Why Call of Duty Black Ops 7 Is Losing Players Fast? | Sales Slump, Competition, and a Series at Risk

In Season 5 of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, many players complained that some weapons were overpowered, forcing all players to use only a few strong weapons, leaving others unused.

The developers listened to player feedback, and in Season 5 Reloaded, game's weapon balance was significantly adjusted. Not only were several overpowered weapons adjusted, but some underperforming weapons were also appropriately buffed.

If you are unsure about these weapon adjustments, you can refer to this guide.

FG42

FG42 is a new assault rifle added to COD: Black Ops 7 in Season 5. Due to its strong performance, many players felt it was almost omnipotent.

However, this power also effectively limited players' choices of assault rifles. Therefore, Season 5 Reloaded nerfed it in several ways.

Damage Range Reduced

The biggest nerf to FG42 is reduction in its attack range. According to player forum analysis, its 4-shot kill range has been reduced from over 20 meters to approximately 15 meters.

This means players must get closer to enemies to unleash its maximum damage potential.

Handling

Besides damage and range, FG42's handling has also worsened. Specifically, its Aim Down Sight Speed, Slide to Fire, and Dive to Fire have all been slowed.

Furthermore, Season 5 Reloaded adds a negative attribute typically seen only on light machine guns: ADS Firing Movement Speed Penalty has increased by 15%.

This forces players to be more cautious in choosing engagement times and positions when using FG42.

Recoil Slightly Increased

However, FG42 isn't entirely unaffected - its recoil has been slightly increased.

While its bullet spread remains relatively controllable, the vertical and horizontal bullet bounce is more pronounced than before.

Overall, these changes transform FG42 from a versatile weapon into a high-skill weapon requiring repeated practice to master.

AN-94

AN-94 was incredibly powerful when it was first released in COD: Black Ops 7, to the point of disrupting the game's weapon balance. While it was later nerfed, a new problem arose: it became too weak.

Season 5 Reloaded attempts to find a balance for this weapon.

New Bonus Damage Zone

The core of this change is introduction of a damage multiplier for AN-94's Neck and Upper Torso. This makes it possible to achieve a 4-shot kill at its maximum range, with extremely fast kill times.

However, this requires at least two of four bullets to hit the aforementioned area. The other two bullets can hit other parts of the body. This design significantly increases weapon's accuracy requirements.

If the player's first two shots miss the aforementioned area, the number of bullets required for a kill increases to five.

Similarly, in the second damage range, three out of four bullets must hit the aforementioned area to achieve a 4-shot kill.

Damage Barrel Adjustments

To complement new bonus damage area, the game has also adjusted related Barrel attachments. It no longer increases headshot multiplier; instead, it increases damage multiplier on the upper torso.

This change is quite clever, providing players with a higher margin for error in the second and third damage ranges, while maintaining its kill efficiency at closest range.

Mammoth

Mammoth is a high-powered light machine gun that players can unlock through an event in Season 5. Renowned for its powerful 2-shot kill capability, it is currently considered one of the strongest weapons in COD: Black Ops 7.

Season 5 Reloaded did not simply reduce its damage; instead, it introduced a conditional mechanism similar to AN-94.

2-Shot Kills Are No Longer Consistent

Previously, Mammoth could almost guarantee a 2-shot kill by hitting any part of enemy's body at any distance.

While Mammoth's Maximum Damage Range has increased from approximately 32 meters to approximately 41 meters, achieving a 2-shot kill at this distance requires both bullets to hit enemy's upper torso or neck; otherwise, a follow-up shot is necessary.

For players with less accurate aim, Mammoth will frequently result in a three-shot kill.

If you prefer Mammoth but want to avoid this, you can buy CoD Black Ops 7 Bot Lobbies from EZG.com. We provide a safe and supportive practice environment to help you familiarize yourself with all adjusted weapons.

Others

In addition, Mammoth's Sprint to Fire and Tactical Sprint to Fire times have been slightly increased, and the movement speed penalty while firing has been increased from 20% to 25%.

Other Weapon Adjustments

Besides three weapons mentioned above, COD: Black Ops 7 has also adjusted the following weapons:

EGRT-17

This weapon has received a very slight damage increase within its maximum damage range. While this change doesn't alter the number of bullets required to kill an enemy, it allows players to achieve a four-shot kill with just two headshots.

