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Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Beta Guide: Early Access and Preload

Last Updated: November 1, 2025

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 key art featuring operatives in action.

The wait is nearly over for the next chapter in the iconic shooter franchise. With the full launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 set for October 25, 2024, players can get their first taste of the covert action in the upcoming multiplayer beta. As anticipation builds, this guide will cover everything you need to know about getting early access, preloading the client, and what to expect when you drop into the 90s-era conflict.

Get Ready for Action: Preloading the Beta

Before the full-scale war begins, developer Treyarch, in collaboration with Raven Software, is giving players a chance to go hands-on with the game's signature multiplayer. To ensure you can jump straight into the action the moment the servers go live, preloading the beta client is essential. This option typically becomes available a few days before the beta weekends kick off on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.

By preloading, you download all the necessary files ahead of time, bypassing potential server congestion and long download queues when the beta officially starts. This is the best way to maximize your playtime and get a crucial head start on learning the new maps, weapons, and groundbreaking Omnimovement system that Black Ops 6 promises to deliver.

The Keys to Early Access: Pre-Orders and Game Pass

As with previous Call of Duty releases, guaranteed early access to the beta is a primary incentive for dedicated fans. There are now two main ways to secure your spot on the front lines.

The first and most traditional method is to pre-order any digital edition of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Doing so on the PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, or PC (via Battle.net, Steam, or Microsoft Store) will automatically grant you early access to the beta. If you pre-order from a physical retailer, you will receive a code to redeem for beta access.

In a major shift for the series, a subscription to Xbox Game Pass also grants early access. Subscribers to select Game Pass plans (Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass PC, or Game Pass Console) will have access to the Open Beta, including the early access period, without needing to pre-order the game separately.

While these methods guarantee early access, an Open Beta period will follow, allowing all players on all platforms to try the game for free, regardless of preorder or subscription status.

What to Expect from the Black Ops 6 Beta

The multiplayer beta will serve as a critical technical test for the developers, allowing them to gather valuable data on server stability, weapon balance, and core gameplay mechanics ahead of the game's worldwide launch. For players, it's the first opportunity to experience the evolution of the series' fast-paced combat.

The showcase feature is the new Omnimovement system, which allows players to sprint, slide, and dive in any direction (including backwards and sideways), offering unprecedented freedom of movement. The beta will be the first real-world test for this ambitious mechanic.

Players can also expect:

  • A Curated Selection of Maps: A handful of 6v6 maps showcasing Treyarch's classic three-lane design philosophy, tailored for the new movement system.
  • Classic Game Modes: Expect staples like Team Deathmatch, Domination, and Kill Confirmed to be in the rotation.
  • New Arsenal and Create-a-Class: A first look at the 90s-inspired weaponry and a chance to experiment with the latest iteration of the loadout system.
  • Return of Classic Prestige: The beta will likely offer a glimpse at the progression system, leading into the full return of traditional Prestige mode at launch.

Mark Your Calendars: The Road to Launch

While exact dates are still pending, the Call of Duty beta schedule typically follows a set pattern. Expect the beta to run across two consecutive weekends, likely in late August or early September. The first weekend is often exclusive to PlayStation players, with the second weekend opening up to all platforms (Xbox, PC, and PlayStation). Both weekends usually start with an early access period for pre-order and Game Pass customers before opening to everyone.

The beta is just the beginning. The full version of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is scheduled to launch globally on October 25, 2024. As the beta weekends approach, Activision and Treyarch will release more details on start times, level caps, and exclusive rewards for participating. For now, secure your preorder or Game Pass subscription and prepare for deployment.