Call of Duty Black Ops 7 Preload Guide (March 2026) Schedule, File Sizes & Download

I’m absolutely pumped about Call of Duty: Black Ops 7’s upcoming launch on November 14, 2026, and if you’re reading this, I know you are too! As someone who’s been through every major Call of Duty launch since the franchise began, I can tell you that preloading is absolutely crucial if you want to jump into the action the moment servers go live. There’s nothing worse than watching everyone else dominate lobbies while you’re stuck staring at a download bar.

The Black Ops 7 preload window opened on November 10 at 9 AM PT, giving players four full days to download the game before launch. With file sizes ranging from 97GB to a whopping 300GB depending on your platform and what content you install, you’ll definitely want to start downloading ASAP. Whether you’re on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC, I’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about preloading Black Ops 7, from exact times for every region to step-by-step instructions and pro tips to optimize your download.

Black Ops 7 Preload

Platform	Preload Start	File Size	Requirements
PlayStation 4/5	November 10, 9 AM PT	96.7 GB	Pre-order or purchase
Xbox One/Series X|S	November 10, 9 AM PT	214.8 GB	Pre-order or Game Pass Ultimate
PC (Steam/Battle.net)	November 10, 9 AM PT	162.45 GB (116 GB minimum)	Pre-order or Game Pass
Launch Date	November 14, 2026	Midnight Local Time	All Platforms

When Does Black Ops 7 Preload Start?

Let me cut straight to the chase – Black Ops 7 preloads kicked off on November 10, 2026 at 9 AM PT. This gives you exactly four days to download the game before the November 14 launch, which is honestly a godsend considering the massive file sizes we’re dealing with.

I’ve been tracking Call of Duty preload schedules for years, and this timing is pretty standard for major releases. What’s different this time is that Activision has been incredibly transparent about file sizes and download optimization, which is a refreshing change from past launches where players were blindsided by 200GB+ downloads.

Preload Times for Every Major Region

Based on the official Call of Duty blog and my analysis of regional rollouts, here are the exact preload start times for major regions around the world:

North America:

• Los Angeles (PT): 9:00 AM
• Denver (MT): 10:00 AM
• Chicago (CT): 11:00 AM
• New York (ET): 12:00 PM (Noon)

Europe:

• London (GMT): 5:00 PM
• Paris (CET): 6:00 PM
• Berlin (CET): 6:00 PM
• Moscow (MSK): 8:00 PM

Asia-Pacific:

• Tokyo (JST): 2:00 AM (November 11)
• Sydney (AEDT): 4:00 AM (November 11)
• Auckland (NZDT): 6:00 AM (November 11)

Other Regions:

• São Paulo (BRT): 2:00 PM
• Mexico City (CST): 11:00 AM
• Dubai (GST): 9:00 PM

The beauty of this system is that everyone gets access to preloading at the exact same time globally – no regional advantages here. Whether you’re in California or Tokyo, you can start downloading at the same moment.

Black Ops 7 File Sizes: What You Need to Know

Here’s where things get interesting, and honestly, a bit concerning if you’re running low on storage space. Black Ops 7’s file size varies dramatically depending on your platform and what content you choose to install.

Platform-Specific File Sizes

After analyzing official sources and early preload reports, here’s the complete breakdown:

PlayStation:

• PlayStation 5: ~96.7 GB (base game)
• PlayStation 4: ~96.7 GB (base game)
• With all content: Up to 180 GB

Xbox:

• Xbox Series X|S: ~214.8 GB (all content)
• Xbox One: ~214.8 GB (all content)
• Warzone included: Up to 300 GB

PC:

• Minimum install: 116 GB (SSD required)
• Standard install: ~162.45 GB
• With all packs: Up to 200 GB

The Xbox file sizes are particularly hefty because they include Warzone content and the Call of Duty HQ framework. PC players actually get the most efficient installation, with the ability to selectively download only the modes they want to play.

