Following the blockbuster Xbox Games Showcase 2024, Activision took the stage to reveal new details and juicy tidbits about its upcoming shooter sequel, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. During the debut Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Direct, plenty of fresh details about the highly-anticipated game were revealed, including insights into gameplay, and new features for this particular franchise entry.
Here’s all the biggest news and reveals from the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Direct.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Direct: News Roundup
Treyarch and Raven introduce Black Ops 6
To kick off the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Direct, the Treyarch and Raven Software teams proudly revealed the game’s setting – the early 1990s – and its real-world history. In the game’s main campaign, the US government has been infiltrated, and loyal soldiers are branded as traitors. These soldiers will need to go undercover, to tackle the threat they’ll face in covert fashion.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 – Campaign
As described, the campaign for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be fairly open, with players allowed to make choices along the way, while also solving mysteries. Treyarch has described the campaign as being “spy-focussed” and it does appear you’ll need to use various trickery, weapons, and gadgets to tackle the game’s story. This journey is defined by the paranoia and global tension of the post-Cold War period.
Frank Woods features heavily in the game, as the aged, traumatised veteran still working to foster a better, more peaceful world. He operates as a valuable asset to the CIA – although he and his companions are forced to go rogue after a strange conspiracy unfolds within the government. There’s Mission: Impossible vibes in this plot, which should make the campaign very intriguing.
Black Ops 6 mission types are varied
As announced, the mission types of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be varied, with multiple options for your playthrough. Players will be able to barter their way through some situations, or choose to go the tougher route with challenging combat. Stealth and “all guns blazing” are both valid approaches in each mission, with unique results for either option.
One mission takes place in a European casino. There’s also one set in a wintery landscape. To conquer challenges in all of the game’s region, you’ll need to grab gadgets like RC cards and tech disruptors, and wield them well to make your way forward.
A former KGB black site will be your home base in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and it will house plenty of secrets you’ll be able to uncover by exploring.
“Omnimovement” is a focus of Black Ops 6
As detailed by Treyarch and Raven Software, there’s a new global movement system known as “Omnimovement” in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. It’s designed to allow players a full range of movement, to increase immersion, and the creativity of combat options. Animations should be more dynamic and realistic, with the game accounting for a variety of flicks and controller movements from players. The Treyarch and Raven Software teams researched racing games and other movement systems to revamp their approach here.
Further innovations in the game include improved enemy damage, with new systems to track where you hit enemies, and how they’re damaged.
Progression and prestige are being revamped
The classic Prestige system is returning in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, with this allowing for easier, better reward progression. Treyarch and Raven Software are looking to create an approachable game with this sequel, so it seems there’s been a lot of refinement in how players build their soldiers, and how they progress along upgrade tracks.
Black Ops 6 features 16 all-new maps
There will be 16 all-new maps in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 – 12 core MP maps, and four strike maps. Multiplayer will take place after the campaign, so you’ll be able to explore many of the locations you’ll already be familiar with, from a new lens.
Zombies returns
Co-op horde mode Zombies returns in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, with new maps to explore, and plenty of gross, oozing, fleshy zombies to mow down in battle. More on this mode is arriving shortly.
On 28 August 2024, there will be a major reveal for the game’s multiplayer mode, so stay tuned.
You can watch the entire Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Direct via YouTube.
This article has been updated since its original publication.