Gremlin

Gremlin is an Akimbo SMG, its biggest problem being its small magazine capacity and extremely slow reload speed.

In Season 5 Reloaded, its basic reload, quick magazine reload, and extended magazine reload speeds have all been increased, significantly improving Gremlin's usability.

CBRS-3

Previously, CBRS-3 had a bug where canceling the reload animation before it was complete would result in an abnormal bullet status in chamber.

This bug has now been fixed, and temporary reload delay added to mitigate bug has been restored to normal.

In conclusion, the adjustments to these weapons in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7's Season 5 Reloaded are very reasonable, increasing difficulty of using powerful weapons while optimizing the usability of weaker ones.

However, players who are used to using the aforementioned powerful weapons will need a certain amount of practice to become familiar with their adjusted versions.

Just when players were starting to tire of Season 5, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7's Season 5 Reloaded will officially launch on August 20, 2026.

This update is Mid-Season Content for Season 5, and it's quite substantial, covering updates to Zombies, Multiplayer, Endgame, and Warzone modes.

Next, I will detail the content of Season 5 Reloaded.

Zombies Update

The most important content in Call of Duty: BO7 Season 5 Reloaded is the significant update to Zombies Mode, including:

Rex Infernus

Zombies Mode receives its final chapter in its storyline, taking place on a brand new turn-based map - Rex Infernus.

Players will take on the role of Crew, battling the final villain, Warden, to save the world from destruction and end his abhorrent existence.

New Missions and Rewards

A brand new mission for Rex Infernus will be released simultaneously, offering generous rewards including Bloodthorn Wonder Weapon Skin, a Calling Card, and 10,000 XP, as well as some information about another Calling Card.

Additionally, players who complete the main mission before Directed Mode release will receive a unique Calling Card variant.

New Enemies and Traps

To increase the challenge, Rex Infernus map introduces two new enemies: hordes of fast-moving Deathspinners and the massive elite enemy Web Mother.

A new trap called Titan Trap has also been added to the map, which summons a giant fist to slam into the ground, dealing massive damage to nearby zombies.

Widow's Wine and Fully Packed

Finally, CoD: BO7 Season 5 Reloaded also brings back the long-awaited classic Perk-a-Cola - Widow's Wine.

This adds a chance to trigger Web explosions when players are attacked in melee combat. This not only summons a Deathspinner to assist in combat but also creates a velocity field around the player, trapping any approaching enemies.

Additionally, a new item called Fully Packed GobbleGum has been added. Using it instantly upgrades your weapon to Pack-a-Punch Level III, significantly increasing its power.

Multiplayer Update

The second major update in CoD: BO7 Season 5 Reloaded is Multiplayer Mode update. Specifically:

Turbo Tilt

Multiplayer Mode welcomes a fun new map, Turbo Tilt. The map's design is quite interesting - players are shrunk and placed inside a giant pinball machine, a nod to the classic Nuketown map.

The map includes interactive targets to shoot, triggerable pinball barriers, and even real pinballs rolling on a track; players hit by these are instantly eliminated.

Freerun: Descent

If you enjoy parkour, Freerun: Descent will be a favorite. This is a brand new parkour obstacle course where players must quickly traverse seven zones, utilizing wall running, slides, wingsuits, and grappling guns to overcome numerous obstacles.

The rewards are plentiful: completing the course three times earns Eyes on Screen Emblem and 1,000 XP; collecting all Ciphers unlocks Catch Air weapon charm;

Completing the course within 12 minutes with fewer than 10 mistakes unlocks Gridlock Universal Weapon Camo.

Cranked Moshpit

The classic timed mode Cranked returns as Cranked Moshpit.

In this mode, killing enemies triggers a Berserk State, significantly boosting movement speed, reload speed, and other attributes. However, a countdown timer begins.

You must continue killing enemies or completing objectives before the timer reaches zero to extend your time; otherwise, you will die instantly. As your kill streak increases, you gain even more powerful buffs.

New Weapons and Last Call Event

Next, I'll introduce some new weapons added in CoD: BO7 Season 5 Reloaded, as well as a new event - Last Call Event.

New Weapons

First, a brand new high-damage, long-range weapon, Mace Melee Weapon, has been added to the game. Players can obtain it by completing weekly challenges.

