How to access the Black Ops 6 beta and when does the Open beta start (2024)

Knowing how to access the Black Ops 6 beta means you can take an early first look at what's coming with the next Call of Duty instalment from Treyarch, a good few weeks before release. While the Early Access period is drawing to a close, this means that the Open beta starts very soon, so everyone can hit the battlefield regardless of pre-order or subscription status. There are some big changes being introduced to Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, with probably the most significant being the new Omnimovementsystem to vault and slide fluidly across the combat zone. There are a selection of Black Ops 6 beta rewards to earn by levelling up over the course of the beta, but don't get too excited if you see Black Ops 6 Zombies in the menu as that isn't going live until launch.

Unlike previous betas that had a PlayStation exclusive period, BO6 is happening at the same time on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, so it will release simultaneously across PS5, Xbox Series, PS4, Xbox One, and PC. Furthermore, Game Pass subscribers on Xbox and PC can automatically get into the Early Access beta, with no pre-order required. For all of the details, here's how to access the Black Ops 6 beta and when the Open beta starts.

How to access the Black Ops 6 beta

To access the Black Ops 6 beta, you first need to find it by searching on the PlayStation Store, the Microsoft Store, Battle.net, or Steam. If you pre-ordered the game digitally then you should automatically be able to download the Early Access beta right now through those platform storefronts, or if you pre-ordered a physical copy then you'll have been sent separate instructions for how to access the beta with a redemption code. If you're a Game Pass subscriber then you'll also be able to play the Black Ops 6 Early Access beta, though Game Pass Console subscribers may also need Game Pass Core to use multiplayer features.

The same process is used to access the Black Ops 6 Open beta, and if you get it installed now then you'll be ready to go once September 6 rolls around. While this should be available to download now on consoles, PC players may need to wait a little longer for it to be added to Battle.net and Steam.

Black Ops 6 beta start date and times

As always, there are two tiers of access when it comes to the Black Ops 6 beta, depending on whether you've paid up front for the full game or not. For everyone who pre-orders (and Game Pass subscribers), the Black Ops 6 Early Access beta began on Friday August 30 and runs until Wednesday September 4, giving five whole days to get an early taste of what's to come. For everyone else, this will be followed up by the Black Ops 6 Open beta that starts on Friday September 6 and ends on Monday September 9, providing a further three days for the wider player base to explore.

Here's a full breakdown of the planned access times, but do note that these may be affected by server errors or other issues during the course of testing:

• Black Ops 6 Early Access beta: August 30 @ 10am PDT / 1pm EDT / 6pm BST to September 4 @ 10am PDT / 1pm EDT / 6pm BST
• Black Ops 6 Open beta: September 6 @ 10am PDT / 1pm EDT / 6pm BST to September 9 @ 10am PDT / 1pm EDT / 6pm BST

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