Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 May Remove Controversial Feature, Leak Suggests

The familiar rush of adrenaline in Call of Duty multiplayer might soon feel fundamentally different. New leaks suggest developers are testing Black Ops 7 builds without Tactical Sprint – a polarizing movement mechanic that has divided players since its 2019 debut. This potential overhaul signals Treyarch and Raven Software may finally address years of community frustration over the controversial feature.

Is Tactical Sprint Being Removed in Black Ops 7?

Credible leaker TheGhostOfHope revealed on August 11, 2025, that a current Black Ops 7 test build completely excludes Tactical Sprint. While cautioning this “doesn’t mean the final game won’t have it,” Hope emphasized it’s a “very GOOD sign” for critics of the mechanic. Tactical Sprint, activated by double-tapping the sprint button, grants brief speed bursts but has drawn escalating backlash. Players argue it disrupts flow, complicates traversal, and prioritizes chaotic engagements over tactical positioning. Its return in Black Ops 6 intensified demands for removal, making this leak a potential watershed moment.

Why Tactical Sprint Became Call of Duty’s Most Divisive Mechanic

Introduced in Modern Warfare (2019), Tactical Sprint aimed to enhance mobility but spawned unintended consequences:

• Map Design Strains: Larger maps were developed to accommodate speed bursts, diluting close-quarters combat
• Movement Clunkiness: Forced double-tapping interrupted fluid engagements during firefights
• Balance Issues: Synergized problematically with slide-cancel techniques and certain perks

As Forbes Gaming noted in 2024, “Tactical Sprint created a sprint-or-die meta that alienated traditional boots-on-ground players.” Developers previously offered band-aid solutions like Black Ops 6’s Slipstream perk (disabling Tac Sprint), but core frustrations persisted.

How Removal Could Reshape Black Ops 7’s Combat

Eliminating Tactical Sprint aligns with Treyarch’s confirmed focus on evolving “omnimovement” without jetpacks or wall-running. Potential impacts include:

• Tighter Map Flow: Smaller, more vertical designs could return, emphasizing tactical positioning
• Refined Perk System: Slipstream-like perks might be reworked into new movement options
• Warzone Integration: Standardized movement across MP and battle royale could streamline gameplay

Industry analyst Daniel Ahmad (Niko Partners) observes: “CoD’s identity crisis between arcade speed and tactical realism peaks with Tac Sprint. Removing it may recalibrate the franchise’s core feel.”

Samsung One UI 8 Beta Now Live for Galaxy S24, Z Fold 6, and Z Flip 6

This leak, while unconfirmed, represents the strongest signal yet that developers are listening to player fatigue. If Tactical Sprint is scrapped, Black Ops 7 could deliver the back-to-basics movement that loyalists crave – redefining combat for the next generation of warfare. Watch for confirmation during the Black Ops 7 reveal at Gamescom 2025.

---

Must Know

Q: Who leaked the Black Ops 7 Tactical Sprint removal?
A: Trusted insider TheGhostOfHope revealed the test build on August 11, 2025. They have accurately leaked multiple CoD features pre-launch, including Black Ops 6’s omnimovement.

Q: Why do players hate Tactical Sprint?
A: Critics argue it forces unnatural double-tap sprints, creates balance issues with sliding mechanics, and stretches map designs unnaturally. Many feel it prioritizes speed over tactical play.

Q: Could Tactical Sprint return as a perk?
A: Possibly. Black Ops 6’s Slipstream perk disabled Tac Sprint, suggesting developers might make it optional rather than removing it entirely.

Q: When will Treyarch confirm Black Ops 7’s movement system?
A: Official details are expected during Gamescom 2025 (August 20-24), followed by a public beta test.

Q: How does this affect Warzone?
A: Since Warzone syncs movement mechanics with mainline CoD titles, Tac Sprint removal in BO7 would likely extend to the battle royale.

Q: Has Activision commented on the leak?
A: No official statement has been issued. Developers typically avoid confirming leaks pre-reveal.