The beta of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War starts today, on October 8, and runs over 2 weekends in 4 phases. To know exactly when you can test the new first-person shooter, MeinMMO shows the overview here.
Update October 9, 12:30 PM: The first reactions to the beta leave much to be desired. 2 well-known CoD experts even ended their stream because they weren’t having fun.
Update October 8, 7:10 PM: The beta is live. The following game modes are now included:
- Three 6vs6 modes – Team Deathmatch, Domination, Kill Confirmed
- 12vs12 Combined Arms as Domination
Additionally, a Hardcore tab is visible in the game selection, but it is still locked. The Hardcore mode may also be available for testing in the beta.
Update October 8: The beta goes online today at 7 PM on PS4.
Treyarch is now releasing more info about the beta and confirmed that there will be a new map & 2 new modes in the beta. Under the heading “More content is confirmed” you will find the latest news. A bunch of improvements and changes have also been announced – you will find them under the heading “Improvements over the Alpha are extensive”.
Update October 7: The preload for PS4 is online. If you pre-ordered CoD, you can now go to the PlayStation Store and download the beta. Alternatively, you can access it directly via this link:
Furthermore, the CoD blog released new information about the content of the beta and confirmed the modes for the testing phase. You can find the details under the heading “More content is confirmed”.
Update October 6: CoD: Cold War released a trailer for the beta. In the action-packed clip, the VIP Escort mode is confirmed:
Original report: After an open alpha phase for PlayStation players went online at the end of September, CoD also wants to give other platforms a first look at the new Call of Duty: Cold War.
If you are still unsure whether to jump into the new CoD, use the coming weeks for testing – because Cold War does some things differently than Modern Warfare.
When does the Cold War beta run on PS4, Xbox & PC? Release and time
The beta starts each Thursday at 7 PM and ends on Mondays at 7 PM our time. The various phases also start at 7 PM.
You have the chance to test the new CoD without obligations over the next two weekends. There are a total of 10 test days in 4 phases, and the open beta for all platforms lasts 3 days:
- October 8 – 9 – Start at 7 PM
- Only PS4 and only pre-orders have access
- October 10 – 12 – End at 7 PM
- Only PS4, but all players with PS Plus have access
- October 15 – 16 – Start at 7 PM
- Access for PS4 players with PS Plus and pre-orders on PC and Xbox (Xbox Live required)
- October 17 – 19 – End at 7 PM
- This is the open beta phase for everyone – players on all platforms have access (PS Plus or Xbox Live required on consoles)
So if you just want to take a peek, note the dates October 10 – 12 & October 15 – 19 on PS4 or October 17 – 19 on the other platforms (PC & Xbox). In these phases, you do not need to pre-order or anything for the beta – just download & start playing. The system requirements for PC can be found here:
When exactly does it start? So far, there have been no indications of a specific start time. The alpha phase started and ended at 7 PM. This time is also likely for the beta.
How do I download the beta? If you digital pre-ordered, you do not need a beta key, but can simply download the game data from the shop/launcher of your platform.
Can I preload? The preload for all pre-orders on PlayStation is online. If you have already purchased Cold War, you can now download the data from the PlayStation Store. All other platforms will have to wait until next week.
Early access only for digital pre-orders: If you bought CoD Cold War on CD, unfortunately, you will not gain access to the early phase of the beta. But you can still participate normally during the open beta days.
Start of the beta with significant improvements over the alpha
What have the developers improved in the beta? Lead Game Designer Tony Flame spoke with us in an interview about the most important changes in the beta. Patch notes have now revealed further adjustments:
- A new map that can be played as 6vs6 and 12vs12
- The VIP Escort mode and the 40vs40 Fireteam mode
- There will be a level system
- Changes in movement – sprinting & sliding revised
- Extensive overhaul of weapons – animations, more realistic sight view, general weapon tuning, grenade adjustments, attachment tuning
- More details in the gunsmith
- Sniper rifles: aim assist added for controller, one-hit area reduced, sight reflection made easier to see
- Fundamental graphics update and lighting/visibility overhaul
- Better audio for weapons, footsteps, hit markers, scorestreaks
- Scorestreaks should be more valuable – completing mission objectives now grants more points, and there are generally fewer points for higher killstreaks – however, the cooldowns of the streaks have been reduced
- Spawn adjustments on all alpha maps
- Overhaul of some vehicles
These points just show the most important adjustments at a glance. The complete “patch notes” are available on a Treyarch website in English, where you can see how the points change in detail.
More content is confirmed
What content does the beta offer? With the beta phase, you should get an impression of the multiplayer mode of the new CoD. There will likely be no access to parts of the solo or zombie mode.
The following contents distinguish the beta from the alpha:
- A new map: Cartel – a jungle map in Nicaragua that offers every kind of combat distance and a more open middle area
- VIP Escort: 6vs6 mode where one player is the VIP. The defenders try to secure the VIP in a specific zone. The attackers must eliminate the VIP.
- 12vs12 Combined Arms – Assault: You fight in a large team for a moving target.
- Firearms: The ground war variant of Cold War – a large 40vs40 battle, mode: Dirty Bomb
- There will be a level system: Unlike the alpha, you earn XP and level up to unlock equipment
- Through level progress in the beta, you can also unlock your first weapon blueprint for Cold War
Additionally, some brand new features will be introduced in the multiplayer of Cold War. For instance, there will be a ping system to quickly mark places on the map. Plus, a “field of view” setting for consoles has been announced – this was previously available only for PC. There will also be more settings options for your HUD.
This has already been in the alpha and is returning with the beta:
- Traditional 6vs6 modes as Moshpit (TDM, Kill Confirmed, Domination, Hardpoint)
- The 12vs12 Combined Arms mode as Domination
- 3 6vs6 maps (Miami, Moscow, Satellite) and 2 12vs12 maps (Armada, Crossroads)
- In the alpha, 17 weapons were available, with about half of the respective attachments per weapon
- You can create your own loadouts and try the new gunsmith
Here you can find impressions of the latest test version:
- Developers respond to the biggest criticism: SBMM
- Players complain about OP weapons – developers say: It was planned that way
- MeinMMO survey: Are you getting Cold War after the alpha?
Cold War Release & Keys for the beta
Can I get access to the beta without pre-ordering? Yes, a few days of beta are completely free for everyone. Keep these dates in mind:
- Free access PS4: October 10 – 12 and October 15 – 19
- Free access PS4, PC & Xbox: October 17 – 19
On consoles, you need PlayStation Plus or Xbox Live in Germany to participate.
Are there still keys for early access? If you really want to access early, keep an eye on the CoD channels on social media. In mid-September, some channels already distributed keys and developer Treyarch itself often gives away beta access:
If you are attentive and quick, you still have a chance for a key. Otherwise, use the free-for-all days of the beta phase.
When does Cold War celebrate its release? The full release of the new Black Ops is on November 13. The Warzone will also continue with the new CoD and share some content with Cold War. It is still unclear how the battle royale will proceed. Learn here how Cold War & Warzone could merge.
