Updates to Xbox Game Pass: Introducing Essential, Premium, and Ultimate Plans

Team Xbox

Our goal with Game Pass has been clear: deliver unmatched value, benefits, and a deep library of games for our players. Since launching in 2017, we’ve steadily grown our subscriber and creator satisfaction – and today, creator participation and player engagement in Game Pass are at an all-time high. But we have the opportunity for Game Pass to help more players find the creators and games they love.

We know not everyone wants the same thing in their Xbox experience, so we’re evolving Game Pass to offer more flexibility, choice, and value to all players, whether you love day one releases, discovering hidden gems, or playing across multiple devices and screens and across Xbox consoles, Xbox on PC, and Xbox Cloud.

Starting today, we’re introducing three upgraded Game Pass plans based on how players play: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate. Each includes expanded game libraries, including PC titles, unlimited cloud gaming, in-game benefits (including Riot Games titles), and a revamped Rewards with Xbox experience. Today’s Game Pass Core subscribers will automatically move to Essential, Standard subscribers will transition to Premium, and Ultimate subscribers will remain in the Ultimate plan.

It’s all a part of our commitment to meet players where they are, so you can choose what works best for you, no matter how or where you love to play.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Just Got Its Biggest Upgrade Yet

Ultimate has been upgraded for players who want the best of everything. We’re rolling out our most expansive upgrade yet, including more day one games than ever before, Fortnite Crew & Ubisoft+ Classics for the first time ever, enhanced Xbox Cloud Gaming streaming quality up to 1440p, Rewards with Xbox, and more. Now players can have it all.

Ultimate subscribers now get access to over 75 day one releases a year. That includes some of the most anticipated upcoming games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, High on Life 2, Keeper, Ninja Gaiden 4, and The Outer Worlds 2. These join a growing library of more than 400 games playable on Xbox consoles, Xbox on PC, and Xbox Cloud on supported devices, with more than 45 new games added today. Think of hits like Blue Prince, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Hollow Knight: Silksong, plus exclusive benefits like access to EA Play.

We’re also welcoming major additions to the Ultimate experience. Starting November 18, Fortnite Crew – an $11.99/month value – will be included in Ultimate, with access to the Fortnite Battle Pass, 1,000 V-Bucks each month, and more. This is just the beginning of Xbox and Epic’s work together toward an open gaming ecosystem where friends can play and create together, anywhere, across devices. And today, Ubisoft+ Classics (~$15.98/month) joins Ultimate, offering access to a curated selection of Ubisoft games playable on console, PC, and cloud, like Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, and more.

Cloud gaming is also getting a major boost. Ultimate subscribers exclusively enjoy our best quality streaming and shortest wait times, so it’s easier than ever to jump into your favorite games. Xbox Cloud Gaming has also officially exited “Beta,” as part of our commitment to make gameplay smoother and more responsive. And we’ll keep expanding the Stream your own game collection for all subscribers. Keep an eye on Xbox.com/Play for the latest list of cloud playable games.

Ultimate subscribers can now earn up to $100 per year (100k points globally) in the Store just by playing games. With our upgraded Rewards program, players can get up to 30% value on select Game Pass games, with 4x points on purchases of games and add-ons, 10% back in points on select Game Pass library titles and add-ons, and up to 20% off select Game Pass games.

Xbox Game Pass Premium – More Games, More Flexibility

Premium has been upgraded to offer even more flexibility and value for those who want to play on their own terms at exceptional value. Premium provides access to a broader library of great games and extends the Xbox gaming experience across console, PC, and cloud.

We’re now giving Premium subscribers more games than ever before, from gaming’s biggest hits to hidden gems, now with access to 200+ games on Xbox console, PC, and supported devices, all still at $14.99. This library, with more than 40 new games available today, is also now playable on PC, including timeless hits like Minecraft, Forza Horizon 5, and Grand Theft Auto V. Plus, Premium subscribers get newly added fan-favorites like Diablo IV and Hogwarts Legacy starting today, and new Xbox-published games within a year of their launch (excludes Call of Duty titles).

Cloud gaming is also expanding in Premium. Subscribers now enjoy unlimited cloud gaming, including select games you own, and newly added in-game benefits in some of the biggest games like League of Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege X, instantly unlocking cosmetics, characters, and more to enhance your gameplay.

