Activision is introducing a new user interface for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and players will need to preload it starting on Monday.
It’s time to make space on your device for the pre-launch update, so you can explore the new UI and dive into Black Ops 6 on its release date of October 25.
As part of the lead-up to the Black Ops 6 launch, Activision is combining the preload of Black Ops 6 with the rollout of the new Call of Duty UI in a single download.
This marks one of the final steps in the roadmap to Black Ops 6, which the company outlined in August, with more updates planned for Season 01. Once the download is finished, players can immediately experience the new UI and prepare to play Black Ops 6 on launch day.
Here’s what you can expect from the pre-launch update arriving on Monday. Preloading will begin at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Monday, October 21.
On most platforms, Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone will be separate downloads, giving players more control over their content. You can keep the games and modes you’re currently playing and uninstall the rest to free up storage.
The new UI will feature highlighted titles and modes on your Home page, previous titles under All Games, and the latest purchasable content under Store.
Activision has ensured that players will be able to launch Black Ops 6 instantly and, with the start of Season 01, access Call of Duty: Warzone as well.
Preloading for Black Ops 6 will kick off for all platforms on Monday at 9 a.m. Pacific. Players who have pre-ordered the game or subscribe to select Game Pass plans can download Campaign, Multiplayer, and Zombies in advance for a seamless experience on launch day.
To streamline the preload process for players who have pre-ordered Black Ops 6 and already have Call of Duty installed, the Black Ops 6 preload will be automatically added to their existing install, similar to previous updates.
For players who pre-ordered Black Ops 6 but don’t have Call of Duty installed, they can initiate the preload from their platform’s storefront.
Players who already have Call of Duty installed can expect a larger download size as they will be receiving the new UI and Black Ops 6 in one update.
Call of Duty: Warzone — A separate download
Call of Duty: Warzone content will not be included in the default download for Black Ops 6, but players who don’t already have Warzone installed can choose to download it alongside Black Ops 6. They can also download Warzone at any time after installing Black Ops 6 from within the new UI.
Activision is recommending players to download Warzone to enhance their overall Call of Duty experience and prepare for upcoming updates in Season 01.
Players who already have Warzone installed will continue to receive game updates automatically as before.
Downloading Black Ops 6 with Call of Duty: Warzone
Black Ops 6 content will not be included in new Call of Duty: Warzone downloads on most platforms. However, PlayStation players will download some Black Ops 6 content depending on their console:
PlayStation 5: Players who don’t purchase Black Ops 6 will still download Multiplayer and Zombies to optimize the Black Ops 6 experience on PlayStation 5. They can choose to uninstall these content parts after the initial install.
PlayStation 4: Players without Black Ops 6 will download shared content between Black Ops 6 and Warzone to benefit all players on PlayStation 4.
Managing Call of Duty storage space
With Black Ops 6 on the horizon, your Call of Duty storage needs may increase if you choose to keep all your existing content. To prepare for the download and upcoming updates, manage your installed content by removing titles or modes you no longer play.
You can uninstall content from within the Call of Duty UI or through your platform’s management system. Removed content can be reinstalled at any time if you wish to revisit those games or modes.
A Tour of the New UI
Starting October 21, players can explore the new Call of Duty UI, previously known as Call of Duty HQ, after downloading the pre-launch update.
The new interface will feature three main hubs: Home, All Games, and Store, with all content readily accessible on a single page. Here’s what you’ll find in each section.
Home
The new UI presents a landing page that consolidates various Call of Duty content. The Home tab showcases different tiles with specific functions:
Game Tiles – Players can directly access games, each with its own UI. Black Ops 6 and Warzone will be prominently displayed on the Home tab, while other games can be found in the All Games section.
Featured Tile – Highlights top content like modes and maps that are currently popular.
What’s Hot Row – Offers quick access to new playlists and bundles for easy content navigation.
Last Played Tile – Provides instant access to your most recently played content.
You’ll be able to access game content via Game Tiles and explore featured modes or playlists in the Home tab.
All Games
Switch to the All Games tab to view your complete Call of Duty library, including titles like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019). You can launch owned titles, buy new ones, and manage installations from this section.
Store
This tab leads to the in-game stores for Call of Duty, showcasing purchasable content. Players can access full in-game stores within Black Ops 6 or Warzone from this tab.
The new UI will progress through three initial phases, reaching its full functionality with the launch of Season 01.
Phase 1: Pre-Black Ops 6 Launch (October 21 – October 24)
During the transition period from October 21 to 24, the new UI will go live ahead of the Black Ops 6 launch.
During this period, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Warzone will be the main Game Tiles on the Home tab. Players can launch these games from the new UI, although Modern Warfare III will retain its existing UI until further updates.
The Store tab will link to the full in-game stores of Modern Warfare III and Warzone during this phase.
Phase 2: Post-Black Ops 6 Launch (October 25 – [Redacted])
After the launch of Black Ops 6, it will replace Modern Warfare III as a primary Game Tile alongside Warzone. Players can instantly access Black Ops 6 and Warzone from the Home tab.
Players who want to continue playing Modern Warfare III can access it via the All Games tab or the Last Played Tile.
For Black Ops 6 owners, the Store tab will direct you to the new in-game store for Black Ops 6.
Black Ops 6 will have its dedicated UI designed to streamline gameplay access, with enhancements to features like the gunsmith, playlist selection, and social showcase.
Phase 3: Season 01 ([Redacted])
During Season 01, the UI will be fully optimized, with Black Ops 6 and Warzone as the primary Game Tiles for swift gameplay access.
The Store tab will now lead players to the full in-game stores for Black Ops 6 and Warzone based on their installed content.
A Battle Pass tab will be introduced during Season 01, providing easy navigation to the Battle Pass within Black Ops 6 or Warzone.
Season 01 will also introduce a unique UI for Warzone, matching the improvements seen in the Black Ops 6 UI.
Changes to features and settings management
Players will have the flexibility to manage global settings at the top Call of Duty level of the UI, with automatic import of settings from previous titles.
Game-specific settings can be adjusted at the individual title levels of the UI, allowing players to fine-tune gameplay preferences like Omnimovement without automatic imports from previous games.
