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- Image of Call of Duty Black Ops 7 Zombies, Courtesy of Treyarch and Activision

Black Ops 7 Zombies: Two Crews Collide in the Dark Aether

Originally posted on Total Apex Gaming | By Mollie Dominy | Last updated Sep 16, 2025 7:05 PM ET

The wait is over. Treyarch has officially pulled back the curtain on the next chapter of the iconic Zombies saga with the worldwide reveal of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Zombies. Titled “Ashes of the Damned,” the new experience promises to unite two generations of heroes in a desperate fight for survival against a mysterious new evil within the terrifying Dark Aether dimension. The announcement, accompanied by a stunning cinematic trailer, sets the stage for a narrative that will merge the Dark Aether storyline with the classic Aether crew, creating a crossover event fans have only dreamed of.

Following the climactic events at Janus Towers, the members of Requiem find themselves unexpectedly thrown into a twisted, alien version of reality. This initial reveal provides a wealth of information about the expanded cast, the new antagonist, and what players can expect when they dive into the chaos on November 14th.

A New Evil and a Desperate Alliance in Black Ops 7

The cinematic trailer, “Ashes of the Damned,” picks up immediately after the battle at Janus Towers. Grigori Weaver, Dr. Elizabeth Grey, “Mac” Carver, and Maya Aguinaldo are unceremoniously pulled into the Dark Aether. Before they can even get their bearings, they are confronted not by zombies, but by four other figures who look strangely familiar: alternate versions of Tank Dempsey, Takeo Masaki, Nikolai Belinski, and Dr. Edward Richtofen.

Their tense introduction is cut short by the arrival of a new antagonist. A mysterious figure with a southern drawl, a wide-brimmed hat, and caged totem skulls introduces himself as their “guest of honor.” This new entity demonstrates terrifying power, draining the life force from the assembled heroes before summoning a horde of the undead to greet them. The two crews, drained and disoriented, are forced into a reluctant alliance as they fight their way through the lobby and out into a twisted, horrifying version of the Janus Towers Plaza. The message is clear: they are no longer in their own world.

Meet the Expanded Eight-Person Crew

Image from Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 courtesy of Activision

For the first time, players will have an expanded roster of eight playable characters, bringing together the heroes of two distinct Zombies universes. The reveal gives us insight into where each character is mentally and emotionally as this new story begins.

The Requiem Crew:

Grigori Weaver: No longer just a spy master, Weaver has evolved into a hardened leader, determined to protect his team.
Dr. Elizabeth Grey: Freed from her imprisonment, the brilliant scientist is now plagued by doubt, wondering if science alone can fix the damage it has caused.
“Mac” Carver: With his fury sharpened into a clear purpose, Carver has shed his role as a follower and is now a fierce protector of his allies.
Maya Aguinaldo: The street-smart survivor is thrown back into a fight far bigger than her own, forced to rely on her grit and instincts to survive alongside her new “family.”

The Primis Crew Reimagined:

Tank Dempsey: This version is a Vietnam-era Marine, whose natural distrust makes him an unpredictable wild card.
Takeo Masaki: A disgraced ronin from 16th-century Japan, he seeks to reclaim his honor in battle.
Nikolai Belinski: A disillusioned Soviet tank commander from the war in 1980s Afghanistan, he hides his pain behind dark humor.
Dr. Edward Richtofen: Hailing from an alternate 1945 where the Axis powers won, this unhinged scientist’s charm masks a sinister ego and a desire to bend reality to his will.

This dynamic of two crews, ripped from their timelines and forced together, will be central to the narrative. Trust will be a precious commodity as they navigate the dangers of the Dark Aether and the conflicting personalities within their own group.

What to Expect Next

Treyarch has confirmed that this cinematic reveal is just the beginning. A massive intel drop is scheduled for next week, promising to provide extensive details on gameplay mechanics, new enemy types, features, and more.

Additionally, the Black Ops 7 Beta dates have been confirmed. An Early Access period for those who preorder will run from October 2nd to October 5th, followed by an Open Beta for all players from October 5th to October 8th. This will be the first opportunity for players to go hands-on with the game ahead of its worldwide launch.

The convergence of two legendary crews, the introduction of a chilling new villain, and the return to the haunting landscape of the Dark Aether sets the stage for what could be the most ambitious Zombies experience to date.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Gaming and was syndicated with permission.

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