Black Ops 6's Bloody Farewell: Predator Crashes the Party While CoD Flirts with Ditching SBMM (Again!)
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Black Ops 6 is getting one last hurrah with Season 6, featuring a wild Predator collaboration, a classic MP-40, and a spooky 'Haunting of Verdansk' return, all before Black Ops 7 launches. Crucially, the BO7 beta's 'Open Moshpit' playlist is testing a connection-based matchmaking system, delighting fans and sparking hope that dreaded SBMM might finally be shown the door.
Right, so you know that feeling when you're packing up for a big trip, but you still have to do the dishes one last time? That's pretty much where Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 finds itself, mate. Treyarch Studios is gearing up for the grand send-off with Season 6, arriving on October 9th – just as the Black Ops 7 beta wraps up. And let me tell you, it's not just a quiet wave goodbye; it's more like a dramatic, explosive exit with a legendary alien hunter and a classic SMG making a surprise appearance.
Fair warning: this final hurrah for Black Ops 6 isn't just a placeholder; it's got some proper juicy bits. First off, get ready to yell 'Get to the chopper!' because the iconic Predator is officially making an appearance. Yep, you read that right. One minute you're trying to cap some rando in a brightly coloured skin, the next you're potentially facing off against a literal intergalactic trophy hunter. Honestly, it’s the kind of crossover that makes you wonder what reality-bending spell the developers accidentally cast in the breakroom. It’s certainly a bold move to add some serious horror movie cred to the twilight of a game's lifecycle.
And what's a farewell tour without a classic? The MP-40, a submachine gun that’s seen more Call of Duty battlefields than I’ve had hot dinners, is also set to drop. It’s been in everything from *World at War* to *Black Ops 4*, so you know it’s a reliable, if somewhat predictable, addition. Still, can’t fault them for giving the fans a bit of nostalgia to chew on while they wait for the next big thing.
But the real kicker, the one that’s got me tinkering with my digital tea leaves, is the return of the 'Haunting of Verdansk.' Remember that? Nighttime Verdansk, spooky vibes, probably a fair few jump scares. While Raven Software – the wizards behind Warzone – are keeping their lips sealed tighter than a vault at Gringotts, the promotional art hints at a standalone playlist. And honestly, who doesn't love a good Halloween fright? It's a neat way to inject some seasonal flavour and get players excited one last time before everyone pivots to Black Ops 7.
Now, about Black Ops 7. It’s launching on November 14th, taking us to the year 2035 with familiar faces like David Mason and Raul Menendez. We're talking evolved omnimovement, chaotic Zombies, and a story campaign that promises to bend your brain a bit. Sounds all rather shiny and new, doesn't it? But here’s where the genuinely interesting stuff is happening, the bit that actually affects how we play the bloody game.
During the recently extended Black Ops 7 beta (which, incidentally, now conveniently stretches right up to Season 6's launch – clever, eh?), Treyarch has been testing a new 'Open Moshpit' playlist. And this, my friends, is where the magic happens. Or, perhaps, where a different kind of spell is being experimented with. This playlist is apparently ditching the infamous skill-based matchmaking (SBMM) in favour of, wait for it, *connection-based matchmaking*.
Bloody hell, did you hear that? Players have been clamouring for the removal of SBMM for *years* – and by years, I mean literally half a decade. It’s been the digital albatross around the neck of many a CoD fan, often leading to ridiculously sweaty lobbies where every match feels like a grand final. The idea of playing against folks with a good connection, rather than just other players who happen to be exactly your skill level (or slightly above, because the algorithms are always watching, aren't they?), is genuinely exciting.
And guess what? It's been incredibly well-received by fans in the beta. Players are reporting more varied matches, less stress, and just, you know, *fun*. Imagine that! A CoD experience where you're not constantly being matched against e-sports hopefuls just because you had one decent game last week. But here's the rub: there's no official word on whether this 'Open Moshpit' approach will make it into the full release of Black Ops 7. It’s a classic move, isn't it? Test the waters, get the hype, then leave everyone hanging. Are they genuinely listening, or is this just a clever way to get positive press for the beta? My gentle skepticism is certainly tingling here.
Ultimately, Black Ops 6 Season 6 looks like a proper send-off. A classic weapon, a bonkers crossover, and a spooky event to tide us over. But the real story, the one that holds the most intrigue for the future of Call of Duty – and indeed, for what developers are willing to experiment with – is that 'Open Moshpit' playlist. It's a tantalising glimpse into a potentially less frustrating future for matchmaking, and I reckon that's a bigger deal than any Predator skin. Here's hoping it's not just a beta dream, eh? Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to see if I can accidentally summon a new matchmaking system with a bit of ancient runic code.
*Original article by Kyle Knight for Game Rant.*
Tags: Call of Duty, Black Ops 6, Black Ops 7, Predator, Gaming News
Original article: Game Rant