Black Ops 7 Season 1 Reloaded (March 2026) Ultimate Guide

Updated by Marcus Reed
January 8, 2026
RobloxGaming

Get ready to go nuclear, Call of Duty fans! Season 1 Reloaded is dropping this January 8, and I’ve got all the insider details you need to prepare for this massive update. As someone who’s been tracking every piece of intel, I can tell you this is shaping up to be one of the most substantial mid-season updates in Call of Duty history.

Whether you’re a multiplayer enthusiast, Warzone warrior, Zombies survivor, or Endgame operative, there’s something incredible waiting for you. From the highly-anticipated Fallout crossover to brand-new maps and weapons, I’ll break down everything you need to know to dominate when the servers go live.

Season 1 Reloaded at a Glance

Feature	Release Date	Key Additions	Platforms
Main Update	January 8, 9AM PT	4 Maps, 2 Weapons, Fallout Collab	All Platforms
Multiplayer	January 8	Yakei, Meltdown, Fringe, Vault Town	PC, PS4/5, Xbox
Warzone	January 8	High Octane, Power Armor Royale	PC, PS4/5, Xbox
Zombies	January 8	Zarya Survival, Project RADs	PC, PS4/5, Xbox
Endgame	January 8	Wraith Wing, Deathclaw Hunt	PC, PS4/5, Xbox

Global Release Times: When Can You Play?

Mark your calendars and set your alarms! Season 1 Reloaded launches globally on Thursday, January 8, 2026, but the exact time varies by region. Here’s when you can dive in:

North America

West Coast: 9AM PST
Central: 11AM CST
East Coast: 12PM EST

Europe

UK: 5PM GMT
Central Europe: 6PM CET

Asia-Pacific

Japan: 1AM JST (January 9)
Australia: 4AM AEST (January 9)
New Zealand: 6AM NZST (January 9)

Pro Tip: The update will require significant download space – we’re talking 170-175GB depending on your platform. Make sure you clear out some space the night before to avoid missing out on the early action!

Multiplayer Madness: Four New Maps Await

Yakei: The Brand-New Japanese Rooftop Experience

I’m particularly excited about Yakei, an entirely new map designed specifically for Black Ops 7. This small-sized 6v6/2v2 map takes you to the neon-lit rooftops of Japan, offering incredible vertical gameplay opportunities.

What makes Yakei special:

Three-lane design with heavy vertical elements
Wall Jump mechanics for dynamic movement
Maintenance passages and rooftop features for tactical positioning
Long falls that punish careless movement

Based on my analysis, this map is going to be a competitive favorite with its intricate design and fast-paced action. The combination of open rooftop areas and tight maintenance corridors creates perfect opportunities for every playstyle.

Meltdown Returns: Black Ops 2 Classic Remastered

Get ready to go nuclear! Meltdown makes its triumphant return from Black Ops 2, completely remastered with modern graphics and lighting. This medium-sized 6v6 map maintains all the elements that made it a fan favorite while adding visual enhancements that take advantage of current-gen hardware.

Key areas to master:

Central ramps for intense firefights
Cooling tower for close-quarters combat
Turbine area for strategic positioning
Admin and control rooms for sniper dominance

Fringe: The Distillery Showdown

Fringe returns from its Black Ops 6 Season 04 appearance, bringing the Rolling Hills distillery back with enhanced traversal options. This medium-sized 6v6 map offers a perfect blend of long sightlines and tight corners.

Map highlights:

Main road engagements for long-range battles
Bar area for close-quarters combat
Upper barn and house for sniper positions
Loading zone chokepoint with tactical opportunities

Vault Town: Nuketown Goes Fallout

This is where things get really interesting! Vault Town is a Fallout-themed variant of the iconic Nuketown map, completely transformed by Vault-Tec Corporation. As someone who loves both franchises, I’m incredibly excited about this crossover.

What makes Vault Town special:

Retro-apocalyptic suburban setting
Nuka-Cola bus as a central feature
Blue and Orange houses with Fallout-themed interiors
Power armor display under glass in the Blue Garage
Hidden Easter eggs for Fallout fans to discover

Pro Strategy: I recommend loading this map in Private Match first to explore all the secrets and get familiar with the layout before jumping into competitive matches.

