Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Beta - Everything You Need to Know
The "Call of Duty: Black Ops 6" open beta is one of the most anticipated events for gamers, offering a sneak peek into the game's new features, maps, and modes before its official release. This article provides a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the beta, ensuring you're fully prepared to dive into the action.
Key Takeaways
- Beta Overview: The "Call of Duty: Black Ops 6" beta offers an early glimpse into new features, maps, and modes before the official release on October 25.
- Platform Availability: The beta is available on all platforms (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC) with cross-play enabled from day one.
- Early Access Dates: Early access runs from August 30 to September 4 for players who pre-ordered the game or have Game Pass.
- Open Beta Dates: The open beta, accessible to all players, takes place from September 6 to September 9.
- Pre-Load and Download Sizes: Pre-loading begins on August 28. Download sizes vary from 52 GB (Xbox One) to 80 GB (PS5).
- Beta Content: Players can experience a mix of classic and new maps, multiplayer modes like Team Deathmatch, and limited weapon customization options.
- Progression and Rewards: Players can unlock exclusive rewards, such as emblems, weapon charms, and operator skins, by reaching specific levels during the beta.
- System Requirements (PC): Ensure your PC meets the minimum or recommended specs for the best Black Ops 6 gaming experience.
- Start Times: Servers go live at 10 AM PT, 1 PM ET, and 6 PM BST for both weekends.
- Free Access: The beta is free for everyone during the second weekend (September 6-9), but early access requires a pre-order or Game Pass.
Early Access and Schedule
For the first time in Call of Duty history, the beta for "Black Ops 6" will be available simultaneously on all platforms — PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. Early access starts on August 30 and runs until September 4, followed by the open beta from September 6 to September 9. The official release date for "Call of Duty: Black Ops 6" is set for October 25.
The first Black Ops Beta session will start on August 30 and will be accessible until September 4. This makes it one of the longest-running Beta sessions in Call of Duty history.
Black Ops 6 Beta Weekend Release Dates
Weekend One (August 30 - September 4):
- PS5: Pre-order only
- PS4: Pre-order only
- Xbox Series X/S: Pre-order or Game Pass
- Xbox One: Pre-order or Game Pass
- PC: Pre-order or Game Pass
Weekend Two (September 6 - September 9):
- PS5: Open to all, no pre-order needed
- PS4: Open to all, no pre-order needed
- Xbox Series X/S: Open to all, no pre-order needed
- Xbox One: Open to all, no pre-order needed
- PC: Open to all, no pre-order needed
Platform Availability
Servers will go live simultaneously across all platforms at 10 AM PT, 1 PM ET, and 6 PM BST, with cross-play available from day one. The beta is open to all platforms, including PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S for both sessions. However, the first session is limited to players who pre-ordered the full game digitally or through a retailer.
Weekend 2 Schedule
The second Beta session will start from Friday, September 6 and go on till Monday, September 9.
Like the first weekend, the second beta session is available on all platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. However, this time, it’s completely open to everyone, with no need for a pre-order or Game Pass membership – just download and play.
Servers for this final session will go live at 10 AM PT, 1 PM ET, and 6 PM BST, with cross-play supported across all platforms.
What’s Included in the Beta?
- Maps and Modes: The beta will feature a mix of classic and new maps, along with a selection of multiplayer modes such as Team Deathmatch, Domination, and Search and Destroy. Players will also get a taste of new modes exclusive to "Black Ops 6."
- Weapons and Customization: A limited arsenal of weapons, perks, and equipment will be available, giving players a sneak peek at the game's customization options.
- Progression: While progress made during the beta won’t carry over to the full game, some betas reward players with exclusive items or in-game bonuses for participating.
Pre-Load Times and Download Size
To ensure you’re ready to jump into the action as soon as the beta begins, pre-loading for the game starts on Wednesday, August 28. The download sizes are as follows:
- PS5: 80 GB
- PS4: 67 GB
- Xbox Series X/S: 75 GB
- Xbox One: 52 GB
- Battle.net: 74 GB
- Steam: 66 GB
- Microsoft Store (PC Game Pass): 68 GB
Black Ops 6 Beta Rewards
- Level 2: Beta Tester Animated Emblem
Unlock this emblem during either weekend to showcase your participation in the beta. - Level 6: Beta Tag Spray
Earn this spray by reaching Level 6, available during either weekend of the beta. - Level 11: No Bugs Weapon Charm
Equip this charm on your weapons by reaching Level 11, accessible during both weekends. - Level 15: Quick Draw Emote
Unlock this emote for your character by reaching Level 15 during either weekend. - Level 20: Squish Westpoint Operator Skin (First Weekend Only)
This exclusive operator skin is only available if you reach Level 20 during the first weekend. - Level 20: Squash Westpoint Operator Skin (Either Weekend)
A similar operator skin to the Squish Westpoint, but available during both weekends. - Level 23: The Truth Lies Loading Screen (Second Weekend Only)
Unlock this unique loading screen by reaching Level 23 during the second weekend. - Level 27: Beta Expert Animated Calling Card (Second Weekend Only)
Reach Level 27 in the second weekend to earn this special animated calling card. - Level 30: Bug Smasher Weapon Blueprint (Second Weekend Only)
The ultimate reward, this weapon blueprint is unlocked by reaching Level 30 during the second weekend.
Minimum and Recommended System Requirements
Ensure your PC can handle the game by checking the system requirements:
Minimum Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit (latest update)
- Video: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 / GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon RX 470
- Storage: SSD with 149 GB available space at launch (78 GB if COD HQ and Warzone are already installed)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-6600 or AMD Ryzen 5 1400
- Memory: 8 GB RAM
- Internet: Broadband Internet connection
Recommended Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit (latest update) or Windows 11 64-bit (latest update)
- Video: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080Ti / RTX 3060, AMD Radeon RX 6600XT, or Intel Arc A770
- Storage: SSD with 149 GB available space at launch (78 GB if COD HQ and Warzone are already installed)
- Processor: Intel Core i7-6700K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600X
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Internet: Broadband Internet connection
Final Thoughts
The "Black Ops 6" beta is a fantastic opportunity to get an early taste of the game, whether you’ve pre-ordered or not. Make sure to check the start times, pre-load the game to be ready, and enjoy playing with others across all platforms. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore new maps, modes, and features before the official release!
FAQ's
Q. Is the Black Ops 6 Beta free?
A. The "Black Ops 6" beta is free for everyone during the second weekend, but the first weekend is only for players who pre-ordered the game or have Game Pass.
Q. What time does Black Ops 6 start?
A. The "Black Ops 6" beta starts at 10 AM PT, 1 PM ET, and 6 PM BST across all platforms.
Q. When can I play early access to The Black Ops 6?
A. Early access for "Black Ops 6" starts on August 30 and ends on September 4 for those who pre-ordered or have Game Pass.
Q. How to play the Black Ops 6 Beta?
A. To play the "Black Ops 6" beta, download it from your platform’s store during the beta dates. Early access requires a pre-order or Game Pass.