Premium also brings new value through Rewards with Xbox. Premium subscribers can also get up to $50 per year (50k points globally) in the Store just by playing games, earning 2x points on purchases of games and add-ons, plus 5% back in points on select Game Pass library titles and add-ons.

Xbox Game Pass Essential: A Great Way to Get Started

Essential is for players who want the essence of everything Xbox. With access to games across console, PC, and cloud, Essential makes it easy to jump in and start playing, whether you’re diving into solo adventures or teaming up with friends.

Our revamped Essential plan now includes unlimited cloud gaming, online multiplayer, in-game benefits, and Rewards with Xbox, plus a curated catalog of 50+ games playable on both console and PC.

The Essential library is now fully playable on PC, featuring standout titles like Hades, Cities: Skylines – Remastered, Stardew Valley, and Warhammer 40,000: Darktide. You also get unlimited cloud gaming, allowing you to play games, including select games you own, on the devices you choose — giving you more freedom to play your way.

Subscribers also get access to in-game benefits in some of the biggest games like League of Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Overwatch 2.

And with our Rewards with Xbox program, Essential members can earn up to $25 per year (25k points globally) in the Store just by playing. You’ll also get points on purchases of games and add-ons.

Getting Started with the New Xbox Game Pass Plans

As we continue to evolve Xbox Game Pass, we’re focused on delivering more value, more benefits, and more great games across every plan. Whether you play on console, PC, cloud – or all three – there’s a Game Pass option designed to fit your playstyle.

With the latest upgrades, Ultimate is now priced at $29.99/month, reflecting the expanded catalog, new partner benefits, and upgraded cloud gaming experience. Standard subscribers will be upgraded to Premium remaining at $14.99/month, offering exceptional value for players who want flexibility and access to new Xbox-published titles within a year of launch. Core subscribers will be upgraded to Essential remaining at $9.99/month, providing a curated library, online multiplayer, and cloud gaming for those who want to jump in and start playing.

We regularly evaluate exchange rates and market conditions, so pricing may vary by region. For the most up-to-date information on plan features and pricing in your area, visit the plan picker on Xbox.com.

To learn more about each plan and find the one that’s right for you, head to the Xbox Game Pass site and our Xbox social channels for more details.

More Games Join Xbox Game Pass Today

We continue to add more games to Xbox Game Pass. Check out the latest games available starting today below, along with in-game benefits available across each plan. As a reminder, game titles, features, and availability vary over time, by region, Game Pass plan, and platform. Learn more about supported regions here.

Ultimate – Available Today

Hogwarts Legacy (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Assassin’s Creed II (PC)
Assassin’s Creed III Remastered (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag: Freedom Cry (PC)
Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood (PC)
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: India (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: Russia (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD (PC)
Assassin’s Creed Revelations (PC)
Assassin’s Creed Rogue Remastered (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Assassin’s Creed The Ezio Collection (Cloud and Console)
Assassin’s Creed Unity (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Child of Light (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Far Cry 3 (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Far Cry 3 Blood Dragon (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Far Cry Primal (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Hungry Shark World (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Monopoly Madness (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Monopoly 2024 (Cloud, PC, and Console)
OddBallers (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Prince of Persia The Lost Crown (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Rabbids Invasion: The Interactive TV Show (Cloud and Console)
Rabbids: Party of Legends (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Rayman Legends (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Risk Urban Assault (Cloud and Console)
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Skull and Bones (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
South Park: The Stick of Truth (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Starlink: Battle for Atlas (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Steep (Cloud, PC, and Console)
The Crew 2 (Cloud, PC, and Console)
The Settlers: New Allies (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Extraction (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Tom Clancy’s The Division (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Trackmania Turbo (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Transference (Cloud and Console)
Trials Fusion (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Trials of the Blood Dragon (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Trials Rising (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Uno (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Valiant Hearts: The Great War (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Watch_Dogs (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Wheel of Fortune (Cloud and Console)
Zombi (Cloud, PC, and Console)

Premium – Available Today (also in Ultimate)

