How to play Black Ops 6 on Game Pass

With Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 set to release on October 25, 2024, the gaming community is buzzing with excitement. Not only is this the latest entry in the highly popular Call of Duty series, but it’s also the first time a brand-new CoD title will be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch. This significant change is a result of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard in October 2023, which brought the beloved Call of Duty franchise under the Xbox Game Pass umbrella.

If you’re a Game Pass Ultimate subscriber, you’ll have access to Black Ops 6, along with other Call of Duty games like Modern Warfare 3 (MW3) and Warzone, across a variety of devices. For Xbox users, it’s not just about owning the game anymore; it’s about cloud gaming and the ability to stream your favorite titles on multiple platforms.

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about playing Black Ops 6 on Game Pass. We’ll cover the different subscription tiers, how to access Xbox Cloud Gaming, and the steps to enjoy MW3, Warzone, and Black Ops 6 on multiple devices. Let’s dive into how you can get the most out of your Game Pass subscription and start playing BO6 on release day!

The Impact of Microsoft’s Acquisition of Activision Blizzard

Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion in October 2023 reshaped the gaming industry. This deal gave Microsoft control over some of the most valuable franchises, including Call of Duty, Overwatch, and World of Warcraft. For Xbox Game Pass subscribers, the immediate benefit is access to blockbuster games that previously required separate purchases. Call of Duty, a leading franchise, became a flagship title in the Game Pass ecosystem, offering millions of players easy access to both current and upcoming releases.

Beyond just Game Pass, the acquisition boosts Microsoft's reach in cloud gaming. With titles now streaming on Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now, players can access these games without owning a console or high-end PC, expanding accessibility to millions more users. This shift reflects Microsoft's strategy to make gaming more platform-agnostic, allowing gamers to play anywhere.

This acquisition also means that Microsoft can now dictate development, marketing, and release strategies for Activision Blizzard's franchises, shaping future content. For players, this could lead to smoother updates, better cross-platform play, and innovative in-game experiences. Overall, this deal represents a significant step in Microsoft's long-term vision of gaming as a service, putting it in direct competition with other platforms like PlayStation and Steam.

Game Pass Subscription Tiers: What You Need to Know

Game Pass offers multiple subscription tiers, each designed to meet different gaming needs. Understanding the benefits of each tier can help you choose the right one, whether you're a casual player or a dedicated gamer. Here’s a breakdown of the available Game Pass tiers and what they include:

• Game Pass Ultimate: This is the tier that gives you the most value, especially if you're excited to dive into Black Ops 6 timeline. With Game Pass Ultimate, you’ll not only get access to the full Black Ops 6 experience on Xbox consoles and the standard edition on PC, but you can also enjoy additional benefits like Xbox Cloud Gaming. Ultimate members can stream the game on mobile devices, select TVs, and other supported platforms. Plus, it includes Game Pass for PC, Xbox Live Gold, and EA Play, making it the perfect option for gamers who want the most versatility.

• Game Pass Console: If you primarily game on Xbox consoles, the Game Pass Console tier will grant you access to the Black Ops 6 campaign mode on both Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. However, keep in mind that to access multiplayer modes or Zombies, you’ll need to upgrade to Game Pass Ultimate or at least have a Game Pass Core membership, which replaces Xbox Live Gold.

• Game Pass PC: For PC players, Game Pass PC offers the standard edition of Black Ops 6, meaning you can play the campaign, multiplayer, and Zombies modes directly on your PC through the Microsoft Store. This tier doesn't include console access but is a fantastic option for those who exclusively play on Windows machines.

How to Stream Black Ops 6 via Xbox Cloud Gaming

One of the standout features of Game Pass Ultimate is Xbox Cloud Gaming, which allows you to play high-end titles like Black Ops 6 without needing to download or install the game on your device. Xbox Cloud Gaming supports a wide range of devices, making gaming more accessible than ever. Here's how you can start playing Black Ops 6 on various platforms via Xbox Cloud Gaming:

• Mobile Devices: Game Pass Ultimate members can stream Black Ops 6 Nuketown on iOS and Android devices through the Xbox Game Pass app. Simply download the app, log into your Microsoft account, and start streaming. Since everything runs on Microsoft's servers, your device's specs are less important.

• Smart TVs: Select Samsung and Amazon Fire TVs support Xbox Cloud Gaming. If you own one of these TVs, you can log into the Xbox app and start streaming Black Ops 6 directly from your television, no console required.

• Meta Quest Devices: Xbox Cloud Gaming also supports Meta Quest, bringing a whole new level of immersion for players who prefer a more dynamic gaming experience. While not VR-specific, this adds another layer of versatility for those who enjoy gaming on unconventional platforms.

