Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 multiplayer beta starts this week, private Blackout beta coming in September

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Those who pre-order Black Ops 4 on PS4 will get a chance to try out the multiplayer beta on Friday, when the first round of testing kicks off. Xbox and PC owners have their chance to get in on the action the following week.

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by Chris Brand

@pass_controller

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The beta is live from 6pm on 3 August and runs until 6pm on 6 August. Players can partake in 6 different game modes, choosing from a total of 10 Specialists, as they do battle across 6 maps, 2 of which have never been shown before.

The modes on offer include Team Deathmatch, Domination, Hardpoint, Search & Destroy, and the brand new objective-based game mode, Control. Control sees teams alternate between attacking and defending 2 static objects, in a best-of-five match.

The Pick 10 Create-a-Class system returns with a few new changes:

• Special Issue Equipment is designed exclusively for each Specialist and won't count towards your limit of 10.
• Gear is an all new feature which can offer cheaper Scorestreaks, faster healing, or increased situational awareness thanks to an acoustic sensor, but only one can be equipped at a time.
• Weapons now have unique sets of attachments including a powerful new class known as Operator Mods.

The second beta weekend will run from 10 - 13 August and is available on PS4 and Xbox for all those with a beta key.

Things are a little different on PC, as players have access to an open beta from 11 - 13 August, all that's needed is a Battle.net account. Pre-ordering through Battle.net will grant you one day of early access, lining up nicely with the console schedule.

Everyone who takes part in the multiplayer beta will be rewarded with a unique calling card and those who hit max rank get a fancy Permanent Unlock Token when the game releases.

Treyarch and Activision have also promised a private beta for Blackout, Black Ops 4's take on the Battle Royale genre, in September. Expect more details on that in the coming weeks.

You can pre-order Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 ahead of its 12 October launch to get your beta access key.

Will you be trying out the multiplayer beta? Let us know below or over in the forums.

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