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).
Rebel Wolves and Bandai Namco Entertainment have revealed a fresh wave of details for The Blood of Dawnwalker, confirming its release on September 3, 2026.
The upcoming dark fantasy open-world action RPG is headed to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, with pre-orders now live across digital storefronts and retail. The announcement came alongside the game’s “Road to Launch” event, which packed in new gameplay footage, story reveals, and system requirements.
Story, gameplay, and a deeper look at Vale Sangora
A new story trailer introduces key characters surrounding protagonist Coen, a Dawnwalker caught between humanity and vampirism. Set in the fictional Vale Sangora in the Carpathian Mountains, the game leans heavily into choice-driven storytelling, where allies, enemies, and outcomes shift depending on player decisions.
Rebel Wolves also showcased over 10 minutes of gameplay captured from a recent PC build. The footage highlights narrative-driven exploration, where uncovering secrets and completing activities can unlock abilities or alter how events unfold. The core idea is simple: every action carries consequences, shaping both the story and the state of the world.
Developers including Piotr Kucharski, Daria Bury-Zawada, Maciej Wiśniewski, and Dorota Rutkowska also broke down key systems and design philosophies in a new dev diary.
Motion capture, editions, and system requirements revealed
A behind-the-scenes segment featured former UFC champion Jan Błachowicz, who contributed motion capture work for Bakir, one of the game’s antagonists. His involvement adds a layer of realism to combat, with a focus on weight and impact in every strike.
Rebel Wolves also detailed multiple editions of the game. Alongside the standard digital version and retail Day One Edition, players can opt for the Eclipse Edition, which includes bonuses like a world compendium, soundtrack, and comic book. A Collector’s Edition will also be available in limited quantities.
Official PC system requirements were likewise shared during the event, giving players a clearer idea of what hardware they’ll need to run the game.
A dark fantasy journey shaped by choice
Set in 14th-century Europe during a time of war and plague, The Blood of Dawnwalker follows Coen’s struggle against Brencis, a powerful vampire lord ruling over Vale Sangora. As a Dawnwalker, Coen walks a fine line between two worlds, gaining unique abilities while dealing with the cost that comes with them.
Built on Unreal Engine 5, the game emphasizes player agency, blending open-world exploration with branching narrative paths. Whether forming alliances or facing off against enemies, every decision feeds back into how the story unfolds.
The Blood of Dawnwalker launches September 3 on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is making its way to more players, and you can jump in right now.
Square Enix has released a free playable demo for the acclaimed RPG on Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox on PC. Better yet, your progress carries over to the full game when it launches on June 3, 2026.
The demo includes Chapters 1 and 2, giving players a substantial slice of the experience right from the start.
A look at the opening chapters
Chapter 1 revisits one of the most pivotal moments in the story — the Nibelheim incident. You take control of a younger Cloud alongside Sephiroth as they investigate a mysterious outbreak of monsters. It’s a story beat longtime fans will recognize, but still hits hard with its modern presentation.
Chapter 2 opens things up. Cloud and the crew step into the Grasslands, where the game starts to flex its scale. Expect a mix of combat encounters, exploration, side activities, and even the in-game card battler Queen’s Blood.
Combat blends real-time action with command-based strategy, now enhanced with Synergy Abilities. The demo also introduces “Streamlined Progression” options like unlimited HP/MP and faster ability unlocks, letting players focus more on the story if they choose.
Pre-orders and physical bonuses
Pre-orders are now open across platforms, with a 20% discount available until June 10, 2026.
Digital editions come with in-game bonuses like Summoning Materia, armor sets, and accessories. Meanwhile, early buyers of the Nintendo Switch 2 physical edition get a little extra — a collectible Magic: The Gathering–Final Fantasy Zack Fair card featuring variant art by Tetsuya Nomura, available while supplies last.
Preparing for the final chapter
Set beyond Midgar, Rebirth follows Cloud and his allies — including Tifa, Barret, Aerith, and Red XIII — as they pursue Sephiroth across a wider world. New companions like Yuffie and Cait Sith join the journey, adding more personality and dynamics to the party.
Already released on PlayStation 5 and PC, the game has racked up over 125 perfect review scores and more than 40 Game of the Year awards. With its arrival on Switch 2 and Xbox, the remake trilogy is now nearly fully playable across modern platforms.
That puts more players in position for what’s next: the third and final installment, which is currently in development.
Gaming
Level Infinite launches Gangstar Mirage City exclusively in PH
A blend of high-speed street racing, exploration, more
Level Infinite has launched a brand new mobile title exclusively available in the Philippines: Gangstar Mirage City.
Players can enjoy a blend of freedom, action, and dynamic gameplay in the free-to-play multiplayer open-world mobile game.
It is set in a near-future metropolis of Rooklyn, where thrilling action, player choice, and unpredictable moments collide.
Mirage City is the latest chapter in Gameloft’s renowned Gangstar franchise, with more than 250 million registered users.
It brings an expansive open-world gameplay to mobile, powered by high-fidelity graphics and detailed environments tailored for mobile play.
At its core, Mirage City is about freedom. As such, players can alternate between story-driven content and free-form exploration. They can navigate the city, build an empire, and define a personal journey.
There’s high-speed street racing, explosive encounters, and dynamic city events. Moreover, there is deep customization across vehicles, properties, and lifestyle, plus a wide range of activities in-game.
Being a Philippines-exclusive, title, the open-world RPG supports Tagalog text as well to bring the experience closer to its audience.
For now, the game is available for download via Google Play for Android devices.
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