If you want to preload Black Ops 6, you’ll be all set for the action when the newest Call of Duty game releases on October 25. Preloading is vital since large download sizes and high server traffic during launch can complicate things if you’re not prepared. However, the preloading process has become a bit tricky. It coincides with the transition from the old game hub, HQ, to the new Call of Duty UI on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. While Black Ops 6 will be available on Game Pass, only certain tiers will get access at launch. Here’s how to preload Black Ops 6 smoothly.
How to Access the Black Ops 6 Preload
To access the Black Ops 6 preload, you must either pre-order the game or be subscribed to a specific tier of Game Pass. Only those with Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass can access it, along with existing subscribers of the now-unavailable Xbox Game Pass for Console. Unfortunately, those with Game Pass Standard will not have immediate access at launch, and Microsoft hasn’t stated when Black Ops 6 will be available on that tier. It’s also unlikely to be added to the Game Pass Core curated catalog in the future.
If you have access and already have Call of Duty installed on your PlayStation, Xbox, or PC, you should receive the Black Ops 6 preload automatically during the update to the new Call of Duty UI. If you have not installed Call of Duty, you can initiate the download from the respective storefront for your console. By launching the Call of Duty UI, you can check the status of your preload. In the options menu, you can select ‘Manage Files’ to determine which components of Black Ops 6, Warzone, and previous Call of Duty games you wish to keep on your system.
How to Preload Black Ops 6 on PlayStation
For PS5 and PS4 users, you can preload Black Ops 6 using the steps mentioned above. However, PlayStation players who haven’t pre-ordered might still end up downloading some Black Ops 6 content as a part of the latest Warzone update. This is due to the content delivery system on PS5, where all players will download the Black Ops 6 Multiplayer and Zombies as part of the Call of Duty install. After downloading, you can uninstall these components manually through the ‘Manage Files’ process outlined before. PS4 players will also download shared content between Black Ops 6 and Warzone to optimize performance on that platform.
