The Black Ops 6 beta runs over two weekends in August and Sept., including an open beta for all players.
Unlike previous Call of Duty games, the early access beta period is available to all platforms, and not just PlayStation owners. Then, for those without a beta code, the second weekend will see access fully available as part of an open period. We’re in the second weekend now, which allows you to jump in on Sept. 6.
This page explains when Black Ops 6’s beta releases, how to get access during the early access period with a beta code, and what to expect from the beta.
Black Ops 6 beta start and end dates
Black Ops 6’s beta takes place across two weekends, the first being early access only. Unlike previous Call of Duty betas, both weekends are available on all platforms — provided you have a beta code, have pre-ordered, or are playing on Xbox Game Pass.
The Black Ops 6 beta dates are:
- Early Access (Weekend One): Friday, Aug. 30 to Wednesday, Sept. 4
- Open beta (Weekend Two): Friday, Sept. 6 to Monday, Sept. 9
Note that for those wanting all beta rewards — see the final section of this page for specifics — you have to start playing during the first weekend to claim everything.
Black Ops 6 beta end time: When is 10 a.m. PT in your time zone?
The second Black Ops 6 beta weekend will end on Monday, Sept. 9 at the following times:
- 10 a.m. PDT for the West Coast of North America
- 1 p.m. EDT for the East Coast of North America
- 6 p.m. BST for the U.K.
- 7 p.m. CEST for west mainland Europe
- 2 a.m. JST the following day in Japan
Once the beta has concluded, you can get a further taste of Black Ops 6 multiplayer via the official trailer, released in the days leading up to the first beta weekend.
What is featured in the Black Ops 6 open beta?
Here’s everything we can expect from the Black Ops 6 open beta in the second weekend:
- Eight maps: Derelict, Rewind, Scud, Skyline, Babylon (core maps), as well as Gala, Pit, Stakeout (strike maps)
- Eight modes: Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, Kill Order, Face Off Team Deathmatch, Face Off Kill Confirmed, Face Off Kill Order, Gunfight
- The Training Course, where you can learn about the Omnimovement system and other new combat additions
- Player level cap of 30, an increase of 10 from the first beta weekend’s cap of 20
- Balance changes since the first weekend, including changes to weapon balance and spawns, and an increased weapon XP earn rate
- Cross-play between all platforms
As with previous Call of Duty betas, progress will not carry over to the full game. That said, you can unlock a series of rewards based on how much you play over both weekends…
Image: Treyarch/Activision
You can unlock a number of rewards to take through to the full release of Black Ops 6 by reaching specific ranks. Note that some rewards can only be unlocked during the first or second weekend, so to unlock everything, you have to reach Level 20 during the first weekend, then progress until Level 30 before the beta wraps at the end of the second weekend.
- Level 2: Beta Tester Animated Emblem (either weekend)
- Level 6: Beta Tag Spray (either weekend)
- Level 11: No Bugs Weapon Charm (either weekend)
- Level 15: Quick Draw Emote (either weekend)
- Level 20: Squish Westpoint Operator Skin (first weekend only) , Squash Westpoint Operator Skin (either weekend)
- Level 23: The Truth Lies Loading Screen (second weekend only)
- Level 27: Beta Expert Animated Calling Card (second weekend only)
- Level 30: Bug Smasher Weapon Blueprint (second weekend only)
Enjoy the beta while it lasts — and if you need an extra assist, we have XM4 loadout and C9 loadout explainers to help with your first few matches.
How Black Ops 6 beta codes and access worked for the first weekend
Note: You do not need a beta code or a pre-order to access the second weekend running Sept. 6 to Sept. 10 — it’s open to all players across all platforms.
Unlike previous Call of Duty betas, Black Ops 6’s early access period is available to players across all platforms, and not just those on PlayStation.
As well as access through acquiring a beta code or pre-order, for those on Xbox and PC, there is now an additional method through having an Xbox Game Pass subscription.
To get Black Ops 6 beta in early access, you can either:
- Pre-order the game. If you have pre-ordered digitally, you’ll be automatically be granted access on your chosen platform, while physical orders will receive a beta code from that retailer. Pre-orders towards the standard or Vault Editions will grant early access.
- Subscribe to Xbox Game Pass for Console, PC, or Ultimate. In other words, everything but Xbox Game Pass Core will grant you access to the beta for those on Xbox consoles or PC.
- In the US, Comcast / Xfinity Rewards members can claim a code, with details here.
- In the UK, EE is hosting a giveaway of its own, which appears to be open to non-EE members.
- Participate in official giveaways. The official Call of Duty account on X (formerly Twitter) hosted a giveaway in the days leading up to the first beta weekend, and it’s possible they may do more — so it’s worth keeping your eyes peeled on their social accounts for further code drops.
In summary, the only guaranteed way of getting a code is by pre-ordering or being a Xbox Game Pass subscriber, but as shown, there are a few extra ways to get codes if you prefer not to.
Ultimately, remember you can still access the beta without pre-ordering — you’ll just have to wait for the second weekend’s open beta period starting Friday, Sept. 6.
How Black Ops 6 beta code redemption worked
Note: You do not need a beta code or a pre-order to access the second weekend running Sept. 6 to Sept. 10 — it’s open to all players across all platforms.
If you have a beta code, you can redeem the code on the official Call of Duty website. Log into your Call of Duty/Activision account (or create one if you haven’t already), enter the code, and select your platform and region.
From there, a code will be emailed to the email address registered to your account soon before the beta period begins.
Image: Activision via Polygon
As mentioned above, if you digitally pre-ordered Black Ops 6 (through PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Steam, or Battle.net) or have a qualifying Xbox Game Pass subscription, then you’ll have automatic access — there’s no beta code required.
