Raul Menendez returns as a major antagonist in COD Black Ops 7, appearing as a story boss enemy with tactical expertise, advanced gear, and squad support. Menendez uses guerrilla-style attacks, drones, explosives, and psychological tactics throughout missions, culminating in a multi-phase boss encounter.
Screen recording by: NerdsChalk
COD Black Ops 7: Menendez overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Enemy type | Story boss / Elite tactical commander |
| Health | Very high (reinforced armor + scripted phases) |
| Damage output | High (rifles, drones, explosives) |
| Movement | Fast, tactical repositioning, uses cover intelligently |
| Weakness | EMPs, headshots during vulnerability windows |
| Common locations | Final missions, fortified strongholds, ambush setups |
| Special behavior | Calls reinforcements, uses drones, triggers explosive traps, enters rage/tactical phases |
How to defeat Menendez in COD Black Ops 7
Menendez fights strategically—controlling angles, using drones, and deploying traps. To win, players must manage add waves, break his defenses, and exploit short vulnerability windows in each phase.
Step-by-step guide to defeat Menendez
Phase: 1
Step 1: Obtain kinetic jump
Loot the kinetic jump module from the crates near the arena’s left entry point.
Step 2: Use kinetic jump
Activate it to perform vertical leaps or lateral boosts to dodge AOE blasts and reposition faster.
Phase: 2
Step 1: Break his Armor
Focus fire on his chest plates until they shatter.
Step 2: Blades fallen to earth
During his AOE charge, metallic blade fragments rain down—avoid their landing zones, marked by glowing circles.
Step 3: Handle reinforcement squads
Menendez calls Commandos and Defenders—eliminate them before pursuing him.
Screen recording by: NerdsChalk
Step 4: Obtain machete
Pick up the machete from the downed Fallen Elite soldier near the arena midpoint.
Step 5: Use machete (aim)
Aim down sights before striking—this lines up the hitbox for precision blows
Step 6: Hit with machete
Use the machete only when Menendez is staggered; slash at the exposed armor joint for bonus stagger damage.
Step 7: Trigger phase
At 60% HP he deploys riot shields—break them with grenades or LMG fire.
Step 8: Finish the final phase
In low health, Menendez becomes more aggressive but less tactical. He rushes between cover—use stuns to stop him, then land precision shots to end the fight.
Screen recording by: NerdsChalk
Menendez tips
- Use kinetic jump to dodge drones and shockwaves more safely.
- Never use machete unless he is staggered—otherwise you take heavy retaliation damage.
- Destroy drones immediately; they are the main threat.
- Explosives break his phase armor faster.
- Bring a marksman rifle for consistent headshots.
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