What is the difference between Black Ops 6 and Black Ops 7?

Only the second time in franchise history Call of Duty fans received two installments of the same subseries back-to-back. The first time it happened was on reboot Modern warfare saga, p MW3 poorly faired and criticized after release. Although its multiplayer eventually gained a following, its campaign was hated from the start, and reactions to its open-world take on zombies were mixed. Now, Black Ops 6 and Black Ops 7 released one after the other, and while history repeated itself in relation to the campaign, BO7other ways were celebrated. For Call of Duty fans looking to return to the series, or those trying to buy the game for a loved one, it will be hard to choose between the heavily discounted BO6 and brand new Black Ops 7. However, when you compare the two games side by side, the choice actually becomes a bit easier as there is a big difference in the amount of content.

Black Ops 6 campaign vs. Black Ops 7

Black Ops 6 Features

Black Ops 7 Features

Single player

co-op for 4 players

Duration 6-8 hours

Duration 4-5 hours

Upgradable Safehouse with dialogue trees and character upgrades

Boss fights spread throughout the campaign

10 linear missions with 1 open level

11 missions split between linear levels in a trippy setting and open levels on the Avalon map

Primary focus on Black Ops/Black Ops Cold War Characters

Primary focus on Black Ops 2 characters

Desert Storm / Late Cold War setting

Near future setting

Black Ops 7The campaign has been the source of internet memes for “losing the plot” as it takes the trippiness of recent entries to new heights. Its open levels have proven unpopular as they are perceived as filler, while the single-player experience is unpleasant as no bots are present. Some players with groups to play with probably enjoyed the bosses as they offer a change of pace from the usual Cod fair. But in the end, the campaign is seen as an unworthy successor BO2 mostly while Black Ops 6 was well received despite its awkward ending. Before setting WarzoneThe campaign was exceptional, with fun and varied missions full of spy work, as well as the perfect amount of openness in the one big Desert Storm mission. Its characters were pretty well written, the Safehouse upgrade was satisfying, and its single player nature allowed for set pieces. Cod is known for — something BO7 very missing. For most players BO6 is recognized as a much better game in terms of its campaign.

Solving the end game in the room

One thing that Black Ops 7 On the campaign front is Endgame, an open-world extraction shooter-like mode where players complete missions spread across Avalon. The goal is to level up and become strong enough to eventually knock out the boss from the center of the map, allowing players to pull out to maintain their progress. It's basically a twist mode on MWZ, just with less zombies or DMZ, but without the PvP element. This lack of PvP may turn some away from the mode, but it's a solid casual experience for groups of friends looking for more co-op play after completing the story. It's also getting an extra boost after launch with new world events, one of which even allows players to battle a giant robot from Cod Zombies classic Origins.

If Endgame keeps players engaged, it could be enough to overcome the campaign's weak points, such as dialogue, storytelling, and “filler” missions between hand-crafted missions. However, if players are not interested in Endgame, or want a traditional single player Cod campaign, Black Ops 6 is a much stronger choice.

Black Ops 6 vs. Black Ops 7 Multiplayer

Black Ops 6 Features

Black Ops 7 Features

45 multiplayer maps

19 multiplayer maps (17 traditional maps)

13 basic modes and 7 hardcore modes

11 basic modes and 7 hardcore modes

Rated mode

Skirmish (20v20)

Rotating party games

BO7-exclusive innovations (limited skill-based matchmaking/permanent lobbies/weapon build codes/prestige attachments)

68 weapons

30 weapons

64 operators

24 operators

28 benefits

22 benefits

6 wildcards

9 wildcards

Versatile movement

Omnimement + wall jumps

Flashy, absurd cosmetics

Cosmetics suitable for a near-future setting (yet)

As for the content itself, Black Ops 6 is the obvious winner as it has had several seasons to bring back party modes and introduce multiplayer maps. Black Ops 7 has an impressive number of starter maps and a healthy split between original maps and returning classics (something MW3 fought with early), but even after that BO6 surpasses it. However, the same applies to the number of weapons and operators Black Ops 7 has an advantage when it comes to making the changes requested by the player. Persistent lobbies, toned down SBMM, and tame cosmetics are big wins in the eyes of fans, while weapon building is a nice quality of life change. If players want a lot of content right away, BO6 is a game for them. However, if they can wait for maps, party modes, weapons and rankings to be added over time, BO7 may be more advantageous. Basically it comes down to whether players fall for cosmetics, SBMM and the quantity vs. quality. Black Ops 7 multiplayer was better received by fans due to the design and depth of the map – although BO6 offers more maps, modes, perks and weapons.

If Black Ops 7'with seasonal content keeps pace with season 1, will likely have more multiplayer content than BO6 at the time its support ends.

Black Ops 6 vs. Black Ops 7 Zombies

Black Ops 6 Features

Black Ops 7 Features

5 full round zombie maps, complete with easter eggs

1 full circular zombie map and 1 survival map

Grief mode

Cursed mode

68 weapons + 9 miracle weapons

30 weapons + 3 miracle weapons

64 operators (4 reserved characters)

24 operators (8 reserved characters)

11 benefits

12 benefits

8 field improvements

6 field improvements

7 ammo mods

6 ammo modules

41 Chewing gum

47 Chewing gum

108 Improvements

217 Improvements

An extensive crafting table full of lanes has been added at launch

Limited crafting table with only a handful of lanes

As with multiplayer, Black Ops 7 Zombies is at a disadvantage in terms of weapons, operator and number of maps. However, it had a partial carry forward so players could keep progress in Gobblegums and Augment research with everyone BO6 Perk-a-Colas and most Ammo Mods/Field Upgrades are coming (and the missing ones will be added back in future updates). With at least four more ring maps expected and several more survival maps confirmed, it's highly likely that BO7 Zombies eventually surpasses its predecessor. Cursed mode is also a big hit, especially compared to the mixed response to Grief. Still, for those who have never played a single game, the content-comparison is complete BO6 Zombies to Zombies mode, which has just started the content run, is night and day. Purchase BO6 brings players 5 full maps (including modern classics like Shattered Veil and Citadelle Des Morts) to play right now compared to a single BO7 for now, so for now BO6 edges out BO7.

Black Ops 7 gets two more survival maps in Season 1 and its first new round map, Astra Malorum.

Is Black Ops 6 or Black Ops 7 better for Black Friday 2025?

Black Ops 6 Prestige 1 Rewards Revealed Image via Activision

Winner — Black Ops 6

Black Ops 6 stands out clearly BO7 quantitatively, and while multiplayer and zombie fans may argue BO7 has an edge in terms of quality, those who haven't played a single game yet probably won't be die-hard Cod fans. That means they'll be looking for another bang for their buck, and come Black Friday, they're sure to get it Black Ops 6. The game is currently listed for $35 on the PlayStation Store and Battle.net, with physical copies going for the same price at retailers like Target and Best Buy. Black Ops 7on the other hand, it remains at full price since it was released just two weeks ago. Gamers may be able to track down some $5 discounts at stores like GameStop, but no major price cuts should be expected during Black Friday — especially with Black Ops 7 sales numbers down. At half the price and with all the content it will ever get, as well as a stronger campaign, BO6 is the best move for those looking for a good Black Friday deal.


cod black ops 7 tag page cover art


Released

November 14, 2025

ESRB

Adults 17+ / Blood and gore, Intense violence, Strong language, Themes, Drug use


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