Is Call of Duty: Cold War Free? Investigating Access Options
No, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is not a completely free game to play. While there are occasional free access periods, the full game requires purchase.
Introduction: Cold War’s Enduring Appeal
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, released in 2020, remains a popular entry in the long-running Call of Duty franchise. Its compelling storyline, engaging multiplayer modes, and integrated Zombies experience continue to attract players. However, prospective players often wonder about the game’s cost and whether free access options exist. This article clarifies the pricing structure and investigates ways to experience Cold War without purchasing the full game.
The Core Game: Purchase Required
The standard version of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is not free. To access the full campaign, multiplayer, and Zombies modes, a purchase is mandatory. This applies to all platforms, including PC (via Battle.net), PlayStation, and Xbox consoles.
Free Access Weekends and Trials
Activision, the game’s publisher, occasionally offers free access weekends or trials. These limited-time events allow players to experience a portion of the game, typically the multiplayer mode, without any cost. However, these are temporary and event-specific.
- Announcements: These events are usually announced through official Call of Duty social media channels, blog posts, and in-game notifications within other Call of Duty titles.
- Content: Free access often includes a selection of multiplayer maps and modes.
- Progress: Progress made during the free access period may not always carry over to the full game if purchased later.
Call of Duty: Warzone Integration
While not a direct pathway to free Cold War gameplay, Call of Duty: Warzone, a free-to-play battle royale title, features weapons, operators, and content from Black Ops Cold War. Players can indirectly experience some elements of Cold War through Warzone without purchasing the full game. This allows for a taste of the Cold War universe and its specific weapon mechanics.
Game Pass and Subscription Services
Subscription services like Xbox Game Pass Ultimate often include access to a rotating selection of games. While Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War may not always be available through Game Pass, it’s worth checking the current game library. These services provide a cost-effective way to access a wide variety of games, including AAA titles like Call of Duty.
Waiting for Sales and Bundles
Keep an eye out for sales and bundled offers. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is often discounted during seasonal sales on various platforms. Bundles that include the game alongside other content or previous Call of Duty titles may also offer a more affordable entry point.
Avoiding Scams and Unofficial Sources
Be cautious of unofficial sources claiming to offer free copies of the game. These are often scams designed to steal personal information or distribute malware. Always download games from legitimate platforms such as Battle.net, PlayStation Store, and Xbox Store.
Platform Differences
The availability and pricing of free access periods and sales can vary depending on the platform. Check the respective stores (Battle.net for PC, PlayStation Store for PlayStation, and Xbox Store for Xbox) for the most up-to-date information.
| Platform | Availability of Free Access | Price Variability |
|---|---|---|
| PC (Battle.net) | Frequent | Medium |
| PlayStation | Common | Low |
| Xbox | Common | Low |
The Benefits of Purchasing the Full Game
While free access periods can provide a glimpse into Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, purchasing the full game unlocks the complete experience.
- Full Campaign: Access the entire single-player campaign.
- Complete Multiplayer: Enjoy all multiplayer maps, modes, and progression systems.
- Zombies Mode: Experience the full Zombies storyline and gameplay.
- Exclusive Content: Unlock exclusive operators, blueprints, and customization options.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Falling for Scams: As mentioned, be wary of unofficial sources offering free copies.
- Misunderstanding Free Access Limitations: Understand the limitations of free access periods, such as restricted content and limited playtime.
- Ignoring Sales: Miss out on potential discounts by not regularly checking platform stores.
Conclusion: Weighing Your Options
While Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is not inherently free, opportunities for free access do exist. By staying informed about free access weekends, considering subscription services, and keeping an eye out for sales, players can potentially experience the game without paying full price. However, the full Cold War experience, including the campaign, Zombies, and complete multiplayer, requires a purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War completely free to play?
No, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is not a free-to-play game. The full game, including the campaign, multiplayer, and Zombies modes, requires a purchase.
Q2: Are there any ways to play Cold War for free?
Yes, Activision occasionally offers free access weekends or trials where players can experience a limited portion of the game, usually the multiplayer mode, for a specific period.
Q3: How can I find out about free access weekends for Cold War?
Keep an eye on official Call of Duty social media channels, blog posts on the Activision website, and in-game notifications within other Call of Duty titles, like Warzone, for announcements of free access periods.
Q4: Does my progress during a free access weekend carry over if I buy the full game?
In some cases, progress made during free access weekends may carry over, but this is not always guaranteed. Check the specific details of each free access event.
Q5: Can I experience Cold War through Call of Duty: Warzone without buying the full game?
Yes, Call of Duty: Warzone features weapons, operators, and content from Black Ops Cold War, allowing players to indirectly experience some elements of the game without a purchase.
Q6: Is Call of Duty: Cold War available on Xbox Game Pass?
The availability of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War on Xbox Game Pass varies. Check the current game library to see if it’s included in the subscription.
Q7: Where is the best place to buy Call of Duty: Cold War?
Purchase Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War from official platform stores like Battle.net (for PC), PlayStation Store (for PlayStation), and Xbox Store (for Xbox).
Q8: How can I avoid scams when looking for free copies of Cold War?
Be extremely cautious of websites or offers promising free copies of the game. These are often scams and should be avoided. Only download games from legitimate sources.
Q9: Does the price of Cold War vary between platforms?
Yes, the price of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War can vary slightly between platforms. Check the respective stores for the most accurate pricing information.
Q10: What are the benefits of buying the full version of Cold War?
The full version unlocks the complete single-player campaign, all multiplayer maps and modes, the full Zombies experience, and access to exclusive operators, blueprints, and customization options.
Q11: Are there any DLC or expansion packs I need to purchase in addition to the base game?
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War does not have traditional paid DLC packs. All post-launch maps and content are generally offered for free, though cosmetic bundles are available for purchase.
Q12: Will Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War eventually become free-to-play?
While anything is possible, there are currently no official plans to make Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War completely free-to-play. Future access will likely continue through temporary free access events.