Two attachments accompany this weapon: RK-9 Calibrated Strike System and Peacekeeper MK1 Gauss Accelerator, also obtained as weekly challenge rewards.

Additionally, two new Legacy Weapons have been added to Zombies Mode Mystery Box - TR2 Marksman Rifle and Olympia. Shotgun

Acquiring a new weapon is just the first step. In the game, your weapon proficiency can determine your survival. You can buy CoD Black Ops 7 Bot Lobbies from EZG.com, providing you with an affordable and convenient practice space to help you quickly familiarize yourself with your new weapon.

Last Call

Last Call event is updated alongside Season 5 Reloaded. This event features a reward track similar to a Battle Pass, with free and premium tracks.

The free track rewards include multiple Operator Skins, Loading Screens, Weapon Charms, etc.; upgrading to the premium track unlocks even more exclusive character skins, Gun Screens, and blueprints.

Endgame and Warzone

Finally, we'll introduce the updates to Call of Duty: BO7 in Endgame and Warzone.

Endgame

Endgame is the in-game PvE cooperative survival mode, which will be free for all players in Season 5 Reloaded.

Furthermore, Burn Run Assignments are also available for a limited time and are free to use - players must drive armed off-road vehicles through fire rings, crash into enemies, and collect time bonuses on multiple tracks.

Warzone

Season 5 Reloaded also includes several updates to Warzone.

First, the classic battle royale mode Black Ops Royale, themed around Black Ops, returns to Avalon map;

Second, the weekend limited-time mode Loaded Resurgence launches simultaneously, allowing players to parachute into Rebirth Island, Haven's Hollow, and Fortune's Keep with custom weapons;

Third, a new Quickdrop Kit item has been added, which reduces the entire team's Redeploy time.

These are the main contents of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Season 5 Reloaded. This update is very substantial, with new gameplay, maps, and items added to almost every aspect of the game, making it highly anticipated.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Season 5 not only added many new gameplay elements but also brought players several brand-new weapons and some revolutionary modification kits, giving players new options for loadouts.

Among the many weapons and guns, players have compiled a list of loadouts, highlighting five of the most dominant loadouts, ranging from loadouts suitable for suppressive fire to loadouts for agile charges - everything is included.

If you're still looking for a loadout that suits you, you can refer to this list.

Mammoth

First up is a loadout for Mammoth. Mammoth is a new heavy light machine gun added in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Season 5, featuring a twin-reciprocating barrel design and a 50-round high-capacity magazine, allowing players to kill multiple enemies without needing to reload.

However, what truly unleashes Mammoth's power is 14" MFS Cascade Barrel attachment. This attachment removes pre-fire delay and movement speed penalties, while improving bullet spread and recoil control.

To further amplify its advantages and compensate for its mobility shortcomings, you should choose LTI Stentorian Brake as the muzzle attachment for horizontal recoil control and a rate-of-fire boost;

use VAS Convergence Foregrip as an underarm to stabilize the first shot and reduce vertical recoil; you can also equip Alliance Grip and Buffer Spring, which improve aiming speed and bullet velocity.

With seven attachments stacked on Gunfighter Wildcard, Mammoth can achieve an absurd kill rate in mid-to-long-range engagements, making it virtually impossible for enemies to dodge.

M34 Novaline Garand Conversion

The second is the loadout of M34 Novaline Garand Conversion. This is a reward from Week 2 Challenges of Call of Duty: BO7 Season 5.

According to the developer, this attachment transforms the weapon into a top-loading, magazine-fed semi-automatic rifle, granting it devastating firepower and accuracy, along with a stable rate of fire.

Even more valuable is the conversion, which also grants the weapon an extremely high one-shot kill probability - according to player feedback, the probability of a one-shot kill with a body shot is approximately 75%.

This allows players to instantly eliminate opponents at mid-range engagements of around 50 meters without relying on headshots.

However, because this conversion occupies a Stock Attachment and forces the use of Iron Sights, it prevents the attachment of optical sights. Therefore, improving aiming stability becomes the only option for players when designing a loadout.

To improve aiming stability, M34 Novaline Garand Conversion's loadout strategy revolves around First Shot Recoil Control and Vertical Recoil Control, maximizing the margin for error in tracking.

FG42

Next is a loadout for FG42. FG42 is an Assault Rifle that players can unlock for free in Battle Pass of Call of Duty: BO7 Season 5.