Modular Installation: Choose What You Want

One of the best features Black Ops 7 offers is modular installation. You don’t need to download everything if you’re only interested in specific modes. Here’s how it breaks down:

Available Components:

• Co-Op Campaign: ~15.8 GB
• Multiplayer: Size TBA (estimated 35-40 GB)
• Zombies: Size TBA (estimated 30-35 GB)
• Warzone Pack: ~20 GB
• High-Resolution Textures (PC only): Additional 30-40 GB

I personally recommend starting with just the modes you’ll play most. For me, that’s multiplayer and Zombies, which saves me about 35GB compared to installing everything. You can always download additional packs later through the in-game menu.

Storage Optimization Tips

Before you start downloading, let me share some hard-earned wisdom from managing storage across multiple COD installations:

Clear Out Old Content: If you have Black Ops 6 installed, you can safely uninstall the campaign if you’ve finished it. This frees up significant space and actually reduces the Black Ops 7 download size since they share the COD HQ framework.

Consider an External SSD: For console players, a high-speed external SSD is worth every penny. Not only does it give you more storage, but it also improves loading times significantly.

PC Players – Use an SSD: The game specifically requires an SSD installation. Don’t even think about installing this on an HDD. The difference in loading times and texture streaming is night and day.

How to Preload Black Ops 7 in 2026?

Let me walk you through the exact process for each platform. I’ve personally tested these steps (well, as much as one can test preloading before it’s live), and they should work flawlessly if you follow them exactly.

How to Preload Black Ops 7 on PC?

For Steam Users:

1. Open your Steam client and ensure you’re logged in
2. Navigate to your Steam Library
3. If you’ve pre-ordered, Black Ops 7 should appear in your library
4. Right-click on Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
5. Select “Properties” from the dropdown menu
6. Go to the “Updates” tab
7. Enable “Auto-update” if it isn’t already
8. The preload should automatically begin at 9 AM PT on November 10
9. If it doesn’t start automatically, right-click the game and select “Install”

For Battle.net Users:

1. Launch the Battle.net desktop app
2. Log in with your Activision/Battle.net account
3. Navigate to the “Games” tab at the top
4. Locate Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 in your game list
5. Click on the game icon
6. Select the “Install” or “Preload” button when it becomes available
7. Choose your installation directory (remember – SSD only!)
8. Select which game components you want to install
9. Click “Start Install” to begin the preload

For Xbox App/PC Game Pass:

1. Open the Xbox app on Windows
2. Sign in with your Microsoft account that has Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass
3. Search for “Call of Duty: Black Ops 7” in the search bar
4. Click on the game tile
5. Select “Install” or “Pre-install” (available for Game Pass subscribers)
6. Choose your installation drive (SSD required)
7. The preload will begin automatically

Pro tip for PC players: I always pause my download overnight to avoid network congestion during peak hours, then resume it during off-peak times (usually 2-6 AM local time). This typically gives me significantly faster download speeds.

How to Preload Black Ops 7 on PlayStation?

For PS5 and PS4:

1. Turn on your PlayStation console
2. Navigate to the PlayStation Store from the home menu
3. Search for “Call of Duty: Black Ops 7”
4. If you’ve pre-ordered, the game should show “Purchased” or “Pre-ordered”
5. Click on the game
6. Select “Download” or “Pre-download”
7. Alternatively, go to your Library
8. Find Black Ops 7 under “Purchased”
9. Select the download icon
10. The game will begin downloading automatically

Managing Storage on PlayStation:

Before starting your preload, check your available storage:

1. Go to Settings
2. Select “Storage”
3. View available space
4. If needed, delete games or move them to external storage
5. For PS5 users, consider moving PS4 games to external storage to free up SSD space

The PlayStation preload is actually pretty smooth in my experience. The system typically downloads in the background, so you can continue playing other games while Black Ops 7 downloads. Just make sure your console is set to download updates automatically in Rest Mode for maximum efficiency.

How to Preload Black Ops 7 on Xbox?

For Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One:

1. Turn on your Xbox console
2. Navigate to the Microsoft Store
3. Search for “Call of Duty: Black Ops 7”
4. Select the game from search results
5. If you’ve pre-ordered or have Game Pass, select “Install” or “Pre-install”
6. Alternatively, press the Xbox button to open the guide
7. Go to “My games & apps”
8. Navigate to “Full library”
9. Select “All owned games”
10. Find Black Ops 7 and select it
11. Choose “Install” to begin the preload
12. Select which components you want to install (Campaign, Multiplayer, Zombies)
13. Confirm your installation

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Members:

This is huge – if you have Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass, Black Ops 7 is included day one! You don’t need to purchase the game separately. Just:

1. Open the Game Pass section of the Microsoft Store
2. Find Black Ops 7 in the “Coming Soon” or “Day One” section
3. Select “Install” when preload becomes available

Managing Xbox Storage:

Xbox’s storage management is actually pretty intuitive:

1. Press the Xbox button
2. Go to “My games & apps”
3. Navigate to “See all”
4. Press the Menu button (three lines)
5. Select “Manage game and add-ons”
6. Choose which content packs to install or uninstall

I love that Xbox lets you choose exactly what to install. For Black Ops 7, you can skip the campaign entirely if you’re only interested in multiplayer, which saves massive amounts of space.

Black Ops 7 Pre-Order Benefits and Requirements

To access the preload, you’ll need one of the following:

Pre-Order Any Edition:

• Standard Edition ($69.99)
• Cross-Gen Bundle ($79.99)
• Vault Edition ($109.99)

Game Pass Subscription:

• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ($16.99/month)
• PC Game Pass ($11.99/month)
• Game Pass Core does NOT include the game

Pre-Order Bonuses:

When you pre-order Black Ops 7, you get instant rewards that work immediately in Black Ops 6 and Warzone:

• Reznov Challenge Pack
• Guild Override Weapon Camo
• Early access to weapon blueprints

Vault Edition Extras:

If you spring for the $109.99 Vault Edition, you get:

• Operator Collection (10+ exclusive operators)
• Mastercraft Weapon Collection (5 animated weapon blueprints)
• Ultra GobbleGum Pack for Zombies
• Permanent Unlock Token (skip one weapon unlock requirement)
• One season of BlackCell (Battle Pass premium tier)

Is the Vault Edition worth it? In my opinion, only if you’re a hardcore Zombies player or someone who really cares about cosmetics. The base game includes everything you need for the full experience.

Black Ops 7 Launch Times: When Can You Actually Play?

Preloading is great, but what really matters is when you can actually jump into the game. Black Ops 7 launches at midnight local time on November 14 for most console players, with some variations for PC.

Console Launch Times (PlayStation & Xbox)

The console launch follows a rolling midnight release, which means New Zealand players get in first:

First Wave (November 13):

• Auckland, NZ: Midnight (12:00 AM November 14 local)
• Sydney, Australia: 10:00 PM November 13
• Tokyo, Japan: 8:00 PM November 13
• Los Angeles, USA: 3:00 AM November 13
• New York, USA: 6:00 AM November 13
• London, UK: 11:00 AM November 13

That’s right – if you live in New Zealand or Australia, you get to play hours before anyone else. And yes, the infamous “New Zealand trick” might work again this year (though Microsoft doesn’t officially endorse it).

PC Launch Times (Battle.net & Steam)

PC players get a simultaneous global launch instead of rolling regional releases:

• Battle.net & Steam: 9:00 PM PT on November 13 (midnight ET on November 14)

This means:

• Los Angeles: 9:00 PM November 13
• New York: 12:00 AM (Midnight) November 14
• London: 5:00 AM November 14
• Paris: 6:00 AM November 14
• Tokyo: 2:00 PM November 14
• Sydney: 4:00 PM November 14

The “New Zealand Trick” – Does It Still Work?

I get asked about this every single Call of Duty launch, so let me address it head-on. The “New Zealand trick” involves changing your console’s region settings to New Zealand to access the game earlier than your actual region.

Does it work? Based on past releases, yes – it has worked for previous Call of Duty games, including Black Ops 6.

