Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Season 3 patch notes have arrived, bringing a wave of significant updates to Multiplayer, Zombies, and Warzone modes. Verdansk is making its much-anticipated return, enhancing the excitement for players across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Activision has released a comprehensive breakdown of the upcoming changes, scheduled to go live on Wednesday, April 2, at 9am PT. This update promises a plethora of tweaks and new content across all Black Ops 6 modes, offering players an in-depth look at what to expect.
Crossplay adjustments are a major highlight, allowing console players to customize their player pool preferences in both ranked and non-ranked matches. While this change may extend matchmaking times for those opting out of crossplay, it provides greater control over the gaming experience.
Shotguns are set to shine with a universal buff that enhances damage, range, and rate of fire. Additionally, players can look forward to the return of classic Multiplayer maps like Firing Range, the reintroduction of the Kilo 141 assault rifle, and the iconic Death Machine Scorestreak.
Zombies enthusiasts will enjoy the new map, Shattered Veil, along with the return of the Raygun Mark II featuring three new variants and the classic Double Tap Perk-A-Cola. Both Multiplayer and Zombies modes will benefit from numerous bug fixes and adjustments to ensure a smoother gameplay experience.
Warzone players are in for a treat with the return of Verdansk on April 3, reverting to its 2020 state with some modern Call of Duty enhancements. Features like Omnimovement and updated Buy Stations add a fresh layer to the nostalgic experience. The Precision Airstrike's mini-map notification has been removed to restore its original surprise element, with Activision monitoring community feedback for future adjustments.
As Season 3 approaches, players can also check out the latest anti-cheat update and learn about the limited-time mode and exclusive rewards welcoming them back to Verdansk. For a complete overview, the full Season 3 patch notes are available below.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Season 3 Patch Notes
WELCOME TO SEASON 03
"Did Hudson figure out the Pantheon silver bullet all the way back in 89?" - Frank Woods
In a video recorded before his death, Special Agent Jason Hudson warns of the Pantheon moles who have been working in the shadows for decades since Vietnam. They've managed to avoid detection, using conflict and chaos to cover their tracks. With new leads emerging, their secrecy is at risk. It's time to pick up the trail with the launch of Season 03.
Stay updated with our Season 03 launch, including details on new Multiplayer and Zombies content, balance adjustments, gameplay improvements, bug fixes, and more arriving tomorrow.
New Multiplayer Maps
Firing Range (6v6)Firing Range returns in Black Ops 6 as a faithful remaster of the beloved map. Watch for crossfire down the central Road as Operators vie for control of the Tower and upper levels of the Shoot House and Garage. Moving targets add a useful diversion while preparing for the next fight. Avoid central chaos by branching off to the Dirt Road, staying alert for ambushes near the Storage unit.Barrage (6v6)Return to 1968 Vietnam, following Hudson's clues about the Summit Watch. The landscape has been cleared and flattened for an artillery battery base. Damaged buildings like the Command Center and Barracks create new pathways through the map.Nomad (6v6, 2v2)Fight in the ruins of a fortified settlement in Afghanistan from 1986, where Woods battled the Pantheon moles. A parked missile carrier overlooks a valley with a destroyed convoy on the narrow road leading to the map.
New Multiplayer Modes
Sharpshooter
Test your skills in this classic Black Ops free-for-all mode where every Operator uses the same Loadout, which changes every 45 seconds. Each cycle introduces new Primary and Secondary Weapons, along with a new Melee weapon and Tactical and Lethal Equipment. Eliminate enemies to unlock bonus abilities:
1st Elimination: Increased movement speed. 2nd Elimination: Increased reload speed. 3rd Elimination: Increased sprint recovery speed. 4th Elimination: Increased ADS speed. 5th Elimination: Earn double score for eliminating enemies.
Keep the streak going to unlock double score and aim for the top three. Respawn and build up those bonuses again after being taken out. A short countdown precedes each weapon swap, requiring quick adaptation to win.
Demolition
Alternate between attacking and defending two bomb sites. The attacking team must destroy both sites to win the round, gaining a time bonus after detonating the first site. All attackers spawn with a bomb, and respawns are active for both teams. Defenders must run down the clock and defuse planted bombs promptly, as the match timer pauses during active countdowns. If one site is destroyed, focus on defending the last one to win.