Although free, it boasts ridiculously high DPS and near-zero recoil, making it one of the strongest Assault Rifles currently available in the game.

Therefore, FG42's loadout strategy is very flexible, with several options available. For multiplayer players, it's recommended to use VAS 8MM Suppressor to eliminate the red dot on the minimap when firing, and then combine it with Acquitance Grip to increase ADS Speed and jump aiming speed.

For players seeking extreme recoil control, use FANG Hoverpoint Elo for stable recoil, RIF Handguard to reduce horizontal recoil, and MFS Ambilateral Stock to supplement horizontal recoil control while increasing rate of fire.

Especially MFS Ambilateral Stock, a core attachment for FG42 - it sacrifices a slight aiming speed for a dual boost in rate of fire and horizontal recoil control, making FG42's kill rate extremely impressive in mid-to-long-range engagements.

Sturmwolf 45

The fourth is about Sturmwolf 45's loadout. Sturmwolf 45 received a significant buff in Call of Duty: BO7 Season 5, making it popular again. Its core value lies in filling the firepower gap between FG42 and submachine guns.

Sturmwolf 45's attack power and kill rate are already powerful enough, so its loadout strategy emphasizes flexibility. Players can choose Long Barrel attachment to extend the damage range for better handling of mid-to-long-range combat scenarios.

To ensure a dense bullet impact, players can also prioritize attachments that provide dual horizontal and vertical recoil control, ensuring Sturmwolf 45 has sufficient suppressive power in mid-to-long-range engagements at 50 to 80 meters.

MPC-25

Finally, we'll introduce a loadout strategy for MPC-25. MPC-25 is a submachine gun, widely regarded by the player community as the spiritual successor to the classic MSMC submachine gun from Call of Duty: BO2.

MPC-25 has a place in both Ranked Play and Public Match, but loadout strategies vary depending on the mode.

In Ranked Play, it's recommended that players focus on stable recoil control and extended range for their loadout: Use K&S Compensator muzzle brake to control vertical recoil, and Flowguard Foregrip underbarrel for horizontal recoil control and increased movement speed.

Equip 14.5" VAS Ashe Barrel to increase damage range, Magnate Grip rear grip to enhance first-shot recoil and vertical recoil control, and  K-1 Pedal Stock to improve aiming movement speed.

In Public Match, you can enable powerful attachments disabled in Ranked Play, such as Long Barrel and Monolithic Suppressor, maximizing damage range and making MPC-25 competitive at mid-range.

These are the five strongest loadouts in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Season 5. Choose one based on your preferred playstyle; they won't disappoint.

Since the release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Season 5, more and more PC gamers have begun to focus on game performance. For players who frequently play Multiplayer and Ranked Play modes, stable FPS, low input lag, and smooth visuals are often more important than simply pursuing the highest graphics settings.

Recently, the community has seen considerable discussion surrounding the best PC settings for COD BO7 Season 5. Adjusting Windows system settings and in-game graphics options can improve frame rate stability and responsiveness. Some official system functions and in-game settings can indeed deliver a smoother competitive experience on certain hardware configurations.

EZG will compile the most popular COD BO7 Season 5 PC optimization solutions from the community to help players preparing for Multiplayer and Ranked Play modes further optimize their game performance.

Windows Settings Optimization

After the latest performance testing, EZG.com first recommends enabling the built-in Game Mode on Windows. This feature optimizes system resource allocation, prioritizing CPU and GPU resources for Call of Duty while reducing the impact of background programs on game performance.

For players using high-performance processors, such as AMD Ryzen X3D series CPUs, Game Mode can also improve system core scheduling, making BO7 run more stably. However, if performance anomalies occur after enabling it, you can disable it for testing, depending on your hardware.

Besides Game Mode, another noteworthy setting is Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling. Enabling HAGS causes Windows to offload some GPU scheduling tasks from CPU to the graphics card, reducing CPU load and improving game latency in some situations.

According to test results, enabling HAGS resulted in a slight FPS increase in COD BO7, and also improved 1% low FPS performance. While the improvement won't drastically change Season 5, reducing sudden frame drops is still significant for competitive modes like MP and Ranked, which require stable frame rates.

Nvidia Reflex Reduces Input Latency

For players using Nvidia graphics cards, Nvidia Reflex Low Latency remains a crucial low-latency feature in Call of Duty: BO7 Season 5. You can enable Nvidia Reflex: On, as it effectively reduces input latency, making mouse operation, aiming, and shooting feedback faster.

