Time-to-kill (TTK) has always been one of the most debated mechanics in the Call of Duty franchise, and Treyarch is making sure to address player concerns ahead of the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7. The studio’s Design Director, Matt Scronce, recently revealed that the multiplayer TTK in Black Ops 7 will remain very close to what fans experienced in Black Ops 6.
In competitive shooters, TTK can define the overall pace of the game. Games like Apex Legends or Destiny 2 generally feature higher TTK, allowing for longer duels and more emphasis on strategy. By contrast, Call of Duty traditionally leans toward a lower TTK, prioritizing fast reflexes and aggressive play. Black Ops 6 was seen by many fans as a near-perfect balance—quick enough to feel true to COD’s arcade roots, but not so fast that gunfights ended instantly.
Scronce confirmed on social media that Black Ops 7’s TTK is “currently sitting around Black Ops 6 TTK,” which he described as not too fast and not too slow. He emphasized that this middle ground gives players enough reaction time while also maintaining weapon variety and balance. Unlike titles that have been criticized for inconsistent kill speeds—such as Modern Warfare 3 in 2023—Treyarch seems determined to avoid the same pitfalls.
TTK Balancing and Community Feedback
Treyarch’s approach to TTK reflects the studio’s broader effort to respond to community feedback. Over the past few months, the developer has introduced numerous fan-requested adjustments. For example, the controversial Carry Forward system was removed, and instead, select skins and weapon blueprints from Black Ops 6 will be transferable into Black Ops 7. This includes the four Main Quest operator skins, the Prestige 1000 skin, and the Guild Override camo.
At the same time, Treyarch is keeping some cosmetic content exclusive to the previous game, such as the American Dad and Beavis & Butt-Head skins, which many players considered immersion-breaking.
Other major updates include the removal of interactive doors, visual adjustments to the Vault Edition operator skins, and refinements to progression systems. These changes, combined with careful TTK balancing, suggest Treyarch is aiming for a smoother, more consistent multiplayer experience.
When Can Fans Test Black Ops 7’s TTK?
For those curious to test the new balancing firsthand, Treyarch has announced that the Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 open beta will begin on October 5, 2025. Players who pre-order the game will receive early access starting October 2. The beta will provide fans an opportunity to gauge TTK speed in live matches and offer feedback before the full release.
As the launch approaches, Treyarch’s balancing philosophy seems clear: maintain the fast-paced identity of Call of Duty while making sure multiplayer remains fair and reactive. Whether this strategy will satisfy the wide range of COD fans remains to be seen, but so far, Black Ops 7 looks set to build on the strong foundation of its predecessor.