9 Kings (Game Preview) (PC)
Abiotic Factor (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
Against the Storm (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Age of Empires: Definitive Edition (PC)
Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition (PC)
Age of Mythology: Retold (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
Ara: History Untold (PC)
Arx Fatalis (PC)
Back to the Dawn (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Battletech (PC)
Blacksmith Master (Game Preview) (PC)
Cataclismo (PC)
Cities: Skylines II (PC)
Crime Scene Cleaner (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
Diablo (PC)
Diablo IV (PC and Console)
An Elder Scrolls Legends: Battlespire (PC)
The Elder Scrolls Adventures: Redguard (PC)
Fallout (PC)
Fallout 2 (PC)
Fallout: Tactics (PC)
Football Manager 2024 (PC)
Frostpunk 2 (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
Halo: Spartan Strike (PC)
Hogwarts Legacy (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Manor Lords (Game Preview) (PC)
Minami Lane (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Minecraft: Java Edition (PC)
Mullet Madjack (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
My Friendly Neighborhood (Cloud, PC, and Console)
One Lonely Outpost (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Quake 4 (PC)
Quake III Arena (PC)
Return to Castle Wolfenstein (PC)
Rise of Nations: Extended Edition (PC)
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
Sworn (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S)
Terra Invicta (Game Preview) (PC)
Volcano Princess (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Warcraft I: Remastered (PC)
Warcraft II: Remastered (PC)
Warcraft III: Reforged (PC)
Wolfenstein 3D (PC)

Essential – Available Today (also in Ultimate and Premium)

Cities: Skylines Remastered (Cloud and Xbox Series X|S)
Disney Dreamlight Valley (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Hades (Cloud, PC, and Console)
Warhammer 40,000 Darktide (Cloud, PC, and Console)

More Rewards with Game Pass

The post Updates to Xbox Game Pass: Introducing Essential, Premium, and Ultimate Plans appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Players’ Choice: Vote for September 2025’s best new game

Last month, we faced our fears, mountains, and the opposing team. Some big new releases included Baby Steps, Borderlands 4, Hollow Knight: Silksong, NBA 2K26, and Silent Hill f.

How does it work? At the end of every month, PlayStation Blog will open a poll where you can vote for the best new game released that month. After the polls close we will tally your votes, and announce the winner on our social channels and PlayStation.Blog.

What is the voting criteria? That’s up to you! If you were only able to recommend one new release to a friend that month, which would it be? Note: re-released games don’t qualify, but remakes do. We define remakes as ambitious, larger-scale rebuilds such as Resident Evil 4 (2023) and Final Fantasy VII Remake.

How are nominees decided? The PlayStation Blog editorial team will gather a list of that month’s most noteworthy releases and use it to seed the poll.

Former Capcom Designer Yoshiki Okamoto Sparks Backlash in Japan by Saying Palworld Has ‘Crossed a Line That Should Not Be Crossed’

The Nintendo and The Pokémon Company’s ongoing patent infringement lawsuit against Pocketpair’s Palworld has stirred up much debate among game developers and players alike. However, former Capcom game developer Yoshiki Okamoto’s recent YouTube video, in which he made comments seemingly against Pocketpair and Palworld, has sparked a strong backlash from viewers.

Current chairman of the Japan Game Culture Foundation, Yoshiki Okamoto has worked in the game industry for over 40 years, with a varied resume which includes Street Fighter 2, the first Resident Evil, and hit mobile game Monster Strike. He also created the original concept for what would become Rockstar’s Red Dead Revolver.

In a YouTube video posted on his channel on September 27, Okamoto gave his opinions on the ongoing Nintendo vs. Pocketpair lawsuit, saying that Palworld had “crossed a line that should not be crossed, and I don’t want the world to become a place where this kind of thing is acceptable.”

Later in the video, Okamoto said that “if a settlement is reached with Nintendo, then I think it (Palworld) will become a game that is officially fine to play. However, it is currently a game that’s being sued so it’s unacceptable. By playing the game you are supporting it, so please don’t buy it.”

