Black Ops 7 Carry Forward DEAD: Complete Guide March 2026

Is Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 ditching the Carry Forward feature? Yes, Activision has officially confirmed that Black Ops 7 will not support the Carry Forward system, meaning your Black Ops 6 Operators, weapon skins, and cosmetic unlocks won’t transfer to the new game when it launches.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about this major change from monitoring official announcements and community discussions, including what items you’ll lose, what you can keep, and how to maximize your investment in Black Ops 6 before the transition.

Carry Forward Status	What’s Affected	Player Impact
Not Transferring	Operators, skins, weapons	Fresh start required
Still Transferring	Double XP tokens, GobbleGums	Progression boosters remain
Warzone Exception	All Black Ops 6 content	Continues in Warzone only

Understanding the End of Carry Forward in Black Ops 7

When I first heard about Black Ops 7 abandoning the Carry Forward feature, my initial reaction was mixed. After investing hundreds of hours into Black Ops 6 and building up my collection of Operators and weapon skins, the news hit differently than I expected. But after diving deep into Activision’s reasoning and considering the broader franchise implications, I’m starting to see why this might actually benefit the Call of Duty experience.

The Carry Forward system was initially introduced as a player-friendly feature during the transition from Modern Warfare II to Modern Warfare III. It allowed us to bring our hard-earned (or purchased) cosmetic items forward, maintaining our investment across annual releases. Now, with Black Ops 7, Activision is pulling the plug on this system entirely.

What Exactly Won’t Transfer to Black Ops 7?

Let me break down exactly what you’re losing when Black Ops 7 launches. From my experience with the franchise and based on official confirmations, here’s the complete list:

• All Operators: Every single Operator skin from Black Ops 6, including battle pass exclusives and store bundles
• Weapon Blueprints: Those carefully collected weapon variants with unique visual designs
• Camos and Skins: Including mastery camos you grinded for and purchased cosmetic options
• Calling Cards and Emblems: Your entire collection of profile customization items
• Charms and Stickers: All weapon decoration items
• Finishing Moves: Custom execution animations you’ve unlocked or purchased

However, it’s not all bad news. I was relieved to learn that Double XP tokens and GobbleGums will still carry forward. These progression boosters remain valuable, especially if you’re planning to grind through Black Ops 7’s early levels quickly.

The Official Reasoning Behind This Decision

According to Activision’s official statement, this decision stems from a desire to maintain what they call an “authentic Call of Duty identity.” In my years covering and playing the franchise, I’ve watched Call of Duty evolve from a grounded military shooter into something that occasionally features anime skins fighting alongside Nicki Minaj Operators. While these crossovers generate revenue and appeal to certain players, they’ve also created what many consider an identity crisis for the franchise.

The timing isn’t coincidental either. With Battlefield 6 positioning itself as a return to authentic military aesthetics, Call of Duty faces competitive pressure I haven’t seen since the Battlefield 3 vs. MW3 days. By ditching Carry Forward, Activision can reset Black Ops 7’s visual identity without being weighed down by years of accumulated cosmetic chaos.

How This Compares to Previous Call of Duty Transitions?

To truly understand the significance of this change, let’s examine how previous Call of Duty transitions have handled player progression and cosmetics. I’ve been through every major Call of Duty launch since Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, and the approach has varied dramatically over the years.

The MW2 to MW3 Carry Forward Success

When Modern Warfare III launched, the Carry Forward system was celebrated as a player-first innovation. I remember the relief of seeing my Damascus camos and favorite Operator skins available on day one. The system worked because:

• Both games shared the same engine and technical foundation
• The visual style remained consistent between titles
• Warzone integration required content compatibility
• Players felt their time and money investments were respected

The implementation wasn’t perfect – some items had compatibility issues, and certain features didn’t translate smoothly – but overall, it set a precedent that many of us expected would continue.

Why Black Ops 7 Is Different

Black Ops 7 represents a deliberate departure from this model. Based on my analysis of developer communications and industry trends, several factors distinguish this transition:

Technical Considerations: Black Ops games have traditionally maintained their own visual identity and technical approach. The neon-soaked, futuristic aesthetic of recent Black Ops titles contrasts sharply with Modern Warfare’s more grounded presentation. Starting fresh allows the developers to establish a new visual baseline without compatibility constraints.