If your computer has a significant CPU performance bottleneck, you can also try enabling Nvidia Reflex: On + Boost. This mode further reduces latency but may sacrifice a small amount of FPS, so you need to choose based on your hardware performance. For most players, keeping the normal On mode usually provides a better performance balance.

DLSS vs. FSR: Which to Choose?

In graphics settings of BO7 Season 5, Up-scaling has become one of the most discussed features in the community. Currently, COD supports multiple schemes, including DLSS, FSR, XeSS, and FidelityFX CAS.

For players with Nvidia RTX graphics cards, DLSS is currently more recommended. Tests show that at 1440p resolution, DLSS not only improves FPS but also maintains relatively stable image quality. In comparison, while FidelityFX CAS offers near-native resolution, we observed flickering and blurring issues during movement.

For AMD Radeon 9000 series graphics card users, FSR4 is recommended as it provides better image stability while maintaining high performance.

Stable FPS is More Important

Many gamers are accustomed to enabling Unlimited FPS to achieve the highest frame rate, but in competitive games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, stable frame rate is often more important than a brief burst of peak FPS.

You need to use Custom Frame Rate Limit and set FPS cap according to your computer's actual performance. For example, if your computer can stably run at 140 FPS, limiting FPS to around 140 will be smoother than letting the frame rate fluctuate between 160 and 100.

A stable frame rate reduces sudden frame drops during combat, allowing for a more consistent gameplay experience during fast-paced engagements, which is especially important in ranked mode.

Recommended In-Game Settings

For Call of Duty: Bo7's in-game graphics settings, prioritize selecting Display Mode best suited to your hardware. For quick desktop switching, use Full Screen Borderless, while players seeking the lowest latency can opt for Full Screen Exclusive.

Also, ensure your display adapter is set to your dedicated graphics card to avoid system errors that could negatively impact performance by using integrated GPU.

In View settings, set ADS Field of View to Affected, Weapon Field of View to Wide, and Third Person Field of View to 90%. Disable World Motion Blur and Weapon Motion Blur to reduce visual distractions during movement.

Furthermore, keep First Person Camera Movement at 50% to reduce camera shake and make it easier to spot enemies. Beyond these basic settings, lowering some graphics options, reducing GPU load, and optimizing game parameters can lead to higher FPS on some PCs.

Mid-range PCs will see significant performance improvements after these settings adjustments, while high-end PCs, with their superior hardware, can unleash even greater frame rate potential.

However, the actual performance improvement will be affected by CPU, GPU, driver version, and system status; not all devices will achieve exactly the same results. After adjusting all settings, you can buy CoD Black Ops 7 Bot Lobbies from EZG.com to test and modify them according to your own device and habits.

Compared to simply improving image quality, properly optimizing system and game settings can help you achieve lower latency, more stable frame rates, and clearer combat visuals. This has become an important preparation for many competitive players before entering Black Ops 7 Season 5.

Black Ops 7 Season 5 officially launched on July 23rd, bringing three brand-new maps and two new modes to multiplayer. The first map is a brand-new 6v6 medium map, while the other two are remastered versions of classic maps. The two new modes are Overdrive Domination and Gauntlet Rush.

Simultaneously, the player-favorite Zombies mode has also added a new map called Ediskallen Lighthouse.

These new additions will bring players a unique gaming experience. This article will provide a detailed explanation of the new maps and modes in Black Ops 7 Season 5, helping you better enjoy the game. Let's take a look.

Two New Modes

CoD BO7 Season 5 adds two new multiplayer modes, as follows:

Overdrive Domination

This mode is currently available alongside the new season, integrating the objective-oriented mechanics of Domination mode into the tense and exciting Overdrive mode. 

Players need to capture, hold, and defend marked objectives on the map while earning stars, which can enhance their abilities. Players can earn stars by completing the following tasks:

• Complete a Basic Elimination - 1 star
• Complete Core Medal Eliminations - 2 stars
• Complete Distinguished Medal Eliminations - 3 stars

Collecting a certain number of stars unlocks corresponding abilities. 1 star unlocks Cognition Uplink, improving perception and helping you quickly locate your next target;

3 stars unlock Hyper Speed, increasing your movement speed and helping your approach enemies faster; 6 stars unlock Ballistic Overdrive, improving weapon handling and helping you eliminate enemies more quickly.

