According to recent leaks, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 may be bringing back one of the franchise’s most divisive mechanics: wall running. As reported by Insider Gaming and first shared via CODWarfareForum, the upcoming installment is expected to build on Black Ops 6’s mobility system, reintroducing a feature that became infamous during the series’ “jetpack era.”
https://twitter.com/CODWarfareForum/status/1924347527991541904?
A Controversial Legacy Returns
Wall running was first introduced in Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 and Advanced Warfare, as part of a broader push into futuristic combat. These titles featured jetpacks, exosuits, and enhanced movement systems that departed from the series’ grounded, boots-on-the-ground roots. While some players embraced the change for its fast-paced verticality, many longtime fans criticized it for straying too far from the core Call of Duty experience.
Despite its polarizing history, Activision appears to be leaning into nostalgia and experimental mobility, with Black Ops 7 reportedly aiming to push movement mechanics even further—suggesting that wall running could be just the beginning.
Community Reaction: A Divided Fanbase
The news has already stirred passionate discussion among fans. Some are excited about the return of wall running, especially those who enjoyed the fast-paced, aerial combat of Black Ops 3. Others, however, worry the return of such mechanics will fracture the community and move the franchise further away from what made it great in the first place.
“Futuristic CoD was fun, but it wasn’t Call of Duty anymore,” one fan noted on social media.
“Black Ops 3 nailed it—bring it back,” another responded.
This divide reflects the broader tension in the Call of Duty community between those seeking innovation and those preferring a return to grounded realism.
Waiting on Official Confirmation
So far, Activision and Treyarch have not confirmed the return of wall running, but multiple insiders have suggested it’s “almost certainly” happening. With Black Ops 7 still unannounced, it’s likely we’ll see a full reveal in the coming months—possibly including a trailer showcasing any mobility changes.
For now, it’s clear that if wall running does return, it will need to be carefully balanced to avoid the pitfalls of past futuristic entries while still delivering fresh, high-octane gameplay.