Who Is the Black Ops 7 Villain? Menendez, Kagan & Dorne

Curious about who the Black Ops 7 villain really is? Yep, it’s not just one person — you’re dealing with layers of bad guys. Between returning threats, new faces, and a powerful tech syndicate, BO7’s story is cooking up something serious. Let’s break it down.

Raul Menendez: The Legacy Threat Returns

Raul Menendez, the villain from Black Ops 2, is back in BO7.
In the reveal, he’s shown in a broadcast, ominously telling the world “you shall know fear” again.
His return ties directly into BO7’s core plot: JSOC operatives led by David Mason must deal with Menendez’s legacy, which continues to haunt the global stage.
This villain is very much alive and actively pulling strings — the series isn’t done with him yet.

Emma Kagan & The Guild: More Than a Corporate Powerhouse

The Guild is another major antagonist force in BO7, acting as a tech empire with a dark side.
Emma Kagan, the head of The Guild, is introduced as a powerful woman with a chilling agenda. She’s a key player in the game’s narrative, with immense control over the Guild’s far-reaching influence.
The Guild’s resources and ambition place them at the heart of BO7’s central conflict — merging high-tech innovation with underground schemes.
Even though Kagan is captured (or at least in custody), her organization’s grip on global affairs is still tightening, and her absence might just open the door for a leadership shift, perhaps under Dorne (more on that below).

If you want to be fully prepared for the Guild and other threats in BO7, our Black Ops 7 services can help you unlock key content and progress faster.

Dorne: The Mystery Man Behind the Curtain

The post-credits scene in the campaign teases a new figure — Dorne.
Dorne is surrounded by advanced Guild technology — robots, military-grade machinery, and data terminals. All this points to the fact that he’s closely tied to the Guild’s future plans.
Dorne is being set up as the next big villain for BO7’s long-term content, potentially showing up in future seasonal drops.
His arrival could signal a major shift in The Guild’s direction and possibly a new leadership dynamic in the works. Dorne isn’t just a throwaway character — he’s central to BO7’s ongoing story.

Why This Villain Setup Is Smart (Treyarch’s Playing the Long Game)

Multiple antagonists = deeper conflict. From Menendez to Emma Kagan and Dorne, BO7 weaves a rich tapestry of power struggles, shifting allegiances, and constant threats.
Room for expansion. Introducing Dorne as a villain opens up tons of room for story development through future updates, seasonal content, and post-launch DLC.
By leveraging The Guild’s role in the story, Treyarch has created an antagonist organization that can evolve over time. It’s not just about taking down a single bad guy; it’s about dismantling a growing, dangerous faction.
Fan service. Fans of earlier Black Ops games will appreciate the return of Menendez, while newcomers will find the Guild and Dorne a fresh set of villains to chase down.

What’s Coming Next (From a Villain Perspective)

Dorne’s Role in Post-Campaign Content: Expect to see Dorne’s plans unfold in seasonal events, multiplayer updates, and potentially in the 32-player Endgame PvE mode. The Guild could become a primary faction for multiplayer conflicts or missions.
Guild Tech in the Spotlight: With Emma Kagan’s capture and Dorne’s rise, we might see a tech-heavy narrative take center stage. Think advanced weapons, robotic armies, and tech sabotage missions that tie into the Guild’s sinister plans.
Factions and New Enemies: As Dorne consolidates power, expect new Guild factions to rise. These could include specialized robotic units and human operatives loyal to Dorne’s new vision for the Guild.
Character Crossovers: As Dorne establishes his dominance, other characters may either fall under his influence, oppose him, or team up with him. Whether Mason or a new hero rises to stop him remains to be seen.

Hidden Details About BO7’s Villains (For Lore Nerds Like Us)

Menendez’s Return: Look closely at the Warzone teasers. You might catch some throwbacks to his past schemes — like his terrorist network or his desire for global chaos. He’s not just a villain; he’s a symbol of all that’s gone wrong in the past.
Guild’s Secret Weapon: Watch for clues that indicate the Guild may have bioweapons or other classified tech in its possession. That could explain why Emma Kagan was so hard to track down — and why Dorne might be even more dangerous.
Dorne’s Calm and Collected Persona: The way Dorne is framed in the post-credits scene — calm, composed, and almost mechanical in his mannerisms — suggests that he’s not just a businessman. He could be a strategic mastermind who has no qualms about using technology to enforce his vision of control.

Final Thoughts

So, who is the Black Ops 7 villain? In short — it’s complicated (and that’s awesome). Treyarch has set up multiple antagonists that can evolve, expand, and keep players on their toes for years to come.

Menendez, the classic threat, is back to haunt the world.
Emma Kagan leads The Guild, a shadowy tech empire.
Dorne, the new face, is primed to take center stage as BO7’s future villain.

These characters will clash, and players will be right there, caught in the middle of it all. So, buckle up — the story’s far from over, and it’s only going to get crazier.