The next Call of Duty game is Black Ops 6, released October 25, 2024

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 launched on October 25, 2024, across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC through Steam and Battle.net. If you already own it, you have the current version. If you are deciding whether to buy it, the game is available as a standard edition or deluxe edition, with the deluxe version including cosmetic weapon blueprints and operator skins.

Activision typically releases a new mainline Call of Duty game once per year, usually in October or November. The next game after Black Ops 6 has not been officially announced yet, but based on the yearly release pattern, the following title would likely arrive in late 2025. Activision usually reveals the next game's title and release date in the summer before launch.

If you are looking for new content within Black Ops 6 rather than a new game entirely, the developers release seasonal updates roughly every six weeks. These add new maps, weapons, and gameplay modes without requiring you to buy anything new.

Key Takeaways

  • Black Ops 6 is the current Call of Duty game, released October 25, 2024, on all major platforms.
  • Activision releases a new mainline Call of Duty game once per year, typically in October or November.
  • The next game's announcement usually comes in summer, several months before its fall release.
  • If you own Black Ops 6, seasonal updates add new maps and weapons every six weeks at no extra cost.

How to check what version you own

On PlayStation, go to your library, find Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and press the Options button. Select "Information" to see the version number and release date. On Xbox, highlight the game in your library, press the Menu button, and select "Manage game." The version number appears under "Updates."

On PC through Steam, right-click the game in your library, select "Properties," then "Local Files." The version number is listed there. On Battle.net, the launcher shows your installed version when you hover over the game title.

Where to find official release announcements

Activision announces new Call of Duty games through their official Call of Duty website and their social media accounts on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube. The Call of Duty subreddit on Reddit also posts announcements when ready when they go live, so checking there is often faster than waiting for an email.

If you want to know the moment a new game is announced without checking manually, you can follow the official Call of Duty YouTube channel and turn on notifications. Activision typically teases the next game in June or July, with a full reveal in August or September.

Preordering the next Call of Duty game

When the next Call of Duty is announced, preorders usually open within a few weeks. You can preorder through your platform's store — PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, or Steam — or through retailers like Best Buy or Amazon. Preordering does not lock you into a purchase; you can cancel up until the game releases if you change your mind.

Preorder bonuses vary by retailer and edition. The deluxe edition typically includes cosmetic items like weapon blueprints or operator skins, but these do not affect gameplay. The standard edition includes the full game with no cosmetics. Check the store listing for the specific game to see what each edition includes before you decide.

What happens to Black Ops 6 when a new game releases

When a new Call of Duty launches, Black Ops 6 does not disappear. The game remains playable, and you keep all your progress, weapons, and cosmetics. However, the player count drops significantly because most people move to the new game. Finding matches in older modes can take longer, though popular playlists usually stay active.

Activision typically continues seasonal updates for the previous game for a few months after the new release, then shifts all development resources to the new title. If you prefer Black Ops 6, you can keep playing it indefinitely, but expect smaller communities in less popular modes.

Cross-platform play and progression

Black Ops 6 supports cross-platform play, meaning you can play against and with people on different systems — PlayStation players can match with Xbox and PC players in the same lobby. Your account progress, weapons, and cosmetics sync across all platforms if you link your Activision account to your console or PC.

To link your accounts, go to activision.com, sign in or create an account, and connect your PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, or Steam account. This takes about five minutes. Once linked, your progress carries over if you switch platforms or play on multiple devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Black Ops 6 offline?

Black Ops 6 has a single-player campaign that works offline, but multiplayer and Zombies modes require an internet connection. You need an active internet connection to play online matches or read seasonal updates.

Do I need PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass to play Black Ops 6?

Yes. On PlayStation, you need PlayStation Plus. On Xbox, you need Xbox Game Pass for Console or Xbox Live Gold. On PC, you do not need a subscription — you only need the game itself and an internet connection.

What if I want to play older Call of Duty games?

Older titles like Modern Warfare 3, Warzone, and Cold War are still available on their respective platforms, though player counts are lower. You can purchase them separately through your platform's store. Some older games have been delisted, so check availability before buying.

Will Black Ops 6 go on sale before the next game releases?

Yes. Call of Duty games typically go on sale during major shopping events like Black Friday, holiday sales, and summer sales. Prices drop more steeply as the next game's release approaches, usually dropping 20 to 50 percent in the months before the new title launches.

How much storage does Black Ops 6 take up?

Black Ops 6 requires roughly 149 GB on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, and around 130 GB on PC. Make sure you have enough free space before installing. The game downloads in sections, so you can start playing the campaign before multiplayer finishes downloading.