.
Steam