Here's how to play Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 early

After an open beta in August and September, the full release of Activision's next Call of Duty entry is just around the corner.

Black Ops 6 continues the Black Ops series that began back in 2010.

Black Ops 6 is Call of Duty's second release since Microsoft acquired Activision. It will also be available through Microsoft's Game Pass subscription service from day one – a big plus for Xbox gamers.

As is typical for the Blacks Ops branch of Call of Duty titles, Black Ops 6 will feature a campaign, multiplayer mode and the popular multiplayer mode.

The game is currently available for pre-download and will be released at different times depending on the time zone you are in.

Here's what you need to know.

When will COD: Black Ops 6 be released?

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 releases on two different days. For PC players (on both Steam and Battle.Net), you can play the full game starting Thursday, October 24th at 9:00 p.m. PT, Friday, October 25th at 12:00 p.m. ET and 5 p.m morning in Great Britain.

Console players with an Xbox or PlayStation 5, or PC players using the Microsoft Store, will be able to play the game wherever you are at midnight on Friday, October 25th.

Is there a trick to play Black Ops 6 early?

Yes, but you do so at your own risk – although the risk is relatively low. The “New Zealand” trick is a method where players change their region to New Zealand to play the game early on Thursday.

Although this is done at your own risk, Activision, Sony or Microsoft have never taken action against players in the past because they are so eager to do so.

How do I play COD: Black Ops 6 on Game Pass?

Black Ops 6 will be the first Call of Duty game to arrive on Xbox's Game Pass subscription service on day one.

If you visit the games library on Game Pass now, you can pre-install the game and have it ready to play on Friday, October 25th. If you can't see the game in the Game Pass library, simply search for “Call of Duty” on your console's home screen, search for Black Ops 6, and download it that way.