U4GM: A First Look at Dead Ops Arcade 4 in Black Ops 7 Zombies

Fans of Call of Duty’s long-running Zombies mode have plenty to look forward to with the latest reveal of Dead Ops Arcade 4, part of the upcoming Black Ops 7 experience. For those exploring early access or testing Black Ops 7 Bot Lobbies, this chaotic and colorful mode delivers a nostalgic yet upgraded journey back into the arcade madness that has defined this fan-favorite mini-game. The first live gameplay from COD Next showcases the intense combat, creative power-ups, and wild environments that make this a must-play addition for any Zombies enthusiast.

The video opens with a familiar Dead Ops setup — a top-down perspective on a beach where players fend off waves of undead enemies. Yet immediately, new features shine through. There’s a zombie counter in the corner, updated visuals, and returning favorites like the ray gun and gobble gums. The demo highlights how Black Ops 7 blends the chaotic energy of Dead Ops 3 with modernized graphics and smoother controls. It’s still the same arcade-style horde shooter, but now with deeper mechanics and a renewed focus on accessibility and fun.

One of the standout features is the return of gobble gums, reintroducing unique power-ups that temporarily enhance gameplay. These include abilities like “Shields Up,” which provides extra protection, and “Aftertaste,” which ensures players retain shield benefits even after taking hits. The addition of these perks adds another layer of tactical decision-making, turning each round into a dance of risk and reward.

The first-person camera drops, limited to specific power-ups, make a welcome comeback too. When triggered, the perspective shift provides a thrilling change of pace, almost like jumping into a completely different game. Visual fidelity also gets a major upgrade — with detailed environments ranging from beaches and temples to a chaotic rendition of Nuketown reimagined as “Population Zero.”

Another major surprise is the inclusion of vehicle mini-games, such as piloting a mini helicopter to drop bombs on hordes of zombies. It’s a fun, frantic break from the core top-down chaos, proving Treyarch still knows how to mix novelty with nostalgia. By the end of the demo, the player reaches round nine, where the message teases “continuing the adventure in the full release.”

Dead Ops Arcade 4 seems poised to become one of the most exciting side modes in Black Ops 7. With a mix of classic features, new mechanics, and endless arcade flair, it bridges the old and the new perfectly. If this first taste is any indication, fans diving into Black Ops 7 Bot Lobbies and Zombies modes are in for a wild ride of undead fun.