The information is now official: Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will be released on November 14, 2025 on all platformswith no early access period, regardless of the edition purchased. After several contradictory rumors relayed in particular by Forbes, Activision wanted to put an end to the vagueness: “Activision confirms that Black Ops 7 will be released on November 14 without an early access period”.
Unlike recent habits of the franchise, which until now offered Premium players to start several days in advance, this new edition adopts a different approach. “The Forbes article has since been updated: all mention of early access has been removed following a conversation with an Activision representative,” specifies TheGamer.
What’s actually in the Black Ops 7 Vault Edition?
The lack of early access does not prevent the Vault Edition from offering advantages for the most invested players. It includes all the content of the base game, as well as several exclusive premium bonuses:
- Themed weapon skins for Zombies mode
- A cosmetic pack Mastercraft
- Priority access to Blackcell Season Passwith additional content
- Exclusive items for multiplayer
But when it comes to launch, no preferential treatment will be given. “You will be able to play it from November 14, like everyone else,” confirms Activision. A way to avoid frustrations linked to unequal content depending on the editions, often criticized in the community.
A tense context between competing franchises
This change in strategy comes as Battlefield 6 struggles to convince with its first seasondespite the integration of REDSEC mode. Criticism over invasive microtransactions and over-the-top skins gives Call of Duty a potential edge this year.
“Black Ops 7 will perhaps take advantage of this to convince certain players to change sides,” believes TheGamer. However, skepticism remains in order, as the franchise itself has already used mechanics similar to those of its competitor. The lack of early access seems more symbolic than ideological.