Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

About

"Call of Duty: Black Ops 6" is a single-player spy action thriller set in the early 90s, featuring an intriguing story, sensational gameplay, and delightful visuals. The Vault Edition includes various digital items such as operator packs, mastercraft weapons, and a battle pass. However, be prepared for some bugs that might affect the overall gaming experience. The game offers a mind-bending narrative, set during a period of global political transition, and is unbound by the rules of engagement.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

51%

Audience ScoreBased on 12,852 reviews

story392 positive mentions

optimization123 negative mentions

The attention to detail in environments, character models, and weaponry is remarkable, enhancing the overall visual experience.
The campaign features an engaging and action-packed narrative with branching storylines and multiple endings, offering great replayability.
Gameplay mechanics are praised for their smoothness and fast-paced action, with innovative movement options that add a fresh feel.

The game suffers from severe optimization issues, including crashes, stuttering, and poor matchmaking, particularly on high-end PCs.
Aggressive monetization practices and a lack of innovation in gameplay have led to frustrations among players, with many feeling the game prioritizes profit over quality.
The Zombies mode has been criticized for lacking depth and atmosphere, leading to a quicker burnout compared to previous titles in the series.

story
1,338 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
64%
6%
The story of "Call of Duty: Black Ops 6" has received mixed reviews, with some players praising its engaging and action-packed narrative that features a variety of mission types, including horror and open-world elements. However, many critics have pointed out issues such as convoluted plotlines, lack of character development, and the inclusion of seemingly out-of-place zombie missions that detract from the overall experience. While some found the campaign enjoyable and reminiscent of earlier titles, others felt it fell short of expectations, particularly in comparison to previous entries in the series.
- “The campaign is a standout, weaving a compelling, action-packed story filled with twists and memorable characters.”
- “It masterfully blends emotional depth with adrenaline-pumping missions, keeping players engaged from start to finish.”
- “The branching storyline and multiple endings offer great replayability, making every decision feel impactful.”
- “Campaign story is ass.”
- “What the fuck is that stupid zombie mission doing in the middle of the campaign.”
- “The campaign is mid, having a mid story, that gives no detail, the last missions and the ending being pure ass.”
gameplay
877 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
65%
8%
The gameplay of "Call of Duty: Black Ops 6" has received mixed reviews, with many players praising the fast-paced action, smooth mechanics, and innovative movement options like "omnimovement." However, criticisms focus on poor map design, frustrating spawn systems, and a lack of strategic depth, leading to a chaotic experience that often feels luck-based rather than skill-driven. Additionally, issues such as skill-based matchmaking and aggressive monetization practices have detracted from the overall enjoyment of the game.
- “The gameplay feels smooth and natural.”
- “All in all, I love this game for its deeply challenging gameplay and a sense of discovery every time you see a new area or find a secret in an area you couldn't access before.”
- “The new movement mechanics bring a fresh feel to gameplay, and the balance between operators is on another level.”
- “Additionally, poor map design and random spawn systems exacerbate the chaotic experience, making gameplay feel luck-based rather than skill-driven.”
- “It's the same game year after year; graphics are not improved, gameplay is a spamfest, I hope Battlefield does something to push the envelope, maybe in another ten years I'll try COD to see if something has changed.”
- “From the clunky, uninspired gameplay to the downright offensive use of skill-based matchmaking (SBMM), it feels like the developers are more concerned with profit than creating an enjoyable, engaging experience.”
graphics
495 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
34%
58%
9%
The graphics of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 have received mixed reviews, with some players praising the impressive detail and smooth performance on high-end hardware, while others criticize the visuals as outdated or inconsistent, particularly in multiplayer modes. Many users report issues with graphical settings resetting and performance drops, especially on lower-end systems, leading to a frustrating experience. Overall, while some find the graphics stunning and immersive, others feel they fall short compared to previous titles in the franchise.
- “Call of Duty®: Black Ops 6 is an absolute triumph in the storied franchise, pushing the boundaries of first-person shooters with its gripping narrative, intense gameplay, and cutting-edge visuals.”
- “The graphics are stunning, making each match visually engaging.”
- “The graphics quality, lighting, and environmental details are superb, creating a realistic and immersive battlefield.”
- “The game straight up gives me a headache due to the graphic quality now and I've tried changing every setting.”
- “Somehow I feel the graphics are worse than Cold War, and the game runs worse.”
- “The visuals feel outdated, and the environments lack any real creativity.”
optimization
362 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
10%
56%
34%
The optimization of Black Ops 6 has received overwhelmingly negative feedback, with many players reporting severe performance issues, including constant crashes, stuttering, and poor matchmaking that prioritizes engagement over skill. While some users noted that the game runs smoothly on mid-range systems, the overall consensus is that it is poorly optimized, particularly for high-end PCs, leading to a frustrating gaming experience. Many players expressed disappointment, citing that the game's technical performance fails to meet the standards expected from a major AAA title.
