Call of Duty 2025, rumored to be Black Ops 7, is stirring up chatter with claims that some limited-time game modes might only be playable if you buy the Battle Pass. This would mean players can’t even try these modes without paying first.
For years, Call of Duty has tried different ways to make money beyond the base game, like selling Operator skins. Some of these have been pretty popular, especially when they don’t affect gameplay balance. But there have also been complaints when things felt pay-to-win.
Leaker GhostOfHope, known for accurate Call of Duty info, says the Battle Pass system might change big time in 2025. Instead of separate Event Passes, all event content could be bundled into the main Battle Pass. The catch? You’d have to own the pass to even play the limited-time modes.
EXCLUSIVE: Activision/Treyarch are currently planning to make changes to the Battle Pass with the release of Black Ops 7 (2025).
Black Ops 7 will reportedly have more seasonal LTM’s and some of them would be considered “higher value” with unique rewards and different game… pic.twitter.com/Kw61ia4XMu
— Hope (@TheGhostOfHope) May 4, 2025
With Microsoft raising prices on Xbox consoles and big games, including likely the next Call of Duty, Game Pass remains a cheaper way to play. Activision might be trying to get more value from players using Game Pass by making the Battle Pass more essential.
According to GhostOfHope, Black Ops 7 will have more seasonal limited-time modes, some with distinct rewards and new mechanics. But unlike before, these modes won’t be free for everyone. You’ll need the Battle Pass to access them.
“They are planning on taking the higher tier skins, loot, and crossover operators for LTMs and making them only accessible to Battle Pass owners instead of having the ‘Premium Event Track’ we currently get during Reloaded updates,” GhostOfHope explained.
So, it looks like the devs want to make the Battle Pass more tempting by locking some content behind it. This isn’t new for Call of Duty since maps used to be locked behind paid DLC, though many are free now. The big question is whether the Battle Pass price will increase if these rumors turn out true.
