Skirmish is Black Ops 7’s large-scale, objective-focused multiplayer format that puts 20 players per side on expansive, purpose-built maps. Play revolves around moving between objectives across wide sightlines and layered verticality. To keep tempo high, Skirmish supports enhanced traversal — wingsuits, grappling hooks, and fixed ascenders — alongside commandeerable vehicles, including helicopters with passenger seats for squad fire.

At launch there are two Skirmish maps, both set in Avalon. Official materials emphasize zone control and objective play; some early coverage suggests rotating objective types, though specifics beyond zone capture have not been detailed by the publisher. You may also see teams informally operate as four‑person squads, but squad-specific spawn mechanics have not been confirmed.

Objectives: what you’ll actually be doing

The core loop is objective capture and control across very large playspaces. Expect to:

  • Contest and hold zones under long sightlines and multi-level flanks.
  • Traverse quickly between objectives using wingsuits, grapples, ascenders, roads, and airlifts.
  • Leverage vehicles to reposition your squad, break stalemates, or escort a push.

Because objectives are spread out and elevation matters, teams that pair a steady anchor group with mobile disruptors typically control the pace — anchoring to score while a mobile element leapfrogs to the next fight.

Traversal and vehicles: moving the map

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  • Wingsuit: Efficient for crossing open ground or diving from rooftops to the next fight. Use it to chain objective rotations without exposing yourself to every lane.
  • Grappling hook: Close gaps and reach upper stories quickly. It’s ideal for surprising rooftop snipers or taking control of catwalks and parapets.
  • Ascenders: Fixed vertical routes on tall structures and walls. They’re predictable but reliable when the team needs mass to a high position.
  • Ground vehicles: Fast relocation over outer roads and shorelines; useful for rapid reinforcement or flanking a dug‑in position.
  • Helicopters: Multi-seat lift with passenger fire. Use for cross-map insertions, rooftop assaults, or to bypass choke points entirely.

Tip: Treat vehicles as mobility and timing tools, not permanent fighting positions. Park near cover, dismount together, and immediately establish angles or drop a Trophy System before enemies bracket you.

Skirmish maps (20v20)

Map Setting & structure Traversal & vehicles Playstyle notes
Mission: Edge Downtown Avalon among high-rises, hotels, cafés; underpasses, courtyards, and parks connect multiple lanes and rooftops. Ascenders to higher vantage points; outer roads favor ground vehicles; helicopters enable roof‑to‑roof insertions. Zone control favors teams that lock rooftop lines while mobile squads hop roofs to contest “next.” Expect frequent longshots and crossfires over plazas.
Mission: Tide Fortified coastal compound with outer shore, buttress rocks, outer walls, inner battlements, and corner towers overlooking approaches. Ascenders to breach fortifications; drivable shoreline routes; ladders and stairs inside compounds; air lifts to tower tops. Defenders excel from towers and inner walls; attackers should split lanes via shore and rocks, then ascend to dislodge overwatch before committing to caps.
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Skirmish expands Black Ops combat into coordinated 20v20 battles where movement, elevation, and timing decide objectives. Mission: Edge rewards rooftop control and fast roof‑to‑roof rotations; Mission: Tide punishes frontal pushes until you clear towers and breach via ascenders. Build squads with an Anchor, Anti‑Vehicle, Recon, and Mobile role, and align Perks and Field Upgrades to those responsibilities. Treat vehicles and wingsuits as tools to arrive on time together — and you’ll spend more time scoring than respawning.