Get Ready for Call of Duty Black Ops 6: Preload Times, Launch Schedule

The Launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is Almost Here!

Get ready to dive into thrilling multiplayer battles on October 25th! Before you jump in, let’s break down the latest intel so you’re fully prepared.

Discover Everything Black Ops 6 at Buffguru

Game Modes for Every Style of Play

At launch, there’s a game mode tailored for every player, with even more content arriving during the Preseason and the start of the Season 1 Battle Pass. Here’s a breakdown:

Classic Favorites

The core of Black Ops 6 multiplayer is built around its Standard Modes, offering iconic Call of Duty experiences like Team Deathmatch, Domination, Search & Destroy, Kill Confirmed, Free-For-All, Hardpoint, Gunfight, Headquarters, Kill Order, and Control. Whether you thrive in objective-driven chaos or prefer straightforward elimination battles, there’s a mode that fits your style.

Face Off Variations

Looking for a fresh twist on classic modes? Black Ops 6 introduces Face Off Alternate Modes, including Domination, Team Deathmatch, Kill Order, and Kill Confirmed, all with Scorestreaks turned off for a more strategic encounter.

Embrace the Hardcore Challenge

For those seeking the ultimate skill test, Hardcore Mode returns! Brace yourself for a tougher experience with a minimal HUD, friendly fire, and reduced health.

Maps Designed for “Omnimovement” Action

According to Activision/Blizzard, all launch maps in Black Ops 6 are small to medium-sized, featuring classic three-lane designs, meticulously crafted to enhance the signature Call of Duty: Black Ops experience.

This design allows for tighter gameplay, perfectly suited for Omnimovement—a new mechanic enabling players to seamlessly link combat actions in any direction.

Core 6v6 Battles

Black Ops 6 launches with 12 brand-new Core Maps, each designed for fast-paced 6v6 skirmishes that leverage the innovative Omnimovement system.

Babylon: Engage in battle among the ruins of a lost civilization.
Derelict: Explore a hidden train graveyard deep in the Appalachian Mountains, perfect for close-quarters encounters.
Lowtown: A lively dockside area turns into a battleground.
Payback: A luxurious cliffside mansion is under siege by the Rogue Black Ops.
Protocol: Test your Omnimovement abilities on the Protocol Training Course, a fortified island designed for both training and full-scale combat.
Red Card: Battle through the stadium entrance and the stands of this international soccer venue.
Rewind: Mayhem unfolds in the Liberty Shopping Plaza.
Scud: A military outpost in the desert ravaged by a fierce attack.
Skyline: Engage in combat atop a stunning rooftop resort.
Subsonic: A bomber training facility transforms into a high-stakes battlefield.
Vault: A lavish desert compound becomes a site of conflict.
Vorkuta: Return to a location steeped in Black Ops lore.

Compact Strike Encounters

Prepare for intense close-quarters action on 4 new Strike Maps, ideal for both 2v2 and 6v6 skirmishes.

Gala: The chaos following a high-society fundraiser in Washington, D.C. turns deadly.
Pit: Navigate the tight spaces of an underground mine.
Stakeout: Engage in close combat within a small apartment, utilizing various rooms for tactical advantages.
Warhead: The Nuketown neighborhood makes a comeback, now buried in desert sands near a testing facility.

Operators and Factions | Choose Your Side

Over 20 unique Operators are available at launch, each with their own backstory, personality, and unlock challenges:

Rogue Black Ops: A team of former operatives on the run, fighting to uncover a conspiracy within the CIA, utilizing improvised and acquired gear to stay ahead.
Crimson One: An elite CIA unit dedicated to tracking down and eliminating the Rogue Black Ops squad, equipped with cutting-edge tools and resources.

Sharpen Your Skills and Perfect Your Loadout

Preparation is key to success. Here’s what you can do between matches to enhance your gameplay:

Training Course: Refine your skills on the Protocol map’s Training Course, designed to teach Omnimovement and essential combat techniques.
Firing Range: Experiment with and fine-tune your weapons at the updated Firing Range, complete with customizable targets and performance tracking.
Capture Your Greatest Moments: Relive and showcase your best plays with the return of Theater Mode. Capture gameplay from multiple angles, fast-forward, rewind, and easily share your highlights.

Improved Call of Duty UI

When you launch Black Ops 6, after downloading the pre-launch update, you’ll be greeted with a revamped UI that streamlines your access to games, modes, and Buffguru. Previously known as “Call of Duty HQ,” this new interface will continue to evolve leading up to the Season 1 Battle Pass launch.

At launch, the interface will feature three main hubs: Home, All Games, and Buffguru. Each hub displays its content on a single page, eliminating unnecessary scrolling.

Preload Now, Play on October 25th (or 24th!)

Preloading for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 begins on Monday, October 21 at 9 AM PT for players who pre-purchased the game or subscribed to select Game Pass plans. You’ll be able to preload the Campaign, Multiplayer, and Zombies modes ahead of the official release on October 25. For those who already have Call of Duty installed, the preload will update automatically. If not, you can manually initiate the download from your platform’s storefront. Note that the download size may vary depending on your setup.

Preload Time: