Dark Ops challenges have returned in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, bringing with them the perfect blend of mystery, difficulty, and exclusive rewards that dedicated players crave. These hidden challenges don’t reveal their objectives until you’ve completed them, making them some of the most sought-after achievements in the game. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to the Black Ops series, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every Dark Ops challenge across all game modes, along with strategies to conquer them.
What Are Dark Ops Challenges in Black Ops 7?
Before diving into the specific challenges, it’s essential to understand what makes Dark Ops challenges unique in Black Ops 7. Unlike standard challenges that clearly display their requirements, Dark Ops challenges remain shrouded in mystery until you’ve actually completed them. This hidden nature adds an extra layer of excitement and discovery to the game, encouraging players to experiment with different playstyles and game modes.
According to our research, there are currently 22 Dark Ops challenges available in Black Ops 7, with an additional two that were exclusively available during the beta period and are now unobtainable. These challenges span across all three major game modes: Campaign, Multiplayer, and Zombies, each offering exclusive Calling Cards as rewards for completion.
The beauty of Dark Ops challenges lies in their variety – some are relatively straightforward tasks that you might complete naturally during regular gameplay, while others require specific strategies, exceptional skill, or incredible persistence. This diversity ensures that players of all skill levels have something to work toward, while the most dedicated players have truly formidable challenges to tackle.
Campaign Dark Ops Challenges: Conquer the Story
The Campaign mode in Black Ops 7 features three Dark Ops challenges that test your combat prowess and survival skills throughout the narrative experience. These challenges are designed to be completed during your playthrough of the game’s story missions, with some requiring specific actions in certain missions or game modes.
Overpowered
Challenge: In Endgame, earn 1,000,000 total Power
This challenge requires you to accumulate one million Power in the Endgame mode. Power is typically earned through combat performance, completing objectives, and achieving high scores. To maximize your Power gain, focus on maintaining high accuracy, achieving headshots, and completing optional objectives within each mission. Consider playing on higher difficulties if you’re comfortable, as they often provide increased Power rewards for successful completion.
Pest Control
Challenge: Defeat the Endgame Final Boss
As the name suggests, this challenge requires you to defeat the final boss in the Endgame mode. This is a story progression challenge that most players will complete naturally, but it’s worth noting that you’ll need to see the campaign through to its conclusion to unlock this Dark Ops challenge and its associated Calling Card.
Undaunted
Challenge: Survive the horde of Fears in Mission: Suppression
This is arguably the most challenging of the Campaign Dark Ops challenges. During the Suppression mission, you’ll face a horde of Fears – powerful enemies that will test your combat skills and resource management. To survive this encounter, make sure you’re well-stocked with ammunition, health items, and your most powerful weapons. Consider using cover effectively and prioritizing targets based on threat level. This challenge may require multiple attempts and careful strategy to overcome.
Multiplayer Dark Ops Challenges: Prove Your PvP Skills
The Multiplayer mode boasts the most extensive collection of Dark Ops challenges in Black Ops 7, with nine unique challenges that test various aspects of your competitive gameplay. These challenges range from achieving specific killstreaks to mastering objective-based gameplay, offering something for every type of multiplayer enthusiast.
Brutal Killer
Challenge: Earn a Brutal medal
Brutal medals are typically awarded for achieving a high number of kills in quick succession without dying. While the exact requirements may vary, you’ll generally need to get around 15-20 rapid kills to earn this medal. The best strategy is to play modes with high player density and use loadouts that excel in close-quarters combat. Consider using shotguns, SMGs, or assault rifles with high fire rates to maximize your kill potential.
Relentless Killer
Challenge: Earn a Relentless medal
Similar to the Brutal Killer, but slightly less demanding, the Relentless medal usually requires around 10-15 kills without dying. This challenge is more accessible for average players but still requires solid map knowledge and weapon skills. Focus on areas of the map where you can control sightlines and have multiple escape routes if things go wrong.
Castled
Challenge: Get 10 kills without leaving one Objective zone
This objective-based challenge rewards players who can hold down a position effectively. In objective modes like Hardpoint or Domination, find a strategic position near an objective that provides good sightlines while offering cover. Use equipment like claymores or proximity mines to protect your flanks, and consider using a loadout with the Ghost perk to avoid being detected by enemy UAVs.