Should you do it? That’s up to you, but here are the facts:

• Microsoft doesn’t officially support or endorse this practice
• It’s technically against the terms of service
• There’s a small risk of account penalties (though I’ve never heard of anyone actually getting banned for it)
• You’ll need to change your console region, restart, and potentially deal with store/payment issues

How to do it (Xbox):

1. Go to Settings > System > Language & location
2. Change location to “New Zealand”
3. Restart your console
4. The game should unlock at midnight New Zealand time
5. Remember to change your region back afterward

For PlayStation, this trick is more complicated and less reliable, so I generally don’t recommend it for PS5 players.

PC System Requirements: Can You Run Black Ops 7?

Before you hit that preload button, make sure your PC can actually handle Black Ops 7. Treyarch and Beenox have released comprehensive system requirements, and honestly, they’re pretty demanding if you want to max out the experience.

Minimum Requirements (720p, 60 FPS)

• OS: Windows 10 64-Bit (latest update)
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 1400 OR Intel Core i5-6600
• RAM: 8 GB
• GPU: AMD Radeon RX 470 OR NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970/1060 OR Intel Arc A580
• Video Memory: 3 GB
• Storage: 116 GB SSD space
• DirectX: Version 12
• Additional: TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot required

Recommended Requirements (1080p, 60 FPS, High Settings)

• OS: Windows 11 64-Bit (latest update)
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 1600X OR Intel Core i7-6700K
• RAM: 12 GB
• GPU: AMD Radeon RX 6600XT OR NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 OR Intel Arc B580
• Video Memory: 8 GB
• Storage: 116 GB SSD space

Competitive/Ultra 4K Requirements (High FPS, 4K Resolution)

• OS: Windows 11 64-Bit (latest update)
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X OR Intel Core i7-10700K
• RAM: 16 GB
• GPU: AMD Radeon RX 9070XT OR NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4080/5070
• Video Memory: 16 GB
• Storage: 116 GB SSD space

Critical PC Requirements

TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot: This is non-negotiable. Black Ops 7 requires both TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot enabled to run, thanks to enhanced RICOCHET Anti-Cheat measures. If you’re not sure if your PC supports these:

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type “tpm.msc” and press Enter
3. Check if TPM 2.0 is enabled
4. For Secure Boot, check your BIOS/UEFI settings

SSD Requirement: I cannot stress this enough – you NEED an SSD. The game will not perform acceptably on an HDD. The constant texture streaming and fast loading requirements make an SSD mandatory.

Recommended Drivers

Make sure you update to these driver versions before launch:

• AMD: 25.9.2
• NVIDIA: 581.42
• Intel: 32.0.101.8132

I always recommend doing a clean driver installation a day or two before a major game launch. It prevents so many headaches with performance issues and crashes.

PC-Specific Features

Black Ops 7 on PC includes some fantastic features that make it worth playing over console (in my opinion):

• 800+ customization options for graphics, gameplay, and controls
• AMD FSR 4 support for superior upscaling
• Call of Duty PC Benchmark Tool built into the game
• Sub-frame mouse polling for increased aiming precision
• RGB iCUE integration for supported Corsair devices
• Full handheld PC support (ROG Ally, ROG Ally X)

The handheld PC support is particularly exciting. Black Ops 7 is fully optimized for devices like the ROG Ally, with UI scaling, native control support, and performance tuning specifically for these portable gaming PCs.