This comment and his labelling of Pocketpair as an “anti-xxxx” (Okamoto bleeped out and distorted the last kanji character of the word in both the audio and subtitle in the video) prompted a flood of criticism in the comments — and many did not hold back. The majority of commenters interpreted Okamoto’s half-obscured term as “hansha” or “anti-social force” (an abbreviated term often used to describe criminal organizations like the yakuza, and groups that operate in ways that go against the proper and/or legal way of doing things). One commenter pointed out that calling Pocketpair an “anti-social force” could be considered defamation. They then added, “On the other hand, your argument that ‘people should stop playing games with questionable content because this equates to supporting them’ is convincing,” before announcing that these words made them decide to quit playing Okamoto’s Monster Strike after nearly 20 years. Other user reactions included, “I think assuming something is bad just because it has been sued is wrong,” and, “No matter how much you dislike (Pocketpair and Palworld), calling them anti-social is crossing a line.”

Okamoto openly acknowledges that even though people have recommended it to him, he has never actually played Palworld, insisting: “I have no intention of playing the game or spending money on it.” He pointed out that Palworld had become a divisive topic, with people split into fan and hater camps, and confirmed that he is anti-Palworld. “But at the same time, I understand that there are fans out there,” he added.

In the video, Okamoto also expressed concern that if Pocketpair wins the lawsuit and is able to release the full version of the game, then copyright infringement may be seen as more acceptable if a game is perceived as interesting and gets good reviews. He also worried that this could potentially open the floodgates to the hard work of creators on other Nintendo series (like Mario, Zelda etc.) being more freely and overtly copied, especially with the use of generative AI.

However, commenters also pointed out that many games have used elements of previous titles made by other companies, noting that this includes games Okamoto worked on. People mentioned how Street Fighter 2 used similar elements to previous fighting games like Yie Ar Kung Fu, and how Monster Strike’s UI is similar to Puzzle & Dragons. “How can someone who has done things like that speak out against Palworld?” sad one commented. Others pointed out that Okamoto’s mention of generative AI risks feeding the false rumor (since debunked by Pocketpair) that developer used gen AI in the creation of Palworld.

Referencing the changes made to Palworld mechanics under dispute in the lawsuit, Okamoto predicted that Pocketpair have worked out some way to settle the matter with Nintendo, which is why it has announced a full, official release of the game. However, he noted that there is “no information” to properly confirm this at this time.

The Nintendo-Palworld lawsuit, which has been ongoing in Japan since its announcement in September 2024, involves three patents, two related to monster capture and release, and one related to riding characters. For more details, check out IGN’s coverage of the lawsuit, including why Nintendo re-wrote patents mid-case and Nintendo’s recent move to discount mods as “prior art.” All the while, Nintendo has been busy obtaining patents — some of which IP lawyers said should never have been granted — as it develops its case against Pocketpair, which has vowed to defend itself in court.

Last month, Pocketpair announced Palworld: Palfarm just a week after Nintendo revealed fellow cozy farming sim Pokémon Pokopia. Pocketpair announced on September 16 that Palworld will be getting an official 1.0 release sometime in 2026.

At GDC in March, IGN sat down for an extended conversation with Pocketpair communications director and publishing manager John “Bucky” Buckley following his talk at the conference, ‘Community Management Summit: A Palworld Roller Coaster: Surviving the Drop.’ During that talk, Buckley went into candid detail about a number of Palworld’s struggles, especially the accusations of it using generative AI and stealing Pokemon’s models for its own Pals. He even commented on Nintendo’s patent infringement lawsuit against the studio, saying it “came as a shock” and was “something that no one even considered.”

Verity Townsend is a Japan-based freelance writer who previously served as editor, contributor and translator for the game news site Automaton West. She has also written about Japanese culture and movies for various publications.

Prototype remaster speculation kicks into super gear after a surprise Steam update adds to its credits

Remember Prototype, the super hero game which saw Radical Entertainment explore what might happen if a hoodie enthusiast was given shape-shifting powers? Well, it’s recieved a sudden and mysterious steam update which adds to its credits, fuelling a fresh bout of speculation that a remaster might be on the cards.

Andrezj Sapkowski, the creator of The Witcher, has said he regrets including a throwaway reference to “Witcher schools” in one of his books, which CD Projekt’s The Witcher video games have since massively expanded on.

Writing in a Q&A on reddit, Sapkowski said his single mention of a “School of the Wolf” in The Last Wish, a short story collection, had been an “unworthy” inclusion that he was now considering deleting from the book’s future print runs.

