Get ready, Call of Duty fans! As the highly anticipated Black Ops 7 gears up for its November 14 launch, developer Treyarch has dropped a major Dev Talk video, unveiling a host of exciting multiplayer overhauls. A standout update addresses one of the most vocal community requests from the beta: significant tweaks to player movement and the crucial Dexterity perk.
During the Dev Talk, Treyarch’s associate design director Matt Scronce dove into the core of player grievances, particularly concerning the Dexterity perk. Originally, Black Ops 7 required players to equip Dexterity to perform fluid aim-down-sights (ADS) actions while sliding or diving, a stark contrast to Black Ops 6. Listening intently to the community, Scronce confirmed that this requirement is being removed. Now, you’ll be able to ADS seamlessly during these movements without the perk, though Dexterity can still be equipped to further boost the speed of these actions.
Treyarch also highlighted a comprehensive list of upcoming changes, including:
- Adjustments to ADS and Dexterity.
- Refinements to aim assist.
- Louder footsteps for better audio cues.
- New tuning for slide mechanics.
- Updates to perk distribution.
- Introduction of new perk combinations.
- Faster mantle speeds across the board.
Beyond Dexterity, overall movement has seen further refinement. Slide speed and distance have both been reduced to encourage more varied engagement styles.
Scronce reassured players that despite these changes, the sliding mechanic “still feels great, it still feels fluid.” The goal, he emphasized, is to ensure sliding isn’t the sole optimal way to initiate combat, promoting a healthier mix of strategies.
Mantling speeds, another point of community concern, are also getting a significant boost. Treyarch is meticulously reviewing every mantle animation to guarantee consistent, fast, and fluid movement across all surfaces.
The perk system is also getting a fresh look. To address feedback about an imbalance where too many strong perks were clustered in Slot 1 during the beta, Treyarch is reshuffling their distribution. This strategic relocation aims to open up more diverse and effective perk combinations. Notable changes include Tac Mask moving from Slot 1 to Slot 2, Tac Sprinter shifting from Slot 3 to Slot 1, and Cold-Blooded transitioning from Slot 1 to Slot 3.
In an effort to create more compelling choices, some unpopular perks are being combined into more potent options. For instance, the Shadow perk will now merge with Engineer, allowing players to both detect enemy traps and safely navigate past them. Melee enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that Bruiser is combining with Close Shave, offering enhanced health regeneration and bonus score for melee eliminations.
Aim assist is another area receiving careful attention. Beta data showed an interesting disparity: controller players excelled in close-quarters combat, while mouse-and-keyboard users dominated at longer ranges. To fine-tune this balance, Treyarch is adjusting rotational aim assist. A key change will require controller players to actively move their right thumbstick towards a target for aim assist to engage, promoting a more skill-based interaction.
These aren’t the only significant shifts for Black Ops 7. Responding directly to community feedback, Activision has confirmed the cancellation of Call of Duty’s “Carry Forward” program. This means weapons, operator skins, and most cosmetic items from Black Ops 6 will not transfer to Black Ops 7, with only select Zombies-related content being an exception.
In another highly anticipated move, the publisher announced that Black Ops 7 will launch with minimal or no Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM). This decision aims to bring back the more traditional, diverse matchmaking experience cherished by long-time Call of Duty players, a change many in the community have tirelessly advocated for. The article also mentioned a gallery showcasing all Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 maps available at launch.