Activision’s current entry in the Call of Duty legacy has been under friendly fire from even its most fervent fans. As Black Ops 7‘s current release sparks controversy for its co-op/always online nature, the title is in a bit of a crisis. It seems that the publisher is taking some cues from this massive response, as the week-old game is already getting two pretty big alterations – which could bring players back to the table.

ENDGAME IS NOW GOING TO BE A STAND-ALONE MODE

Activision’s current entry in the Call of Duty legacy has been under friendly fire from even its most fervent fans. As the campaign mode for Black Ops 7 sparks controversy for its co-op/always online nature, the title is in a bit of a crisis. It seems that the publisher is taking some cues from this massive response, as the week-old game is already getting two pretty big alterations – which could bring players back to the table.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7‘s Endgame mode was supposed to keep us playing after the Campaign was over. Well, depending on who you talk to, that may have seemed like a tall order; especially with the criticisms against the story.

It’s all led to the first huge decision made by Activision and developer Treyarch, which is to make Endgame a stand-alone option. That decision was shared with us all recently on Twitter; which you can see below: 

I have to admire the fact that Endgame is now going to be its own thing. Despite Black Ops 7’s previous multiplayer beta impressing me, I’ve actually come to love this Warzone-style coda to the trippy story before it. It’s also comforting to see that Campaign mode will have extra unique rewards for completion, along with sweeteners kicked in for those who actually played it through.

If you’re someone who dropped out of Call of Duty’s latest chapter in the Mason family saga, I can totally understand. Having said that, I think even the most jaded fan should at least give Endgame a half-hour of their time to really explore. While you’re at it, Multiplayer has another new twist that’ll leave some long time loyalists smiling. That is, if you’re a fan of the classics.

A bomb streaks towards Nuketown 2025 in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.

Nuketown 2025 Is Now Available Through Multiplayer, And It’s About Time

Don’t worry Multiplayer fans, there’s a new reason for us all to jump in online. Those surprised that a new Nuketown map wasn’t included on Day One (or forgot that it was even missing until they pointed it out) need not wait any longer. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7’s other massive addition is Nuketown 2025 – a remaster of the OG that debuted with 2010’s Call of Duty: Black Ops.

The retro future testing site has returned to colorful life, after looking a little more grounded in this year’s Black Ops 6. So there’s still a way for those of you longing for a fun dose of CoD nostalgia to get your fix. Let’s take a break from the chit chat and watch it in action, like a (nuclear) family:

With these two potential damage control measures in play, we should all keep an eye on how the players respond. It’s still early days for Black Ops 7’s life cycle, and this early reaction to feedback is quite promising. Admittedly, Activision and Treyarch’s dedication to solo Campaign narratives will be something that continues to be a concern for skeptical consumers.

Endgame and Multiplayer’s recent tweaks make for a good step in the right direction. Keeping that in mind, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is currently available for purchase or download through Xbox Game Pass. While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out part of THS’ interview with Michael Rooker; in which the veteran actor reflects on his time in the CoD franchise.