The Call of Duty franchise is no stranger to Early Access periods. We’ve seen it happen with its recent games, including Modern Warfare 2 and 3. So, now the question on everyone’s minds is: Will Black Ops 6 have an Early Access period? Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding Campaign Early Access for Black Ops 6
Unlike past launches, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has no Campaign Early Access period. Activision confirmed this information in a statement to CharlieIntel, indicating that it will only focus on features for the Day One launch. Generally, players have gotten to play the Campaign a few days before release, but that’s not the case in light of the recent news.
While fans are accustomed to getting a taste of the Campaign ahead of time, the absence of this period indicates a shift in strategy from Activision. They are placing more emphasis on ensuring that everything is polished and ready for the official launch, which may lead to a smoother experience on Day One.
What Players Experienced in the Open Beta
Even though the standard Campaign Early Access isn’t available, many players did get a taste of BO6 during a previous Open Beta and Early Access event. The content during that time primarily involved Multiplayer gameplay, offering a select few weapons, maps, and modes. However, other hit modes, like Zombies and the Campaign, were not included. This Open Beta period has already come and gone, so all that’s left to do is wait for the official BO6 release.
Players enjoyed engaging in Multiplayer battles, but the anticipation for Zombies and Campaign modes remains high. The feedback from the Open Beta will likely influence how the final game is experienced, as developers take note of what players enjoyed and what they felt was lacking.
Regional Launch Times and Pre-loads
If you notice that some players have tuned into the game despite it not being out yet, they have likely gotten the chance to play due to their specific location. Launch times for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 differ for each region, with New Zealand being one of the first to get hold of it. Fortunately, pre-loads have already gone out to prepare you for launch. I highly suggest downloading it as soon as possible, given that it does take up a large chunk of your storage. For more information on this, check out our guide on pre-load, launch times, and file sizes.
Being among the first to play can be thrilling, and understanding the logistics around launch times can enhance the experience. Make sure your device is ready and has enough space to accommodate the game to avoid any last-minute issues!
Content Rollout Post-Launch
Content for BO6’s Campaign, Multiplayer, and Zombies will start rolling out by Day One. But keep in mind that Zombies’ Main Quests are expected to arrive on Oct. 25 at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET/6 p.m. BST. This staggered release approach allows players to explore different modes in phases, keeping the excitement alive.
Staying updated on release schedules for various modes can help players plan their gaming sessions. Each element of BO6 is designed to provide distinct experiences, and being aware of when to expect content can enhance the overall enjoyment of the game.