Call of Duty fans are caught in the middle of a confusing situation right now. A Forbes article recently claimed that Black Ops 7 Vault Edition owners would get 72-hour early access starting November 11, but Activision has officially shut down any talk of early access. So what’s the real deal with the launch?
The Forbes Article That Started Everything
The confusion kicked off when Forbes published an article stating that Vault Edition purchasers would receive 72-hour early access from November 11-14, 2025. The article quickly spread across social media and gaming communities, getting players excited about the possibility of jumping into the game ahead of the official November 14 release date.
But here’s where things get sketchy. Multiple Call of Duty insiders, including WhosImmortal, pointed out that the Forbes article might have been influenced by AI and questioned its accuracy. The gaming community on Reddit started dissecting the claims, noting that the information seemed unreliable and potentially misleading.
Activision Officially Denies Early Access
CharlieIntel, a well-known Call of Duty insider with reliable sources, put the rumors to rest. They confirmed with an Activision representative that Black Ops 7 launches on Friday, November 14, with no early access period and no changes to the release date. This statement directly contradicts the Forbes report and settles the debate for now.
This isn’t the first time Black Ops 7 has been caught up in early release speculation. Last month, leaker TheGhostOfHope suggested the game might launch a week earlier than planned, which Activision also quickly denied. The publisher seems committed to the November 14 date across all platforms including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
What Vault Edition Actually Includes
Even though the 72-hour early access claim appears to be false, the Vault Edition still offers plenty of content for dedicated fans. Priced at $99.99 (compared to the Standard Edition’s $69.99), the premium version includes the Operator Collection featuring returning characters from previous Black Ops games, a Mastercraft Weapon Collection, BlackCell access, an Ultra GobbleGum Pack, and permanent unlock tokens.
The Vault Edition doesn’t grant early access to the full game, but it does come with BlackCell, which historically has provided early access to certain seasonal content. This might be where some of the confusion originated, though it’s a far cry from playing the entire game three days early.
The PlayStation Network Leak
Adding more fuel to the speculation fire, a PlayStation Network leak suggested a staggered release schedule. According to the leak, pre-loading begins November 9, with the single-player campaign and Zombies mode becoming available November 10, and multiplayer launching November 17. This would create a different kind of early access situation, though Activision hasn’t officially confirmed these dates.
If this leak proves accurate, it would mean campaign and Zombies players get a head start regardless of which edition they purchased. But until Activision makes an official announcement, players should treat this information as unconfirmed.
Day One Game Pass Access
Here’s some confirmed good news for Xbox fans. Black Ops 7 will be available day one on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on November 14. This continues the trend that started with Modern Warfare III and Black Ops 6 after Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision.
Game Pass subscribers essentially get to play the full game for the monthly subscription cost of $29.99, which is significantly cheaper than buying the Standard Edition outright. Your progress syncs across all platforms through your Activision account, so you can switch between console and PC without losing anything.
What to Expect at Launch
Black Ops 7 takes place in 2035, ten years after the events of Black Ops 2, and brings back fan-favorite character David “Section” Mason. The game features a co-op campaign with 11 missions, plus a massive 32-player “Endgame” activity set in the Mediterranean city of Avalon.
For multiplayer fans, the game launches with 18 maps supporting 6v6 combat, plus two dedicated maps for the 20v20 Skirmish mode. The Zombies mode returns with “Ashes of the Damned” at launch, with a second map called “Astra Malorum” expected in the first post-launch season. The game also introduces shared progression across campaign, multiplayer, and Zombies for the first time in franchise history.
FAQs
Does the Vault Edition of Black Ops 7 include early access?
No, Activision has officially confirmed there is no early access for any edition of Black Ops 7. The game launches November 14 for everyone, regardless of which version you purchase.
How much does Black Ops 7 cost?
The Standard Edition is priced at $69.99, while the Vault Edition costs $99.99. The game will also be available day one on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
When can I start downloading Black Ops 7?
According to leaked information from PlayStation Network, pre-loading may begin on November 9, though Activision hasn’t officially confirmed this date yet.
Will campaign and Zombies be available before multiplayer?
Leaked information suggests the campaign and Zombies modes might launch November 10 with multiplayer following on November 17, but Activision hasn’t confirmed this staggered release schedule.
Is Black Ops 7 coming to Game Pass?
Yes, Black Ops 7 will be available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on day one, November 14, 2025. It will be an Xbox Play Anywhere title with cross-platform progression.
What platforms will Black Ops 7 be available on?
Black Ops 7 launches on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. It will not be available on Nintendo Switch.
What comes with the Vault Edition?
The Vault Edition includes the Operator Collection with returning Black Ops characters, Mastercraft Weapon Collection, BlackCell access, Ultra GobbleGum Pack, and permanent unlock tokens.
Conclusion
Despite the Forbes article causing a stir in the Call of Duty community, the official word from Activision is clear – there’s no 72-hour early access for Black Ops 7, even for Vault Edition owners. The game launches November 14 across all platforms simultaneously, with day one availability on Game Pass for Xbox subscribers. While we might see a staggered release for different game modes based on the PlayStation Network leak, that would apply to all players equally, not just premium edition purchasers. Mark your calendars for November 14 and get ready to jump into the futuristic sequel to Black Ops 2 that fans have been waiting for.