# The Beta for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Begins on August 30th: Here’s All You Should Know
The eagerly awaited launch of *Call of Duty: Black Ops 6* is imminent, with the official release date scheduled for October 25th. However, devoted fans won’t have to wait long to dive into the action. The beta period for *Black Ops 6* commences on August 30th, providing players an early chance to engage with the game and share their opinions prior to its full debut. Here’s everything you need to be aware of regarding the forthcoming beta, including start times, preload dates, download sizes, and more.
## Table of Contents
– [Commencement of the Open Beta and Preload Date](#commencement-of-the-open-beta-and-preload-date)
– [Download Sizes Across All Platforms](#download-sizes-across-all-platforms)
– [Black Ops 6: Roadmap Overview](#black-ops-6-roadmap-overview)
## Black Ops 6: Open Beta Start and Preload Date
The *Black Ops 6* beta will launch in two segments: an Early Access Beta followed by an Open Beta. Here are the essential dates and times to note:
### Early Access Beta
– **Dates:** August 30 to September 4
– **Access:** Requires a beta key
– **Time:** The beta initiates and concludes at 7 PM (local time) each day
### Open Beta
– **Dates:** September 6 to September 9
– **Access:** No key needed, accessible to all participants
– **Time:** The beta starts and wraps up at 7 PM (local time) each day
### Preload Date
– **Available Since:** August 28th
By preloading the beta, you can join the action the moment the servers are active. If you haven’t done so yet, make sure to download the beta files ahead of time to prevent any hold-ups.
## How Can I Secure a Key for Early Access?
If you’re interested in taking part in the Early Access Beta, a beta key is required. Here’s how you can obtain one:
– **Pre-Orders:** All digital edition pre-orders automatically provide access to the Early Access Beta, no matter the platform. If you pre-ordered a physical version, you’ll get a beta key from the retailer you purchased from.
– **Giveaways:** Numerous streamers and influencers will also be distributing beta keys via contests on platforms such as X/Twitter, TikTok, Twitch, and Discord. Keep an eye on these channels for a chance to grab a key.
## How Can I Download the Beta?
If you’ve already applied the Season 5.5 update for *Call of Duty*, you will automatically gain access to the Open Beta through an additional update. If the game isn’t installed yet, you can directly download the beta from your platform’s store.
To ensure you’re prepared to play right when the beta launches, we recommend preloading the update starting from August 28th.
## Download Sizes Across All Platforms
Activision has shared specific download sizes for the beta on all platforms. Here’s a detailed list of the storage you’ll need to clear on your system:
| Platform | CoD and Season 5 Reloaded Update Already Installed | Call of Duty Not Yet Installed |
|—————–|—————————————————|——————————–|
| PlayStation 5 | 34 GB | 80 GB |
| PlayStation 4 | 15 GB | 67 GB |
| Xbox Series X/S | 35 GB | 75 GB |
| Xbox One | 17 GB | 52 GB |
| Battle.Net | 32 GB | 74 GB |
| Steam | 32 GB | 66 GB |
| Microsoft Store | 29 GB | 68 GB |
Ensure you have sufficient storage capacity on your device to handle the download.
## Black Ops 6 Beta on Game Pass
Good news for Game Pass subscribers! The *Black Ops 6* beta will be available via Game Pass, allowing you to enjoy the game without needing an additional beta key. Here are the subscription choices that provide access:
– **Game Pass Console:** €10 monthly
– **Game Pass PC:** €12 monthly
– **Game Pass Ultimate:** €18 monthly
With an active subscription, you can simply download and play the beta straight from the Game Pass library.
## Overview of the Black Ops 6 Roadmap
The Open Beta will offer players the chance to test out various new features, including the highly discussed omni-movement system. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore a variety of new maps and game modes, providing a thorough preview of what *Black Ops 6* has in store.