Face Off returns in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 as an alternate playlist that adapts core modes for small‑team combat on compact maps. Per the official Multiplayer deep dive, Face Off disables Scorestreaks and concentrates the action on tight playspaces, while keeping each mode’s primary objective intact. At launch, Face Off supports Team Deathmatch, Domination, Kill Order, and Kill Confirmed.

Face Off in a quick view (BO7)

Face Off mode Core objective What changes in Face Off
Team Deathmatch Eliminate enemy players to earn score for your team. Small‑team format on compact maps; Scorestreaks are disabled.
Domination Capture, hold, and defend objectives to earn score. Small‑team format on compact maps; Scorestreaks are disabled.
Kill Order Eliminate the enemy HVT while keeping your HVT alive. HVT eliminations grant bonus score. Small‑team format on compact maps; Scorestreaks are disabled. The HVT mechanic remains the scoring driver.
Kill Confirmed Recover dropped dog tags to score and deny the enemy’s tags. Small‑team format on compact maps; Scorestreaks are disabled.

Note: Treyarch’s BO7 blog describes Face Off as “small team combat” on “more compact maps” with Scorestreaks turned off across the playlist. It does not alter each mode’s fundamental objective, so your tasks in TDM, Domination, Kill Order, and Kill Confirmed stay familiar—just faster and tighter due to the map scale and team sizes.

How Face Off differs from core modes

  • Playlist rules: Scorestreaks are disabled in all Face Off variants, shifting the emphasis to gunfights, Equipment, Field Upgrades, and map control.
  • Playspace and pacing: Matches take place on compact maps designed for immediate engagements and frequent rotations.
  • Team sizing: BO7 positions Face Off as “small team combat.” Exact team counts can vary by mode, but expect fewer players than standard 6v6.

Mode‑by‑mode guidance

Face Off Team Deathmatch (TDM)

The objective is unchanged—earn team score through eliminations. Expect compressed sightlines and frequent close‑ to mid‑range fights. With no Scorestreaks online, momentum comes from chaining picks, timely Equipment, and controlling short flanks rather than playing for streak windows.

Face Off Domination

All three flags remain in play. On compact maps, fights often collapse around two flags with rapid retakes. Denying enemy rotation routes (short flanks and cut‑throughs) is typically more valuable than deep spawn pushes, given the condensed geometry and quicker re‑engagements.

Face Off Kill Order

BO7’s Kill Order designates a High Value Target (HVT) on each team; eliminating the enemy HVT yields bonus score while protecting your own preserves your lead. In Face Off, the HVT mechanic drives constant pushes in tight spaces. Expect rapid role shifts between escorting your HVT and collapsing onto the enemy’s position when an opening appears.

Face Off vs. Gunfight and Skirmish

  • Gunfight (BO7): Round‑based, pre‑determined classes, no respawns. Designed for small teams (e.g., 2v2) with elimination win conditions per round.
  • Face Off (BO7): Respawn modes adapted from core objectives, played on compact maps, Scorestreaks disabled.
  • Skirmish (BO7): Large‑scale, objective‑focused (20v20) with vehicles and traversal tools; the opposite end of the scale from Face Off.

Loadout considerations that fit Face Off’s constraints

Because Scorestreaks are disabled, Face Off leans on weapons, Equipment, Field Upgrades, Perks, and the new Overclock system introduced in BO7. The following options come from the official BO7 deep dive and tend to align with compact‑map play:

  • Weapons: SMGs and fast‑handling Assault Rifles (e.g., Graz 45k, Peacekeeper Mk1, M15 Mod 0) cover the common Face Off engagement bands. Shotguns can excel on the smallest arenas.
  • Tacticals: Stun Grenade (with Overclocks for longer effects or move‑speed slow) and Flashbang (wider full‑flash angle, or cookable extra pops) help crack tight holds. Stim Shot is a straightforward reset tool.
  • Lethals: Frag or Sticky (higher‑density explosive Overclocks) pressure short lanes; Point Turret offers a deployable distraction in brief anchor holds.
  • Field Upgrades: Trophy System is a staple for objective holds; Assault Pack supports ammo longevity during sustained trades. Active Camo can create brief timing windows on tiny maps.
  • Perks: Mobility and handling picks (Gung Ho, Lightweight, Dexterity) fit high‑tempo play; Ninja reduces footstep noise; Engineer and Tracker‑style intel helps pre‑aim common routes.

Tip: BO7’s Overclocks enhance individual items mid‑match (e.g., faster Trophy charge, more lethal explosives). On compact maps, these micro‑advantages add up quickly.

Common questions

What’s the practical difference between Face Off TDM and standard TDM?

The objective is identical—team score via eliminations. The Face Off changes are structural: smaller teams on compact maps and Scorestreaks disabled. That combination shortens the distance to first contact and puts more weight on immediate gunplay and Equipment.

Does Face Off change scoring or round rules?

The official BO7 materials list Face Off as an “Alternate Mode” that moves core objectives onto compact maps with Scorestreaks disabled. They do not announce additional scoring or round rule changes for BO7 Face Off beyond the standard rules of each mode.

Is Face Off only for a single mode?

No. In BO7, Face Off encompasses multiple variants—Team Deathmatch, Domination, Kill Order, and Kill Confirmed—under a single small‑team playlist.

Key takeaway

Face Off in Black Ops 7 is a rules‑light remix: same objectives, smaller teams, tighter maps, and no Scorestreaks. Enter TDM, Domination, or Kill Order knowing your success will come from fast decisions, well‑timed Equipment, and short‑route control rather than streak economy.