New Weapons (Multiplayer & Zombies)
Kilo 141 - Assault Rifle (Call of Duty: Warzone Login Reward)A fully automatic assault rifle with an ergonomic design for improved handling and a steady fire rate for staying on target. The Kilo 141 returns to dominate in Multiplayer and Call of Duty: Warzone, offering smooth handling, manageable recoil, and a steady fire rate. Perfect for various combat situations, it's time to relive the glory days in Verdansk. Players will unlock the Kilo 141 for use in Black Ops 6 and Call of Duty: Warzone after logging in to Call of Duty: Warzone at the launch of Season 03.CR-56 - Assault Rifle (Battle Pass)This lightweight 7.62 x 39mm full-auto assault rifle is compact and powerful. Built for military use, it excels at mid-range combat and is easily configurable for various assault tactics. With high damage and a fast fire rate, the CR-56 AMAX is ideal for downing targets quickly up to 25 meters. Quick reloads keep you in the fight, no matter how you customize it via Gunsmith.HDR - Sniper Rifle (Battle Pass)An anti-material bolt-action sniper rifle chambered in 12.7 x 108mm ammunition. Its bullets have a lower muzzle velocity but remain devastating at long ranges. Known for its power in Verdansk, the HDR is a sharpshooter's favorite. Add the Reinforced Barrel attachment to extend damage range and bullet velocity, and hold your breath for challenging shots.Kali Sticks - Melee (Event Reward)A two-hit kill melee weapon with extremely fast attack speed and short range. The Kali Sticks return, delivering rapid damage. Use light or heavy attacks to take down targets. In Multiplayer, pair with the new Close Shave Perk for quick whacks without switching to the Melee slot.Nail Gun - Special (In-Season)A full-auto Nail Gun with high damage at close range, fast handling speeds, and very low muzzle velocity. Stick it to enemies with a magazine of 15 nails. The damage drops off quickly after 25 meters, so get close and unload before they know what hit them. Earn this during the Black Ops Tribute Event.
New Attachments
Monolithic Suppressor (Battle Pass)The Monolithic Core provides superior sound suppression and increased range, with a moderate weight increase affecting agility. Available for Assault Rifles (except AS VAL), SMGs, Shotguns, LMGs, Marksman Rifles, Sniper Rifles, and Pistols.SWAT 5.56 Grau Conversion (Battle Pass)Convert the SWAT 5.56 into a fully automatic weapon with lower damage and range but improved accuracy, mobility, and handling. Equips a new default Barrel and Magazine and unlocks an exclusive 50-round extended Magazine. Blocks Barrel attachments.C9 10mm Auto 30-Round Mags (In-Season)A conversion kit for higher caliber 10mm Auto ammunition, increasing stopping power. It results in increased recoil and a slightly lower fire rate, but the extra damage, range, and velocity make it a worthy choice on larger maps.
New Multiplayer Perks
Close Shave - Enforcer (Event Reward)
Automatically use your Dedicated Melee attack when performing a weapon butt attack. Simply tap the Melee button to attack, reminiscent of the old days.
New Scorestreak (Multiplayer & Zombies)
Death Machine (In-Season)A heavy minigun with a fast fire rate, high penetration, and a large ammunition capacity. Wield the Death Machine, firing high-impact rounds at a blistering rate. Score earned while using it contributes to your current Scorestreak progress, making it a great tool for advancing to the next streak.
New Zombies Map: Shattered Veil
With the Sentinel Artifact in hand, the crew heads to a remote wooded mansion above Liberty Falls to meet S.A.M. The mansion has been retrofitted to [[REDACTED]]. Only with S.A.M.'s synthetic mind can the team unlock the artifact's mysteries and bring back Agent Maxis. What could possibly go wrong?
New Zombies Perk-A-Cola
Double TapThe classic rapid-fire Perk returns after nearly a decade, dramatically increasing your weapon's fire rate to chew through enemy hordes. Research the iconic Perk for powerful enhancements like an even faster fire rate and the chance to inflict double damage. Double Tap is available in Shattered Veil and other maps via the Der Wunderfizz machine.Double Tap AugmentsMajorDouble Jeopardy: Normal zombies at low health have a chance to die immediately when shot.Double Impact: Double hits on the same target in quick succession deal more damage.Double Standard: All non-critical shots do double damage. Only applies to normal bullet weapons.MinorDouble Time: Increases fire rate bonus.Double or Nothing: Weapons have a chance to do double damage but also have a chance to do zero damage.Double Play: Killing two enemies in quick succession has a chance to return two rounds to your magazine. Only applies to normal bullet weapons.
