How to play Black Ops 7 early access and open beta

The hype around Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is hitting full stride, with players counting down to the much-anticipated beta in early October. Whether you’ve been grinding CoD since the original Black Ops or are new to the franchise, this beta is shaping up to be the perfect way to test out fresh mechanics, maps, and weapons before launch.

Fans everywhere are eager to secure their spot and experience what Treyarch and Activision have been cooking up for the next chapter in the Black Ops saga. If you’re looking to dive in, knowing the pre-order details, edition differences, and exclusive bonuses is key. Pre-ordering ensures early beta access while unlocking unique in-game rewards and perks that give you a head start when the full release drops.

Here’s everything you need to know about the open beta for Black Ops 7.

Black Ops 7 open beta dates

The Black Ops 7 beta is officially set to run from Oct. 2 to 8, giving players nearly a full week to test the game before launch. The beta is split into two major phases, with different access windows depending on whether you’ve pre-ordered or not.

The action kicks off with the Early Access Beta on Thursday, Oct. 2, at 12pm CT. This first phase is exclusive to anyone who pre-orders or is subscribed to Xbox Game Pass. It runs for a full 72 hours, letting players jump in early, experiment with weapons, and get a feel for the new maps before the rest of the community.

Once that wraps up, the Open Beta begins on Sunday, Oct. 5, at 12pm CT. This phase is free for everyone on all platforms, no pre-order required. It also runs for 72 hours, ending on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at 12pm CT. You’ll need a stable internet connection to participate in either phase, as the beta is focused entirely on online multiplayer.

This schedule ensures early supporters get a head start while still giving the broader Call of Duty community plenty of time to dive in and see what Black Ops 7 has to offer ahead of launch.

How to play the Black Ops 7 early access and open beta

The process couldn’t be easier if you go with a digital edition. Simply pre-order any digital version of Black Ops 7, and early access is unlocked automatically, no beta code required. Once the beta goes live, you’ll be ready to download and jump in. The same also applies if you have an active Game Pass subscription.

Things work a little differently for those choosing a physical edition on consoles. At participating retailers, your copy will come with a beta code that you’ll need to redeem to secure early access. Be sure to keep that code safe, since it’s your ticket into the beta.

And if you don’t pre-order at all, you’re still covered. The Open Beta kicks off on Oct. 5, letting everyone across every platform try out Black Ops 7 for free. Best of all, the beta is fully cross-platform. Whether you’re on PlayStation, Xbox, or PC, you’ll gain access at the same time, ensuring a level playing field and smooth matchmaking throughout both phases.

For more on Black Ops 7, check out our release hub to stay updated with all the latest announcements and build-up leading to the beta.