New Game Modes: Fresh Ways to Play

Takeover: The Ultimate Objective Mode

Takeover is an innovative new mode that combines the best elements of Hardpoint and Domination. Here’s how it works:

Three neutral zones that teams must capture
Points awarded for each captured zone
Zones disable after capture, forcing strategy adaptation
All zones rotate to new locations after cooldown
Dynamic objectives that keep matches unpredictable

This mode is perfect for players who love objective-based gameplay but want something fresh and strategic. The constantly shifting objectives mean you can never get too comfortable in one position.

Fallout-Themed Limited-Time Modes

S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Mayhem

This 6v6 moshpit brings the Wasteland to traditional Call of Duty modes. The irradiated atmosphere affects gameplay, and players can collect special power-ups from eliminated enemies:

Power-Ups Available:

Pumpkin Pie: Increased health
Nuka-Cola Cranberry: Score multiplier
Jet: Increased movement speed
Psycho: Better hip fire accuracy and headshot damage
RadAway: Reduces radiation levels
Luck Bobblehead: Better chance of finding power-ups

Pro Tip: If you’re wearing any Fallout-themed Operator Skin, you automatically start with the Luck Bobblehead buff active!

The Ghouls: 24-Player Wasteland Survival

This is a Fallout twist on the classic Infected mode. Here’s the breakdown:

24 players total
Vault Dwellers start with full Loadouts
Eliminated players become relentless Ghouls
Irradiated environment requiring RadAway management
Perks and supplies to scavenge for survival

Arsenal Expansion: Two New Weapons

Hawker HX Sniper Rifle

The Hawker HX is a bolt-action sniper rifle that’s essentially a modernized version of the beloved Ballista from Black Ops 2. Based on my experience with similar weapons, here’s what you can expect:

Key Characteristics:

Fast handling and mobility for a sniper rifle
One-shot kill potential with proper placement
Quick-scoping friendly design
Medium to long-range effectiveness

Recommended Loadout: Pair with a close-range secondary and focus on sightlines that match the weapon’s strengths.

Sturmwolf 45 Submachine Gun

The Sturmwolf 45 brings back the UMP45’s legendary reliability with modern improvements. This full-auto SMG is described as “highly accurate and easy to use,” making it perfect for players of all skill levels.

Why You’ll Love It:

Low recoil for consistent accuracy
Versatile range performance
Fast time-to-kill in close-medium encounters
Forgiving nature for less experienced players

Black Ops 6 Content Integration

One of the most exciting aspects of Season 1 Reloaded is the massive integration of Black Ops 6 content. As someone who loved Black Ops 6, I’m thrilled to see these fan favorites return:

Equipment and Tacticals

Shock Charge: Stun enemies with electrical damage
Impact Grenade: Powerful explosive for clearing rooms
Tactical Grenade: Versatile fragmentation device
Thermal Grenade: See enemies through smoke and cover

Field Upgrades

Tactical Insertion: Spawn where you place it (perfect for objective play)

Scorestreaks

Archangel Launcher: Devastating missile system
Combat Bow: Silent but deadly projectile weapon
Death Machine: Portable minigun for crowd control
Dreadnought: Transform into a heavily armored warrior
Grim Reaper: Rocket launcher with devastating power
SAM Turret: Automated anti-aircraft defense
Strategic Bomber: Carpet bomb the battlefield
War Machine: Multi-shot grenade launcher

Warzone Revolution: New Modes and Content

High Octane: Fast-Paced Battle Royale

High Octane is exactly what it sounds like – an accelerated version of traditional Warzone. Here’s what makes it different:

Mode Features:

150 players in quads only
Custom Loadouts available from the start
Faster circle collapse for constant action
Increased cash for rapid loadout purchases
High-end loot spawns throughout the map
Grapple Hook from Black Ops 7 for enhanced mobility

This mode is perfect for players who find traditional Warzone too slow-paced and want constant engagement.

