Black Ops 7 brings Dark Ops back with a twist: two limited-time beta challenges that unlock Calling Cards you won’t be able to earn in the full game. They’re simple on paper, but each asks for a different kind of grind. Here’s exactly what they are, how to finish them quickly, and where your rewards live once you’ve got them.

All Black Ops 7 beta Dark Ops challenges (summary)

Mode Requirement Reward Availability
Multiplayer Get 1,000 eliminations during the beta “Best of the First” Calling Card Beta-only; ends October 8, 2025 at 10am PT
Zombies (Survival) Reach Round 50 in a single Survival match during the beta “Tip of the Spear” Calling Card Beta-only; ends October 8, 2025 at 10am PT

Note: If the beta window is extended in your region, the cutoff moves with it. Plan around the posted October 8 end time to be safe.

Unlock “Best of the First” (Multiplayer)

This is a time commitment, not a skill check. Every elimination in standard multiplayer during the beta counts; there’s no streak, nuke, or mode-specific requirement.

  • Play high-pace playlists so you’re seeing more engagements per match.
  • Stick to weapons and roles you’re already consistent with rather than chasing novelty—steady match-to-match output matters more than peaks.
  • If you’re short on time, avoid downtime between lobbies; those minutes add up over a 1,000-elim grind.

Once you hit 1,000, the Calling Card unlocks immediately with an on-screen notification.

Unlock “Tip of the Spear” (Zombies Survival)

Round 50 in a single Survival run typically takes roughly 90–120 minutes when things go smoothly. The difficulty curve ramps up, but there’s a reliable blueprint:

  • Prioritize survivability first, then damage. Build up armor (“High Armor”) early and keep plates topped off.
  • Secure a Ray Gun (Ray Gun or Ray Gun Mk. 2) and fully Pack-a-Punch it as soon as feasible. Pair it with a dependable LMG that’s also Pack-a-Punched for sustained horde clearing.
  • Pick up all core Perks; Perkaholic can compress that setup and free you to spend on upgrades and ammo.
  • Use the map’s environmental kill tools. The saw trap by the barn doors can clear most of a wave in seconds—lean on it heavily in the 40s and beyond.
  • Treat special enemy rounds as resource checks. Keep a cushion of equipment and utility for bears/doppelgangers so a bad spawn doesn’t end the run.

You earn the Calling Card at the start of Round 50. Exfil opportunities after that are optional; the reward is already yours.

Track your progress during the beta

There’s no in-game tracker for these in the beta, but you can check your totals on the official Black Ops 7 beta stats site. Sign in with your Activision account at callofduty.com/bo7betastats and you’ll see total multiplayer eliminations and other session stats. Expect a 15–20 minute delay between gameplay and what the site shows.

Where your Dark Ops Calling Cards live

After they unlock, both Calling Cards appear under Barracks → Customization. From there, set one as your active Calling Card and add them to your profile’s showcase.

These beta Calling Cards are exclusive to this window; you can’t earn them later in the full game. Once unlocked, they stay on your account and will be visible at launch.

Availability and what’s next at launch

The beta-only Dark Ops challenges end with the beta window on October 8, 2025 at 10am PT. The full release on November 14, 2025 will introduce additional Dark Ops across Campaign, Multiplayer, and Zombies. Expect more secret requirements to discover after launch.