Man, I’ve been waiting for this moment forever! As someone who’s been playing Call of Duty Zombies since the World at War days, I can’t tell you how excited I am to finally see Zombies mode included in a Black Ops beta. This is literally the first time in franchise history that we’re getting to play Zombies before the full game launches, and I’m here to break down everything you need to know about when it’s dropping and what to expect.
The Big Reveal: Zombies Beta Start Date
Alright, let’s cut straight to the chase because I know you’re dying to know (pun intended). The Black Ops 7 Zombies mode is kicking off on October 3, 2025. That’s right, we’re getting a full 24 hours after the initial beta early access begins on October 2. I think this is actually a smart move by Treyarch – they want to make sure the servers are stable and everything’s running smoothly before unleashing the zombie hordes on us.
What’s really cool is that this isn’t just some limited-time teaser. We’re getting the full Zombies Survival mode experience on the Vandorn Farm map. I’ve been checking out all the trailers and gameplay footage, and let me tell you, this map looks absolutely massive compared to what we’ve seen in previous betas.
Complete Beta Timeline: When to Jump In?
I know it can be confusing with all the different access windows and dates, so I’ve put together this handy timeline to make it crystal clear:
| Date | Access Type | What’s Available |
|---|---|---|
| October 2 | Early Access | Multiplayer only (3 maps, 4 modes) |
| October 3 | Early Access | Multiplayer + ZOMBIES SURVIVAL MODE |
| October 5 | Open Beta | All previous content + 2 new multiplayer maps |
| October 7 | Zombies Beta Ends | Zombies mode no longer available |
| October 9 | Beta Completely Ends | All beta content goes offline |
Now, here’s something I found really interesting – the Zombies mode actually ends a couple days before the full beta wraps up. So if you’re primarily interested in Zombies like I am, you’ve got from October 3rd through October 7th to get your fix. That’s still a solid four days of zombie-slaying action, which is pretty generous for a beta.
How to Get Access: Don’t Get Locked Out!
I remember the frustration of missing out on previous betas because I didn’t know how to get access, so let me break this down for you. There are basically two ways to get into the Black Ops 7 beta:
Early Access (October 2-5)
You’ll need one of these three things:
- Pre-order the game (any edition works)
- Have Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription
- Get a code from Twitch drops during CoD Next event
I went ahead and pre-ordered because I wanted that guaranteed access, plus you get some sweet pre-order bonuses. But if you already have Game Pass Ultimate, you’re all set – no need to spend extra money.
Open Beta (October 5-9)
This is where it gets exciting for everyone! Starting October 5th, the floodgates open and anyone can jump in, regardless of pre-orders or subscriptions. All you need to do is download the beta client on your platform of choice and you’re good to go.
What Zombies Content Can We Expect?
Okay, this is where I get really pumped. From everything I’ve seen and read, we’re getting a substantial taste of the Zombies experience in this beta. Here’s what’s confirmed:
Zombies Survival Mode – Vandorn Farm
The main attraction is the Survival mode on Vandorn Farm. Now, if you’re like me and remember Survival mode from Black Ops 3, you know exactly what to expect – endless waves of zombies getting progressively harder, with you and your squad trying to survive as long as possible. But this time, it’s on a much larger scale.
What’s really cool is that Vandorn Farm looks like it’s going to have multiple areas to unlock and explore, just like traditional round-based Zombies maps. I’ve seen screenshots showing barns, fields, farmhouses, and even underground areas. This isn’t just some small, cramped space – it’s a full-fledged map.
Weapons and Perks
From the beta patch notes I’ve been studying, we’re getting access to a solid selection of weapons that will be available at launch. I’m talking assault rifles, SMGs, shotguns, and even some of the special weapons that Zombies mode is famous for. And yes, the classic Perk-a-Colas are making their return!
I’m particularly excited to try out the new perk system they’ve been teasing. From what I understand, there are some new mechanics that make perks more customizable and strategic. I can’t wait to see how this changes up the classic Zombies formula.
Progression and Rewards
One thing I love about betas is that you can earn some cool stuff to show off when the full game launches. Here’s what you can unlock by playing the Zombies beta:
| Level | Reward |
|---|---|
| Level 2 | Beta Player Animated Emblem |
| Level 6 | Gun Flex Emote |
| Level 11 | Beta Neon Weapon Sticker |
| Level 15 | Beta Beasts Weapon Charm |
| Level 20 | Wei Lin Operator Skin |
| Level 23 | Beta Survivor Loading Screen |
| Level 27 | Beta Survivor Calling Card |
| Level 30 | Beta Survivor Weapon Blueprint |
Plus, if you pre-ordered, you get an exclusive Falkner Operator Skin at level 20. I’m definitely grinding to level 30 to get that weapon blueprint – it looks absolutely sick in the preview images.
Why This Beta is Such a Big Deal?
I want to take a moment to really emphasize how historic this is. For years, we’ve been asking for Zombies in betas, and Treyarch has finally delivered. This isn’t just some small addition – it’s a full-blown Zombies experience that we can play weeks before the game even launches.
What makes this even more special is that Black Ops 7 is bringing back some of the classic Zombies elements that made me fall in love with the mode in the first place. I’m talking about round-based gameplay, the original perk system, and that perfect balance of strategy and chaos that defines great Zombies maps.
