Gaming
Everything you need for the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Beta testing
Omnimovement system, available maps, adjustments, essential information, more
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).
Gaming
CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- REUNION physical edition now available for Switch 2
Zack Fair’s story comes to Switch 2.
Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia and SQUARE ENIX have released the physical edition of CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- REUNION for Nintendo Switch 2 in Southeast Asia.
Players can also purchase the game digitally on the platform. Availability may vary by region and retailer.
Zack Fair’s story returns
Set in the mako-powered metropolis of Midgar, CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- REUNION follows Zack Fair, a young operative in Shinra’s elite SOLDIER unit.
Zack investigates the mysterious disappearance of SOLDIER operatives alongside his mentor, Angeal, and the legendary Sephiroth. His journey reveals the events that shaped the world of FINAL FANTASY VII and his connection to Cloud Strife.
The game revisits Zack’s story with an HD graphical overhaul of its character models, user interface, and environments. It also features fully voiced dialogue in English and Japanese, alongside an updated action-combat system.
Players can trigger Limit Breaks and Summons as they battle their way through the story. The game also supports handheld and docked play on Nintendo Switch 2.
A look back at Zack’s legacy
Originally released as a remaster of the PSP classic, CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- REUNION offers a refreshed take on one of the franchise’s most significant prequel stories.
In our GadgetMatch review, we explored how the remaster brings Zack Fair’s journey to modern platforms while preserving the emotional core of his story.
The release also gives players another way to experience the events leading into FINAL FANTASY VII, ahead of the upcoming FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION, the third and final entry in the FINAL FANTASY VII Remake series.
For more information about CRISIS CORE -FINAL FANTASY VII- REUNION and other Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia titles, visit the official website.
Gaming
Dune: Awakening makes it way to the PS5 and Xbox Series X
Surviving the harsh land of Arrakis one sandstorm and bloodlust at a time
Back in June of 2025, Funcom released its multi-nominated open world survival game, Dune: Awakening. Inspired by the renowned movie franchise, the game takes place within the deserts of Arrakis as players survive and thrive through intense combat and strategic decision making. Now, in the big 2026, Funcom is finally bringing that experience to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S players as Dune: Awakening officially launches on console!
For the newbies finally getting it on console, here’s all you need to know:
Take the lead or do it together
Dune: Awakening takes you into the desolate land of Arrakis, and gives you the option to do it on Single Player or Multiplayer upfront. Through your own bidding in strategy, combat, and resource management, your goals are simple: survive the terrain, make more allies than enemies, and conquer the land through your affiliation to the powers that be.
This version of the game is as exact and as one-to-one as it possibly could with the PC version released last year, down to the story arcs, quests, and PvE/PvP areas you take on. Since launch, Funcom has introduced new weapons, areas, and cosmetics through DLCs that will be available to console players, as well. Also, several key features in story and mission progression that have changed on the PC version will take into effect.
If you want to engage with multiplayer, it is still a viable option when you want to gather more resources and reinforce your bases against other players and the natural elements. However, you still won’t be able to host your own server on a console just yet, as it is more stable to do so on the PC version.
Become whoever and whatever to survive
Character customization became the game’s bread and butter through its extensively library of features and unique take on story progression. As you begin your journey, Lady Jessica welcomes you in and asks you on your origin story, mentorship, and initial skill set — all of which are to your choosing based on your play style. Honestly, none of these completely influence the difficulty in progressing the story too much but it will give you full control of the experience.
As you progress further into the game, you will unlock more skills and abilities to aid you in your quest for power and survival. These will help you earn XP, along with accomplishing tasks, gathering resources and researching newer technologies, plus engaging in combat both within the PvE and PvP areas. Ultimately, you and, potentially, other players must build enough rapport and influence to shape the world of Arrakis to your liking.
Consistent visual expectations
For most players on the PC version, graphical fidelity relied heavily on the hardware of choice. When transitioning the game into a console-friendly environment, Funcom worked out the details seamlessly by adding a Performance and Quality mode. In this fashion, you can opt for crystal-clear graphics at a decent 30 FPS or go for a constant 60 FPS to keep up with the action.
No matter which mode you choose, the overall visual identity of the game doesn’t change drastically. Environments look rich and vibrant, while the tiniest of details within character models are preserved. Although, given frame rate differences, rendering of background elements also reflects that but it won’t ruin the gaming experience.
Dune: Awakening will be available on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on September 22. For Xbox Game Pass owners, this will also be a Day One release with Play Anywhere support and cross-play within Xbox and PC players upon launch.
Funcom has also planned an exciting map update later this year plus potential DLC tie-ins to the upcoming Dune: Part Three theatrical release in December.
The trifecta is complete. Almost a year after announcing their new hardware, Valve has finally unveiled the price tag of the Steam Frame, complementing the Steam Machine and Steam Controller revealed a few months ago.
Whereas the Steam Machine is a console of its own, the Steam Frame is a traditional VR headset with a pair of controllers for both hands. Unfortunately, despite being in a different segment, the headset is not immune to the rising prices of technology. The Steam Frame will start at US$ 1,059 for a 256GB model and can go up to US$ 1,299 for the 1TB model. On the plus side, each box will come Half-Life: Alyx packaged along with the headset.
Here’s a more detailed rundown of what you’re getting. The Steam Frame will ship with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset, paired with 16GB of RAM. Each eye comes with a 2160 x 2160 LCD screen, putting out images at up t0 a 144Hz experimental refresh rate. As mentioned above, the headset will start with 256GB of storage but can go up to 2TB. It will come packaged with SteamOS 3 and a rechargeable 21.6Wh battery.
This might be a hard buy for some. The industry currently has more affordable options, for one. Also, virtual reality isn’t the most thriving segment of gaming today.
If you’re still decided on buying one, however, Valve is using its lottery system. Interested customers can sign up from now until September 17. The company will then randomize the purchasing order. Those who draw the first ones in the lottery can get a purchase email as soon as September 18. Meanwhile, anyone who registers after September 17 will automatically be put at the back of the queue.
SEE ALSO: Valve announces its own console called the Steam Machine
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