Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is finally set to launch this week, with global unlock times now confirmed for PC and consoles.

While most regions will get access on November 14, players in some countries especially those using the “New Zealand trick” may be able to jump in earlier.

Global release times for Black Ops 7

Treyarch and Activision have confirmed a fixed regional schedule for PC players. The game unlocks at the following times:

West Coast US: 9 pm PST on November 13
East Coast US: 12 am EST on November 14
UK: 5 am GMT on November 14
Europe: 6 am CET on November 14
Australia: 4 pm AEDT on November 14

These times mean that depending on your region, PC may unlock after consoles.

Console release times (PS5 & Xbox)

Black Ops 7 launches at midnight local time on Friday, November 14, regardless of region. This allows console users to begin playing earlier than PC players in some territories.

Four characters in a horizontal composition from a video game first is a robotic figure in red and black armor holding a rifle second is a blonde woman in black tactical suit with gloves third is a captain in uniform with hat and pistol fourth is a cybernetic soldier with skull mask green accents and energy orb in hand all posed dynamically against dark backgrounds

The New Zealand trick

Because console release follows local time zones, players can access the game early by setting their console region to New Zealand, where it unlocks at 12 am NZST on November 14.

That translates to:

UK: 11 am on November 13
US West Coast: 4 am PST on November 13

Switching your device region may therefore lead to several hours of early access, depending on location.

Call of Duty Black Ops 7 review

Black Ops 7 arrives with massive expectations. For many fans, Black Ops 2 remains the peak of the franchise, remembered for its groundbreaking campaign, iconic TranZit Zombies map, and unmatched multiplayer era.

Split background in blue and orange hues with vertical light streaks a stern soldier in tactical gear and mask holding a weapon close-up face partially shadowed dramatic lighting emphasizes intensity game logo Call of Duty Black Ops 7 centered in bold white and yellow text.

The new title builds on that legacy with confidence. Early impressions suggest Black Ops 7 delivers one of the most ambitious and content-rich Call of Duty experiences in years, blending cinematic storytelling with expansive gameplay modes.

Campaign: Spectacle, Scale, and High Stakes

The campaign opens in 2035 with David Mason visiting Frank Woods’ grave, soon pulled into a crisis triggered by a broadcast from long-dead antagonist Raul Menendez. Alongside Mike Harper, Eric Samuels, and newcomer Leilani "50/50" Tupuola, Mason heads to Avalon — a shadowy haven for spies and operatives.

A mind-altering gas known as The Cradle, perfected by tech magnate Emma Kagan, sends the team into hallucination-fueled missions filled with monstrous visions and surreal battles. These sequences blend action with psychological chaos, marking one of the franchise’s most creative narrative approaches since Black Ops 3.

The game features massive boss fights, visually striking environments, and chaotic encounters — from battling giant plant creatures to surviving twisted versions of familiar characters. Each linear mission dives into Mason’s mind, while open-world Avalon operations expand the experience.

While the campaign offers memorable set pieces and excellent gunplay, some story elements feel rushed. Certain characters, especially 50/50, lack fuller development, and multiple villains never fully take shape. Despite this, the overall narrative lands well, supported by strong pacing and the return of co-op campaign play, making the experience more replayable and enjoyable with friends.

Endgame mode

Endgame, an Avalon-based open-world mode, blends elements of DMZ and Modern Warfare Zombies. Players can infiltrate solo or with squads to complete contracts, survive escalating threats, and extract to retain their progress.

The mode supports up to 32 players across the map all PVE, allowing multiple squads to independently engage or indirectly assist one another.

Players level up by completing objectives and choosing perk-like upgrades based on playstyle. With a power cap of 60, careful selection becomes essential. Higher-tier zones offer tougher enemies and more risk during extraction attempts.

Avalon features familiar locations from Black Ops 6, including Hacienda and the Red Card stadium. The wingsuit movement system reduces reliance on vehicles, offering fast, fluid traversal.

Endgame also connects campaign, multiplayer, and operator progression, letting players earn XP and unlocks across modes — a first for the franchise.

While initial story elements in Endgame are limited, Treyarch has confirmed seasonal updates. Teased content includes a Zombie T-Rex and a colossal mech, hinting at future large-scale events.

Early players describe Black Ops 7 multiplayer as “perfection,” built around improved map flow, refined gunplay, and more accessible playlists with lower SBMM pressure. The mode feels familiar yet modern, and beta feedback suggests replayability is extremely high.