Black Ops 6: Beta information, start dates & how to get access
The beta period for Black Ops 6 is fast approaching. Here's what you need to do to gain access to it, and what you need to know about when it all kicks off.
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The Black Ops 6 beta will be the first chance for players to experience what 2024’s Call of Duty will really be like to play, ahead of the full release date of October 25.
Here’s what you need to know about the beta, including when it will take place, how to get access to it, and what sort of content will be included.
Beta start dates
The Black Ops 6 multiplayer beta will have run for two weekends, one for early access members and another open period that will be free to play for everyone:
- Early Access: August 30 - September 4
- Open Beta: September 6 - September 8
If you have access to the early access version, this will give you a solid week to get to grips with how multiplayer works in Black Ops 6. Both access periods take place over consecutive weekends, too, and progress will carry over between both Betas.
How to get into the beta
To gain access to the early access beta, you’ll need to pre-order any version of the game from any retailer. Purchasing the game digitally will make the process easier, as your account will be granted early beta access automatically. If you pre-order a physical edition, you should receive an early access beta code via email from your chosen retailer.
You can also gain access to the early access beta if you’re an active subscriber to Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass PC, or Game Pass Console.
If you don’t want to pre-order the game, an open beta will take place shortly after the early access version. This will be available for anyone to join, free of charge.
Beta platforms
The beta will take place on every platform that the game is set to release on:
- Xbox Series X|S
- Xbox One
- PlayStation 5
- PlayStation 4
- PC (Steam, Battle.net, Microsoft Store)
It’s worth noting that you’ll only have access to the early access beta on the platform that you pre-ordered the game. For example, if you pre-ordered a copy of the Xbox Series X version, you won’t also have early access to the PlayStation 5 beta.
Of course, when the beta becomes free to access for everyone, you’ll be able to play on whichever platform you like.
All available maps in the beta
Treyarch has now officially confirmed which maps will be available in the Open Beta, with 8 of the overall 16 playable during the short test:
- Scud
- Babylon
- Rewind
- Skyline
- Derelict
- Gala
- Pit
- Stakeout
We're able to get a short glimpse of all eight in the announcement post from Treyarch on X (formerly Twitter), but with a completely new slate, there's bound to be plenty of excitement heading into the beta.
Will beta progress carry over to the main game?
No, progress earned in the Black Ops 6 beta will not carry over to the main game when it launches later in the year. This has been the case for all Call of Duty betas in the past, and I can’t see Treyarch changing things up this year.
The team has reasoned that it wants all players to start with a clean slate in 2024’s Call of Duty, with it being the main reason why weapons aren’t carrying forward from MW3 and Warzone this time around.
You might be able to earn an exclusive Calling Card or other cosmetic item for taking part in the beta, which will likely be useable in the full version of the game. However, don’t expect to be able to level up a weapon to the maximum in the beta to then use it in the full version of the game in October.
This guide is a work in progress, and we will update it as new information appears.
About The Author
Joshua Boyles
Joshua is the Guides Editor at GGRecon. After graduating with a BA (Hons) degree in Broadcast Journalism, he previously wrote for publications such as FragHero and GameByte. You can often find him diving deep into fantasy RPGs such as Skyrim and The Witcher, or tearing it up in Call of Duty and Battlefield. He's also often spotted hiking in the wilderness, usually blasting Arctic Monkeys.
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