Optimizing Your Download Speed: Pro Tips

After managing dozens of massive game downloads over the years, I’ve developed a system that consistently gives me the fastest possible speeds. Here’s everything I’ve learned:

For PC Players

1. Close Background Applications: Before starting your download, close everything that uses bandwidth:

• Streaming services (Netflix, YouTube, Spotify)
• Cloud sync services (OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive)
• Torrent clients
• Other game launchers

2. Use a Wired Connection: I know it’s obvious, but WiFi will never match a direct ethernet connection. If you’re on WiFi and getting slow speeds, try:

• Moving closer to your router
• Switching to a less congested WiFi channel
• Using a 5GHz connection instead of 2.4GHz

3. Adjust Steam/Battle.net Settings:

For Steam:

• Go to Settings > Downloads
• Clear Download Cache
• Change Download Region to one geographically close but less populated
• Set “Limit bandwidth to” to “No limit”

For Battle.net:

• Go to Settings > Game Install/Update
• Set “Network Bandwidth” to “0” (unlimited)
• Enable “Use all network devices for downloads”

4. Disable Windows Updates:

• Go to Services (Windows + R, type “services.msc”)
• Find “Windows Update”
• Right-click and select “Stop”
• Remember to re-enable it after your download completes

5. Schedule Your Download: Downloads are fastest during off-peak hours in your region. For most areas, this means:

• 2:00 AM – 6:00 AM (absolute best times)
• 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (decent midday window)

For Console Players

1. Use Rest Mode (PlayStation): PS5/PS4 users should absolutely use Rest Mode for faster downloads:

• Go to Settings > System > Power Saving
• Set “Features Available in Rest Mode”
• Enable “Stay Connected to the Internet”
• Enable “Enable Turning on PS5 from Network”

Downloads in Rest Mode can be 2-3x faster because the system isn’t running any background services.

2. Pause and Resume: Sometimes the download servers throttle your connection. Try:

• Pause your download
• Wait 30 seconds
• Resume the download
• You might get connected to a faster server

3. Clear Cache (Xbox):

• Press and hold the Xbox button for 10 seconds
• Wait 30 seconds
• Turn console back on
• Resume your download

4. Disable Other Devices: Ask family members to temporarily stop streaming or gaming on other devices during your download. Every bit of bandwidth helps.

General Network Tips

Check Your Internet Speed: Before starting, run a speed test at speedtest.net. If you’re getting significantly less than your plan’s advertised speed, you might want to:

• Restart your router/modem
• Contact your ISP
• Check for network congestion

Consider Your Data Cap: If you have a data cap, a 200GB+ download can seriously impact your monthly allotment. You might want to:

• Download during “free time” periods (some ISPs offer this)
• Visit a friend’s house with unlimited data
• Consider temporarily upgrading your plan

Common Preload Issues and Solutions

Based on my experience and community reports from past Call of Duty launches, here are the most common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:

“Preload Not Showing Up”

Problem: The game isn’t appearing in your library or the download button isn’t showing.

Solutions:

1. Restart your platform (Steam, Battle.net, Xbox app, console)
2. Check that you’re logged into the correct account
3. Verify your pre-order was successfully processed
4. Wait a few hours – sometimes it takes time to register
5. For PC, try logging out and back in
6. For consoles, restore licenses (PlayStation) or restart console (Xbox)

“Download Speed Extremely Slow”

Problem: Your download is crawling along at KB/s instead of MB/s.

Solutions:

1. Check if other devices are using your network
2. Switch to a wired connection
3. Pause and resume the download
4. Try downloading during off-peak hours
5. Change your download region (PC)
6. Clear your download cache (Steam/Battle.net)
7. Temporarily disable your antivirus/firewall
8. Contact your ISP if speeds are consistently low

“Not Enough Storage Space”

Problem: Your system says you don’t have enough space even though you think you do.

Solutions:

1. Clear temporary files (PC):
   • Press Windows + R
   • Type “%temp%” and press Enter
   • Delete all files (some might be in use, skip those)
2. Uninstall old games you don’t play
3. Move games to external storage
4. Empty your recycle bin
5. Use Disk Cleanup (PC) or storage management (console)
6. Consider buying additional storage

“Pre-Order Doesn’t Show As Purchased”

Problem: You pre-ordered but the system isn’t recognizing it.

Solutions:

1. Check your email for order confirmation
2. Verify the purchase went through in your account history
3. Check your payment method wasn’t declined
4. Contact platform support with your order number
5. For digital orders, allow 24 hours for processing

“Download Keeps Pausing or Failing”

Problem: Your download randomly pauses or shows an error.

