What are Overclocks in Black Ops 7? All Overclocks explained

Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is reinventing the wheel with a few key mechanics in multiplayer. One of the new features coming to the game is Overclocks, which allow you to customize and strengthen your lethal/tactical equipment, Field Upgrades, and scorestreaks with different perks and benefits.

Overclocks can be slightly confusing, though, as there are multiple options for every applicable item in multiplayer. Many players have also questioned how you even earn them, as items with added strength usually don't come automatically for free in Call of Duty.

Below, we'll explain everything you need to know about Overclocks in Black Ops 7 so you can craft the perfect loadout in multiplayer.

As we previously said, Overclocks are only a feature for all equipment, Field Upgrades, and scorestreaks. Every one of these items that you can equip on your loadout will come with two Overclocks that you can choose from after unlocking a given item through the progression system in Black Ops 7. As you continue to use those loadout items more and more, you'll unlock both available Overclock options, so neither is available as soon as you unlock an item.

When you unlock a piece of equipment, Field Upgrade, or scorestreak, you can head to that item's location in the loadout screen in multiplayer. Here, you'll be able to view both of your Overclock options for that specific item, as well as what you need to do to unlock both of them. Both options strengthen the item in one or multiple ways, so there's not really a "wrong" choice when selecting an Overclock.

However, depending on the item, your playstyle, the game mode you're playing, etc., there will be Overclocks that are better-suited for you in Black Ops 7. For example, let's take a look at the Overclock options for the Hand Cannon scorestreak in multiplayer:

For the first Overclock, you have more ammunition in your Hand Cannon streak, which can come in real handy if you're proficient in aiming the weapon. However, the second Overclock gives you akimbo Hand Cannons, which are more suited to close-quarters engagements since you can't aim down sights with them.

With those options, you might want to use Overclock #1 when playing a larger multiplayer map or non-objective game modes (Team Deathmatch, Free-For-All, etc.). On the flip side, having Dual Hand Cannons can be extremely lethal on a small map or when defending an objective in Hardpoint or Domination, so using Overclock #2 in those situations is likely more preferable.

When you equip an Overclock on a loadout item in Black Ops 7, you can immediately make use of its given benefit(s) as soon as a match starts. There's no charging mechanic for the Overclocks, so whenever you use a loadout item that has an Overclock equipped, you'll automatically see it play out in real time.

For example, the first time you throw out a Trophy System Field Upgrade in a match, you'll see your equipped Overclock take effect. The two Overclocks for the Trophy System are:

Both of these Overclocks are extremely beneficial anytime you use a Trophy System, and you can take advantage of whichever you choose for the duration of an entire multiplayer match.

The biggest hurdle you'll face with the Overclock feature in Black Ops 7 is unlocking both available options. As previously mentioned, unlocking both options requires you to use a given loadout item over time in multiplayer. The unlock requirements for all Overclocks are different depending on each item, but you'll have to get kills/use every item effectively if you want to unlock all Overclocks for the dozens of loadout items in Black Ops 7.

You should now have a much better understanding of Overclocks and how they work in Black Ops 7 multiplayer. For more Black Ops 7 news, make sure to check out our other guide about the content coming to multiplayer beta in October, including all weapons, maps, and modes. You can also take a look at our pieces going over a fan-favorite game mode returning to BO7 and core changes to the camo grind in multiplayer.