What if the next invasion of the undead no longer came from Earth, but from the stars? With Astra MalorumTreyarch literally powers the Zombies mode of Black Ops 7 in a new dimension. Far from secret installations or Soviet laboratories, this upcoming map takes the gamble on assumed spatial chaos. A daring artistic direction, supported by a rhythmic and crazy trailer, which says a lot about the studio’s desire to break the codes.
Since its debut, Zombies mode has multiplied delirious settings, cryptic intrigues and tortuous easter eggs. But with Astra Malorum, the studio goes further than ever in the assumed absurdity. And behind the glitz of pop sci-fi, it’s also a message to fans: Treyarch is ready to push the boundaries even further.
A card with an intergalactic B series look
The presentation video immediately sets the scene: survivors armed to the teeth, perched in modified vehicles, confronting creatures in a space saturated with neon lights and floating debris. All against the backdrop of “Kickstart My Heart” by the group Mötley Crüe, like a declaration of intention in itself. Far from realism or military minimalism, Astra Malorum celebrates the great anything with jubilant aplomb.
In a recent communication, Treyarch even describes this map as “one of the coolest ever created” in the Zombies universe. This visual ambition is accompanied by a return to basics: Astra Malorum will run on a sleeved modelwith successive waves of enemies and gameplay that focuses on increasing power, discovering special weapons and secrets hidden in every corner of the setting.
Why this map is a turning point for Treyarch
Zombies mode has become a signature at Treyarch. Since World at War, almost every opus has been enriched with cards, each more inventive than the last, to the point of making it a game within the game. But Black Ops 7 arrives in a tense context: mixed critical reception, sales below expectations, and a pressing need to appeal to the community.
With Astra Malorum, the studio shows that it has lost none of its creativity. Better: it restores visibility to a mode loved by players, but sometimes left behind in favor of battle royale or classic multiplayer. At a time when Battlefield 6 is beating it in sales, Black Ops 7 is seeking to win back its historic audience with what it does best: crazy ideas, nervous gameplay and a good dose of self-deprecation.
This card will not be the only one to arrive: Exit 115a more classic Survival card, is also planned. A third should follow as the season progresses.
What we can expect from Season 1 and what’s coming next
To date, no specific date has been given for Season 1 of Black Ops 7. But if Treyarch follows the same pattern as for Black Ops 6, we will probably have to wait around three weeks after the game’s releasei.e. an estimated window around the December 5, 2025.
This delay generally allows post-launch bugs to be corrected, balancing to be adjusted, but also to prepare a burst of content that will boost media interest. In addition to Zombies maps, the first new features should concern classic multiplayer as well as adjustments to Warzone, which remains a centerpiece of the Call of Duty ecosystem.
On which platforms can we play Astra Malorum?
Good news for players, Black Ops 7 is playable on virtually all current platforms. It is available via Xbox Game Pass Ultimate And PC Game Passwhich allows access to it on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and via the cloud gaming. It is also offered on PlayStation 4 and 5as well as on Steam And Battle.net.
This wide distribution ensures a large player base upon the map’s arrival, which is essential for the success of the co-op Zombies mode.