Activision is digging for the second season of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Old concepts are being abandoned. With the new map Avalon, the "Black Ops Royale" mode launches on March 12th (06:00 AM CET) – a blatant return to Blackout from 2018. The publisher is removing loadouts, abolishing the Gulag, and focusing once again on collecting and upgrading loot from the ground.
The return to loot gambling
The studio is removing the safety nets of modern Warzone. Players start without their own weapon classes and must instead rely on what's lying around in the ruins of Avalon. The arsenal is based on fixed "Archive Themes" that are upgraded via Rarity Kits, a system designed to artificially extend the loot grind. Those who want to upgrade their weapon to "Legendary" or "Exotic" status must find the corresponding components in the world.
The removal of the Gulag means that whoever dies is out – unless the team collects tokens or captures radio towers for respawning. This shifts the focus away from aggressive duels towards a more cautious playstyle that prioritizes survival over elimination.
Zombies as cover and loot suppliers
The Avalon map isn't just a backdrop for human battles. In so-called "Cradle Breaches" (zones filled with red gas), Treyarch once again unleashes the undead. These areas serve as a risk-benefit analysis: players fight boss enemies like the Mangler or loot mystery boxes, while simultaneously being highly visible to other squads.
Additionally, consumable perks are returning. Instead of permanent bonuses, these must now be found as loot and activated at the right moment. Inventory management is adjusted through the "Cerebral Link" interface, which provides more data but also requires more attention in the menu while the rest of the lobby hunts down your team.
The barter system behind the free mode
Activision offers the mode for free, but closely ties progress to... Call of Duty: Black Ops 7Those who want to efficiently unlock new weapons like the Swordfish A1 or specific operator skins will be forced into the event structure of the "Counter Skies Event Pass" (March 17 to April 2). Ultimately, this seems like an attempt to test the nostalgia of Blackout veterans while using the current player base as guinea pigs for a slower-paced battle royale system.
I'll probably still give Avalon a try, but my fingers will stay on the trigger – not on my wallet for the Battle Pass. All further details about the content drop can be found on the official website.
