How To Play The Next Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Beta

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War will launch its open multiplayer beta in October 2020. It'll arrive on PS4 first before opening up to other platforms a few weeks later. Here's everything you need to know about how to access the beta test, start dates depending on your platform, how to gain early access to the beta test by preordering Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, preloading times, and more. We got some recent hands-on time with Black Ops Cold War's multiplayer mode if you want more details ahead of the beta. We also learned about the game's Zombies mode, which features a new story with some classic characters, as well as the return of a classic map from the past. Finally, if you play the beta enough on your platform of choice, you'll unlock a blueprint for an SMG called the Mutual Animosity.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Open Beta Start Dates

Activision has announced that there will be two Cold War beta "weekends," although that term is something of a misnomer--each will last about five days, with the exception of an alpha test running for PS4 players that began on September 18. This test does not require you to preorder the game or receive a code. However, it ends imminently. You'll have to play it very soon in order to meet the deadline. The first few beta tests that follow will require preorders.

The first beta test runs exclusively on PS4, with preorder customers getting in first before it opens to all PS4 owners (you can preorder the PS4 or PS5 version to qualify). PlayStation Plus is required in "some territories."

The second test will include PS4, Xbox One, and PC and will support cross-play. This, too, will be open early for preorder customers on Xbox One and PC, while all PS4 owners will get in for the full duration. Preorders on Xbox Series X or S also qualify for this Xbox One early access. Xbox Live Gold is required on Xbox One. If you have an opportunity to get a month of Game Pass Ultimate for $1, you can also use that to gain access, as it includes Xbox Live Gold. Of course, it also includes games for both Xbox One and PC to try out.

Beta weekend 1 dates (PS4 only)

• October 8-12
  • Early access (PS4/PS5 preorders): October 8-9
  • Early access preloading: October 6
  • Open access: October 10-12

Beta weekend 2 dates (PS4, Xbox One, PC -- cross-play enabled)

• October 15-19
  • Early access (Xbox One/Series X/PC preorders, all PS4 owners): October 15-16
  • Open access: October 17-19

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War PS4 Early Access Beta Preloading Time

Preloading for the October 8 beta weekend on PS4 begins on October 6, according to the official Call of Duty account on Twitter.

How To Gain Beta Access

You can guarantee beta access by preordering Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War.

Activision also offered beta code giveaways for viewers of the Call of Duty League matchups. That event is over, but there are still giveaway opportunities happening across Call of Duty's various social media channels. Treyarch is currently inviting fans to join its Discord server or check out its Instagram Stories for the chance to grab a beta code.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Beta Platforms

The Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War beta will be available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. The full game will also release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The date for these versions has not been revealed yet, but the Xbox Series X and S are due to release just a few days before the game. We will likely have an answer on the PS5 soon.

It will cost $70 on next-gen systems, with this version of the game also including the current-gen version. This will be available both in physical and digital versions. You'll be able to play with those on other platforms as well as other console generations. This means a PS4 player and an Xbox Series X player should still be able to enjoy the game together.