Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is shaping up to be one of the year’s biggest FPS releases, especially with its narrative-heavy campaign bringing back fan-favourite Operatives. But if you were hoping to dive into the story on your couch with a buddy in some split-screen action, we’ve got some not-so-great news.
Campaign offers 4-olayer online co-op, but no split screen
Yup, it’s official. Black Ops 7’s campaign will support online 4-player co-op, but it won’t offer a local split-screen option. That’s according to a report by Game Rant, which detailed that you’ll need to squad up online if you want any hope of seeing Mason, Hudson, and the rest return in this narrative-driven follow-up to Black Ops 2.
This might sting a little for fans who remember Black Ops 3’s split-screen campaign, especially those who love blasting through missions side-by-side on the same screen. Unfortunately, that feature has been left on the cutting room floor this time around. But don’t pack up your second controller just yet.
Split-screen still lives on … just not in campaign mode
While campaign co-op is strictly online-only, split-screen hasn’t been completely axed from Black Ops 7. Players can still expect split-screen support for Zombies and traditional multiplayer modes — continuing the legacy of local play from previous entries like Black Ops Cold War.
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This means that if you’re in it for PvP or some undead-slaying sessions with a friend on the couch, you’re covered. Of course, we won’t know the exact scope of split-screen functionality across these modes until the next big reveal.
The Call of Duty NEXT event will bring major details
Mark your calendars: September 30 is when the curtain will be pulled back on Black Ops 7’s multiplayer and Zombies components during the Call of Duty NEXT livestream.
This massive event will give us a breakdown on everything from weapons and map rotations to Zombies mode mechanics. And yes, more concrete details on how split-screen works in each mode are expected. Will we finally get scaling UI improvements or performance boosts for couch co-op? We’re just a few weeks from finding out.
Want to try it early? Beta dates revealed
If you’re itching to hit the ground running, you won’t have to wait long to test your trigger finger. Here’s how the beta access for Black Ops 7 plays out:
- October 2: Early access kicks off for players with pre-orders or those subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass.
- October 5 – 8: The beta opens up to all players, regardless of preorder status.
The full game officially launches on November 14, giving the community ample time to revisit its old Black Ops roots. It’s a great opportunity to get a feel for the new settings, weapons, and multiplayer balance far ahead of launch.
Bringing back the Black Ops 2 vibe (but with a twist)
Black Ops 7 is more than just another sequel: it’s a direct continuation of Black Ops 2’s narrative, bringing back iconic characters and plot threads. If that doesn’t get your adrenaline pumping, the return of co-op campaign play might, even if it’s only accessible via an online squad.
It’s a bold design choice, trading couch co-op for online synergy. And while that may disappoint some, it fits the series’ current trajectory of being built around online connectivity and cross-platform gameplay.
Still plenty of local action left
Look, it’s a bummer that Black Ops 7’s campaign won’t support split-screen. That classic “grab a buddy and run the mission” style is a cherished staple for lots of CoD fans. But don’t write off local play entirely.
With split-screen still expected in multiplayer and Zombies, there’s enough couch-friendly content to keep local squad sessions alive. Plus, with one of the most story-rich campaigns in years, and full 4-player online co-op: the overall package is still a massive W.