Following a series of leaks, Activision has officially announced Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Set in the 1990s, this installment features notable historical figures like Bill Clinton and Saddam Hussein in its campaign mode. The game promises exciting multiplayer options, Zombies mode, and introduces a new "omnimovement" system for enhanced gameplay.
Release Date and Platforms
Black Ops 6 will be released on October 25. It will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC, as well as on older consoles like PS4 and Xbox One. Furthermore, it will be accessible on Xbox Game Pass from day one, thanks to Microsoft's acquisition of Activision and Call of Duty.
Special Features for Game Pass Subscribers
Game Pass subscribers will receive the digital cross-gen bundle on Xbox, which includes the Woods operator pack and early access to the open beta. Preordering Black Ops 6 also grants early access to the beta. This exclusive access reflects the special treatment Call of Duty is receiving on Xbox due to Microsoft's $70 billion acquisition of Activision.
Multiplayer Package Details
Activision has revealed that Black Ops 6 will launch with 16 brand-new multiplayer maps. This is a notable departure from 2023's Modern Warfare III, which reused maps from previous games. The launch maps include 12 6v6 maps and four smaller "Strike" maps for 2v2 or 6v6 gameplay. The game also brings back theater mode and Classic Prestige, allowing players to review their plays and rank up in a familiar system.
However, DLC skins and cosmetics from Modern Warfare III will not transfer to Black Ops 6. New HUD options will allow players to customize their interface, including the ability to move the minimap or remove HUD elements for a minimal UI experience.
Zombies Mode
As a staple of the Black Ops series, Zombies mode returns with a round-based format. Players will face increasingly challenging waves of undead. The launch maps, Liberty Falls and Terminus, are packed with secrets and Easter eggs, staying true to the Zombies tradition.
Campaign Mode
The campaign mode of Black Ops 6 is set in the early 1990s, following the events of Black Ops Cold War. It connects with the flashbacks from the 1980s featured in Black Ops II. Described as a "spy thriller" developed by Raven Software, the story delves into global politics at the end of the Cold War, featuring missions across the globe in locations such as the Middle East, Russian tundra, southern Europe, and the US.
Familiar characters like Frank Woods and Russell Adler return, alongside new faces like Troy Marshall and Jane Harrow. The campaign also introduces a "Safehouse" feature, serving as a hub for players to select missions, view an "evidence" board, learn more about the lore, and solve puzzles.
New Gameplay Mechanics
The "omnimovement" system allows players to sprint, dive, and slide in any direction, and for the first time in Call of Duty, players can rotate 360 degrees when prone.
More Information Coming Soon
Further details about Black Ops 6 will be unveiled during Call of Duty Next in August. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting new installment.