Solutions:

1. Check your hard drive health
2. Ensure you have stable internet connection
3. Free up more storage space (needs more than just the game size)
4. Disable any VPNs or proxies
5. Temporarily disable Windows Defender (PC)
6. For PC, run launcher as administrator
7. Verify game files if partial download completed

What’s Included in Black Ops 7 at Launch?

Now that you know how to preload, let’s talk about what you’re actually downloading. Black Ops 7 launches with an absolutely massive amount of content – possibly the biggest launch package in Call of Duty history.

Campaign (Co-Op for 1-4 Players)

• Setting: Year 2035, 10 years after Black Ops 2
• Main Character: David Mason (voiced by Milo Ventimiglia)
• Length: Estimated 8-10 hours
• Special Feature: First 4-player co-op campaign since Black Ops 3
• Progression: Earn multiplayer XP, weapon levels, and camos in campaign

This is huge – the campaign finally contributes to your overall progression. No more feeling like campaign is “wasted time” if you want to level up weapons for multiplayer.

Multiplayer

Maps at Launch:

• 16 traditional 6v6 maps (standard multiplayer)
• 4 Strike maps (for Gunfight and Face Off modes)
• 2 large-scale 20v20 maps
• Total: 22 maps at launch

This is nearly double the map count of Black Ops 6 at launch (which had 12 6v6 maps).

Weapons at Launch:

• 30 total weapons across all categories
• 16 brand-new weapons never seen in Call of Duty
• Returning fan favorites (Cordite SMG, M8A1, Peacekeeper)

Game Modes: All the classics plus new modes:

• Team Deathmatch, Domination, Search & Destroy
• Hardpoint, Kill Confirmed, Free-for-All
• Ground War (20v20), Gunfight (2v2)
• Plus new modes announced closer to launch

Zombies

Main Map: Ashes of the Damned (largest round-based map in franchise history)

• Six distinct locations connected by Wonder Vehicle
• Full progression system (levels, camos, weapons)
• 192 Augments for customization
• 47 GobbleGums

Game Modes:

• Standard Mode (traditional Zombies)
• Directed Mode (guided story experience)
• Cursed Mode (hardcore difficulty with modifiers)
• Dead Ops Arcade 4 (top-down twin-stick shooter)

Characters:

• Black Ops 6 crew (Weaver, Maya, Carver, Grey)
• Original crew (Richtofen, Nikolai, Takeo, Dempsey)

Warzone Integration

While Warzone itself doesn’t launch with Black Ops 7, the integration begins with Season 1 (approximately December 4, 2026):

• Black Ops 7 weapons added to Warzone
• New Resurgence map: Haven’s Hollow
• Reimagined Verdansk POIs
• New movement mechanics

Unified Progression System

For the first time in Call of Duty history, everything is connected:

• Campaign, Multiplayer, Zombies, and Warzone share the same XP system
• Weapon levels progress across all modes
• Camo challenges can be completed anywhere
• Battle Pass progression works in all modes

This is revolutionary. Every minute you spend in Black Ops 7, regardless of mode, contributes to your overall progression.

Black Ops 7 Beta: What We Learned

The Black Ops 7 beta ran from October 2-8, 2026, and it gave us valuable insights into what to expect. Here are my key takeaways:

Movement Feels Fantastic: The omnimovement system from Black Ops 6 returns, refined and improved. Add in Black Ops 3’s wall-running in specific maps, and you’ve got the most fluid movement in any Call of Duty game.

Weapons are Well-Balanced: Unlike some past betas where one weapon dominated (looking at you, MP40 in Vanguard), the Black Ops 7 beta featured surprising weapon variety. The Peacekeeper Mk1, M8A1, and LC10 were all viable choices.

Zombies Mode is Incredible: Getting to play Survival Mode on Vandorn Farm during the beta was unexpected and amazing. The new Augment system adds incredible depth.

Connection Quality Varied: As expected with any beta, connection quality was hit or miss. Launch should be much smoother with dedicated servers fully online.

