In 2035, the world teeters on the edge of total anarchy—imagine a future where technology and terrorism collide in ways that could redefine humanity itself. Dive into Call of Duty®: Black Ops 7, where players confront the resurgence of a notorious antagonist, Raul Menendez, while grappling with the enigmatic ambitions of The Guild, a powerful tech conglomerate that emerged from the turmoil sparked by Menendez's radical populist uprising. With the game's release just days away on November 14, let's unravel the intricate backstory that sets the stage for this thrilling saga.
But here's where it gets controversial: Is Menendez truly a villain, or could his 'fight for the 99%' be a twisted cry for justice in a world dominated by superpowers? Many fans debate whether his methods, though extreme, highlight real inequalities. As we explore the narrative, remember that in the Black Ops universe, history's echoes never fade—every choice ripples forward with profound repercussions.
Let's rewind to how it all began, introducing Raul Menendez, the character who refuses to stay buried.
“Once again, you shall know fear.”—Raul Menendez
In Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, we meet Raul Menendez in 1986 as the ruthless head of the Menendez Cartel, a Nicaraguan arms trafficker who captures CIA agent Frank Woods and abandons him to die in a shipping container along Angola's Cubango River. Learning of his comrade's dire situation, Alex Mason—once retired—springs into action to rescue Woods, but this means leaving his young son, David, behind. It's a heart-wrenching moment that underscores the personal costs of these high-stakes missions.
Fast-forward to the aftermath: Woods, fueled by a thirst for vengeance, locates the cartel's leader and secures CIA approval for a raid on Menendez's residence. Amid the gunfire and chaos, Woods hurls a grenade meant for Raul, but it tragically strikes and kills his sister, Josefina. Both siblings are officially pronounced deceased by the CIA, closing what seems like a chapter. But in the world of Black Ops, nothing is ever truly over.
Menendez’s Retribution
Jump ahead to 1989, during the U.S. invasion of Panama. Woods and Mason are on the hunt for a mysterious target called Nexus One, whose face is hidden under a hood. Through their communications, a captive operative named Jason Hudson—under duress from Menendez—deceives Woods by claiming Nexus One is the villain himself. Believing this lie, Woods pulls the trigger, only to realize he's murdered his own friend, Alex Mason. Menendez then emerges, shattering Woods' knees with gunfire, leaving him crippled. It's a brutal twist that illustrates Menendez's mantra: as he endures suffering, so must those who wronged him. For beginners diving into the series, this showcases how misinformation and betrayal can escalate conflicts into personal tragedies.
From Arms Trafficker to Populist Icon
Driven by deep-seated animosity toward the United States, Menendez adopts the alias Ulysses and launches the political entity Cordis Die. Through social media and propaganda, he portrays his group as champions of the world's poor, earning himself the title of “Messiah for the 99%.” Yet, beneath this facade, Cordis Die's military wing secretly stirs a new Cold War era, provoking riots, economic instability, and cyber attacks. This duality raises intriguing questions: Is Menendez a revolutionary fighting systemic oppression, or a master manipulator exploiting global discontent? And this is the part most people miss—how his populist rhetoric mirrors real-world movements, potentially drawing parallels to contemporary debates on inequality and digital propaganda.
The pursuit of Menendez evolves into a family-driven quest, passed down to Alex Mason's son, David. With guidance from Frank Woods—who essentially raised him after his father's demise—David halts Menendez's scheme to seize control of America's drone arsenal. Amid widespread blackouts, looming warfare, and economic turmoil, Mason appears to vanquish the foe... but appearances can be deceiving.
The New Horizon: The Guild
Menendez returns, sending shockwaves worldwide, and in response, The Guild ascends as a tech behemoth under CEO Emma Kagan. Originating as a crime syndicate in the Mediterranean haven of Avalon, The Guild vows to protect humanity via cutting-edge technology, openly challenging Menendez and his followers. They promise security in an uncertain age, but is this benevolence genuine, or does it conceal ulterior motives? Here's where controversy brews: Could The Guild be another form of control, trading one tyranny for another under the guise of progress? It's a debate that echoes discussions about corporate influence in today's tech-driven society.
The Struggle Persists: David and JSOC
David Mason longs for Menendez's permanent downfall, yet he remains skeptical of The Guild's assurances. Teaming up with elite JSOC operatives like Mike Harper, Leilani “50/50” Tupuola, and Eric Samuels, he investigates whispers of a fear-inducing weapon designed to sow panic. Bolstered by allies such as Colonel Troy Marshall from Black Ops 6, David ventures as “Specter One” to expose the truths behind Menendez's comeback and The Guild's dominance. As global disorder intensifies, he confronts familiar foes and emerging threats, questioning his grip on sanity in the process. For newcomers, think of it as a high-tech spy thriller where trust is the ultimate weapon.
Fresh Intelligence: Co-Op Campaign and the Finale
Upon finishing the initial 11 Co-op Campaign missions, unlock Endgame, where JSOC explorers Avilon's expansive terrains, neutralizing The Guild's remaining headquarters while contending with hazardous zones releasing an enigmatic toxin. Stay tuned for a Developer Discussion and an in-depth Campaign Endgame Blog dropping tomorrow, Monday, November 10.
©/TM/®2025 Activision Publishing, Inc. (*Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 via purchase or Game Pass required to redeem.)
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What do you think—does Menendez's populist agenda make him a misunderstood anti-hero, or is he irredeemably evil? And should we trust tech giants like The Guild to guard our future? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own controversial take on this gripping storyline!