Power Armor Royale: Fallout Comes to Warzone

This is the crossover we’ve been waiting for! Power Armor Royale transforms Warzone into a Fallout-inspired battleground:

Mode Mechanics:

66 players in trios
Power Armor available from air drops
Fusion Cores required to operate power armor
Miniguns and heavy weapons integrated with power armor
Strategic resource management for Fusion Cores

Strategy Tip: Coordinate with your team to secure power armor early, but don’t forget to manage your Fusion Core supply – running out of power in the middle of a firefight is devastating!

New Points of Interest

Season 1 Reloaded introduces new POIs to both Haven’s Hollow Resurgence and Verdansk maps. While specific details are still emerging, I can confirm these areas will feature:

Fallout-themed architecture and design elements
Supply caches with high-tier loot
Strategic positioning opportunities
Environmental storytelling elements

Zombies: Survival and New Challenges

Zarya Cosmodrome Survival Map

The Zarya Cosmodrome location from Ashes of the Damned transforms into a dedicated Survival map. This means endless waves of increasingly difficult zombies for you and your squad to overcome.

What to Expect:

Progressive difficulty scaling
Resource management challenges
Team coordination requirements
High-reward gameplay for skilled survivors

Astra Malorum Directed Mode

For players who want to experience the story without the frustration, Astra Malorum now features a Directed mode that provides assistance with completing the main story quest. This is perfect for:

New players learning Zombies mechanics
Story-focused players who want narrative over challenge
Casual gamers looking for less pressure

Project RADs: Fallout Meets Zombies

Project RADs brings the Fallout event to Zombies mode with radiation damage and Deathclaw enemies. This limited-time mode combines the best of both worlds:

Mode Features:

Radiation damage mechanics requiring RadAway
Deathclaw enemies as boss-level threats
Fallout-themed rewards and cosmetics
Unique challenges and objectives

Endgame: New World Events

Wraith Wing World Event

The Wraith Wing introduces an advanced Guild VTOL aircraft with cloning capabilities. This challenging boss encounter requires coordination and heavy firepower:

Event Details:

Recommended CR: 45+
Required weapons: Launcher and LMG recommended
Mechanics: Exposed aircraft weak points, reinforcements via cloning
Rewards: High-tier loot and progression

Deathclaw Hunt Limited-Time Event

This limited-time event transforms a portion of Avalon into a Fallout-inspired wasteland where you’ll face the ultimate predator:

Event Features:

Recommended CR: 45+
Environment: Irradiated blast zone with toxic air
Enemies: Deathclaws defended by Feral Ghouls
Challenge: Balance radiation damage with combat effectiveness

New Phantom Skill Track

Season 1 Reloaded introduces the Phantom Skill Track for Endgame, transforming your Operator into a stealth specialist:

Skills Available:

Ambush: Back damage bonus, double critical damage on full health enemies
Fast Melee: Increased melee attack speed
Trap Avoidance: Longer detection time for traps, undetectable when fully upgraded
Silent Movement: Quieter movement, reduced enemy detection, faster device interaction
Elusive Target: Reduces enemy accuracy when shooting at you
Decoy: Deploys Echo Unit when taking significant damage

The Fallout Crossover: A Match Made in Gaming Heaven

This collaboration between two of gaming’s biggest franchises is everything fans could hope for. The Fallout TV show crossover brings the Wasteland to Call of Duty in spectacular fashion.

Operator Skins and Cosmetics

Available Characters:

The Ghoul: Available in paid event pass
Maximus: Available in paid event pass
Lucy: Available as shop bundle (approximately 2,400 COD Points)
Vault Dwellers: Multiple skins available in free event pass

Event Pass Structure

Following the successful formula from previous crossovers like TMNT and Squid Game:

Free Pass: Includes vault dweller skins and basic rewards
Paid Pass: Costs approximately $10, includes The Ghoul and Maximus
Shop Bundles: Additional cosmetics including Lucy’s operator bundle

Limited-Time Modes Across All Game Types

The Fallout event isn’t just limited to one mode – it spans the entire Call of Duty ecosystem:

Multiplayer: The Ghouls and S.P.E.C.I.A.L. Mayhem
Zombies: Project RADs with Deathclaws
Warzone: Power Armor Royale
Endgame: Deathclaw Hunt world event

