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Call of Duty®: Black Ops Cold War Open Beta: Everything You Need to Know

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During the Beta, experience signature Black Ops combat across traditional 6v6 modes, the higher player count 12v12 Combined Arms, and a brand-new mode with Fireteam: Dirty Bomb. The Beta will feature a selection of the game’s Multiplayer maps set in distinct global locations during the Cold War. Rank up in the Beta-specific levelling system where you can unlock loadout items including new weaponry, covert spy tech through Field Upgrades, and badass Scorestreaks by earning XP.

The Black Ops Cold War Open Beta will be free across all platforms, with players who pre-purchased digitally gaining early access.

Read on for details on pre-loading, downloading, schedule, and what’s included in the Black Ops Cold War Beta:

Open Beta Dates and Times

 The Black Ops Cold War Beta is scheduled to last a total of four days beginning on Thursday morning, October 15at 19:00 CET for PC and ending on the following Monday at 19:00 CET. Follow @CallofDuty and @Treyarch for ‘live now’ announcements and any updates to the schedule.  

PC Beta Weekend: All Platforms (CrossPlay)

The Beta weekend on Battle.net is scheduled to run from Thursday, October 15 to Monday, October 19, and it’s available on all three platforms. As a complete connected experience, crossplay will be active allowing you to party up with friends and the greater community no matter what they play on.

PC Early Access: Those who pre-purchased the game digitally on PC via Blizzard Battle.net can begin playing the Beta on Thursday, October 15 and on Friday, October 16. PC players are required to have a Battle.net account.

PC Open Beta: The rest of the weekend, from Saturday, October 17 to Monday, October 19, is accessible to PC players regardless of pre-purchase status. At that time, everyone in the Call of Duty community can hop on and play together.

Operatives under fire from a watch tower

What’s Inside the Beta

The Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Beta will feature a mix of maps, modes, and playlists. Similar to past Betas, the Black Ops Cold War Beta will also include a progression system where you can earn XP in order to unlock new content for your Loadouts including weapons, equipment, Create-a-Class slots, and Scorestreaks.

Expect frequent updates and a few surprises to take place within the Beta and stay tuned to official Call of Duty and Treyarch channels for specific details.

Visit the Cold War landing site to get detailed information on the game, Beta, and specific Beta Multiplayer intel like game modes and Loadouts.  

Earn an SMG Weapon Blueprint for Reaching Level 10

All players who reach Level 10 within the Beta will receive an SMG weapon blueprint at the launch of Black Ops Cold War.

A weapon blueprint is a variant of a weapon family within the game, complete with its own unique name and cosmetic differences.  Weapon blueprints may also come pre-equipped with attachments, allowing you to use them on that specific weapon without needing to level it up to unlock those attachments organically. These attachments can be swapped out in favor of other attachments earned by levelling up the weapon normally.

An Operative checks the sights on his rifle

Access the Beta

As mentioned through the schedule, digital pre-order customers will be entitled to early access (Thursday and Friday) through their account on which they purchased the game. All other players can still access the open portion of the Beta (Saturday through Monday) for free.

Download the Beta on Battle.net and follow the prompts to download. On PC, the Black Ops Cold War Beta can be found under “Partner Games”.

Preload Information

Prior to the beginning of the PC weekend, all players will be able to preload the Beta.

PC : Preload the Beta starting on October 13 at 8 a.m. PDT.

Woods poses for the camera

Pre-Purchase Now on Digital to get Early Access

Pre-purchase players can secure early access to the Open Beta and receive instant rewards like the Woods Operator Pack* for immediate use in Modern Warfare® and Warzone™.

Choose from multiple options for the game including the Standard Edition or Ultimate Edition. All digital editions come with access to early access to this Open Beta.

Pre-order now on Battle.netand make sure to check out which edition is right for you in this detailed blog.

Stay Connected for Additional Intel

Be sure to check back here at the Activision Games Blog daily for the latest information on the Beta and Black Ops Cold War as its launch on November 13th approaches. Also, be sure to visit Treyarch’s Blog for more Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War announcements and content.

Follow @CallofDuty and @Treyarch on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for additional information. 

Execute the mission.

*Actual platform availability and launch date(s) of MP Beta subject to change. See www.callofduty.com/beta for more details.  Minimum Open Beta duration is 2 days. Limited time only, while Early Access Beta Codes last, at participating retailers. Internet connection required. Online multiplayer subscription may be required.

**Call of Duty: Modern Warfare / Call of Duty: Warzone on pre-order platform required to redeem Woods Operator and Blueprint.  Sold/downloaded separately.  Must be redeemed by Nov. 13, 2021.

For more information on Call of Duty®: Black Ops Cold War, check out: www.callofduty.comwww.youtube.com/callofduty and follow @Treyarch, @RavenSoftware, and @CallofDuty on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. 

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