At launch, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 promised a variety of modes designed to satisfy nearly every type of player. Many fans of progression-based experiences—including those interested in alternatives such as a bo7 bot lobby service—were curious about how each mode supported leveling, weapon upgrades, and skill growth. With multiplayer, Zombies, a co-op campaign, and a new extraction-style endgame mode, Black Ops 7 is one of the most content-rich entries in the franchise. Yet more content doesn’t necessarily equal a better game, and each mode delivers a noticeably different experience.

Multiplayer, for many, is the foundation of any Call of Duty release, and in this regard, Black Ops 7 succeeds more than it fails. Treyarch returns to its signature three-lane structure, offering a strong lineup of 16 maps. Not every map is a standout, but the majority perform well enough to create fast, readable engagements. Movement tuning also improves the pacing—slower and more controlled than Black Ops 6 but not weighed down like the Modern Warfare titles. Perhaps the most welcome change is the reduced strictness of skill-based matchmaking, making matches feel less repetitive and more dynamic.

Zombies mode, another franchise favorite, delivers a nostalgic throwback to classic round-based gameplay. “Ashes of the Dam” stands out as a well-constructed map that balances challenge and exploration. The story remains as wild and convoluted as ever, but long-time Zombies players know to focus on the gameplay rather than the lore. Even with the typical menu clutter, the core loop remains enjoyable and replayable.

Unfortunately, the campaign stands in stark contrast to these successes. Designed around four-player co-op, it fails to make teamwork meaningful or enjoyable. Missions frequently force players into unskippable cutscenes, repetitive tasks, and dull arenas. The enemy AI is frustratingly passive, the levels feel disconnected, and the writing is surprisingly weak for a Black Ops title. Most disappointing is the always-online requirement, which disrupts solo play and can lead to unexpected progress loss.

Yet, once the campaign is complete, players unlock what many consider to be the game’s most innovative mode: the Avalon endgame extraction experience. This mode offers freedom, exploration, objectives, and steady progression, blending the best elements of PvE, looting, and survival. For some players, it may even become their primary reason to stick with the game.

Black Ops 7’s biggest issue is imbalance—not in the sense of weapon tuning, but in whether its modes meet expectations. Multiplayer and Zombies feel refined and satisfying, but the campaign, which should have been a flagship feature, falls noticeably flat. Meanwhile, the endgame mode shows exciting potential yet is inconveniently locked behind the weakest part of the experience.

In the end, Black Ops 7 delivers a strong package for players who focus on PvP or Zombies. However, those expecting a compelling story campaign may walk away disappointed. This is a title best experienced for its competitive and cooperative PvE elements rather than its narrative ambitions.

Read more: How to Prestige Your Weapon in Black Ops 7 (Full Guide + Rewards Explained)