But for many fans of The Witcher, who know the franchise from its existing trilogy of video games, Witcher schools are now an important part of the franchise — and something that CD Projekt has developed into a key part of its lore.

CD Projekt has established that there are at least seven guild-like Schools: the Wolf (to which hero Geralt belongs), the Cat, Griffin, Bear, Viper, Manticore and Crane. Those within each school wear a medallion showing them as such — and indeed, the studio’s first teaser for The Witcher 4 sparked huge speculation among fans with its focus on a new school medallion, which CD Projekt later confirmed was for a previously-unknown School of the Lynx.

But while video game fans have enjoyed the series sorting Witchers into Hogwarts-like houses, it’s safe to say that Sapkowski isn’t on board.

“A single sentence about some ‘School of the Wolf’ mysteriously made its way into The Last Wish,” Sapkowski wrote. “I later deemed it unworthy of development and narratively incorrect, even detrimental to the plot. Therefore, later I never included or referenced any Witcher Gryffindors or Slytherins again. Never.

“However, that one sentence was enough. Adaptors, particularly video game people, have clung to the idea with remarkable tenacity and have wonderfully multiplied these ‘witcher schools’. Completely unnecessary.”

Sapkowski continued to say he was tempted to simply delete the reference to the School of the Wolf, removing it from his own book canon, even if the lore invented by CD Projekt would still remain. Alternatively, the author suggested he could expand on the matter in a future work — something fans have suggested he might do to deliberately rein in the concept closer to his own personal vision.

“I’m still uncertain about what to do with this situation,” Sapkowski concluded. “Perhaps, taking the path of least resistance, I’ll erase the sentence about the ‘school’ from future editions of The Last Wish.

“Or maybe I’ll want to expand and clarify the matter somehow in subsequent books? Perhaps I’ll shed some light on the issue of Witcher medallions, their significance, and their connection to specific individuals? There are many possibilities, and the sky is the limit.”

Sapkowski’s comments come alongside the arrival of his latest Witcher novel, Crossroads of Ravens, in English nearly a year after its debut in Poland. Crossroads of Ravens is a new standalone prequel novel in The Witcher saga that takes place decades before both the games and the main novel saga. It follows a teenage Geralt of Rivia fresh from Kaer Morhen, and his early steps as a Witcher.

The Witcher Season 4, meanwhile, premieres on Netflix on October 30. Liam Hemsworth recently spoke about the recasting of Henry Cavill as Geralt, admitting reaction online forced him off social media and the internet.

Tom Phillips is IGN’s News Editor. You can reach Tom at tom_phillips@ign.com or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social

Battlefield 6’s first post-launch season of updates will add two new modes, then get very cold

Battlefield 6 arrives on October 10th, but the recently purchased by new owners EA and DICE have decided not to bother waiting until it’s launched to detail their plans for its first few seasonal updates. Two new game modes will be rocking up, followed by a romantic winter getaway in New York.

Fans think they’ve uncovered proof that 2009 action game Prototype could be getting a new lease of life.

While the game has mostly remained dormant on Steam since its release 16 years ago, eagle-eyed fans spotted a flurry of updates behind the scenes via SteamDB, as well as a revealing datamine effort that has discovered a mysterious change to the game’s credits that adds in remaster studio, Iron Galaxy, and a curious reference to Ubisoft Connect.

That’s not all, though. “So one of the OG modders for the game data mined the recent update and has found a lot of interesting things,” StanleyMitchel explained on the game’s subreddit. “For Prototype 1, they have added some test maps and quite a few new names in the credits. There might be some hope for a remaster after all.”

They then linked to two text versions of the game’s credit roll, which highlights the changes. These include a new “downloadable content” team, another team for “Ubisoft Connect Version,” “Activision Localization,” “Demonware,” and finally, “Iron Galaxy Studios.” In all, 753 changes were made to the original credits list.

“One of the new studios in the credits worked in [sic] the Spyro remasters,” Nixson wrote on Discord. “This is 100% confirmed. They’re remastering the games. Likely using the same engine/code or some hybrid like Oblivion. There’s a lot of new names in the credits, mainly other Activision studios,” they added. “I’m starting to think the new Prototype game in-the-works thing may be true.”

