Treyarch, the developer of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, decided to play a joke on its most dedicated community at the beginning of 2026. The inside joke comes in the form of a secret achievement, discovered by fans, that literally asks players to “touch grass.” This expression, popular on the internet, is a humorous piece of advice for those who spend too much time online. The reward, or the joke, is given to those who reach the maximum prestige level with no less than 30 different weapons in the game’s multiplayer.
The Weapon Prestige system, which returns in Black Ops 7, allows players to reset a weapon’s progress at level 50 to earn exclusive rewards, such as camouflages and charms. However, to unlock the “Touch Grass” calling card, it is necessary to reach Master Prestige level 250 with thirty distinct weapons. This represents a colossal grind journey, which the developer itself seems to recognize as excessive. Thus, the digital trophy functions as a pat on the back and, at the same time, a virtual ear pull.
Community Reaction and Multiplayer Context
The discovery generated a mix of humor and disappointment among fans. While many found the joke amusing, others criticized the lack of a special animation on the calling card, considering the herculean effort required. Some pointed to the use of AI in creating in-game art as a possible reason for the simplicity. This debate occurs as Treyarch prepares to add the long-awaited Ranked Play mode, with a scheduled start for February 5th. The absence of this competitive queue at launch was a point of criticism, and its arrival promises to revitalize the scene.
Furthermore, Black Ops 7’s multiplayer has already faced controversies with its matchmaking system. The attempt to implement an “open” system, less based on skill, did not receive the expected reception from the community in December. Many players, therefore, returned to the standard queues. With the promise of the Ranked mode and this achievement that became a joke, January 2026 proves to be a busy month for franchise fans. The final message, even if in a joking tone, is clear: even in a futuristic world of 2035, sometimes it’s good to take a break and remember the real world.
