3 min read
Yesterday was a massive day for gamers as Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 kicked off Season 1. However, the excitement hit a sudden snag. Less than two hours after the season began on December 4, Treyarch Studios mysteriously removed one of the game’s most popular multiplayer maps, “Blackheart”.
Here is what you need to know about the removal and what content remains available.
Why Was ‘Blackheart’ Removed?
Shortly after the Season 1 update went live, players noticed Blackheart was missing. The Call of Duty Updates Twitter account quickly addressed the situation. They confirmed that the map has been temporarily removed from both the Public and Private map pools.
📢 Call of Duty: #BlackOps7
Blackheart has been temporarily removed from both Public and Private map pools while we investigate an issue. It will return in an upcoming update.
Details: https://t.co/rmpoklhguD
— Call of Duty Updates (@CODUpdates) December 4, 2025
According to the official statement, the studio is currently investigating an issue. However, they did not specify the exact nature of the glitch. Unfortunately, there is no confirmed return date. The developers only stated that Blackheart will return in an “upcoming update.” Since the season just launched yesterday, a fix might take a few days.
Community Reaction to the Loss
The removal has disappointed many fans. “Blackheart” launched on November 14 as one of the 15 original maps. It quickly became a community favourite due to its strong, three-lane structure. The map offered excellent balance, allowing all weapon types, from SMGs to Sniper Rifles, to thrive.
Players expressed their frustration on social media. One user questioned the removal of their favourite map, noting it seemed fine before the update. Another fan exclaimed disbelief that one of the best maps was pulled from rotation so suddenly.
Way to remove one of the best maps in the game because of an issue that you don’t explain
— David (@Darkwatchman28) December 4, 2025
Black Ops 7 New Maps & Warzone Integration
Despite the loss of “Blackheart”, the Season 1 update is stacked with content. The update fully integrates the free-to-play Warzone with Black Ops 7. Players can now take their levelled-up weapons into the new Resurgence map, “Haven’s Hollow”.
Furthermore, Multiplayer fans still have plenty to explore. The December 4 update introduced three new maps and one classic remaster:
- Fate
- Utopia
- Odysseus
- Standoff (A remaster from Black Ops 2)
Black Ops 7 Leaks Suggest More Returns
While players wait for “Blackheart”, other familiar content might arrive soon. A recent leak suggests that “Stakeout”, a divisive Strike map from Black Ops 6, could return. Data miners uncovered files listing “Stakeout” as a Black Ops 7 map.
While some fans disliked its close-quarters combat, others loved it for grinding camos. Although unconfirmed, this map could appear in the near future. For now, players must wait for Treyarch to resolve the mystery behind the “Blackheart” issues.