My Personal Strategy for the Beta
Since I’ve been planning for this beta for weeks, I thought I’d share my personal strategy to make the most of it:
- October 2nd: I’m jumping in right at 10am PT to test out the multiplayer and get a feel for the new movement mechanics and gunplay. This will help me warm up for Zombies.
- October 3rd: The moment Zombies drops, I’m assembling my squad and heading straight to Vandorn Farm. We’re going to spend the entire day learning the map layout, finding the best camping spots, and figuring out the optimal strategy for survival.
- October 4th-7th: This is when I’ll be grinding for levels and trying to unlock all the beta rewards. I’m aiming for that level 30 weapon blueprint, so I’ll be playing as much as possible.
- October 8th-9th: Even though Zombies mode ends on the 7th, I’ll still be jumping into multiplayer to test out the new maps and modes that get added during the open beta period.
What This Means for the Full Game?
Playing this beta has me incredibly optimistic about the full Black Ops 7 Zombies experience. If they’re giving us this much content in a beta, I can only imagine what the full game will have in store for us.
From what I’ve gathered from various sources, the full game will launch with:
- Multiple round-based maps at launch
- A brand-new Zombies storyline that continues the Dark Aether narrative
- New weapons, perks, and mechanics
- Enhanced co-op features
- Cross-platform play
I’m especially excited about the new storyline. The Dark Aether saga has been absolutely wild, and I can’t wait to see where they take it next. If the beta is any indication, we’re in for something truly special.
Technical Details You Should Know
I want to make sure you’re fully prepared, so here are some important technical details:
Platforms and File Size
The beta is available on:
- PS5 and PS4
- Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One
- PC (via Steam and Battle.net)
The file size is pretty substantial – around 45-50GB depending on your platform. I’d recommend downloading it the night before if possible, because servers are going to be hammered when the beta goes live.
System Requirements (PC)
If you’re playing on PC like me, here are the minimum requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
- CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K or AMD Ryzen 5 1400
- RAM: 8GB
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 or AMD Radeon RX 470
- Storage: 50GB available space
For the best experience, you’ll want:
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
- CPU: Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
- RAM: 16GB
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 Ti or AMD Radeon RX Vega 56
- Storage: 50GB available space (SSD recommended)
Common Questions I’ve Been Seeing
I’ve been scrolling through forums and social media, and I keep seeing the same questions pop up. Let me answer some of the most common ones:
Will my progress carry over to the full game?
Unfortunately, no. All beta progress, including levels, unlocks, and stats, will be reset when the full game launches on November 14th. The only things that carry over are the beta rewards you unlock.
Can I play Zombies solo?
Yes! While Zombies is traditionally a co-op mode, you can play solo if you prefer. I actually recommend playing solo first to learn the map layout before jumping into co-op games.
Is cross-platform play available?
Absolutely! The beta supports full cross-platform play, so you can team up with friends regardless of whether they’re on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC.
What happens if I encounter bugs or issues?
Remember, this is a beta! There are going to be bugs and issues. Treyarch has set up official channels for reporting problems, and I encourage you to report anything you find. This helps make the full game better for everyone.
My Final Thoughts
As someone who’s been playing Call of Duty Zombies for over a decade, I can honestly say this is one of the most exciting betas I’ve ever been a part of. The fact that we’re getting a full Zombies experience weeks before launch is unprecedented, and it shows how confident Treyarch is in what they’ve created.
I’ve already cleared my schedule for October 3rd-7th, and I can’t wait to jump into Vandorn Farm with my squad. There’s something magical about that first weekend of a new Zombies map – discovering all the secrets, figuring out the best strategies, and just having a blast with friends.
If you’re on the fence about whether to participate in this beta, let me give you some advice: do it. This is a rare opportunity to experience Call of Duty history in the making, and you don’t want to miss out.
Bookmark this page and set your alarms for October 3rd – the zombie apocalypse is coming, and I’ll see you on the battlefield!
FAQ Section
When exactly does Zombies mode start in the Black Ops 7 beta?
Zombies mode kicks off on October 3, 2025, at approximately 10am PT / 1pm ET / 5pm BST. This is 24 hours after the initial beta early access begins.
How long will Zombies mode be available in the beta?
You’ll have from October 3rd through October 7th to play Zombies mode. The mode goes offline on October 7th at 12pm CT, even though the overall beta continues until October 9th.
Do I need to pre-order to play Zombies in the beta?
Not necessarily. If you want early access starting October 3rd, you’ll need either a pre-order, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, or a Twitch drop code. However, once the open beta starts on October 5th, anyone can play Zombies without any pre-order requirements.
What Zombies content is included in the beta?
The beta features Zombies Survival mode on the Vandorn Farm map. You’ll have access to a selection of launch weapons, perks, and the full Survival mode experience with progression and rewards.
Will my Zombies progress from the beta carry over to the full game?
No, all beta progress including levels, stats, and unlocks will be reset when the full game launches on November 14th. However, any beta rewards you earn (emblems, weapon blueprints, etc.) will be available in the full game.
Can I play Zombies solo or is it co-op only?
You can play Zombies solo or with up to three other players in co-op mode. The choice is yours depending on your preferred playstyle.
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