Activating Ballistic Overdrive doubles the number of stars a player can earn. However, note that stars are reset upon death or prolonged inactivity. Therefore, avoid frequent deaths or AFK (away from keyboard) during gameplay.

Gauntlet Rush

Gauntlet Rush is a new mode added in CoD: Black Ops 7 Season 5. This fast-paced, highly exciting mode is suitable for players who enjoy constant combat and objective-grabbing.

In Gauntlet Rush mode, Deathmatch, Kill Confirmed, Domination, Hardpoint, and Roulette will rotate randomly every two minutes on the same map. The more kills and objectives a player completes, the stronger the buffs they receive, such as faster movement speed, faster weapon switching speed, and higher headshot damage.

A progress bar for the next buff will be displayed in the lower left corner of the player's HUD. If the player fails to engage an enemy or target, the progress bar will decrease.

In addition, buff stacks will randomly appear on the map. Acquiring them can significantly increase the score, helping players quickly unlock powerful killstreak rewards.

Three New Maps

Three new multiplayer maps have been added to Black Ops 7 Season 5. Details are as follows:

Jubilee (New, 6v6, medium-sized)

Jubilee is modeled after a Japanese rural town, including the front yard of Imperial Palace Museum, a temporary festival area, a pinball machine room for close-quarters combat, and a beautifully landscaped outer garden.

This map supports both close-quarters and long-range gunfights. It features three routes with multiple points where players can quickly switch between them.

The main route runs through the center of the map, facilitating long-range engagements, with scattered vehicles providing the only cover. The side routes are better suited for close-quarters combat, as the streets are narrower and numerous buildings offer cover.

Strategic players can choose to flank other players on the main route while they are engaged in fierce fighting, thus securing victory.

Frequency (Remaster, 6v6, Medium-Sized)

Frequency in Black Ops 7 Season 5 is a remake of BO4 Frequency map. Located in the mountainous region of Hunan, this map combines outdoor combat with interior areas such as monitoring rooms, server rooms, and maintenance tunnels, delivering intense and thrilling close-quarters firefights. In the game's setting, it's a global surveillance system, giving it a very sophisticated feel.

Skilled wall-jumping will allow you to easily traverse Catwalk and Piper areas on the edge of Frequency map. The central area of ​​the map offers a wide field of vision, making encounters common in the circular passageways.

Dig (Remaster, 6v6, Small-Sized)

Dig map, previously featured in BO2, has been remastered for CoD BO7 Season 5, transporting players to an archaeological excavation site in Avalon.

Black Ops 7's movement system is significantly improved compared to BO2, promising an excellent exploration experience. On this map, players will fight through narrow passages and winding routes, eventually reaching open areas.

Notably, Dig map uses a rectangular layout, ideal for close-to-mid-range gunfights and ambushes.

Zombie Mode Map

Zombie mode has always been very popular in CoD BO7, and the addition of this new map has delighted players.

This map is a brand new survival map called Edskallen Lighthouse. It comprises a small section of Totenreich, Bacon Island, and its lighthouse. Players must survive hordes of ever-growing zombies, whose strength increases with each round.

Players receive rewards for surviving a certain number of rounds: 10 rounds grants Valhallan Animated Emblem and 1,000 XP; 25 rounds grants Eidskallen's Light Weapon Charm and 2,500 XP; and 50 rounds grants Gift Card GobbleGum and 5,000 XP.

This concludes our guide on the new maps and modes added to Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. Many more new features and gameplay elements await you. What are you waiting for? Start playing now!

We hope you enjoyed this guide and wish you victory in the game.

CoD Black Ops 7 & Warzone Season 5 will receive a major weapon update on July 23rd at 9 AM (Pacific Time). The new weapons for this season are FG42 Assault Rifle, Gremlin SMG, Mammoth LMG, and Macemelee weapon.

Based on currently available information, Season 5's weapon design philosophy is very clear:

FG42 expands mid-range rifle competitiveness, Gremlin enhances high-speed close-quarters combat, Mammoth provides heavy firepower suppression, and Macemelee satisfies players' demand for a unique melee weapon.

FG42 Assault Rifle

FG42 is one of the most anticipated new guns in Season 5. As a Battle Pass weapon, it features a fully automatic firing mode and is positioned for mid-to-long-range combat.

