by theygamesWhat time does the CoD beta start? As sure as the sun rises and sets each day, a new Call of Duty installation is almost guaranteed for each new year and, with it, a few days of multiplayer early access. Following the reveal of Black Ops 6, we can’t wait for the BO6 beta to take place, and we’re sure you feel the same.
Call of Duty Black Ops 6 was first teased towards the end of May, 2024, and within two weeks we saw the FPS game’s official reveal at Summer Game Fest. Earlier rumors of a Gulf War themed Call of Duty were proved right, and the Black Ops 6 release date takes us back to the 1990s. There’s more on that in our main guide, but read on to find out what we know so far about the Black Ops 6 beta release date and sign up details.
Black Ops 6 beta dates
The Black Ops 6 beta weekend one starts on Friday, August 30, at 10AM EST / 1PM PST / 6PM BST and ends on Wednesday, September 4, at 10AM EST / 1PM PST / 6PM BST. The first weekend is exclusively for players who have preordered the game on any platform.
The Black Ops 6 open beta for all players starts on Friday, September 6, at 10AM EST / 1PM PST / 6PM BST and ends on Monday, September 9, at 10AM EST / 1PM PST / 6PM BST.
These beta dates are earlier than we would have estimated, since the game isn’t out until late October. Looking back at Modern Warfare 3, Infinity Ward’s FPS was released on November 10, 2023. The PlayStation-exclusive beta weekend took place five weeks earlier during October 6 – 7, with the crossplay beta following pm a week later from October 12 – 13.
This logic would have placed a PC beta on September 28. It’s important to note that the main reason this pattern may have changed is the lack of console-exclusive betas this year. A PS-exclusive beta took place before others in previous years, but all platforms get access at the same time this year.
The reason behind this change is that Microsoft now owns Activision, and the console giant has confirmed there will be no more console-exclusive Call of Duty content. This means the PlayStation-exclusive betas are finally over, replaced with a full cross-platform beta period.
Black Ops 6 beta preload
The Black Ops 6 beta preload is available to all players from August 28, 2024, whether you’re diving in on August 30 or September 6. Simply download the beta from your chosen storefront, following the details below for early access entry.
Players with Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 or Warzone already installed and updated to Season 5 Reloaded should automatically receive an update on August 28 to preload beta content.
The estimated file size for the beta is:
- Battle.net: 80GB (34GB to existing season 5.5 install)
- Steam: 66GB (32GB)
- Microsoft Store: 68GB (29GB)
- PlayStation 5: 80GB (34GB)
- PlayStation 4: 67GB (15GB)
- Xbox Series: 75GB (35GB)
- Xbox One: 52GB (17GB)
How to get access to the Black Ops 6 beta
The Black Ops 6 open beta is open to everyone, while early access is only available to those who have pre-ordered the game. Pre-order the game on any official platform for early access.
Pro-order a digital copy on any platform, and you will automatically gain access to the early beta – no action necessary. If you have pre-ordered a physical copy, meanwhile, you should receive or have already received a redemption code.
Once you have received your code, enter it at the Call of Duty code redeem page while logged into the Call of Duty account you wish to play on. You will be able to download and play the beta when the time comes.
Furthermore, having pre-ordered the Vault edition you can play as any of the four Operators from the Hunters vs Hunted operator bundle, which includes Park, Adler, Brutus, and Klaus. You can also take any of the five weapons from the Mastercraft weapon collection for a spin throughout the beta, too. That includes the Jackal POW, Ames 65, Combat Knife, Marine SP, and LR-7-62.
That’s all we know about the Black Ops 6 beta right now. While you wait, why not spend some time in the newest Warzone season and get some shooting practice in, or find out more about the Black Ops 6 safe house, your base of operations in the new game.