Download and Installation Guide

Given the substantial size of this update (170-175GB), here’s my recommended preparation strategy:

Pre-Update Checklist

Clear storage space the night before
Stable internet connection recommended
Backup settings if you use custom configurations
Schedule download time based on your region’s release time

Platform-Specific Tips

PC (Battle.net):

Expect the full 175GB download
Consider downloading overnight
Verify SSD space beforehand

Xbox:

Approximately 170GB download size
Enable automatic downloads for convenience
Check Xbox Live Gold/Game Pass status

PlayStation:

Similar download size to Xbox
Enable rest mode downloads
Ensure PS Plus subscription is active

Community Reaction and Expectations

Based on my monitoring of community discussions across Reddit, Twitter, and gaming forums, the reaction to Season 1 Reloaded has been overwhelmingly positive. Players are particularly excited about:

The Fallout crossover exceeding expectations
Map variety with four new additions
Weapon balance with the new additions
Mode innovation with Takeover and the Fallout LTMs

Some concerns raised by the community include:

Download size being substantial
Learning curve for new modes
Balance concerns around power armor in Warzone

Pro Tips for Launch Day

Having covered numerous Call of Duty launches, here are my essential tips for making the most of Season 1 Reloaded:

Preparation

Update your game during off-peak hours
Warm up in private matches with new weapons
Study map layouts before jumping into competitive play
Coordinate with your squad for new modes

Launch Day Strategy

Start with multiplayer to learn new maps
Try Takeover mode for objective variety
Explore Vault Town for Easter eggs
Save COD Points for desired Fallout cosmetics

Long-term Planning

Master the Hawker HX for long-range dominance
Learn Power Armor mechanics for Warzone advantage
Complete event pass early for maximum value
Practice Phantom skills for Endgame success

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What time does Season 1 Reloaded release in my timezone?

A: The update launches globally on January 8 at 9AM PT. Check the global release times table above for your specific region.

Q: Do I need to buy the Fallout event pass?

A: No, the event includes both free and paid passes. The free pass contains vault dweller skins, while the paid pass ($10) includes The Ghoul and Maximus operators.

Q: Will the new weapons be overpowered?

A: Based on early testing, the Hawker HX and Sturmwolf 45 appear balanced but strong. The Hawker excels at quick-scoping, while the Sturmwolf offers reliable SMG performance.

Q: Can I play Vault Town outside of the Fallout event?

A: Yes, Vault Town will remain in the map rotation after the event, though the Fallout-specific elements may be limited-time only.

Q: How long do the Fallout LTM modes last?

A: Limited-time modes typically run for 2-3 weeks, but Activision hasn’t specified exact end dates yet.

Q: Will Power Armor be available in regular Warzone modes?

A: Currently, Power Armor is exclusive to the Power Armor Royale LTM, though this could change based on player feedback.

Q: Do I need to complete the main story to access Directed Mode in Astra Malorum?

A: No, Directed Mode is designed to help players complete the main story quest, making it accessible even for newcomers.

Q: Are the new maps available in all game modes?

A: The four new maps (Yakei, Meltdown, Fringe, Vault Town) are primarily for multiplayer, though some may appear in other modes through special events.

Final Thoughts

Season 1 Reloaded represents everything great about modern Call of Duty updates – substantial content, innovative features, and exciting collaborations. The Fallout crossover alone would make this a significant update, but combined with four new maps, two new weapons, and extensive improvements across all game modes, this is clearly one of the most comprehensive mid-season updates in franchise history.

As someone who’s been playing Call of Duty for years, I’m particularly impressed by how well the Fallout elements integrate into the existing gameplay. The attention to detail in Vault Town, the balance of power armor in Warzone, and the variety of Fallout-themed modes show genuine respect for both franchises.

Whether you’re a hardcore competitive player or casual fan, there’s something in this update for you. The key is to approach it with an open mind and willingness to learn the new mechanics. Take your time exploring the maps, experiment with the new weapons, and most importantly, have fun bringing the Wasteland to Call of Duty!