- “The attention to detail in environments, character models, and weaponry is remarkable, and the game runs smoothly even in the most chaotic battles.”
- “Performance is delightfully smooth on PlayStation 5 to boot, with resolutely stable frame rates even in the most intense moments.”
- “As far as performance goes, BO6 runs smoothly, even on mid-range systems.”
- “Worst COD to date, it actively rigs your gameplay, it is terribly optimized, just an overall shitfest.”
- “This game has issues like horrible optimization (even in the menu somehow), body physics, bad game mode choices, and even things as simple as not saving what operator you pick after an update.”
- “Black Ops 6 had big expectations for this considering that it has been developed by Treyarch, what a friggin let down huge let down, this game is not optimized at all, servers run very poorly, magazines are bugged you cannot use extended magazines they do not register the extra ammo, search for a lobby in Australia keep getting redirected to Asian servers with 150 ms ping, absolutely ridiculous.”
stability
248 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
3%
1%
96%
The game's stability is heavily criticized, with players reporting frequent bugs, glitches, and crashes that severely impact gameplay across all modes, including multiplayer and zombies. Many users experience issues such as freezing, lagging menus, and problems with game settings not saving, leading to a frustrating experience. Overall, the game is described as a "buggy mess," with calls for urgent fixes from the developers.
- “The game looks amazing and if you are not doing anything, it runs great.”
- “Graphics set to extreme and no glitches or issues yet.”
- “I re-downloaded after the patch and it runs great.”
- “This game is actually terrible, glitches, settings not saving, it's just so boring.”
- “Game runs terribly, drops to single digit framerate during cutscenes, freezes up, constant crashes to desktop, if you lose internet connection your single player game is interrupted, unplayable garbage.”
- “Honestly, it's a complete buggy mess... the amount of errors, glitches, crashes, weirdness I've experienced in a couple hours of playing is just ridiculous.”
monetization
225 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
37%
61%
The monetization model in Black Ops 6 has been widely criticized for being excessively aggressive and predatory, with many players feeling that it prioritizes profit over gameplay quality. Microtransactions are pervasive, often providing advantages in matchmaking, and the game is perceived as a cash grab, with high prices for content that feels recycled and minimal. Overall, the heavy focus on in-game purchases detracts from the gaming experience, leaving many players frustrated and disillusioned.
- “Monetization is a bit aggressive, but the gameplay is tight and the vault edition is surprisingly a fine deal for the operators you get.”
- “Black Ops 6 will try to sell you on the idea of a personalized experience, but the reality is, it’s just a way for them to wring more money out of players, while making you feel like you’re 'progressing.' It’s an insult to anyone who just wants to play the game without being bombarded by pushy in-game purchases.”
- “If you love explosions, massive maps, and outlandish microtransactions, this is the game for you.”
- “Manipulative monetization practices overshadow the game’s potential.”
- “What I absolutely hate about this game is the absolutely predatory cash grab, from the way too high standard price to everything else; there's nothing okay with that kind of pricing for skin packs and other mechanics.”
- “This is just another Call of Duty with a shiny new coat of paint, designed to hook you into endless microtransactions and mindless repetition.”
grinding
165 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
2%
7%
92%
The grinding aspect of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players finding the camo and weapon leveling systems tedious and time-consuming, often requiring excessive hours for minimal rewards. While some enjoy the challenge and nostalgia of grinding for camos, others criticize the repetitive gameplay and lack of innovation, leading to frustration and a sense of burnout. Overall, the grinding experience is seen as a significant part of the game, but it could benefit from improvements to make it more engaging and less monotonous.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Slowly losing my soul grinding for camos.”
- “The lack of innovation in gameplay, combined with repetitive maps and a grindy progression system, makes each session more tedious than enjoyable.”
- “I am not going to bother doing any more camo grinding, I completed all of the shotgun assignments on stakeout 24/7 and now the matchmaking system has permanently messed me up, placing me in lobbies with the sweatiest players on the planet.”
music
102 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
73%
4%
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with some praising the powerful and immersive soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience, particularly in the campaign and multiplayer modes. However, many players criticize the menu music as annoying and difficult to turn off, and some feel that the overall sound design lacks the unique flair of earlier titles in the franchise. While the soundtrack is noted for its intensity and fitting atmosphere during combat, there are calls for more variety and originality compared to previous installments.
- “The soundtrack in this game is absolutely baller; multiplayer is okay, but I really wish there was a bigger arsenal of weapons. This is like the 20th Call of Duty, and they only have 2 launchers available upon release.”
- “The soundtrack, too, is outstanding and really adds to the atmosphere, making every firefight feel like a scene from a blockbuster movie.”