Omnimovement Mastery is Key: Players who mastered dolphin diving and slide-canceling in Black Ops 6 have a significant advantage. If you haven’t practiced these mechanics, spend time in the campaign or private matches learning them.

Preparing for Launch Day: Final Checklist

You’ve got your preload ready to go, but here’s my final checklist to ensure you have the smoothest possible launch experience:

24 Hours Before Launch

• [ ] Verify your preload is complete
• [ ] Update your platform’s system software
• [ ] Update your graphics drivers (PC)
• [ ] Clear some extra storage space (10-20GB buffer)
• [ ] Test your internet connection
• [ ] Make sure your Game Pass subscription is active (if applicable)
• [ ] Set up two-factor authentication on your Activision account

Launch Day Morning/Afternoon

• [ ] Restart your console/PC
• [ ] Check for any last-minute game updates
• [ ] Clear your console/PC cache
• [ ] Close all background applications
• [ ] Disable any VPNs or proxies
• [ ] Make sure your headset is charged
• [ ] Prepare snacks and drinks (you’ll be playing for hours!)

30 Minutes Before Launch

• [ ] Log into your platform
• [ ] Join a party with friends who’ll be playing
• [ ] Have the Call of Duty app ready on your phone
• [ ] Check official Call of Duty Twitter for server status
• [ ] Be patient – servers may be unstable for the first hour
• [ ] Have a backup plan if servers crash (play campaign solo)

Launch Day Server Strategy

Based on past launches, here’s what I always do:

Hour 1 (Midnight – 1 AM local time): Expect long queue times and potential disconnects. This is when servers are most stressed.

My Strategy: Start with Campaign solo. It doesn’t require online connection, you’ll earn progression, and you avoid the login queue nightmare.

Hour 2-3: Servers usually stabilize. This is when I switch to Multiplayer, though you might still face queue times.

Hour 4+: Smooth sailing from here. Join friends for Zombies or competitive multiplayer.

Post-Launch: Season 1 and Beyond

Black Ops 7’s launch content is just the beginning. Here’s what Treyarch has confirmed for post-launch:

Season 1 (Expected December 4, 2026)

• 6 new multiplayer maps
• 3 new Zombies maps
• New weapons and equipment
• Warzone integration
• Haven’s Hollow Resurgence map
• Battle Pass with 100+ tiers

Seasonal Content Model

Black Ops 7 follows the standard Call of Duty seasonal structure:

• New season every ~2 months
• Mid-season updates with additional content
• Regular weapon balancing patches
• Limited-time events and modes
• Free and premium Battle Pass tiers

No Carry Forward from Black Ops 6

This is important to note: Black Ops 6 Operators, weapon skins, and cosmetics do NOT carry forward to Black Ops 7. Only the following carry forward:

• Double XP tokens
• GobbleGums (Zombies)
• COD Points

For more details on the Carry Forward decision and what it means for the franchise, check out our comprehensive Black Ops 7 Carry Forward guide.

FAQ

How long does it take to preload Black Ops 7?

Download time varies based on your internet speed and file size. With a 100 Mbps connection, expect 2-5 hours for the full download (97-162 GB). Faster connections (500+ Mbps) can complete it in under an hour. I recommend starting the preload as soon as it becomes available on November 10 and letting it run overnight.

Can I play Black Ops 7 without preloading?

Yes, you can download and play on launch day, but you’ll miss out on the initial hours while everyone else is already playing. With file sizes reaching 300GB on Xbox, this could mean 6-12 hours of waiting depending on your connection. Preloading ensures you’re ready the moment servers go live at midnight local time.

Is Black Ops 7 free with Xbox Game Pass?

Yes! Black Ops 7 is included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on day one (November 14). However, it’s NOT included with Game Pass Core – you need the Ultimate or PC tier. This saves you $69.99 and includes all future updates. For more details on Game Pass benefits, visit our Black Ops 7 release guide.

What happens if I cancel my pre-order after preloading?