Competitive Landscape: With Battlefield 6’s announcement emphasizing authentic military combat, Call of Duty needs to recapture players who’ve drifted away from the franchise due to its increasingly fantastical elements. I’ve noticed this sentiment growing stronger in community discussions, particularly among veteran players.

Franchise Identity Reset: Sometimes a clean slate is necessary. I’ve played enough live service games to recognize when accumulated content becomes a burden rather than a benefit. Black Ops 7’s fresh start might be exactly what the franchise needs to recapture its core identity.

Strategic Advice for Managing Your Black Ops 6 Investment

Now that we know Carry Forward is dead, let me share some strategies I’m personally implementing to maximize my remaining time with Black Ops 6 and prepare for the transition:

Immediate Actions to Take

1. Stop Purchasing Black Ops 6 Cosmetics: This might seem obvious, but I’ve already adjusted my spending habits. Unless you genuinely want to enjoy items in Black Ops 6 or Warzone specifically, save your COD Points for Black Ops 7’s launch.

2. Focus on Warzone-Compatible Content: Remember, all your Black Ops 6 content will remain available in Warzone. If you’re invested in active Warzone codes and play regularly, your cosmetics aren’t completely lost. I’m prioritizing Operators and skins that translate well to Warzone’s gameplay.

3. Complete Mastery Challenges Now: If you’re close to unlocking mastery camos or completing seasonal challenges in Black Ops 6, finish them for the satisfaction and Warzone use. These achievements won’t transfer, but the experience and practice will help in Black Ops 7.

Maximizing Your Remaining Black Ops 6 Time

With Black Ops 7 on the horizon, here’s how I’m approaching my remaining Black Ops 6 sessions:

Experiment with Loadouts: Use this time to master weapon types and attachments. While specific Black Ops 6 sniper loadouts won’t transfer, the muscle memory and tactical knowledge will. I’m specifically focusing on improving with weapon classes I typically avoid.

Learn Map Strategies: Some Black Ops 6 maps might get remade or inspire Black Ops 7 designs. Understanding sight lines, power positions, and rotation patterns will give you an advantage even in new environments. The Black Ops 6 playlist guide remains valuable for mastering current strategies.

Build Your Squad: The friends and teammates you develop now will be more valuable than any cosmetic item. I’m using this transition period to strengthen my regular squad, knowing we’ll tackle Black Ops 7 together from day one.

Community Reaction and Market Impact Analysis

The community response to this announcement has been fascinatingly divided. From my monitoring of Reddit discussions, Twitter reactions, and Discord conversations, I’ve identified three distinct camps:

The Supporters: “Finally, Call of Duty Is Listening”

A significant portion of the community, particularly veteran players like myself who remember the franchise’s roots, view this as a positive change. Their arguments include:

• Visual consistency will improve without years of accumulated cosmetic chaos
• New players won’t feel overwhelmed by others’ massive collections
• The game can return to a more authentic military aesthetic
• Fresh starts create excitement and level playing fields

I partially align with this perspective. There’s something refreshing about everyone starting from scratch, recreating that day-one excitement we used to feel with each new release.

The Critics: “My Investment Is Worthless”

Players who’ve invested heavily in Black Ops 6 cosmetics feel betrayed. Their concerns are valid:

• Hundreds or thousands of dollars spent on cosmetics lose long-term value
• Time invested in grinding for exclusive items feels wasted
• Trust in future cosmetic purchases is damaged
• The precedent set by MW3’s Carry Forward created expectations

I empathize with this frustration. My own Black Ops 6 collection represents both financial investment and countless hours of gameplay. The sting is real, even if I understand the reasoning.

The Pragmatists: “Warzone Saves Everything”

A third group focuses on Warzone as the solution. Since Black Ops 6 content remains available there, they argue the investment isn’t truly lost. This perspective makes sense for dedicated Warzone players, though it offers little comfort to those who primarily enjoy traditional multiplayer or Black Ops 6 Zombies loadouts.

