Developers Treyarch and Raven Software have rolled out the preseason patch notes for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, and there’s quite a bit to take in as the game prepares for full launch. The update leans heavily into refining movement mechanics and tuning a broad mix of weapons and attachments, largely shaped by what players uncovered during the recent beta. Perhaps the most noticeable changes come from the increased penalties tied to jumping during firefights, along with a handful of meaningful quality-of-life improvements for Zombies mode.
Key Takeaways
- Movement speed for sliding is slightly reduced in both speed and duration.
- Penalties for jumping while shooting are increased. The Jump ADS Speed Penalty moves from 30 percent to 40 percent, and the Jump Sprint to Fire Penalty shifts from 35 percent to 45 percent.
- Submachine Guns receive targeted adjustments, including a reduction in the Tac Stance Aim Down Sight speed bonus.
- Zombies mode progression is faster, with Weapon XP gain increased by 25 percent compared to the Beta.
- Several weapon attachments, especially for the MXR-17, have had their statistical advantages reduced.
Movement and Aiming Adjustments
A lot of early discussion around this preseason patch has centered on the movement tweaks. According to the notes, the developers have “slightly reduced slide acceleration, speed, and duration,” which feels like an attempt to curb overly aggressive rushing tactics. It might not sound dramatic at first glance, but small movement adjustments can ripple through the entire pacing of matches, and players will likely notice it in close-quarters encounters.
The update also goes after “jumpshotting,” a tactic many players rely on even if they won’t always admit it. The “Jump ADS Speed Penalty” rising from 30 percent to 40 percent means snapping onto targets while airborne becomes noticeably tougher. In the same vein, the “Jump Sprint to Fire Penalty” increasing from 35 percent to 45 percent pushes players toward more grounded, deliberate gunfights. I think some players may feel this change immediately, perhaps even a bit more than they expect.
Aim Assist receives subtle refinements too. The notes mention that the system should feel smoother overall, and a “right-stick aiming requirement” has been added. That addition seems intended to encourage slightly more intentional aiming during rotational assist, which might take some console players a moment to adjust to.
Weapon and Attachment Balancing
A substantial portion of the patch digs into weapon balancing. Nearly every weapon class, including Assault Rifles, SMGs, and LMGs, inherits the same increased jump and sprint-to-fire penalties mentioned earlier. It creates a more unified baseline across the arsenal, though some weapons feel these changes more sharply than others.
Submachine Guns in particular get a closer look. The Tac Stance Aim Down Sight Speed bonus dropping from 25 percent to 15 percent tones down some of the faster, hyper-mobile SMG playstyles seen during the beta. It does feel like a small but necessary nudge to bring them in line.
Several attachments have been adjusted as well. The MXR-17 stands out since many of its popular attachments were performing a bit too well. The K&S Compensator and Redwell 7.62 Brake now deliver less recoil control, which might force players to rethink their loadouts. Meanwhile, the 18″ Rapid Sterling Barrel has reduced bullet velocity improvement. These targeted adjustments suggest the developers saw certain setups rising far above others, perhaps more than intended.
Zombies and Multiplayer Updates
Zombies players get a handful of encouraging updates. Weapon XP gain is now 25 percent higher compared to the Beta, and the developers say weapons will reach their maximum level “roughly 25 percent faster” than they did in Black Ops 6. This should ease some of the grind that players were vocal about. Pack-a-Punch and Legendary-tier weapons also deal more damage, and upgraded SMGs receive a 50 percent short-range damage boost. That change alone may make some builds feel more satisfying.
Multiplayer sees a shorter list of adjustments but still some meaningful ones. The map “Exposure” features updated spawn points designed to improve flow and reduce awkward engagements. For equipment, the “Needle Drone” can now eliminate an enemy on direct impact. The “Sensor Grenade” has been tuned to track opponents more quickly, which could subtly shift how teams gather intel during matches.
Altogether, the preseason patch for Black Ops 7 seems to be about smoothing out rough edges and reacting to beta data while still leaving room for players to explore new builds and tactics. It’s the kind of update that might feel small at first but gradually reshapes the way matches unfold, perhaps in ways players will only notice after a few days of hands-on play.
Related FAQs
Q. What are the biggest changes in the Black Ops 7 preseason patch?
A. The biggest changes are nerfing to movement, specifically a reduction in slide speed and increased penalties for jumping while aiming or shooting. Weapon balance, particularly for SMGs, and major XP buffs for Zombies mode are also key updates.
Q. Did the patch notes mention Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM)?
A. These specific patch notes did not address SBMM. However, the developer, Treyarch, previously confirmed that Black Ops 7 will use “Open Matchmaking” with minimal skill consideration as the default at launch.
Q. Are any weapons getting stronger in Black Ops 7?
A. While many attachments were toned down, the patch buffs weapons in Zombies mode. Pack-a-Punch and Legendary weapons are stronger, and SMGs get a 50% damage boost in Zombies after being upgraded.
Q. What changes were made to sliding in Black Ops 7?
A. The patch “slightly reduced slide acceleration, speed, and duration.” This makes the slide mechanic less effective for rapidly crossing open areas or engaging in fights.
Q. How is the Zombies weapon progression?
A. The progression in Zombies is now faster. The patch increased Weapon XP gain by 25% compared to the beta. Weapons also level up about 25% faster than they did in the previous game, Black Ops 6.
