The Modern Warfare trilogy has concluded, and now the spotlight shifts to the resurgence of the Black Ops series. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 promises to be the most ambitious entry yet, aiming to surpass Cold War and claim the title of the best Call of Duty game. Initial details are shrouded in mystery, echoing the game’s themes of truth, lies, and subterfuge. However, we’ve analyzed available footage and information to bring you everything we know about this highly anticipated title.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 key art featuring a crouching soldier.
Release Date and Platforms
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 launches on October 25, 2024, and will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Continuing the series’ tradition as a leading multiplayer experience, Black Ops 6 will feature cross-platform play.
A soldier firing from a prone position in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.
Story and Setting
The reveal trailer sets Black Ops 6 in 1991, following the events of Cold War. Russel Adler’s reappearance in Kuwait triggers a chain of conspiracies involving a shadowy group known as The Pantheon, which has infiltrated the CIA. Players, alongside Adler and new characters Sev and Felix, are forced to go rogue to counter this threat. Frank Woods returns as a CIA mentor to the player character, Troy Marshall.
Missions showcased in the trailer offer diverse gameplay, including traditional shootouts, stealth operations, and even non-violent missions like a casino heist. Players will have options beyond combat, utilizing dialogue and strategy to navigate certain scenarios. The open mission structure from Modern Warfare 3 returns, expanded to provide even greater player choice and agency.
Zombies Mode
The Zombies mode trailer introduces the new playable characters: Grigori Weaver, Elizabeth Grey, Mackenzie “Mac” Carver, Oskar Strauss, William Peck, and Maya Aguinaldo. Set over five years after the Cold War Zombies storyline, the narrative continues in the Dark Aether universe at the Terminus outpost in the Philippine Sea. Players will face the initial zombie outbreak while searching for Mac’s missing brother.
Gameplay Innovations
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 introduces “Omnimovement,” a significant gameplay shift. Players can now spring in any direction, including backward, while sliding, diving, and prone movements have been refined for smoother, more dynamic action.
Multiplayer launches with 16 new maps: 12 for 6v6 modes and four designed for both 6v6 and 2v2. The classic Prestige system returns, allowing players to re-level after reaching max level, unlocking weapons and gear across 10 Prestige levels. Further progression is available with Prestige Master, offering an additional 1,000 levels. For the first time, players can fully customize their HUD, rearranging or hiding key information.
Zombies Gameplay Details
Zombies mode returns to its arcade-style roots within the Dark Aether storyline. Two launch maps, Terminus and Liberty Falls, are confirmed. The Terminus gameplay trailer showcases intense action, various weapons, and environmental interaction.
A new weapon, the Beamsmasher, is described as an experimental weapon with three damage types. The Mutant Injection killstreak allows temporary transformation into a Mangler. Augments offer major and minor upgrades for perks, mods, and field upgrades. Solo players can now save and quit mid-match, a welcome feature for the potentially lengthy Zombies experience.
Campaign Gameplay Insights
The “Most Wanted” campaign level demonstration showcases a hostage rescue mission, starting with camera gameplay before escalating into a firefight against a heavily armored minigun-wielding enemy. The new movement system is highlighted, with sprinting and sliding in multiple directions. A new guided and remotely detonated explosive knife adds a tactical element to combat. The trailer concludes with a thrilling motorcycle chase featuring on-rails shooting sequences.
Multiplayer Deep Dive
The multiplayer reveal trailer hints at takedown animations and the ability to use enemies as human shields. The Omnimovement system is showcased extensively, with soldiers diving, rolling, sliding, and swimming through environments. The trailer confirms 16 new maps, the return of Gunsmith, and the classic Prestige system.
Leaked Scorestreaks and Perks
A significant leak unveiled potential Scorestreaks and Combat Perks, though their inclusion in the final game remains unconfirmed.
Leaked Scorestreaks
- Scout Pulse
- RC-XD
- UAV
- Counter UAV
- Watchdog Helo
- Interceptors
- Chopper Gunner
Leaked Perks
- Dexterity
- Gung-Ho
- Engineer
- Forward Intel
- Tracker
- Dispatcher
- Fast Hands
- Bankroll
- Double Time
- Cold-Blooded
- Vigilance
- Gearhead
- Guardian
- Quartermaster
Preorder Options
Two preorder editions are available:
Cross-Gen Bundle ($70)
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
- Open Beta Access
- Woods Operator Pack
BO6 Vault ($100)
- All Cross-Gen Bundle content
- Hunters vs. Hunted Operator Pack
- Mastercraft Collection
- BlackCell (1 Season)
- GobbleGum Pack for Zombies
A squad of soldiers in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.