If you cancel your pre-order, the preload files will remain on your system but you won’t be able to play the game. The files will essentially be locked until you purchase the game again. You can delete them manually through your platform’s storage management to free up space.

Do I need PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live Gold to play?

For multiplayer and online modes: Yes, you’ll need PlayStation Plus (PlayStation) or Xbox Live Gold/Game Pass Core (Xbox) to play online multiplayer. For campaign: No subscription needed – you can play the campaign offline solo. For Zombies: Solo Zombies can be played offline without a subscription, but co-op requires an active subscription.

Can I change which game modes I have installed after preloading?

Absolutely! Black Ops 7 uses modular installation, so you can add or remove game modes anytime after launch. On console, go to “Manage game and add-ons” in your system menu. On PC, you can modify your installation through Steam/Battle.net settings. This is perfect if you realize you need Campaign after all, or want to free up space by removing Warzone.

Will my Black Ops 6 stats and weapons carry over?

No. Black Ops 7 is a completely fresh start with no carry forward of Operators, weapon skins, or cosmetic items from Black Ops 6. Only Double XP tokens and GobbleGums transfer. Your stats, levels, and unlocks start from scratch. This was a controversial decision, but Activision explained it allows them to maintain an authentic Black Ops identity. Check our Carry Forward analysis for full details.

Can PC players play with console players?

Yes! Black Ops 7 features full cross-platform play across PlayStation, Xbox, and PC from day one. You can squad up with friends regardless of their platform. The game includes robust input-based matchmaking options, so if you prefer playing only against other controller or mouse-and-keyboard players, you can enable those filters.

What if the preload fails or gets corrupted?

First, try pausing and resuming the download. If that doesn’t work, delete the partially downloaded files and restart the preload. For Steam, right-click the game and select “Verify integrity of game files.” For Battle.net, use the “Scan and Repair” option. For consoles, delete the game installation and restart the download. Make sure you have enough storage space (at least 20GB more than the game requires).

Are there region-locked servers?

No, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 does not use region-locked servers. However, the game will automatically connect you to servers closest to your location for optimal ping and connection quality. You can play with friends from other regions, but be aware that someone’s ping will be higher depending on whose region’s servers you connect to.

Conclusion

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious entries in the franchise’s history, with the largest launch content package we’ve ever seen. Between the co-op campaign that actually contributes to progression, 22 multiplayer maps, the massive Ashes of the Damned Zombies experience, and unified progression across all modes, there’s something for every type of Call of Duty player.

The preload window starting November 10 at 9 AM PT gives you four full days to download the game before the November 14 launch. With file sizes ranging from 97GB (PlayStation) to potentially 300GB (Xbox with all content), starting your preload early is absolutely essential. Whether you’re on PC through Steam or Battle.net, gaming via Xbox Game Pass, or playing on PlayStation, I’ve walked you through exactly how to preload and optimize your download experience.

Don’t forget to check your system meets the requirements – especially PC players who need TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, and an SSD. Update those drivers, clear some storage space, and get ready for midnight local time on November 14 when the servers go live.

The competition is fierce this year with Battlefield 6 and ARC Raiders launching in 2026, but based on everything I’ve seen from the beta and official previews, Black Ops 7 has what it takes to dominate the FPS landscape. Treyarch is back doing what they do best – delivering a polished, content-rich Call of Duty experience that honors the franchise’s roots while pushing forward with innovations like unified progression and expanded co-op gameplay.

I’ll be jumping in at midnight on launch day, and I hope this guide has prepared you to do the same. Whether you’re planning to grind camos in multiplayer, chase high rounds in Zombies, or experience the campaign’s story, Black Ops 7 launches in just a few days. Get that preload started, gather your squad, and I’ll see you in the Dark Aether.

For more Call of Duty guides, weapon loadouts, and the latest updates, check out our complete Black Ops 7 hub, our Zombies modes guide, and stay tuned for our post-launch weapon tier lists and best loadouts coverage.

Happy hunting, and remember – preload starts November 10 at 9 AM PT. Don’t wait!