As for the strange Ubisoft Connect reference? Don’t forget that when Microsoft acquired Activision as part of its historic $68.7 billion deal in 2023, Microsoft agreed to sell Activision’s cloud gaming rights to Ubisoft. So while none of this is confirmed, it’s possible Prototype is one of the games Ubisoft will be adding to its subscription service. Watch this space.

Prototype sees you take control of Alex Mercer, a dark, genetically mutated shape-shifter with no memory of his past, hell-bent on solving the mystery of his existence as he tears through New York City. We had a good time with it when it released way back in 2009, calling Prototype a “game with many cool features [but] lack[ing] many of the finishing touches that make for a great and memorable game.”

Vikki Blake is a reporter for IGN, as well as a critic, columnist, and consultant with 15+ years experience working with some of the world’s biggest gaming sites and publications. She’s also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.

Random: Bandai Unleashes Palm-Sized Legend Of Zelda Weapons Collection In Japan Next Year

Is that a Lightscale Trident in your pocket?

The fantastic character designs of The Legend of Zelda series have always lent themselves very well to amiibo, toys, and all of that sweet merchandising action that we all seem to love very muchly. Big muchly!

Now, Bandai Candy Toy has announced a set of ten collectible, fully-licensed Legend of Zelda weapons, which we love the idea of because, hey, the weapons in these games deserve a whole lot of love too.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Warzone Will Get a ‘Bold New Experience’ Inspired by OG Call of Duty Battle Royale Mode, Blackout, in Spring 2026

Call of Duty: Warzone has promised a “bold new experience” will come to the battle royale next spring, inspired by Black Ops 4’s original battle royale mode, Blackout.

In a message posted to X/Twitter, the Call of Duty team appended an image of players dropping from the sky and the words: “Approaching the drop zone… Call of Duty: Warzone is bringing a bold new experience in Spring of 2026 inspired by the original Blackout, set on Avalon.”

The Blackout battle royale mode was released alongside Call of Duty: Black Ops 4. Call of Duty’s “responsive and forgiving gunplay, nimble movement, and creative but practical equipment fit beautifully into the trendy last man standing format,” we said of Blackout in our 2018 review. Blackout was eventually superceded by COD’s dedicated battle royale experience, Call of Duty: Warzone, which was in turn spruced up in 2022, but there are plenty of fans who hold a special place in their hearts for the OG mode given the thousands of replies and likes the Twitter tease has received.

Approaching the drop zone…
Call of Duty: Warzone is bringing a bold new experience in Spring of 2026 inspired by the original Blackout, set on Avalon. #BlackOps7 | #CODNext pic.twitter.com/TenwQesj5W
— Call of Duty (@CallofDuty) September 30, 2025

While there’s been no formal follow-up to any of the questions asking what, exactly, Activision means by the term “experience,” the publisher teased: “And here’s just a glimpse on what’s dropping into Call of Duty: Warzone:

Bold New Blackout Experience on Avalon
Rebirth Island Refresh
Verdansk Updates
Ranked Play
And MORE!

“Stay tuned for more information as we have more FREE content updates all next year!”

As for the next mainline Call of Duty game? Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 officially releases on November 14, 2025, for PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One. Those hoping to try before they buy can test Treyarch’s updated formula October 5-8 via an open beta. Players willing to pre-order can get in on the action even earlier via an early access beta running October 2–5 — here’s when the closed and open betas goes live in your timezone.

Don’t forget, Activision recently warned PC gamers that they will not be able to play during the beta and at launch if they do not enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. Like rival shooter Battlefield 6, TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot are required for Black Ops 7 to run on PC as part of strict anti-cheat measures to block modified hardware and unauthorized software.

Amid Call of Duty’s war on cheating, Black Ops 7 says ehh whatever, here’s a wallhack-esque killstreak

Activision have just shown off a bunch of new Call of Duty: Black Ops 7-related stuff as part of a COD Next showcase, and naturally one of the biggest talking points is a simp shooting people through walls. Well, to be more accurate, a clip of a pro player called Simp using the new Gravemaker killstreak reward, which resembles the sorts of wallhacking cheats the publishers have been trying their best to give the secure boot.

Author: Game Infliction