Why the Backstory Matters
If you like knowing the why before the firefight, this is for you. Black Ops 7 isn’t just another yearly drop. It’s the next chapter in a long, complicated revenge saga that’s finally stepping into the age of corporate power and AI-driven warfare. The story sets up familiar faces and new players in a world teetering on collapse.
Here’s everything you need to know before launch day.
Where It All Began — Raul Menendez
Raul Menendez isn’t new to this world. He first appeared in Black Ops 2 as a ruthless arms dealer obsessed with revenge. But he’s changed—evolved from a vengeful criminal into a manipulative populist who understands how to weaponize chaos and information.
He’s not just pulling triggers anymore; he’s pulling narratives. Menendez now operates at a global scale, blending propaganda, economics, and war tech into one dangerous ideology.
The Rise of The Guild
Now there’s a new power player: The Guild. Imagine a sleek, powerful tech empire with its own army and global influence. Led by CEO Emma Kagan, The Guild was born in Avalon—a futuristic, independent state promising peace through technology.
But peace through control always comes with a catch. The Guild’s shiny promise of safety might hide a system built on surveillance and manipulation. The question isn’t whether they can change the world—it’s what they’ll demand in return.
David Mason Steps Into the Spotlight
Our main character this time is David Mason—son of Alex Mason and student of Frank Woods. He’s carrying the legacy of those who came before him, and that weight shows. David isn’t the cold, unstoppable soldier type. He’s methodical, conflicted, and aware that his enemies might not be entirely wrong.
This emotional depth gives Black Ops 7 something rare in the genre—a hero with hesitation, not blind loyalty.
Meet the Team
David doesn’t fight alone. His JSOC squad includes fan-favorites and new recruits like Mike Harper, Leilani “50/50” Tupuola, and Eric Samuels. Their dynamic matters because the campaign is built around co-op storytelling. Instead of running solo, you’ll share missions, strategies, and consequences.
The Campaign and Endgame
The story campaign launches in co-op mode, letting players complete the first 11 missions together. Once you finish the main arc, you’ll unlock Endgame mode, set in Avalon’s territory. This section blends open combat with environmental dangers—think collapsing infrastructure, toxic exposure zones, and hostile drones.
It’s not just another mission list. It’s a living battlefield that changes depending on your squad’s tactics.
The Bigger Questions
What makes Black Ops 7 stand out isn’t just the weapons or graphics—it’s the moral weight. The game asks:
- What happens when technology becomes more trusted than people?
- Can control ever equal peace?
- And how far will someone go to rewrite history?
Between Menendez’s ideology and The Guild’s control, the world of Black Ops 7 feels uncomfortably close to ours—politics, power, and propaganda wrapped in military tech.
Quick Recap
- Menendez is back, more dangerous and philosophical than ever.
- The Guild blurs the line between savior and oppressor.
- David Mason leads the fight while wrestling with legacy and doubt.
- The campaign mixes teamwork, strategy, and moral tension.
- Endgame mode expands the world with Avalon’s high-tech chaos.
Final Thoughts
If you want the full experience, don’t skip the lore. Every mission in Black Ops 7 connects to choices made years ago, both in the story and in the series itself. Knowing that context makes every decision hit harder.
When Black Ops 7 launches on November 14, 2025, you won’t just be stepping into battle—you’ll be stepping into the next chapter of a decades-long war for truth, control, and survival.