Frenzy Killer
Challenge: Get 5 rapid kills without dying
This is one of the more accessible multiplayer Dark Ops challenges, requiring a relatively modest killstreak. The key here is “rapid kills” – they need to happen in quick succession. Use high-damage weapons and aim for headshots to increase your chances. Modes like Free-for-All or Team Deathmatch work well for this challenge due to their fast-paced nature.
Mega Killer
Challenge: Get 6 rapid kills without dying
Just one step above Frenzy Killer, this challenge requires six rapid kills. The same strategies apply, but you’ll need to be even more efficient and aware of your surroundings. Consider using scorestreaks that can help you maintain momentum, like UAVs to track enemy movements.
Ultra Killer
Challenge: Get 7 rapid kills without dying
This is where the challenges start getting seriously difficult. Seven rapid kills require exceptional skill, map knowledge, and often a bit of luck. Use your best loadout, play to your strengths, and don’t be afraid to retreat and reset if you take damage. Remember, one death resets your progress, so survival is just as important as getting kills.
Gift Horse
Challenge: Kill an enemy with the Scorestreak you stole from their Care Package
This is one of the more creative Dark Ops challenges, requiring you to steal an enemy’s Care Package and use it against them. The best approach is to use the Engineer perk to see enemy Care Packages through walls, then use a weapon like the Ballistic Knife or throwing knife to eliminate the enemy from a distance after stealing their package. This challenge requires patience and the right setup.
Nuked Out
Challenge: Earn a Nuke in Free-for-All without using Scorestreaks
This is arguably the most difficult multiplayer Dark Ops challenge. Earning a Nuke typically requires a 30-kill streak without dying, and doing it in Free-for-All without Scorestreak assistance is incredibly challenging. You’ll need to be at the top of your game, using the best weapons and perks for your playstyle, and maintaining perfect map awareness throughout the match.
Trip Cap
Challenge: Control all three objectives in Domination for three minutes straight
This objective-based challenge rewards teamwork and map control. In Domination mode, you’ll need to capture and hold all three objectives simultaneously for three full minutes. This is nearly impossible to do alone, so coordinate with your team, use strategic positioning, and consider using equipment that can help you maintain control of the objectives.
Zombies Dark Ops Challenges: Survive the Apocalypse
The Zombies mode in Black Ops 7 features some of the most demanding and time-consuming Dark Ops challenges, requiring incredible skill, strategy, and persistence. These challenges will test every aspect of your Zombies gameplay, from survival skills to Easter egg completion.
Another Round
Challenge: Reach Round 100
This is the ultimate test of endurance in Zombies mode. Reaching round 100 requires hours of gameplay, perfect strategy, and excellent teamwork if playing co-op. You’ll need to master the map’s layout, optimize your weapon upgrades through Pack-a-Punch, and develop effective strategies for dealing with increasingly difficult zombie waves. Consider using Wonder Weapons and powerful scorestreaks to help you survive the later rounds.
Armed to the Teeth
Challenge: Have 3 Pack-a-Punch Level III, Legendary Rarity Weapons equipped with ammo mods and eight perks active
This challenge requires you to be fully maxed out with the best equipment available. You’ll need to earn enough points to upgrade three weapons to Pack-a-Punch Level III, find or acquire Legendary rarity weapons, attach ammo mods to each, and have all eight perks active simultaneously. This is typically a late-game challenge that requires significant resource management and planning.
Harbinger of Doom
Challenge: Get 100 kills with a single Scorestreak
This challenge rewards effective use of Scorestreaks in Zombies mode. You’ll need to choose a Scorestreak that can deal widespread damage over time, such as the Chopper Gunner or Attack Helicopter. Wait until you have a large horde of zombies gathered together, then deploy your Scorestreak and maximize its killing potential. This may require some practice to time correctly and achieve the required 100 kills.
Invincible
Challenge: Survive to round 50 without going down
This is a true test of skill and strategy. Surviving to round 50 is challenging enough, but doing it without going down requires perfect play. You’ll need to master zombie pathing, use effective weapons, and have quick reflexes. Consider playing with a team that can revive you if needed, though the challenge specifically requires not going down at all.
Box Addict
Challenge: Get 30 different guns from the Mystery Box in a single match
This challenge requires both luck and persistence. The Mystery Box randomizes weapon drops, so getting 30 different weapons in a single match can take a significant amount of time and points. You’ll need to hit the box repeatedly, hoping for different weapons each time. This challenge is best attempted in longer matches where you have ample time and resources to spend on box rolls.
