In just a few hours, the first open beta weekend for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will finally happen. This will give players the first crack at the Omnimovement system, some of the title’s 16 maps, and other innovations, before the game officially releases in October.

At the 2024 Call of Duty: NEXT, the showcase unveiled tons of vital information on the first person shooter. That includes the game’s global gameplay systems, multiplayer maps, and more on the spy action thriller series.

We have compiled some of the most essential key points from the showcase, with focus on Black Ops 6 to get you prepared as best as possible ahead of the Beta testing.

Here are the highlights:

Omnimovement

Set to be a game changer across the genre, Omnimovement immediately allows the player to move like never before. The system is designed for players of all skill levels. They’re likewise encouraged to learn how to take advantage of it before the Beta.

At its most basic level, Omnimovement allows players to Sprint, Slide, and Dive in any direction. That includes shooting targets while sliding or diving forward, sideways, or backwards.

Moreover, the system will allow a 180-Degree Combat Dive. This allows players to sprint towards the edge of a building and then dive from there. They may also quickly rotate while mid-air to face an enemy.

Furthermore, Combat Supine and Combat Slide and Dive will give players more advantages to maneuver and quickly aim and fire against enemies while in prone position or while sliding and diving.

In addition to Omnimovement, Black Ops 6 will introduce Intelligent Movement. This will be available for both keyboard and mouse or controller options. Under Movement, players may adjust a slew of features to tailor-fit how their operators traverse the landscape.

Treyarch and Raven has also streamlined the Loadout navigational experience. And with the Global Weapons Build, players’ Black Ops 6 weapons creations can be shared across Multiplayer, Zombies, and Warzone.

Black Ops 6 Multiplayer maps

As announced before, Black Ops 6 will feature 16 maps. All the launch maps are small to medium-sized maps with traditional three-lane routes. They have all been meticulously designed to fully realize the signature COD: BO6 experience.

The maps are split into two main categories: 12 brand-new Core 6v6 maps and four brand-new compact sized Strike maps. These four maps are designed to be played in either Face Off 6v6 or 2v2 configurations.

Five of the core maps, including Derelict and Babylon, will be playable at the Beta testing. Strike maps Gala and Pit will likewise be accessible from the first Beta weekend.

For a full breakdown of all 16 maps, visit the Call of Duty: NEXT blog about them here.

Multiplayer modes

Multiplayer modes include the new Kill Order in which two teams are pitted against each other in a 6v6 respawn mode. Each team has a High Value Target, or HTV at any given time.

Teams score points for all eliminations, but the main focus is defeating the enemy’s HTV. This is equivalent to the largest number of points.

Of course, part of your team’s goals is to keep your own HTV alive as well while trying to eliminate the opposing one.

Other modes announced at Call of Duty NEXT are:

• Team Deathmatch
• Domination
• Hardpoint
• Face Off
• Gunfight

Gunfight is a 2v2 mode that takes place specifically on Strike maps. This single-life mode requires teams to eliminate the other or capture the zone in the center of the map when it appears.

Each player will have the same exact Loadout as each other during a round. These Loadouts will randomize every round. Players will continue to battle until one team reaches the number of wins required.

Multiplayer gameplay overview

Speaking of Black Ops 6’s multiplayer maps, a few enhancements and adjustments have been made.

The Time To Kill, for instance, has been refined to synergize with Omnimovement and to put focus on weapon balance, including the 12 brand new weapons at launch.

The Beta is also a great place to try the flexibility of Heads Up Display (HUD). Players may try out a few visual examples in preparation for a full complement at launch. They may choose Presets to suit they style of play, as well as a variety of Interface Elements Colors and Settings.

Thanks to Omnimovement as well, Slide Cancelling is available to try during the two Beta weekends.

For an extra layer of protection, Body Shield lets players double-tap the Melee button to grab enemies and use them as, well, a shield. Drop them afterwards before they expire.

Black Ops 6 Multiplayer Beta: Are you ready?

Before dropping into the Multiplayer Beta, players will partake in the ins and outs of the new Omnimovement system through a Training Course led by Frank Woods. This takes place in the windswept island called Protocol. The skills learned here should get players in top form for the battles ahead.

Before doing anything further, players are also urged to equip their favorite Vault Edition Operator. That’s either Adler or Park from the Rogue Black Ops Faction or Brutus or Klaus from the Crimson One Faction. They can all be accessed from the Operators menu.

Then when you hit Level 4, you’ll unlock Custom Loadout Classes. This shall allow you to equip your Vault Edition weapons, as well as any other unlocked weapon available in the Beta.

Several guides are also available via the Call of Duty website:

• Movement guide
• Controls and Settings guide
• Multiplayer: How to Play guide
• Weapons and Loadouts guide

Black Ops 6 Beta testing schedule

Those who have preordered the game across all platforms and Game Pass subscribers may take part in the first Beta weekend. It is scheduled from August 31 at 1:00 AM (GMT+8) to September 5 at 1:00 AM (GMT+8).

Meanwhile, the second weekend is an Open Beta test for all, regardless of their preorder status. It will begin on September 7 at 1:00 AM (GMT+8) and will end on September 10 at 1:00 AM (GMT+8).