If you’re eager to jump into Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 before its official release, getting access to the beta is your golden ticket. Here’s everything you need to know to get in on the action as early as possible.
Pre-Order the Game
The most straightforward way to gain early access to the Black Ops 6 beta is by pre-ordering the game. This will automatically grant you access to the first beta weekend, which is exclusive to those who pre-purchase. You can pre-order either the digital or physical edition of the game, but the process for accessing the beta differs slightly:
- Digital Pre-Orders: If you pre-order through digital platforms like PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Steam, or Battle.net, you won’t need an early access code. Your account will be automatically registered for the beta, and you’ll be able to download and play it as soon as it becomes available.
- Physical Pre-Orders: If you pre-order a physical copy from a participating retailer, you should receive an early access code, either on your receipt or via email. To use this code, visit the Call of Duty redemption page, log in with your Activision account, and enter the code to secure your beta access.
Know the Beta Dates
There are two primary beta weekends to mark on your calendar:
- Weekend One (Early Access): This exclusive access is for players who have pre-ordered the game. It starts on Friday, August 30, at 10 AM PT and ends on Wednesday, September 4, at 10 AM PT. This weekend gives you a head start in exploring the new content before it opens to the general public.
- Weekend Two (Open Beta): Beginning on Friday, September 6, at 10 AM PT, the beta will open up to everyone, regardless of whether you’ve pre-ordered the game. This phase will run until Monday, September 9, at 10 AM PT.
Pre-Loading the Beta
Pre-loading the beta ensures you don’t waste any time once the servers go live. The pre-load period typically begins a couple of days before the beta starts. For Black Ops 6, the pre-load will be available starting August 28, 2024. This allows you to download the beta files in advance so you can jump right into the action when the beta goes live.
The file sizes for the beta vary depending on your platform, so make sure you have enough space on your device:
- PC (Battle.net): 80GB
- Steam: 66GB
- PlayStation 5: 80GB
- Xbox Series X|S: 75GB
Maximising Your Beta Experience
During the beta, expect a mix of multiplayer modes and maps, giving you a taste of the full game’s content. Take advantage of this period to explore different weapons, tactics, and strategies. Since it’s a testing phase, developers will likely be monitoring gameplay closely, so your participation could directly influence the final tweaks before the game’s release.
Additionally, keep an eye out for any in-game rewards or challenges exclusive to the beta. These might include unique weapon skins or player emblems that carry over to the full game as a memento of your early participation.
Troubleshooting and Support
If you encounter any issues accessing the beta, such as not receiving your early access code or facing download problems, don’t panic. For digital pre-orders, ensure your store account is linked correctly to your Activision profile. For physical pre-orders, check your email or receipt for the code. If you still can’t find it, contact the retailer’s customer support.
Activision also provides a dedicated support page where you can troubleshoot common issues, and they often update their blog with any last-minute changes or tips for the beta period.
Stay Updated
The gaming landscape can change rapidly, and Call of Duty is no exception. Keep up with the latest announcements through official channels such as the Call of Duty blog, Twitter, or the Activision support page. These sources will provide real-time updates on any changes to the beta schedule, additional content, or potential issues.
