Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 – everything we know so far

Call of Duty Black Ops 6 What We Know

Call of Duty Black Ops 6 is officially confirmed. Activision released a teaser trailer, but did not reveal any details about platforms, release date, or additional information. They did confirm that more information will be revealed during the Xbox Showcase this June. With a cryptic teaser and a June 9th reveal date, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is leaving players with more questions than answers. Is Black Ops returning to its roots? Here’s what we know so far about Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.

Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Direct

From the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Official Comms, more information about the game will be revealed immediately following the Xbox Showcase on June 9th:

  • PT (Pacific Time) – June 9, 2024, 10:00 AM
  • ET (Eastern Time) – June 9, 2024, 12:00 PM
  • CET (Central European Time) – June 9, 2024, 9:00 PM
  • BST (British Summer Time) – June 9, 2024, 8:00 PM
  • UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) – June 9, 2024, 3:00 AM
  • JST (Japan Standard Time) – June 10, 2024, 6:00 PM
  • AEST (Australian Eastern Standard Time) – June 10, 2024, 2:00 AM

Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Teaser Trailer Explained

A teaser trailer titled Wake Up (Rushmore) #thetruthlies was released featuring live-action footage of Mount Rushmore being vandalized with the phrase “The Truth Lies”. This is the same footage in thetruthlies.com, the URL from USA Today advertisement that was also published on the same day as the trailer above. On that website, you’ll find a TV that you can interact with, each channel will show the following (updated*):

  • Channel 1: the Channel Guide which shows what is being aired on the other channels.
  • Channel 2: “Tear Down the Lies” – A video showing how propaganda posters (left image above) are being plastered in public places and windows.
  • Channel 3: “The Truth Cometh” – A video footage of how Mt. Rushmore was vandalized with the phrase The Truth Lies by people wearing Cerberus masks.
  • Channel 4: Off-Air.
  • Channel 5: “Wide Open Eyes” – A compilation of different video footages (see: Open your eyes trailer) of what might confirm the game’s storyline as explained below.
  • Channel 6: A news channel showing how Monuments Worldwide are Defaced with graffiti on world landmarks, tying back to the videos in Channels 2 and 3.

*Last updated: May 27, 2024, these might continue to change along with new developments and we will make sure to update this page regularly.

The storyline seems to revolve around political and social unrest, with themes like the American Dream’s decline, political manipulation, and corruption. The Cerberus emblem likely symbolizes a powerful organization or group within the Black Ops series.

In mythology, Cerberus is the multi-headed dog that guards the gates of the Underworld. The emblem could represent a faction that exerts control or influence, perhaps acting as a guardian of certain secrets or ideologies, and is central to the game’s narrative of political and social unrest. In a modern context, Cerberus is used for military applications or security forces. This reinforces the series’ focus on military operations, but it could also suggest the introduction of a new powerful, non-state group.

Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Easter Eggs

With Black Ops 6: The Truth Lies – Live Action Reveal Trailer, there are a few key figures and easter eggs worth looking into.

Saddam Hussein Black Ops 6 Easter Egg
Saddam Husein Palace Location Coordinates

At 0:35 of the video, you’ll find the coordinates “33.249905 44.269634”, which are the real-life coordinates of Saddam Husein’s Palace location.

Sally 8 Black Ops 6 Easter Egg

At 00:39 of the same video, The mention of “Sally” could be another Easter egg, a nod to the iconic weapon from Black Ops Zombies. The Mustang and Sally are dual-wielded M1911 pistols featured in the Zombies mode of Call of Duty: Black Ops. They are a fan-favorite weapon known for their high damage output and unique animation.

In the Open your eyes trailer, the name Frank Woods is on the thumbnail and on the video starting at 00:13. In the Black Ops series, Frank Woods is a Marine Corps Master Sergeant and CIA operative. He is one of the main protagonists in the Call of Duty: Black Ops series and serves as a key figure throughout several of the games.

Frank Woods Black Ops 6 Easter Egg

What happened to Call of Duty Black Ops 5?