BO7's official specifications include excellent damage, a high rate of fire, and low recoil. However, based on actual testing, this gun's core advantage is its stability. If Season 5 continues to emphasize mid-range gunfights, FG42 is likely to become a top contender among Assault Rifles

This weapon features a side-mounted magazine and front and rear iron sights, providing good visibility. Its muzzle recovery is fast, and its crosshair returns to center quickly during continuous fire, maintaining good accuracy even against long-range targets.

Compared to some Assault Rifles that emphasize burst damage, FG42 is more of a reliable weapon. Players don't need to frequently switch between burst fire; as long as they control the muzzle well, they can suppress enemies with sustained firepower.

Of course, this gun also has its weaknesses. FG42 has a slight firing delay, and its weapon handling is relatively slow. In close-quarters combat, reaction time will be a significant issue when facing SMGs or highly mobile weapons.

FG42's exclusive Prestige Attachment MFS Ambilateral Stock further enhances its firepower. After installation, the weapon's rate of fire will be significantly increased, while horizontal recoil will be almost eliminated, allowing sustained damage output to reach a new level.

However, this attachment sacrifices some handling. Increased vertical recoil will reduce aiming speed and movement ability. Personally, I think this attachment might become one of the core gameplay elements of FG42.

Gremlin SMG

Gremlin SMG is the unique weapon in CoD BO7 Season 5. It's an SMG system, its biggest feature being speed. Players wield an SMG in each hand, allowing them to quickly approach targets using high-speed movement and unleash terrifying damage at close range.

Gremlin's single-shot damage isn't outstanding, but it boasts excellent hip-fire accuracy for its class. For players who enjoy rushing, flanking, and quick breakthroughs, this gun offers a very comfortable combat rhythm.

Its gameplay is very clear: gain engagement distance through speed.

Gremlins are extremely powerful in confined areas, inside buildings, and in close-quarters combat. Players can utilize their mobility to constantly change position, making it difficult for enemies to aim steadily.

However, this gun also has significant limitations. Because it cannot use traditional aiming-down-scope (ADS) fire, its mid-to-long-range combat capabilities are affected. Against players holding positions or long-range rifles, Gremlin lacks effective counter-attack methods.

Equipping 9" MFS Cestus Barrel gives the weapon better performance in short-range engagements. This attachment increases melee attack damage while also improving movement speed.

This design perfectly suits Gremlin's character. While it may not become standard equipment for professional players, it's likely to be one of the most entertaining weapons in regular matches.

Mammoth LMG

Mammoth LMG will be available as an event reward during Season 5. This LMG features a dual-barrel design, its biggest strength being its firepower. It boasts extremely high sustained damage and maintains good stability during prolonged firing.

Mammoth is better suited for battlefield control. CoD BO7 players can use it to continuously suppress enemy positions, creating space for their teammates to advance.

However, Mammoth's LMG issues remain. Its low movement speed and slow response time make it less effective in fast-paced close-quarters combat.

Its exclusive Prestige Attachment 14-inch MFS Cascade Barrel This attachment directly addresses this issue. It eliminates the weapon's warm-up delay before firing, increases aiming movement speed, and improves bullet spread and recoil performance.

Reducing the start-up time is crucial for LMG. Many players previously abandoned LMG due to its slow reaction time after aiming. If Cascade Barrel performs well it could increase Mammoth's pick rate.

However, it still requires proper pairing. Attachments that increase mobility will improve its performance in combat; otherwise, the gun will still be limited by its movement speed.

Mace Heavy Hammer

Mace is a melee weapon introduced in Season 5. This weapon has a very direct and bold design - a large, heavy hammer. Players need to get close to enemies to attack. Mace will be obtained through weekly challenges during the season and has its own camouflage upgrade path.

From a CoD BO7 competitive perspective, Mace is unlikely to become a mainstream choice, but it offers a completely different gameplay experience. For players who enjoy close-range kills and collecting weapon camouflages, this type of special weapon has always been attractive.

CoD series has always retained various special melee weapons, the addition of Mace in Season 5 continues this tradition.

For BO7 players who enjoy researching weapons and seeking competitive advantage, Season 5 is definitely worth paying attention to. The true weapon rankings will be reshuffled after players enter the battlefield for testing.