Key Takeaways
- Dexterity perk is now optional — players can aim down sights while moving without it.
- Footstep audio has been made louder to balance stealth and awareness in multiplayer.
- Treyarch says the goal is a “more fluid, intentional combat experience” for all playstyles.
Treyarch Rebalances Movement and Audio After Beta Feedback
Developer Treyarch is making key adjustments to Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 following widespread beta feedback. In a developer talk video released on October 21, design director Matt Scronce confirmed two major updates: the Dexterity perk will now be optional, and footstep sounds have been made more audible.
These changes come after players voiced mixed reactions to the game’s movement system and stealth mechanics during the beta period. According to Scronce, the development team carefully reviewed community input before deciding to restore some of the mobility options that players had enjoyed in Black Ops 6.
Dexterity Perk No Longer Required for ADS in Motion
In Black Ops 6, players could aim down sights (ADS) seamlessly while sliding, diving, or wall jumping — a feature that was initially scaled back for Black Ops 7 to encourage more deliberate gunfights. However, Treyarch’s latest update walks that decision back.
“The team looked at all of our options, and ultimately landed on providing the most fluid experience by default,” Scronce said. “We’ve reintroduced the ability to aim down sights while sliding, diving, and wall jumping.”
Now, the Dexterity perk serves as an enhancement rather than a requirement. It will still give a slight edge to those who prefer fast, agile combat, but all players will be able to enjoy smoother movement by default. In short: you can now ADS on the move without locking your loadout behind a perk choice.
This update not only increases flexibility for high-skill players but also makes the movement system more accessible to casual gamers — a balancing act Treyarch has been working to perfect.
Louder Footsteps Aim to Balance Stealth and Awareness
The second major change involves footstep audio, a long-standing topic of debate in Call of Duty multiplayer. During the Black Ops 7 beta, many players complained that footsteps were nearly inaudible, giving too much advantage to stealth players.
Scronce confirmed that the studio has “slightly increased the volume of footsteps in multiplayer”, aiming to restore a sense of situational awareness without punishing stealth-heavy strategies.
“We’re very happy with where they’re at,” Scronce explained, “as it incentivizes stealth playstyles without over-indexing on the need for the Ninja perk.”
The goal, according to Treyarch, is to maintain a middle ground: rewarding careful movement and tactical listening while preventing silent ambushes that feel unfair.
A Win for Player Feedback
These updates mark a significant win for community-driven development. Treyarch’s willingness to adapt based on player feedback shows a continued commitment to refining Black Ops 7 ahead of its full release.
By making Dexterity optional and enhancing footstep clarity, the studio is targeting a smoother, more balanced multiplayer experience that respects both mobility-focused and stealth-oriented players.
With Black Ops 7 shaping up as one of the most mechanically dynamic entries in the franchise, these adjustments could help restore confidence among fans who felt the beta leaned too heavily on restrictions.
Also read: Microsoft Confirms Next-Gen Xbox — But a $1,000 Console Could Be on the Horizon
Conclusion: A Step Toward Balance
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 continues to evolve as Treyarch fine-tunes movement, audio, and pacing ahead of launch. Making the Dexterity perk optional restores player freedom, while louder footsteps add a much-needed layer of tactical depth.
The result is a more fluid, responsive, and fair gameplay experience — one that reflects Treyarch’s understanding of what fans truly want from a modern Call of Duty.
If this balance holds through launch, Black Ops 7 might strike the perfect mix of speed, stealth, and skill that defines the series at its best.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of GameDegen.com. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. GameDegen.com is not responsible for any financial losses.
