Black Ops 6 preload and launch times revealed: When can you start playing?

We're only 10 days out from the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, and Activision is starting to reveal more and more information. Today, we received intel on exactly when you can preload the files for Black Ops 6 and start playing depending on what system you're using.

While the launch times are important, the preload date is also extremely valuable information. This allows players to ensure they have enough time to download the massive Black Ops 6 file before the official launch date. To see both the preload and launch times for Black Ops 6, check out the details below.

Fortunately, all players will be able to preload the newest Call of Duty title at the same time. The official preload time is set for 9 a.m PT on Oct. 21. This means all platforms can install the entire file for Black Ops 6 starting at this time, which is extremely helpful for those with a slower connection.

From the looks of it, you'll need at least 137 GB of storage space on your drive to hold the initial file for Black Ops 6. This won't include any Day 1 patch updates, subsequent updates to COD HQ, additional texture packs, or the file for Warzone. So, in all likelihood, you'll need closer to 150 GB to 200 GB of space to fully install Black Ops 6.

When the preload time arrives, all you need to do is launch your system and go to the Black Ops 6 application. You should be able to check for an update, which will begin the pre-installation process and start downloading the full file. If you haven't purchased Black Ops 6 yet, doing so after 9 a.m. PT on Oct. 21 will automatically trigger the preload for the game.

Now that we've covered the preload times, it's time to go over exactly when Black Ops 6 will launch on Oct. 25. As you may have seen in the image above, the launch times for Black Ops 6 vary depending on your system and region.

For Xbox, Microsoft Store/Game Pass, and PlayStation users, Black Ops 6 launches at midnight local time on Oct. 25. The one exception to this rule is for anyone in the PT zone, as the game launches at 11 p.m. PT on Oct. 24. As we have previously covered, the New Zealand trick should work for Xbox, Microsoft Store/Game Pass, and PlayStation users.

On the flip side of things, if you're on Battle.net or Steam, you won't follow the same release schedule as those on console or Game Pass. Instead, Black Ops 6 universally launches at 9 p.m. PT on Oct. 24. It doesn't matter what region you're in if you're on Battle.net or Steam since the game becomes available to play at the same time for everybody. As such, if you're on PC, it might be worth purchasing Black Ops 6 through the Microsoft Store/Game Pass if you want to potentially play several hours earlier on Oct. 24 by doing the New Zealand trick.

Below, you can see the PC launch times for various regions around the globe:

And there you have it — the official preload and launch times for Black Ops 6. The launch times can get confusing depending on the platform you play on, but if you follow our guide, you should be able to hop in at the right time.

That's all for now. Stick around on esports.gg for more news and updates.