There was no Call of Duty: Black Ops 5. The Black Ops series skipped 5, it was Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, which was released in October 2018 then followed by Black Ops Cold War, which was Considered Black Ops 5, released in 2020. While it wasn’t explicitly called Black Ops 5, it is considered the fifth installment in the Black Ops series according to the storyline and chronological order.

Black Ops 6 Story and Setting

When and where could Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 take place? Rumors suggest Black Ops 6 might be set during the Gulf War (1990-1991). Another proof that could support this is the word “GULF” on the left side of the background image of the COD: Black Ops 6 login screen.

Gulf War Black Ops 6
See GULF (left) on the Call of Duty Black Ops 6 login page

Cold War focused on the 1980s, historically, the Cold War’s influence lingered into the 1990s, potentially shaping the geopolitical landscape of Black Ops 6.

The Gulf War (1990-1991) was a military conflict between Iraq and a United Nations coalition led by the United States. Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in the 1990’s triggered the conflict. The UN condemned the invasion and demanded a withdrawal. When Iraq refused, the US-led coalition intervened. **Here’s a breakdown and why it might be the story for Black Ops 6:

  • The appearance of Margaret Thatcher, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton in the new Open your eyes trailer can confirm the timeline. The Gulf War, also known as the Persian Gulf War or Operation Desert Storm, happened during the overlapping tenure of these three political figures.
  • Unlike the Vietnam War or the Cold War, the Gulf War hasn’t been a central theme in many video games. Black Ops is known for exploring historical conflicts through a fictional lens.
  • The Black Ops series focuses on covert operations and hidden agendas. The Gulf War involved a large international coalition, which could provide opportunities for a Black Ops narrative focused on a smaller, more secretive mission.
  • Black Ops games often feature real-world figures alongside fictional characters. The Gulf War era offers a chance to include historical figures like US military leaders or intelligence officials. While unlikely to be the main focus, some characters from Black Ops Cold War could reappear in minor roles, bridging the narrative gap.

**Remember, there’s no gameplay available yet, and a full reveal is happening on June 9th, 2024, so always take these rumors and speculations with a grain of salt.

Returning Characters

It is very likely that Russell Adler returns in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. The official Black Ops 6 login page also provides a profile that can confirm that Russell Adler is back, although a lot of the text seems to be scratched off, it matches the description of Adler, who is a central character in the Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War.

See Russel Adler’s Profile (right) on the Call of Duty Black Ops 6 login page

Adler is portrayed as a hardened and ruthless CIA operative who will go to any lengths to achieve his goals. Adler is known for his aggressive interrogation techniques (also in the image above), which some find brutal and morally questionable.

While Black Ops 6 might not directly follow Black Ops Cold War’s story, it could be a sequel set in a later timeframe. Adler, having survived the events of Cold War, could be a seasoned operative on a new mission. Perhaps Black Ops 6 focuses on a new protagonist, and Adler acts as a mentor or advisor, passing on his knowledge and experience from the Cold War. It’s also possible Adler’s appearance is a misdirection. Maybe he’s just a cameo or a minor character, and the focus lies elsewhere.

Frank Woods’ return as a character in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 would also be a strategic move to capitalize on his established popularity. Given the Black Ops series’ focus on historical and covert operations, Woods’ background as a CIA operative and Marine fits well with the theme.

Meanwhile, the identity of the soldier featured in key art remains unknown.

Will Call of Duty Black Ops 6 have a campaign?

The Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 teaser content uses the phrase “A dark new chapter” which suggests a focus on narrative, potentially hinting at a campaign. Traditionally, Call of Duty: Black Ops games feature a single-player campaign alongside multiplayer. Black Ops 4 was the exception, but the upcoming Black Ops 6 reveal is expected to showcase a campaign mode based on rumors and the series’ usual format.

Call of Duty Black Ops 6 Release Date

Black Ops 6 is expected to release this fall, possibly October 2024, across Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.

However, it’s always best to wait for official information. We’ll know for sure on June 9th during the official reveal event. So stay tuned!

Managing Editor / Business Development