A new Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 update was released on the afternoon of November 21, marking the game’s fifth patch since launch. After releasing on November 14, the shooter has already received four rapid updates focused on performance improvements, balance tuning, and early feedback adjustments. Update #5 continues that trend with a lighter aim assist buff, large-scale Assault Rifle nerfs, and much-needed mid-range upgrades for a variety of SMGs.
Aim Assist Receives a Slight Buff After Launch-Day Feedback
One of the most noticeable changes in the update is a tweak to rotational aim assist. The minimum penalty has been reduced from 35% to 25%, offering controller players a bit more help when their right-stick inputs do not perfectly follow a moving target.
This adjustment is meant to soften the strict launch-day tuning without reverting to the more generous beta behavior. Activision stated that the goal is to strike a competitive balance that feels good across all input types.
Assault Rifles Lose Versatility Across the Board
The update introduces significant tuning to several high-performing Assault Rifles, reducing their dominance across medium and long ranges. This includes adjustments to damage profiles, recoil behavior, and mobility values.
ARs that received major changes include:
- M15 MOD 0
- AK-27
- MXR-17
- X9 Maverick
- DS20 Mirage
These tweaks collectively reduce AR flexibility and place more emphasis on positioning and recoil control.
SMGs Receive Important Mid-Range Buffs
To address player complaints about SMGs being outclassed by ARs at nearly every distance, the update implements substantial mid-range improvements across the SMG category. Many SMGs now feature:
- Extended medium damage ranges
- Reduced flinch
- Improved recoil through both baseline tweaks and enhanced attachments
Weapons receiving significant changes include the Ryden 45K, RK-9, Razor 9mm, Dravec 45, Carbon 57, and MPC-25.
These buffs allow SMGs to perform more reliably on maps with medium-distance engagements without forcing players into specific attachment builds.
HUD and Multiplayer Adjustments
The update also brings a 10% increase to the viewable minimap area, building on an earlier 15% expansion. Field Upgrades and Scorestreaks receive tuning as well:
- Drone Pod: Longer charge time, shorter drone duration, and reduced damage
- Hand Cannon Akimbo: More ammo and significantly reduced hipfire spread
- LDBR Second Strike: Increased missile count
Various spawning improvements were also applied to Free-For-All modes to reduce poor spawn situations.
Zombies Balancing and Fixes
Ashes of the Damned receives notable difficulty adjustments, including:
- A reduced boss fight difficulty curve
- Hoard Husk healing improvements
- Less effective boss attack missiles
- Slower boss speed and improved vehicle survivability for Ol’ Tessie
Multiple exploits were closed, and several camo challenges were adjusted to provide clearer progression paths.
Co-Op Campaign and Stability Improvements
The Endgame mode is now unlocked for all Black Ops 7 owners. Additional fixes address missing attachments in loadouts and various stability issues across all modes, improving the overall experience as the game moves into its post-launch period.
