The core multiplayer experience forCall of Duty: Black Ops 6is clearer than ever thanks to June 9’s Direct presentation, which acted as a comprehensive reveal for the upcoming game. While a lot about the game’s Zombies and campaign modes was explained, it also focused on the core multiplayer of the title, which is always one of the most anticipated aspects of anyCall of Dutyrelease.

A more complete picture ofCall of Duty: Black Ops 6’s multiplayer will be given during theCall of DutyNEXT event on August 28, which will focus on things like extended gameplay reveals and more insight into the upcoming Beta for the game. Regardless, a lot is already known about the most important mechanics ofBlack Ops 6’s multiplayer, and its take on the franchise’s iconic Prestige system is already drawing a lot of attention.Call of Duty’s Prestige system has gone through numerous controversial changes in recent years, andBlack Ops 6’s Prestige mode smartly offers the best of new and old.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Tag Page Cover Art

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6’s Prestige System is the Best of Both Worlds

Call of Duty’s Prestige systemhas grown over the years to be a defining element of each game, first being introduced all the way back in 2004’sCall of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. Players could enter Prestige mode after reaching the maximum level for a title’s multiplayer, resetting themselves to level one while unlocking sought after Prestige rank emblems as a reward.

Prestige systems would go on to feature in everyCall of Dutygame since, with players Prestiging multiple times as a reflection of their commitment and dedication to a given title’s multiplayer. Each iteration of the Prestige system has been slightly different, varying in how it rewards and punishes players, as well as how many times a player could Prestige and what level they would need to Prestige in the first place.

Despite these subtle differences, the core framework ofCall of Duty’s Prestige modes remained the same, until2019’sModern Warfareintroduced the new standard for Prestige systems.Modern Warfarestarted the trend of separating multiplayer ranks, with a player entering seasonal levels after hitting level 55. From then onwards, a player can progress as far as level 1,000 for every in-game season, with this system bleeding into most subsequentCoDreleases.

Black Ops 6’s Prestige System Breaks Away From a Recent Trend

This same Prestige system would extend toVanguard,Modern Warfare 2, andModern Warfare 3, leading some fans to feel like the original purpose of Prestige mechanics had been lost with modernCall of Duty. Recognizing this sentiment, Treyarch made a proud point of showcasing the Prestige system ofBlack Ops 6during the Direct, which has returned to the traditional framework of past games.

Black Ops 6will feature a Prestige system that has not appeared inCoDsinceBlack Ops 4, featuring 10 Prestige tiers that each cap out at level 55. Once a player completes the tenth Prestige tier, they will then enter aPrestige Mastery system that caps out at 1,000 levels. It is also confirmed that the Prestige system will be available from day one inBlack Ops 6, whereas recent titles have waited to introduce the system later on into a game’s post-launch life. This traditional take on Prestige is a perfect way forBlack Ops 6to appeal to older fans while giving more meaningful progression to the title, and is a sign of Treyarch’s commitment to returning to the franchise’s roots.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

WHERE TO PLAY

Forced to go rogue. Hunted from within. This is Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.Developed by Treyarch and Raven, Black Ops 6 is a spy action thriller set in the early 90s, a period of transition and upheaval in global politics, characterized by the end of the Cold War and the rise of the United States as a single superpower. With a mind-bending narrative, and unbound by the rules of engagement, this is signature Black Ops.The Black Ops 6 Campaign provides dynamic moment-to-moment gameplay that includes a variety of play spaces with blockbuster set pieces and action-packed moments, high-stakes heists, and cloak-and-dagger spy activity.In a best-in-class Multiplayer experience, players will test their skills across 16 new maps at launch, including 12 core 6v6 maps and 4 Strike maps that can be played 2v2 or 6v6.Black Ops 6 also marks the epic return of Round-Based Zombies, the fan-favorite mode where players will take down hordes of the undead in two brand-new maps at launch. Post-launch, players can look forward to even more exciting maps and groundbreaking experiences dropping into both Multiplayer and Zombies.