The Black Ops 7 carry forward feature has been officially scrapped by Activision, marking a significant shift in the Call of Duty franchise’s approach to content continuity. This decision reverses earlier announcements and has left the gaming community sharply divided on what it means for their investments in Black Ops 6.
What Black Ops 7 Carry Forward Cancellation Means
Unlike the Modern Warfare 2 to Modern Warfare 3 transition, Black Ops 7 will not carry forward skins, operator bundles, or most cosmetic items from Black Ops 6. This represents a complete departure from the system that allowed players to transfer their purchases between games in the same sub-series.
The decision comes after widespread community backlash against outlandish cosmetic content that many felt broke the game’s thematic integrity. Players particularly criticized skins featuring cartoon characters like Beavis and Butthead, which they argued didn’t belong in a military-themed shooter.
Community Response: Divided Opinions on the Change
The gaming community’s reaction to the Black Ops 7 carry forward cancellation has been notably split. Many players who invested heavily in Black Ops 6 cosmetics feel frustrated about losing access to their purchases in the new game.
However, a significant portion of the community has welcomed this decision. These players argue that starting fresh allows Black Ops 7 to maintain its own distinct identity without being cluttered by previous game content that may not fit the new setting or tone.
What Will Still Transfer to Black Ops 7
While most cosmetic content won’t make the jump, some elements will still carry forward:
- XP boosts and tokens
- Certain Gobblegums for Zombies mode
- Battle pass progression rewards (in some cases)
- Account-level achievements and stats
The Problem with Outlandish Skins
One of the driving forces behind scrapping Black Ops 7 carry forward was the introduction of increasingly ridiculous operator skins in Black Ops 6. These included:
- Beavis and Butthead animated characters
- American Dad crossover content
- Various cartoon and pop culture references
- Skins with mismatched hitboxes
Many players felt these additions undermined the game’s military aesthetic and created gameplay issues where visual representation didn’t match actual character hitboxes.
Activision’s Promise for Thematic Consistency
Moving forward, Activision has committed to ensuring that future bundles and cosmetic items will be “thematically appropriate” for Black Ops 7. This suggests a return to more grounded, military-style content that fits the game’s overall aesthetic and narrative direction.
This shift indicates that the publisher has heard community feedback about maintaining visual cohesion and game immersion, though skeptics question whether this commitment will last once the game launches and monetization pressures increase.
Impact on Zombies Mode Players
The Black Ops 7 carry forward decision particularly affects Zombies mode enthusiasts who earned exclusive skins through Easter egg completions and challenging gameplay achievements. These players argue that their earned rewards should transfer since they weren’t purchased but unlocked through skill and dedication.
The Zombies community remains especially divided, with some wanting a fresh start and others feeling their time investment in Black Ops 6 has been devalued.
What This Means for Your Black Ops 6 Investment
If you’ve purchased skins, operators, or other cosmetic content in Black Ops 6, those items will remain available in that game indefinitely. However, they won’t transfer to Black Ops 7, effectively limiting their utility to a single game’s lifecycle.
This decision may influence how players approach future Call of Duty purchases, potentially making them more cautious about investing in cosmetic content that may not have longevity across multiple titles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will any Black Ops 6 content carry forward to Black Ops 7?
No, cosmetic items like skins and operators will not carry forward. Only XP boosts, some Gobblegums, and certain progression elements will transfer.
Why did Activision scrap the Black Ops 7 carry forward feature?
The decision came largely due to community backlash against outlandish skins that broke the game’s thematic integrity, such as cartoon character operators.
Will I lose my Black Ops 6 skins permanently?
No, your Black Ops 6 skins will remain available in Black Ops 6. They simply won’t transfer to the new game.
What does “thematically appropriate” mean for future content?
Activision has committed to ensuring future bundles and cosmetics fit the game’s military aesthetic rather than including cartoon or pop culture crossovers.
Will weapon blueprints carry forward to Black Ops 7?
No, weapon blueprints and cosmetic weapon modifications will not transfer from Black Ops 6 to Black Ops 7.
How does this affect the Zombies mode community?
Zombies players who earned skins through Easter eggs and achievements will not be able to use those rewards in Black Ops 7, which has created significant community debate.
Will this decision affect future Call of Duty games?
It’s unclear if this represents a permanent shift or a one-time decision. Future carry forward policies may depend on community reception and the specific games involved.
Looking Forward: A Fresh Start for Black Ops 7
The Black Ops 7 carry forward cancellation represents both a risk and an opportunity for the franchise. While some players feel betrayed by the loss of their cosmetic investments, others see this as a chance for the series to return to its roots with more cohesive visual design.
Whether Activision can maintain their commitment to thematic appropriateness while still creating compelling cosmetic content remains to be seen. The success of this approach will likely influence how future Call of Duty titles handle content progression and player investment across multiple games.
As Black Ops 7 approaches its release, players will need to decide whether they’re willing to start fresh or continue investing in Black Ops 6 knowing their purchases won’t follow them to the next game. This decision marks a significant moment in the franchise’s evolution and could reshape how players approach Call of Duty cosmetic content going forward.