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The Call of Duty League has lifted the lid on the official maps and modes for the Black Ops 7 competitive season, giving fans their first full look at how the 2026 action will shape up. With a mix of brand new battlegrounds, returning favourites, and a fresh game mode entering the rotation, the year ahead is already generating a buzz across the community.

A New Map Pool for a New Era

Unveiled on November 25, the CDL’s map pool brings six multiplayer maps into the spotlight across Hardpoint, Search and Destroy, and the newly introduced mode Overload.

Most of these maps have never been seen on the CDL stage before. Only Raid, the legendary three-lane classic from Black Ops 2 and Black Ops Cold War, is making a comeback. The league appears to be leaning heavily into fresh layouts, with a strong focus on tight chokepoints and traditional three-lane structures that encourage fast strategic play and allow different roles to shine.

Official CDL 2026 Maps and Modes

Search and Destroy
Colossus
Den
Exposure
Raid
Scar

Hardpoint
Blackheart
Colossus
Den
Exposure
Scar

Overload
Den
Exposure
Scar

The Competitive Ruleset for 2026

Alongside the map pool, the CDL also released Competitive Settings Version 1.0. These settings were built in collaboration with league administrators, coaches, and pro players, aiming to keep Black Ops 7 balanced, competitive, and enjoyable to watch.

The league confirmed that the VS Recon sniper rifle is available for competitive use. Snipers have been a point of debate in recent years due to their one-shot potential at long distances, but their return gives skilled marksmen new opportunities to influence matches.

Beyond weapon allowances, the ruleset outlines round timers, objective conditions, revive behaviour, respawn delays, perks, streaks, and more. Field upgrades are allowed, tactical sprint is enabled, and most lethal and tactical equipment is restricted to prevent chaotic gameplay. The list of banned items covers LMGs, marksman rifles, shotguns, launchers, several optics, a full suite of lasers, and a long roster of streaks and perks that could disrupt competitive balance.

Overload Makes Its CDL Debut

This year introduces Overload as the third official mode of the season. Teams fight over a single moveable objective, scoring by delivering it to a marked goal. It blends elements of Capture the Flag, Escort, and Control into a fast, pressure driven format.

Matches last up to five minutes with a score cap of eight. Sudden death rules keep the tension high, especially with the device respawning into preset locations. Overload adds a fresh tactical layer to the CDL, pushing teams to adapt quickly in its high-tempo environment.

Season 1 Update Brings More Classic Maps

Black Ops 7’s Season 1 update goes live on December 4, just one day before the competitive season begins. Three iconic maps return to multiplayer: Standoff, Meltdown, and Fringe.

All three have appeared in esports before, raising the possibility that the CDL may expand the map pool later in the season. Fans have already expressed excitement about the mix of new battlegrounds and classic favourites returning to the franchise.

Community Reaction: A Promising Start

The initial response to the CDL 2026 lineup has been largely positive. Many players are pleased to see so many new maps take centre stage, while still having old favourites like Raid restabilise the competition.

“Lots of new maps in the pool, gonna be a lit start to the season,” one fan commented shortly after the reveal.

With the league locking in its competitive foundation and the first update set to drop next week, the stage is set for one of the most refreshing Call of Duty seasons in years.