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The Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War open beta is a timed PS4 exclusive

Fire first.

Activision's partnership with Sony for Call of Duty continues: the Black Ops Cold War open beta is a timed PlayStation 4 exclusive.

If you pre-order Treyarch and Raven's shooter at the PlayStation Store, you can play the beta on 8th October 2020. The beta then opens exclusively for all PS4 players on 10th October for the weekend. The beta then returns 15th October on all platforms, ending for all on 19th October.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War launches proper on 13th November 2020.

Of note: PlayStation Plus is required for online multiplayer, so you'll need that to get in on the open beta.

Cover image for YouTube videoCall of Duty: Black Ops Cold War - PC Max Settings - A First Look At Next-Gen Multiplayer Visuals?

Treyarch has yet to say what exactly will be available in the open beta, but the developer did reveal Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War's multiplayer last night. I wouldn't be surprised if the new VIP Escort mode is in the beta at least for some part of it.