The gaming world is buzzing as Microsoft Xbox Game Pass members gain early access to the highly anticipated Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 beta. Xbox has officially confirmed that subscribers to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass can jump into the Early Access beta from October 2 to October 5, giving fans a first look at the game’s revamped multiplayer, zombies survival mode, and exclusive rewards.
With Call of Duty consistently ranking among the most popular franchises globally, its inclusion on Microsoft Xbox Game Pass further strengthens the platform’s value proposition for gamers. The addition comes at a critical time, as conversations continue around the xbox game pass price increase uk and how much value subscribers receive for their monthly fees.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Beta Details
The Black Ops 7 beta offers a substantial preview of the full game set to release on November 14, 2025. During Early Access, players will explore three multiplayer maps — Forge, Cortex, and Exposure — across modes like Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, and Kill Confirmed. By October 5, when the Open Beta begins, two new maps, Blackheart and Toshin, will also become available.
For the first time in the franchise’s history, a Zombies Survival mode is featured in a beta test. This stripped-down mode focuses on pure survival gameplay, challenging squads to hold out against relentless waves of the undead. Beta participants can also unlock rewards that carry over into the full game, including exclusive emblems, calling cards, weapon blueprints, and operator skins.
Game Pass Integration and Value
The inclusion of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 as a day-one release on Microsoft Xbox Game Pass underscores the service’s role as one of the most consumer-friendly platforms in gaming. By subscribing, players not only gain early beta access but also secure access to the full game at launch without additional purchase.
For many gamers, this reinforces Game Pass as one of the best-value subscriptions available. However, discussions around the xbox game pass price increase uk have sparked debates. Earlier this year, Microsoft raised the cost of its subscription tiers in the UK and other regions, citing the rising costs of licensing and maintaining its expansive library. With blockbuster additions like Black Ops 7, some fans see the price hike as justified, while others remain concerned about affordability.
How the Xbox Game Pass Price Compares
Currently, the xbox game pass price varies depending on the plan. In the UK, Game Pass Ultimate sits at a higher monthly fee compared to standard console or PC Game Pass, but it provides the most complete package with access to cloud gaming, PC and console titles, plus Xbox Live Gold features.
The debate over the recent xbox game pass price increase uk highlights the fine balance Microsoft must strike between delivering premium content and keeping the service accessible to a global audience. Titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 being included at launch suggest that Microsoft is doubling down on value, ensuring that even at a higher subscription price, gamers feel they are getting their money’s worth.
The Bigger Picture for Xbox and Activision
This beta access also represents one of the first major integrations following Microsoft’s landmark acquisition of Activision Blizzard. With the deal finalized, fans are beginning to see how Microsoft plans to leverage Activision’s iconic franchises to boost its subscription ecosystem.
By including Black Ops 7 in Microsoft Xbox Game Pass, the company is signaling a long-term strategy: making Xbox the most attractive and cost-effective hub for blockbuster gaming. Considering the franchise’s massive player base, this could drive significant subscriber growth.
The launch of the Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 beta on Microsoft Xbox Game Pass not only excites gamers but also reignites discussions about subscription value and pricing. Despite the recent xbox game pass price increase uk, the service continues to offer industry-leading perks, including day-one access to major releases.
As Game Pass evolves, its ability to consistently deliver AAA experiences like Black Ops 7 will be key to justifying the xbox game pass price and keeping players engaged. For now, Xbox has scored a major win by ensuring one of the biggest gaming franchises of all time is playable at no extra cost for subscribers.
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