When it comes to mastering Call of Duty Black Ops 7 (COD BO7), zone defense is a crucial skill—especially if you want to hold key positions without constantly running around. Claymores and Proxy Mines are some of the best gadgets for creating defensive perimeters that can catch enemies off guard. Whether you’re practicing in Black Ops 7 bot lobbies or jumping into competitive matches, these 17 tips will help you maximize your zone control using these explosive tools.

  1. Understand Your Map’s Choke Points
    Before placing any mines, spend time learning the map’s high-traffic areas. These choke points are where enemies tend to push, making them ideal spots for Claymores and Proxy Mines.

  2. Combine Claymores with Proxy Mines for Layered Defense
    Claymores are great for straight-line entrances, while Proxy Mines can cover wider areas or unexpected angles. Using both in tandem creates overlapping zones of denial.

  3. Use Bot Lobbies to Test Your Setups
    Black Ops 7 bot lobbies are perfect for experimenting with mine placements without pressure. This environment lets you observe how AI reacts to your traps, helping refine your strategy.

  4. Place Claymores at Head Level
    Most players tend to crouch or walk, so placing Claymores at head height increases the chance of a lethal hit rather than a mere warning beep.

  5. Proxy Mines for Wide Corridors and Flanking Routes
    Unlike Claymores, Proxy Mines trigger by proximity in a larger radius, making them ideal for wider hallways or around corners where enemies might flank.

  6. Use U4N Training Modes to Practice Timing
    Practicing mine placement and timing with U4N’s specialized training modes can improve your reaction speed and map awareness, helping you anticipate enemy movement better.

  7. Don’t Overcrowd One Spot
    Avoid placing all your mines in a single cluster. Spread them out to cover multiple entry points; otherwise, one grenade or flashbang can clear your entire defense.

  8. Coordinate Mines with Team Communication
    If you’re playing with a squad, inform them about your mine placements. This way, teammates won’t accidentally trigger your traps or waste their utility trying to clear safe areas.

  9. Use Sound Cues
    Claymores emit a distinct beep before exploding. Position yourself nearby to listen for these signals and react to incoming enemies accordingly.

  10. Adapt Based on Game Mode
    In objective-based modes, place mines near flags or bomb sites. In more open maps or free-for-all, prioritize high ground and popular paths.

  11. Bait Enemies into Your Traps
    Sometimes the best defense is a little deception. Fire a few shots or throw a decoy grenade near your mines to lure enemies into their blast radius.

  12. Use Claymores and Proxy Mines to Control Bot Lobbies
    Practicing in Black Ops 7 bot lobbies helps you get a feel for effective mine placements against different enemy behaviors before trying the same tactics in real matches.

  13. Don’t Forget Verticality
    If the map has multiple floors, place mines on staircases or ledges. Enemies often forget to check these vertical routes.

  14. Clear Mines with Care
    Opponents can shoot or throw grenades to clear mines. Use this knowledge to your advantage by placing mines where enemies feel safe, forcing them to take risky clearance actions.

  15. Place Mines in Less Expected Areas
    Experienced players often check common spots for mines. Surprise them by placing Proxy Mines behind crates or under windows where they don’t usually look.

  16. Use Mines to Cover Your Escape Routes
    If you need to retreat from a position, dropping a few mines behind you can slow or stop pursuers.

  17. Combine Mines with Other Gadgets for Maximum Effect
    Pair your Claymores and Proxy Mines with tripwires, shock charges, or even tactical grenades for layered defense that’s hard to bypass.

Using these tips, you can transform your defensive playstyle and control zones effectively in COD BO7. Whether practicing in bot lobbies or competitive matches, incorporating Claymores and Proxy Mines into your arsenal adds a strategic edge that can turn the tide in your favor.