• Laptops and Desktops: If you don’t want to download the game, you can stream Black Ops 6 via your web browser or the Xbox app on Windows devices. As long as you have a stable internet connection, you can enjoy a smooth gaming experience even on lower-end hardware.

A Seamless Experience Across Devices

One of the biggest advantages of Xbox Cloud Gaming is the ability to seamlessly switch between devices without losing progress. For example, you can start playing Black Ops 6 on your Xbox console, continue your campaign on a smartphone during your commute, and finish it up on your PC later in the day. This flexibility is a game-changer for gamers with busy lifestyles or limited hardware. In addition, since cloud gaming operates on Microsoft’s high-performance servers, you can expect minimal latency and a smooth experience, provided you have a decent internet connection. The minimum recommended speed for Xbox Cloud Gaming is 10 Mbps, but a faster connection will provide even better performance, especially for fast-paced games like Black Ops 6.

Black Ops 6 PC vs Console Experience

For Game Pass members, both PC and console versions of Black Ops 6 offer slightly different experiences. The Xbox Series X|S consoles will deliver cutting-edge visuals and faster load times due to the hardware's capabilities, making it the premium experience for those who prioritize performance. On the other hand, the PC version, available via Game Pass PC and Ultimate, is ideal for those who love the flexibility of custom configurations, mods (if allowed), and adjustable settings. Additionally, many players prefer the precision of mouse and keyboard controls for the fast-paced nature of Black Ops games. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

• Xbox Series X|S: Best for those who want 4K resolution and the most visually enhanced experience.

• Xbox One: Still a solid choice, but performance may be less impressive compared to newer consoles.

• PC: Best for players who value customization, mods, and a mouse-and-keyboard setup.

Maximizing Your Black Ops 6 Game Pass Experience

With Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 launching on Game Pass, this marks a significant shift in how major franchises are delivered to fans. Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard has paved the way for new possibilities, giving Game Pass subscribers unprecedented access to some of the world’s most popular gaming franchises on day one.

Whether you’re a console gamer, a PC player, or someone who prefers the versatility of cloud gaming, Black Ops 6 on Game Pass has something for everyone. From the campaign to the intense multiplayer and Zombies modes, the game is ready to be explored through multiple platforms.

And as cloud gaming continues to evolve, the ability to stream games like Black Ops 6 across multiple devices means you'll never have to miss a moment of action. As a Game Pass Ultimate member, you can truly make the most of this flexibility and freedom in how, where, and when you play.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Can I play Black Ops 6 on Xbox One with Game Pass?

Yes, Black Ops 6 is available for Xbox One through Game Pass. However, while you can access the campaign and some modes, you'll miss out on the enhanced graphics and performance that Xbox Series X|S offers. To access the full multiplayer experience, you'll need Game Pass Ultimate or Game Pass Core for Xbox Live Gold. The game will still run smoothly on Xbox One, but newer console versions will offer a more immersive, visually rich gaming experience.

Q2. What internet speed do I need for Xbox Cloud Gaming?

To ensure smooth gameplay via Xbox Cloud Gaming, you need a minimum internet speed of 10 Mbps. However, for a better gaming experience, especially with a fast-paced game like Black Ops 6, a connection of at least 20 Mbps or higher is recommended. This helps reduce latency and improves visual quality. Keep in mind that your gaming experience may vary depending on network congestion, Wi-Fi strength, and whether multiple devices are connected to your network simultaneously.

Q3. Is Black Ops 6 cross-platform on Game Pass?

Yes, Black Ops 6 supports cross-platform play, allowing players on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC to compete together. With Game Pass, you can seamlessly switch between PC and Xbox, while cross-progression lets you maintain your in-game progress across platforms. Cross-play ensures a larger player base and quicker matchmaking times, especially in multiplayer modes. Make sure to link your Activision account to sync progress across all platforms you play on, whether it's through Game Pass or purchased separately.

Q4. Does Game Pass include early access to Black Ops 6?

No, Game Pass does not provide early access to Black Ops 6. The game will be available on the same release day for all Game Pass members—October 25, 2024. Players can access the full campaign, multiplayer, and Zombies mode once the game officially launches. If you're eager for early access, you may need to look into special pre-order bundles or editions that offer early access, but these aren't included in the Game Pass subscription.

Q5. What is included with Black Ops 6 on Game Pass PC?

Black Ops 6 on Game Pass PC offers the full base game, including the campaign, multiplayer, and Zombies modes. PC players can enjoy high frame rates, custom settings, and the flexibility of mouse and keyboard controls. While you won't get any additional DLC or premium content without purchasing them separately, Game Pass PC provides an excellent way to experience the game’s core features without having to buy it outright. You can also switch between PC and Xbox consoles if you have Game Pass Ultimate.