Countdown
Challenge: Kill an elite enemy by launching it with a Jump Pad
This is one of the more creative Zombies Dark Ops challenges. You’ll need to find an elite enemy (special zombies with enhanced abilities), position a Jump Pad correctly, and launch the enemy into a lethal situation. This requires precise timing and positioning, and may take several attempts to execute correctly.
New Main
Challenge: Kill 1,000 Zombies with each of the eight dedicated Crew Operators
This is a massive time investment challenge that requires you to extensively use each of the eight Crew Operators. You’ll need to play many matches, focusing on different operators to reach the 1,000 zombie kill threshold for each one. This challenge encourages players to explore all the available characters and their unique abilities.
Social Distancing
Challenge: Reach Round 20 without taking any damage
This challenge requires perfect play and excellent map knowledge. Reaching round 20 without taking any damage means you need to master zombie AI behavior, use effective kiting strategies, and never get caught in a bad situation. This is typically attempted solo, as coordinating with other players increases the risk of taking damage.
Lucidity
Challenge: Complete the Tank Dempsey side quest on Ashes of The Damned
This Easter egg-related challenge requires you to complete a specific side quest involving Tank Dempsey on the Ashes of The Damned map. You’ll need to follow the quest steps precisely, which often involve finding specific items, completing rituals, or solving puzzles. This challenge rewards players who enjoy the deeper lore and puzzle-solving aspects of Zombies mode.
Zombies Dark Ops Master
Challenge: Complete 15 Dark Ops Challenges
This is the ultimate Zombies Dark Ops challenge, requiring you to complete 15 of the other Zombies Dark Ops challenges. This serves as a comprehensive test of your Zombies skills across all aspects of gameplay. You’ll need to master survival, combat, puzzle-solving, and resource management to achieve this prestigious challenge.
Tips and Strategies for Dark Ops Success
Completing all Dark Ops challenges in Black Ops 7 requires dedication, skill, and smart strategy. Here are some essential tips to help you conquer these hidden challenges:
General Tips
- Play to your strengths: Focus on challenges that align with your preferred playstyle first
- Use optimal loadouts: Research the best weapons, perks, and equipment for each challenge
- Learn the maps: Map knowledge is crucial for both multiplayer and Zombies challenges
- Practice makes perfect: Don’t get discouraged if you fail – learn from each attempt
- Watch tutorials: Look up video guides for particularly challenging objectives
Multiplayer-Specific Tips
- Choose the right modes: Different challenges work better in specific game modes
- Use scorestreaks strategically: Some challenges can be made easier with the right scorestreak setup
- Communicate with your team: Many objective-based challenges are easier with coordination
- Monitor your progress: Keep track of how close you are to completing each challenge
Zombies-Specific Tips
- Master the Easter eggs: Many Zombies challenges are tied to map-specific quests
- Optimize your strategy: Learn the most efficient routes and tactics for each map
- Use teamwork: Many high-round challenges are nearly impossible solo
- Manage resources: Points and ammo management become crucial in later rounds
Rewards and Recognition
Completing Dark Ops challenges in Black Ops 7 rewards players with exclusive Calling Cards that can’t be obtained through any other means. These Calling Cards serve as badges of honor, showcasing your dedication and skill to other players. Each Calling Card features unique artwork related to the challenge it represents, making them highly sought-after collectibles for completionists and dedicated players alike.
The prestige associated with these Calling Cards makes them valuable status symbols within the Black Ops 7 community. Players who have completed multiple Dark Ops challenges are immediately recognized as skilled and dedicated members of the player base, often earning respect from their peers.
Conclusion: Master All Dark Ops Challenges in Black Ops 7
The Dark Ops challenges in Black Ops 7 represent some of the most engaging and rewarding content available in the game. From the intense PvP action of Multiplayer challenges to the endurance tests of Zombies mode, these hidden objectives provide countless hours of additional gameplay for dedicated players.
Whether you’re aiming to complete every challenge for the ultimate bragging rights or just looking to tackle a few that align with your playstyle, this guide provides everything you need to know about all Dark Ops challenges in Black Ops 7. Remember to approach each challenge with patience, practice regularly, and don’t be afraid to seek out additional resources or team up with other players for the most difficult objectives.
The journey to completing all Dark Ops challenges is long and challenging, but the exclusive rewards and sense of accomplishment make it worthwhile. So gear up, choose your challenges, and start proving your skills as a true Black Ops 7 master!