PC Operators: further intel on the Black Ops Cold War Beta is now declassified.

The Black Ops Cold War Beta’s second weekend will be open to players across all platforms starting on Saturday, October 17, although there is the opportunity to access the Beta as early as Thursday, October 15, either by pre-purchasing a digital copy or via the Twitch Drop program outlined below.

From step-by-step instructions on how to get that early access through Twitch Drops, to important specifications and pre-load information, here’s a roundup of the latest intel for those ready to play the Beta through Battle.net this upcoming weekend:

Twitch Drops Info

Want to dive into the Beta during its Early Access period? Watch any streamer playing Black Ops Cold War with Drops Enabled on Twitch from October 15 at 10 a.m. PT to October 16 at 11:59 p.m. PT, and you’ll be able to drop in alongside them thanks to Twitch Drops.

Specifically, here’s how you can get Early Access through watching Black Ops Cold War Twitch streams:

Step 1: Link Your Twitch and Battle.net Accounts

If you already have done this, then feel free to skip this step. If not, or you want to ensure those two accounts are linked, the process is simple:

Click this link to visit your Twitch Connections, where you would click “connect” on Blizzard Battle.net and sign into your account to link the two together.

Once you’ve done this, visit the Battle.net Account Connections page here to verify that your Battle.net account is linked.

Step 2: Watch Four Hours of “Drops Enabled” Twitch Streams

While logged into Twitch with your linked account, go ahead and watch some Black Ops Cold War streams to see what the next generation of global combat is all about.

Be sure to check that the streamer you are watching has “Drops Enabled,” as all hours watched on those streams will count towards receiving early access.

No need to guess when you’ll receive Beta access; anyone with a linked Twitch account who watches streams with Drops Enabled for at least four hours will get to dive into the PC Beta early.

Step 3: Play the Beta Early!

After hitting the four-hour mark, you’ll receive a Twitch notification about receiving access to the Black Ops Cold War Beta. It’ll also remind you of the streamer who brought you over the finish line for Beta early access, so consider thanking them for it!

Head to the Battle.net desktop app immediately once you get this notification, and you’ll be able to install, then launch, the Black Ops Cold War Beta.

If you have any issues linking accounts or haven’t received Beta Early Access after watching the required number of hours, contact Blizzard Support.

Minimum and Recommended Specs

The following minimum specifications are required to run the Black Ops Cold War Beta on PC:

·      OS: Windows 7 64-Bit (SP1) or Windows 10 64-Bit (1803 or later)

·      CPU: Intel Core i5 2500k or AMD equivalent.

·      Video: Nvidia GeForce GTX 670 2GB / GTX 1650 4GB or AMD Radeon HD 7950.

·      RAM: 8GB RAM

·      HDD: 45GB HD space

·      Network: Broadband Internet connection

·      Sound Card: DirectX Compatible

·      Requires DirectX 12 compatible system

Here are the developer recommended specifications for the Beta:

·      OS: Windows 10 64 Bit (latest Service Pack)

·      CPU: Intel Core i7 4770k or AMD equivalent

·      Video: Nvidia GeForce GTX 970 4GB / GTX 1660 Super 6GB or AMD Radeon R9 390 / AMD RX 580

·      RAM: 16GB RAM

·      HDD: 45GB HD space

·      Network: Broadband Internet connection

·      Sound Card: DirectX Compatible

·      Requires DirectX 12 compatible system

Pre-Load Information

All PC players can pre-load the Beta now on Battle.net, as pre-load was made available on Tuesday, October 13 at 8 a.m. PT.

Simply boot up the Battle.net desktop app, select the game’s icon within the launcher, and click the big “Install” button to begin the pre-download.

Earn an SMG Weapon Blueprint for Reaching Level 10

All players who reach Level 10 within the Beta will receive an SMG Weapon Blueprint at launch in the full Black Ops Cold War game.

A Weapon Blueprint is a variant of a weapon family within the game, complete with its own unique name and cosmetic differences.  Weapon Blueprints may also come pre-equipped with attachments, allowing you to use them on that specific weapon without needing to level it up to unlock those attachments organically. These attachments can be swapped out in favor of other attachments earned by levelling up the weapon normally.

The Weapon Blueprint reward for reaching Level 10 in the Beta is the “Mutual Animosity,” which comes pre-equipped with four attachments for a versatile stealth SMG build, and could be a mainstay in your arsenal across all game modes.

Pre-Purchase Now on Digital and get Early Access

Pre-purchase customers can secure early access to the Open Beta* and receive instant rewards like the Woods Operator Pack** for immediate use in Modern Warfare® and Warzone™.

Two options for the game are available to choose from, including the Standard Edition or the Ultimate Edition. All digital editions come with access to early access to this Open Beta.

Pre-purchase now on Battle.net, while also checking out which edition is right for you in this detailed blog.

Stay Connected to Additional Intel

Be sure to check back here at the Activision Games Blog daily for the latest information on the Beta and Black Ops Cold War as its launch on November 13^th approaches. Also, be sure to visit Treyarch’s Blog for more Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War announcements and content.

Follow @CallofDuty and @Treyarch on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for additional information. 

Pre-orders at participating retailers are available now, or at CallofDuty.com.

Execute the mission.

*Actual platform availability and launch date(s) of MP Beta subject to change. See www.callofduty.com/beta for more details.  Minimum Open Beta duration is 2 days. Limited time only, while Early Access Beta Codes last, at participating retailers. Internet connection required. Online multiplayer subscription may be required.

**Call of Duty: Modern Warfare / Call of Duty: Warzone on pre-order platform required to redeem Woods Operator and Blueprint.  Sold/downloaded separately.  Must be redeemed by Nov. 13, 2021.

For more information on Call of Duty®: Black Ops Cold War, check out: www.callofduty.com, www.youtube.com/callofduty and follow @Treyarch, @RavenSoftware, and @CallofDuty on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. 

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