- “Unique music and unique announcers that are filled with emotion are what make the rangers, for example, amazing.”
- “The music doesn't fit the game at all.”
- “People are praising the game when it's been the same song just remixed differently every year.”
- “Instead of an appropriate early 90s grunge- and alt-rock soundtrack, they serve you just more of the same generic modern metalcore-like stuff that doesn't fit the era at all.”
humor
70 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is often described as unintentional, stemming from various technical issues like server problems and hit registration failures, which players find amusing despite their frustration. Many reviewers highlight the absurdity of the game's pricing and mechanics, leading to moments of laughter, especially in multiplayer and zombies modes. Overall, while the game has its flaws, players appreciate the comedic aspects that arise from its chaotic gameplay and quirky character interactions.
- “It has had me spending more hours and laughing harder than I've laughed at a game in a long time.”
- “My favorite character being Felix, his funny one-liners, his sarcastic sense of humor.”
- “I’ve already spent hours in the zombies mode and, while I did manage to survive to round 41 and find the hilarious zombie bowling minigame on the Liberty Falls map, I still feel like I’m barely scratching the surface of everything that it has in store.”
atmosphere
46 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
28%
57%
15%
The atmosphere in the game is a mixed bag, with the campaign receiving praise for its engaging storyline and immersive military feel, reminiscent of earlier titles like Black Ops 1 and 2. However, the Zombies mode has been criticized for losing its atmospheric charm and depth, with many players feeling that it lacks the intensity and personality of previous iterations. While some maps, like Terminus, are noted for their atmospheric design, others are seen as lacking in character, leading to a generally divided reception regarding the overall atmosphere of the game.
- “There are 2 maps on launch: Terminus, the classic dark and ominous zombies setting clearly designed for veteran players, and Liberty Falls, a much brighter tone and atmosphere adding a fresh experience to zombies gameplay, which has clearly been designed for casual players as it's more spacious but still very fun regardless.”
- “Some of the more abstract scenes also allow the developer to really show off its artistic chops, with bright primary colors and an effective dream-like atmosphere.”
- “The soundtrack, too, is outstanding and really adds to the atmosphere, making every firefight feel like a scene from a blockbuster movie.”
- “There is no atmosphere; the story for zombies is disappointing, just like the maps.”
- “I feel like the zombies interface has been completely lost; it doesn't seem like the typical atmosphere that has always given that feeling.”
- “It was lacking in the personality, atmosphere, and difficulty of older zombies titles.”
replayability
35 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
46%
43%
11%
Overall, the game's replayability is mixed; while the campaign offers branching storylines and multiple endings that enhance replay value, the zombies mode has been criticized for lacking depth and content, leading to a quicker burnout. Players appreciate the fun and distinct missions, but many feel that the zombies experience falls short compared to previous titles, with some even stating it has the least replayability in the series. Multiplayer and challenges provide additional replay opportunities, but the overall sentiment suggests that the game may not sustain long-term engagement for all players.
- “The branching storyline and multiple endings offer great replayability, making every decision feel impactful.”
- “Campaign, zombies, and multiplayer offer hours of fun and replayability.”
- “Treyarch has yet again produced a quality product with basically endless replayability with awesome new zombies maps.”
- “Return of round-based zombies sounded cool, only to be ruined by giving us very little content which is exhausted in the first week. Of course, new content will come, but open world zombies in MW3 offered way more content and replay value.”
- “Zombies mode is fun for the first few rounds, then it becomes rinse and repeat with no replayability.”
- “After playing every single Treyarch zombies game, I can confidently say this game has the least amount of replayability once you've done the camo grind and easter eggs.”
emotional
30 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its intense storytelling and well-acted dialogue, which evoke powerful feelings and nostalgia for long-time fans. Players appreciate the blend of emotional depth with adrenaline-fueled missions, although some find certain lines overly dramatic. However, technical issues and a frustrating launch process have dampened the overall experience for many, leading to mixed feelings about returning to the game.
- “It masterfully blends emotional depth with adrenaline-pumping missions, keeping players engaged from start to finish.”
- “The developers went all out creating fleshed-out personalities for each zombie; some moan, some groan, and some write you emotional letters before you obliterate them.”
- “Bo6 has perfected the storytelling formula, combining deep, emotional moments with high-octane action sequences.”
character development
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
50%
33%
The reviews highlight a significant effort in character development and cutscenes, indicating a strong focus on storytelling. However, this is contrasted by criticism of the overall character design and other game elements, which are described as lacking quality and being overly cheesy.
- “You can tell they really put effort into making the cutscenes and character development.”
- “So much of the game just looks terrible and is terribly cheesy, from character design to emotes, to user interface and even the gameplay.”
- “Let's start with character design.”