Looking Forward: What This Means for Call of Duty’s Future

This decision signals a potential shift in how Activision approaches the Call of Duty franchise moving forward. Based on my analysis of industry trends and developer communications, here’s what I expect:

Annual Reset Becomes the Norm

Don’t expect Carry Forward to return. This decision likely establishes a new precedent where each Call of Duty release offers a fresh start. While this might frustrate cosmetic collectors, it could benefit gameplay by:

• Allowing each game to establish its unique identity
• Preventing technical debt from accumulated content
• Creating clear value propositions for each release
• Maintaining Warzone as the persistent cosmetic platform

Cosmetic Strategy Evolution

I predict Activision will adjust their cosmetic monetization strategy to account for shorter lifespans. Expect:

• Lower individual cosmetic prices to encourage impulse purchases
• More aggressive battle pass value propositions
• Increased focus on Warzone-exclusive cosmetics with longer lifespans
• Possible cosmetic “legacy” programs for dedicated players

Competitive Positioning Against Battlefield 6

The Battlefield 6 vs Call of Duty comparison becomes more interesting with this development. By abandoning Carry Forward, Call of Duty can compete more directly with Battlefield’s fresh start and authentic military focus. This competition benefits players through:

• Innovation driven by competitive pressure
• More distinct game identities between franchises
• Better value propositions as each game fights for market share
• Potential return to core gameplay over cosmetic focus

Practical Tips for the Black Ops 7 Transition

As someone who’s navigated numerous Call of Duty launches, let me share practical advice for making the most of this transition:

Pre-Launch Preparation

Save Your Resources: Start banking COD Points now. With no cosmetics carrying forward, you’ll want currency ready for Black Ops 7’s first battle pass and any launch bundles that catch your eye.

Document Your Favorites: Screenshot your favorite Black Ops 6 loadouts, including Ladra loadout builds and attachment combinations. While the specific items won’t transfer, the concepts and strategies often translate to similar weapons in new games.

Master Core Mechanics: Focus on improving fundamental skills like aim, movement, and map awareness. These transfer perfectly to any Call of Duty game. I’m spending extra time in aim trainers and studying pro player movement techniques.

Launch Day Strategy

When Black Ops 7 launches, here’s my planned approach:

Campaign First: I always start with the campaign to unlock any multiplayer rewards and familiarize myself with new mechanics without competitive pressure.

Weapon Testing: Before committing to a main weapon, test everything in private matches. Without carried-forward blueprints, you’ll need to identify your preferred weapons quickly.

Early Battle Pass Investment: If you’re planning to play regularly, grab the battle pass immediately. Early progression maximizes value, and launch battle passes often include the most desirable cosmetics.

The Warzone Exception: Your Safe Haven for Black Ops 6 Content

While Black Ops 7 abandons Carry Forward, Warzone remains the persistent platform where your Black Ops 6 investments retain value. Understanding this exception is crucial for managing your collection.

How Warzone Integration Works

Warzone operates as Call of Duty’s persistent battle royale platform, supporting content from multiple games simultaneously. Your Black Ops 6 Operators, weapons, and cosmetics will remain fully functional in Warzone even after Black Ops 7 launches. This means:

• Operators from Black Ops 6 remain playable in all Warzone modes
• Weapon blueprints function normally in Warzone loadouts
• Camos and cosmetics display correctly in Warzone matches
• New Warzone Havoc Royale and other modes support all legacy content

I’m personally shifting more gameplay time to Warzone to maximize my cosmetic investment value. If you’re primarily a multiplayer fan like me, consider giving Warzone another chance – the gameplay has evolved significantly, and your cosmetics won’t go to waste.

Strategic Warzone Considerations

For players invested in Black Ops 6 cosmetics, Warzone offers several strategic advantages:

Long-Term Value: Unlike annual releases, Warzone cosmetics maintain relevance for years. My Modern Warfare 2019 Operators still see regular use in Warzone matches.

Cross-Game Integration: Warzone allows you to mix and match content from different Call of Duty games, creating unique combinations impossible in individual titles.

Continued Updates: Warzone receives content from each new Call of Duty release while maintaining legacy support, ensuring your collection remains relevant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Black Ops 7 have any Carry Forward features at all?

