I Played the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Early Access Beta

The Call of Duty hype train is rolling again, and this time it’s with Black Ops 6. We got an early look at the game through the Early Access Beta, and here’s what stood out.

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Key Takeaways:

  • Omnimovement
  • Smoother Gameplay
  • Streamlined Gunsmith
  • HUD Customization
  • The Body Shield Mechanic

Omnimovement: A New Way to Play

Black Ops 6 introduces omnimovement, allowing players to sprint in any direction — forward, backward, sideways, and even diagonally. This new mechanic adds a much-needed boost to movement dynamics. While running, players can dive into a prone position and rotate 360°, making it easier to spot and eliminate threats in both open and tight spaces.

Multiplayer gameplay screenshot from Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 showing a player holding an LMG while lying prone on a wet floor in a Domination match. Teammates and enemies are engaged in a firefight around capture points, with the HUD displaying current objectives and player stats.
Screenshot by Upcomer

This feature is a game-changer, especially for players who found previous Call of Duty titles a bit restrictive in terms of movement. The fluidity offered by omnimovement draws inspiration from other games like Apex Legends, giving you more agility during gunfights.

Fast, Fluid, and Frenetic Combat

The gameplay in Black Ops 6 feels sharper and more responsive than ever. From button press to bullet impact, everything is fine-tuned for satisfaction. The Time-To-Kill (TTK) has been adjusted to strike the perfect balance—shots land hard, but you still have the ability to disengage thanks to omnimovement.

Gunsmith: Simplified and Streamlined

The Gunsmith feature has been revamped, making it more approachable than in past iterations. It’s straightforward, offering clear indicators on how each customization improves your weapon over the base model. Building the perfect loadout has never been easier.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 multiplayer loadout screen featuring an M16 rifle on display. The screen shows the customization and selection of weapons and equipment for players to modify their gear before entering a match, reflecting the tactical preparation aspect of the game.
Screenshot by Upcomer

HUD Customization: Tailor Your Experience

With ten different HUD options, Black Ops 6 lets players customize their on-screen information to suit their playstyle. Whether you prefer a minimalist approach or want all the data at your fingertips, there’s a HUD setting for you.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 HUD customization screen showing various layout options including Standard, Inverted, Classic, and more. The screen highlights a gameplay view with capture points labeled A, B, and C, demonstrating the ability to adjust how in-game information is displayed for players.
Screenshot by Upcomer

The Body Shield Mechanic

One of the most interesting new features is the ability to use downed enemies as body shields. By double-tapping the melee button, you can knock out a foe and drag them in front of you as temporary protection. Pair this with proximity chat, and you’ve got a recipe for some truly satisfying (and hilarious) encounters.

Final Thoughts: Ready to Deploy?

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is gearing up to be one of the most exciting entries in the series, with gameplay improvements that cater to both casual players and seasoned veterans. The Early Access Beta wraps up on September 4, with the Open Beta running from September 6–9, and the full release set for October 5, 2024.

Are you ready to answer the call?

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