Black Ops 6 beta TIME, release date, pre-load, maps, new modes and rewards

Call of Duty fans are counting down to the release of the Black Ops 6 open beta for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC. After last week's successful closed beta (which was only available to pre-order customers), Black Ops 6 beta weekend 2 is open to all fans, even without a pre-order. If you want to check out the new Call of Duty multiplayer test ahead of launch, then the Black Ops 6 open beta has a September 6 release date and a 6pm BST UK start time. The beta will be available for the entire weekend, ending on Monday, September 9 at the same time. To ensure you can jump into the action the moment servers go live, the Black Ops 6 beta can be pre-loaded ready for launch.

With a file size that can reach upwards of 80GB without any existing Call of Duty content installed, it's definitely worth downloading the ahead of schedule, otherwise you may face a long wait to start playing.

With an up to date version of Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 installed, the Black Ops 6 beta should only weigh in at around 35GB.

Beta weekend 2 contains all of the maps and modes from the original beta, as well as a few new additions.

This includes Core maps such as Derelict, Scud, Skyline and Rewind, as well as the newly released Babylon for Weekend 2.

Babylon takes place among the crumbling ruins and derelict palace of the ancient city.

Activision explains more: "There’s plenty of verticality to make use of here, so stay limber as you circle the central alter and seek out the best ground. Back out to the chapel or depot for more concealed views or get heated and rush the middle."

Strike maps, on the other hand, include Pit, Gala and Weekend 2 exclusive battleground Stakeout, which takes place in the Mediterranean region of Avalon.

As part of the Strike map, Operators will need to breach a small apartment, battling through the living room, kitchen, bedrooms, and spilling out onto the balcony.

"Leftover surveillance equipment marks the progress of the conducted intel-gathering, a smashed-out wall giving the former agents easy access to their gear," Activision adds.

Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, Kill Order, Face Off Team Deathmatch and Face Off Kill Confirmed return from the first weekend, alongside new additions such as Gunfight and Face Off Kill Order.

Gunfight is a no respawn mode that tasks players with eliminating all enemy players using pre-determined classes.

Meanwhile, Face Off Kill Order is a tweaked version of the Kill Order game mode. The difference, however, is that it takes place on one of the game's "fast-paced Strike maps" with Scorestreaks disabled.

Needless to say, the second beta weekend contains new progression rewards up to level 30, as well as permanent unlocks for simply playing the beta.

Rewards include the Beta Tester Animated Emblem, the Beta Tester Spray, the No Bugs Weapon Charm, plus operator skins, weapon blueprints and loading screens.