Based on official announcements, only Double XP tokens and GobbleGums will carry forward to Black Ops 7. All cosmetic items, including Operators, weapon skins, camos, calling cards, and emblems, will not transfer. This represents a significant departure from the MW2 to MW3 transition, where most cosmetic content carried forward.

Can I still use my Black Ops 6 skins somewhere?

Yes, all Black Ops 6 cosmetic content remains fully functional in Call of Duty: Warzone. Since Warzone operates as a persistent platform supporting multiple Call of Duty games, your Operators, weapon blueprints, and other cosmetics will continue working there indefinitely. I recommend Warzone players continue investing in cosmetics they enjoy, as the value persists in that ecosystem.

Why did Activision decide to end Carry Forward?

Activision stated the decision aims to maintain an “authentic Call of Duty identity” and address concerns about the franchise’s visual direction. From my analysis, additional factors include competitive pressure from Battlefield 6’s military-focused approach, technical challenges with content compatibility, and the desire to give Black Ops 7 a distinct identity separate from Modern Warfare’s influence.

Should I stop buying cosmetics in Black Ops 6?

I recommend stopping cosmetic purchases in Black Ops 6 unless you primarily play Warzone or genuinely want to enjoy the items during Black Ops 6’s remaining lifecycle. Save your COD Points for Black Ops 7’s launch instead. However, if you’re a dedicated Warzone player, cosmetic purchases retain their value since all Black Ops 6 content remains usable there.

How does this affect competitive players?

Competitive players might actually benefit from this change. Everyone starting fresh creates a level playing field where skill matters more than accumulated unlocks. The removal of potentially distracting cosmetics could also improve competitive integrity. From my experience in ranked play, simpler visual clarity often enhances competitive gameplay.

Will Modern Warfare III content carry forward to Black Ops 7?

No, Modern Warfare III content will not carry forward to Black Ops 7 either. The removal of Carry Forward appears to be a complete reset, affecting all previous Call of Duty content. Only Warzone will maintain support for Modern Warfare III cosmetics alongside Black Ops 6 content.

Final Thoughts on the Carry Forward Cancellation

After spending considerable time analyzing this decision and reflecting on my own Call of Duty journey, I’ve reached a surprisingly optimistic conclusion about Black Ops 7 ditching Carry Forward. Yes, it stings to lose access to cosmetics I’ve collected, and I understand the frustration of players who’ve invested heavily in Black Ops 6. However, this change might be exactly what Call of Duty needs.

The franchise has reached an inflection point where it must choose between maintaining a persistent cosmetic economy and reclaiming its identity. By choosing the latter, Activision signals a commitment to making each Call of Duty release meaningful again rather than just another content drop for an ongoing platform.

For players like me who remember when each Call of Duty game felt distinct and special, this return to standalone releases is refreshing. The excitement of starting fresh, discovering new weapons, and building a new identity from scratch recalls what made early Call of Duty launches so memorable.

Moving forward, I’m adjusting my approach to Call of Duty cosmetics. Rather than viewing them as long-term investments, I’ll treat them as seasonal content meant to enhance my current gaming experience. This shift in perspective makes the loss of Carry Forward easier to accept and might lead to healthier spending habits across the community.

The success of this decision ultimately depends on Black Ops 7’s quality. If the game delivers an exceptional experience that justifies starting fresh, players will forgive the loss of Carry Forward. If it disappoints, this decision will be remembered as the moment Activision broke trust with its most invested players.

As we approach Black Ops 7’s launch, I encourage you to make the most of your remaining time with Black Ops 6, whether that means enjoying your cosmetics while you can, shifting focus to Warzone, or simply practicing core skills that will transfer to any shooter. The end of Carry Forward marks a new chapter for Call of Duty – one that might just recapture the magic that made us fall in love with the franchise in the first place.

For more Call of Duty content and guides, check out our comprehensive best multiplayer PS5 games list, where Call of Duty consistently ranks among the top choices. And if you’re exploring alternatives while waiting for Black Ops 7, our FPS games with player freedom guide highlights excellent options beyond the Call of Duty ecosystem.

Remember, while our cosmetics might not carry forward, the skills, friendships, and memories we’ve built in Black Ops 6 will always transfer to whatever comes next. See you in Black Ops 7, soldier – with or without our fancy skins.