Activision has confirmed that Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will hold a multiplayer beta, giving players an early opportunity to test the game’s new mechanics and futuristic combat features. The beta kicks off on October 2 and runs until October 8, but access depends on how you join.
Beta schedule and access
The beta officially starts at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET on October 2 with an early access phase. Players who either preorder Black Ops 7 or subscribe to certain Game Pass tiers will be able to jump in immediately. Everyone else can join once the beta opens fully on October 5 at the same time, with the event concluding on October 8.
File size and installation
Ahead of launch, Activision revealed that the latest Black Ops 6 and Warzone Season 5 Reloaded update will be larger on some systems. This is part of a content reorganization intended to prepare for the Black Ops 7 beta download.
How to participate
The beta is free and open to all players worldwide. Digital preorders automatically unlock early access without a code, while those who preorder physical copies for consoles will need to collect an early access code from their retailer. Importantly, preordering is not required to play the beta—only to secure the early entry window.
What to expect
While Activision hasn’t detailed the exact content lineup, Black Ops 7 is set in 2035 and brings futuristic weapons, advanced gear, and new movement systems. The highlight is Skirmish, a large-scale 20v20 multiplayer mode with multiple objectives, vehicles, wingsuits, and grappling hooks. The game also introduces the Overlock system for enhanced loadout customization, along with the return of the Omnimovement system, now expanded with wall-jumping.
At launch, Black Ops 7 promises over a dozen maps and 30 weapons, though the beta’s selection remains under wraps, with more details expected at Call of Duty Next in September.
