Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 multiplayer beta coming ahead of release date

Activision has announced how the Call of Duty: Black Op 6 release will happen, including a couple of dates fans should note.

Those who pre-order, or have a Microsoft Game Pass subscription, will be able to play the game’s multiplayer early as part of an Early Access “Open Beta”.

This takes place between August 30 and September 4.

Those who have pre-ordered digitally should simply be able to play, while physical pre-orders should have included a code for access.

“You should have received a “Beta Code” allowing Early Access at the point of sale, at your retailer,” says Activision.

After this Early Access period, there’s a more easily accessible Open Beta session for all players. This acts like a weekend-long preview, and runs from September 6 to September 9.

In all cases, these windows start and end at 6pm, UK time.

The open beta sessions only provide access to Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’s multiplayer modes. Otherwise, players could easily finish the campaign long before the title’s actual release. The full game isn’t due until October 24.

The Omnimovement system is one element fans may want to try out in this beta period. This should make player movement feel much more slick.

Sliding and running is now possible in all directions, not just forwards. It will allow for a much more elegant and rapid style of movement, but will it also make the gap between skilled players and the rest of us even wider?

Activision also works the upgrade angle in this Open Beta period. Players who pre-order the Vault Edition, which costs £30 more than the standard one, will gain access to additional character skins and weapons.

This upgrade is available separately, which may appeal to Xbox Game Pass subscribers not planning on buying the game itself ahead of the launch.

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