New Zombies Wonder Weapons
Ray GunMark II (+ 3 Variants)Drop multiple zombies with the upgraded and unstable Ray Gun Mark II. Recovered from the Dark Aether by Project Janus, it delivers three-round bursts of energy, can be Pack-a-Punched, and doubles as a bludgeoning instrument. Experiment with three new variants:Ray Gun Mark II-W: Similar to a submachine gun, with a chance to ignite enemies.Ray Gun Mark II-P: Shoots like a shotgun, with a chance to spawn a sigil granting temporary invulnerability.Ray Gun Mark II-R: Fires like a Marksman Rifle, with a chance to spread a plague infection causing area-of-effect damage.Wunderwaffe DG-2Capable of striking down hordes with chain-lightning blasts, stunning crowds of zombies and eventually causing terminal damage.
New Zombies Enemies
Elder DiscipleFloating apparitions seen in the gardens and mansion estate. Known as Elder Disciples, these powerful enemies empower nearby zombies and summon more undead. They accelerate zombie evolution into more sinister forms. Eliminate them quickly from a distance to avoid their scream, as they grow more agitated when damaged.Toxic ZombiesAs a sickly yellow fog descends, these zombies take on a greenish, skeletal appearance. They sprint toward prey before exploding, leaving a damaging pool of acid. Listen for their shriek and take them out before they close the distance.
New GobbleGums
Tactical Diffusion (Rare)Disables the next Nuke Power-Up explosion and gives everyone 2,000 Essence instead.Support Group (Legendary)Acquire the ARC-XD, Mangler Cannon, Sentry Gun, and Mutant Injection Support items.Die Pitched (Whimsical)Zombies have high-pitched voices for three minutes.
New Features
Camo HubThe Camo HUB will be added shortly after launch, providing comprehensive Camo information and assistance in the quest for Dark Matter and Nebula. Available via the Barracks > Challenges Menu, it offers:View all available Weapons by Weapon Class, sorted by furthest Camo progressView the Next Camo Challenge for each WeaponView the 2 available Special Camos for each WeaponView the next unearned Camo Mastery Calling Card rewardTrack/Untrack a Weapon's Next CamoSelect a Weapon to go to its full Camo screen"Tracked & Near Complete" tab for manually tracked or automatically surfaced near complete Camo Challenges
New Operators
R0-Z3 (BlackCell, Crimson One, Launch)R0-Z3 returns as a top BlackCell operative in Verdansk. No witnesses.Hudson (Battle Pass, Rogue Black Ops, Launch)Special Agent Jason Hudson, CIA operative, handler to Alex Mason, and KIA during Operation False Profit.Mace (Battle Pass, Crimson One, Launch)The Special Forces Army Ranger turned PMC returns, ready to inflict serious damage in Verdansk.John Black Ops (Event Reward for Black Ops 6 owners, In-Season)A mysterious Operator in a gray jumpsuit, sporting tactical goggles and helmet. Anonymous. Unassuming. Deadly.
New Events
Black Ops Tribute (In-Season)Don't miss this tribute to Black Ops, packed with rewards honoring the series' history. Earn XP in any mode to progress and earn themed rewards. Black Ops 6 owners receive additional rewards exclusive to Black Ops 6. Earn cosmetic content and functional equipment, including the Nail Gun (Special Weapon), C9 10mm Auto 30-Round Mags (Attachment), Thermite (Lethal in Call of Duty: Warzone), Death Machine (Scorestreak in MP/Support in Zombies), Close Shave (MP Perk), an Emote, GobbleGums, and the fan-requested Operator, "John Black Ops".
GLOBAL
RICOCHET Anti-Cheat
This season, our focus remains on combating cheat makers, banning bad actors, and ensuring a great player experience. Our anti-cheat roadmap extends beyond this season, with the latest Progress Report highlighting recent results and upcoming security-focused updates.
Check out the Season 03 RICOCHET Anti-Cheat Update here.
Console Cross-Play Settings
In Season 03, console players receive more granular options by separating MP Ranked Play and Call of Duty: Warzone Ranked Play settings, and adding a new Multiplayer-only setting for Quickplay, Featured, and Party Games matches.
Each setting (Multiplayer Ranked Play, Call of Duty: Warzone Ranked Play, and Multiplayer Unranked) includes:
On: Enables matchmaking with all gaming platforms in selected playlists. On (Consoles Only): Enables matchmaking with other consoles in selected playlists. May negatively impact matchmaking queue times. Off: Restricts matchmaking to your current gaming platform in selected playlists. Will negatively impact matchmaking queue times.
Additional details on how these settings interact with party members on different platforms:
Players in a party on the same console platform will matchmake with the party leader's preferred cross-play settings. Players who select "Cross-Play Off" and join a mixed platform party with a different console platform will have their settings temporarily adjusted to "Cross-Play On (Consoles Only)" to enable matchmaking. This adjustment lasts for the duration of the party, and preferred settings are restored upon disbanding. Players who select "Cross-Play Off" and join a mixed platform party with a PC player will have their settings temporarily adjusted to "Cross-Play On." This adjustment lasts for the duration of the party, and preferred settings are restored upon disbanding.
Reminder: Adjusting Cross-Play settings may negatively impact matchmaking queue times.
UI/UX
Pre-Loading Shaders Improvements
Improved menu framerate stability while compiling shaders. The Pre-Loading Shaders warning is now split per game mode. Significantly reduced the time required to compile shaders before launching a match. A new menu widget indicates the progress of Pre-Loading Shaders, letting you know when you're ready to play.
PC Benchmark
ICYMI: The PC Benchmark remains a useful tool to optimize your gaming experience. Located in the Graphics Settings menu of Black Ops 6 Multiplayer, it simulates a multiplayer match to help fine-tune graphics for optimal performance and higher framerates.
Global
Entering Prestige will no longer reset Operator, Calling Card, Emote, Spray, or Gobblegum customization. Addressed an issue where Finishing Move audio would continue to play after scrolling to a new tier in the Battle Pass.
Challenges
BlackCell
BlackCell owners can now complete an additional Daily Challenge in Multiplayer, Zombies, and Call of Duty: Warzone for an added 7,500 XP each. The BlackCell Daily Challenge counts toward the 3 challenges needed to earn the Daily Challenge Bonus XP.
Weapons
Multiplayer & Zombies
A major focus of our weapon balance changes in Season 3 is to enable more gameplay variety. Almost every attachment that modifies the core behavior of a weapon is receiving an improvement to help with its viability in the meta. It is our goal to ensure that all existing and future weapon mods feel fun and powerful to use.
Semi-auto weapons are another broad target for buffs this patch. The changes aim to make these weapons more accessible and competitive, as well as create more distinct gameplay feel between the faster semi-auto primaries.
As a last top-level note, the Season 3 patch includes adjustments to the Jackal PDW. More details on the thinking behind the change can be found below. Our weapon balance philosophy is to be conservative with nerfs, and to always consider whether there is an opportunity to elevate other weapons instead. In this case, we feel strongly that tuning down the Jackal PDW will be good for the health of the weapon meta going forward.
Shotguns
All three shotguns have improvements to their alternate ammo types: Dragon's Breath and Slug Rounds. Dragon's Breath now has a slightly higher damage over time, as well as longer range. Pellet damage is also being improved at various ranges. The goal is to make Dragon's Breath a longer range alternative that still retains a classic shotgun feel.
Slug Rounds are getting significant buffs, with the goal of giving each shotgun a unique alternate playstyle. The Marine SP Slugs have a massive range improvement, which paired with better headshot damage turn it into a high risk, high reward precision weapon. The ASG-89 Slugs have much higher damage, converting it into a mid-range semi-auto slugger. Finally, the Maelstrom Slugs have higher damage and ranges that make it akin to a slow-fire rifle.
Shotgun Attachment Adjustments
Dragon's BreathBurn damage increased from 25 to 30.
Marksman Rifles
As noted in the general section, semi-auto Marksman Rifles are getting buffs to help them contend with the other weapon classes. Rate of Fire is the main tool here, as that improves TTK and makes missed shots more forgiving.
Movement Updates
Increased crouch to stand speeds by 15%. Increased crouch to stand speeds while ADS by 39%. Increased directional sprint animation blend speeds for improved fluidity.
