Black Ops 7 Season 1 launch and why it is such a big deal
Black Ops 7 Season 1 is being billed as the biggest Black Ops season ever and it actually lives up to that claim. The update drops on December 4, 2025 at 9 am PT, 12 pm ET and 5 pm GMT across all platforms and it launches alongside full Warzone integration. That means a huge wave of new weapons, maps, modes and system overhauls that hit multiplayer, Zombies, Warzone and the Endgame PvE activity all at once.
Like previous Call of Duty seasons this one is split into two parts. A mid season update will land in the new year bringing extra maps, modes and events on top of what is already a very stacked launch.
Across the whole game there are seven new weapons, six new attachments, two new operators, multiple limited time events and a pile of new bundles. PC players who enjoy both core multiplayer and Warzone will see most of these additions across every mode which makes this feel more like an expansion than a simple season refresh.
New weapons, attachments and multiplayer content
Season 1 drops seven new guns that immediately shake up the meta. Two are unlocked through the battle pass, several arrive through in season events, and one through weekly challenges.
- Maddox RFB assault rifle via the battle pass
- Kogot 7 SMG via the battle pass
- Sokol 545 LMG from an in season event
- Sturmwolf 45 SMG from an in season event
- Hawker HX sniper rifle from an in season event
- NX Ravager crossbow style special weapon in season
- Ballistic Knife melee weapon from weekly challenges
There are also six new attachments that further deepen weapon customization. These include new lasers, conversion kits and suppressors that can significantly change recoil patterns and handling. For players who like to tweak every part of their loadout these will open up more niche builds for both competitive play and casual pub stomping.
Multiplayer is where the sheer amount of map and mode content really shows. Nine maps are in the rotation for Season 1 including three brand new arenas, several remasters and some returning fan favorites. Highlights include the new Fate and Utopia maps, a remastered Standoff and Meltdown and a festive Sleighjacked variant. More maps drop mid season including Yakei and Fringe plus an additional variant that has yet to be revealed.
The playlist variety also gets a serious boost. Season 1 brings nine multiplayer modes including classic party modes like Prop Hunt, One in the Chamber, Sharpshooter, Sticks and Stones and Gun Game. There are also limited time holiday themed modes under the CODMAS banner and a new Takeover mode later in the season. If you usually burn out on the standard team deathmatch and domination cycle there should be plenty here to keep things fresh.
Zombies, Warzone overhaul and Endgame PvE updates
Zombies fans are not left out. Season 1 introduces three new maps including the round based Astra Malorum and two survival style experiences called Exit 115 and Zarya Cosmodrome. On top of that there are new directed modes for the main storyline, holiday themed Jingle Hells and List Keeper challenges, and a nasty new O.S.C.A.R enemy to deal with.
Progression gets deeper with the addition of the LGM 1 Wonder Weapon, new ammo mods like Light Mend and Shatter Blast, more field upgrades including Frost Blast and Tesla Storm, the Mule Kick perk and new Gobblegums. For players grinding camos and chasing easter eggs this season should add a lot of replay value.
The biggest structural change comes with Warzone finally integrating Black Ops 7. A completely new Warzone map called Haven's Hollow arrives alongside reworks to Verdansk including a new Signal Station point of interest and a remastered Factory. Six modes will rotate through the season with casual variants of Battle Royale and Resurgence, weekend limited time modes, a Holiday Rush playlist, High Octane mid season and another mystery mode later on.
Loadouts see some of the most impactful changes. All current and future Black Ops 7 weapons become available in Warzone with a five attachment limit. Overkill is enabled by default which means every loadout can carry two primary weapons without using a perk slot. Wildcards are removed to simplify builds and weapon build sharing from multiplayer carries over which is great for PC players who like to tune weapons in private matches before dropping into the battle royale.
Perks are reworked with improved categories and a new Adaptive perk. New tactical options such as Needle Drones, Pinpoint Grenades, Phantom Signal and Echo Unit equipment enter the sandbox. Movement is also adjusted with default tactical sprint removed, increased base sprint speed and a new combat roll that can be triggered with the Mountaineer perk. These tweaks are aimed at making movement feel responsive while avoiding the slide and bunny hop spam that has dominated past metas.
Finally there is Endgame, Black Ops 7's repeatable co op PvE mode, which gets a full set of new activities. Four new world events appear including Colossus of Avalon and Toxic Tyrant with more added mid season. Completing these unlocks eight exotic skills that act like powerful modifiers. Examples include Mega Punch for devastating melee hits, Resurrection which saves you from death once per match, and Graviton Reaction which can spawn black holes when you are hit in melee.
A new Phantom skill track rolls out in season with stealth focused upgrades such as quieter movement, trap avoidance, improved melee speed and decoy effects that spawn Echo Units when you take heavy damage. Seasonal CODMAS items like snowballs and gift wrapped supply boxes add a festive twist to grinding these activities.
For PC gamers this season is essentially a soft relaunch of Black Ops 7 and Warzone. Whether you live for ranked multiplayer, chill Zombies runs, or late night Warzone squads, Season 1 packs enough new content and system overhauls that it is worth reinstalling and giving your GPU a proper workout.
Original article and image: https://www.pcgamer.com/games/call-of-duty/black-ops-7-season-1-release-date-roadmap-warzone/
