Does Black Ops 6 have an early access period?

A player dives to the side, through a window, while firing a weapon
(Image credit: Activision)

Black Ops 6 brings new movement mechanics and a fresh slate of maps for players to enjoy when it launches later this month. As with any Call of Duty release, many are wondering about Black Ops 6 early access. This year is a little bit different from recent entries into the series, given Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and a change to the release strategy.

If you're looking to play Black Ops 6 as early as possible, you'll need to know the latest news from Activision on Black Ops 6 early access, as well as the specifics regarding the Black Ops 6 Game Pass release. From what we played of the beta, Black Ops 6 certainly has a chance of ending up on our best FPS games list by the end of the year, so we're counting down the days until the game goes live.

Here's everything you need to know about Black Ops 6 early access, including the earliest date you can play Black Ops 6, whether or not there's Campaign early access this year, and the details surrounding launch day. As new info is revealed, we'll be sure to update this page.

Black Ops 6 early access - is it happening?

A masked soldier aims a submachine gun to the left of the shot

(Image credit: Activision / Treyarch)

Black Ops 6 does not have an early access period, as revealed by Activision earlier this year. There won't be a way for players to experience the campaign early, as the developer is aiming for a simultaneous release for all players across all platforms. In a statement to CharlieIntel:

“The team is fully focused on October 25th. We are excited about all the game has to offer across Campaign, Multiplayer, and Zombies. This year, we made the decision to ensure the community gets to dig into any and all modes that they want at the same time, so we are back to one massive global launch moment on October 25th. As such, there is no Early Access beat this year for Black Ops 6, just the countdown to launch.”

When is the earliest you can play Black Ops 6?

Four Operators look out over Area 99, as players parachute in from above

(Image credit: Activision)

Black Ops 6 will launch on October 25 for PS5/PS5 Pro (though there's no enhanced version confirmed yet), PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. 

Given the above confirmation, this date is now the earliest the game will be available for players, with exact timings yet to be revealed. It's likely that Activision will give more info on the launch times per timezone as we get closer to launch. Once this info drops, this section will be updated.

Is there Black Ops 6 campaign early access?

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 - Multiplayer Reveal Trailer - YouTube Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 - Multiplayer Reveal Trailer - YouTube
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Unlike the last few Call of Duty games, there will be no campaign early access for Black Ops 6. This will be disappointing news for some, however, given how spoilers tend to leak around the campaign every year, it could be a good thing to have all players jumping in at once.

Is there Black Ops 6 Zombies early access?

A soldier in a gas mask advances with a submachine gun drawn

(Image credit: Activision / Treyarch)

Unfortunately, there is no Black Ops 6 Zombies early access this year. Players will be able to jump into a brand new storyline at launch, with two maps: Terminus Island and Liberty Falls.

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Jake Green

Jake is a freelance writer who currently works regularly with TRG. Hailing from the overcast shores of Brighton in the United Kingdom, Jake can be found covering everything from features to guides content around the latest game releases. As seen on NME.com, Eurogamer.net, and VG247.com, Jake specializes in breaking games down into approachable pieces for guides, and providing SEO advice to websites looking to expand their audiences.