Black Ops 6 Progression: Overview & Goals
Call of Duty®: Black Ops 6 marks the anticipated return of Classic Prestige, back in Call of Duty and bigger than ever…but that’s not the only Progression system that’s gotten a major upgrade this year. The Treyarch team has set out to build the most rewarding Progression and Challenge systems ever delivered in a Call of Duty game, meaning Black Ops 6 packs a ton of unlockable content into the game on Day 1! This blog details everything you’ll need to know about Progression and Unlocks in Black Ops 6 including: Prestige, Calling Card Challenges, Camos, Reticles, the all-new Mastery Badge System, and Medals.
There’s always something to grind for and unlock in Black Ops 6:
Systems Covered in this Blog
Here’s a summary of the Progression, Challenge, and Customization systems covered in this blog:
Level Unlocks: Earn XP in Multiplayer and Zombies (and in Season 01: Call of Duty: Warzone™) to progress through 55 Levels of unlockable Weapons, Equipment, Scorestreaks, and more.
Prestige: Classic Prestige is BACK in Black Ops 6 and bigger than ever! Players who reach and complete Max Level 55 will be presented with the choice to enter Prestige and restart their Leveling journey in exchange for a bit of Prestige and exclusive rewards. Read on to learn more about the return of Prestige and the valuable rewards up for grabs.
Calling Card Challenges: Complete sets of Challenges in Multiplayer, Zombies, Campaign, and Call of Duty: Warzone (Season 01) to unlock Calling Cards to equip to your Profile and Calling Card Showcase. It wouldn’t be a Black Ops game without hidden-criteria Dark Ops Challenges to discover and unlock. Chase after the “100 Percenter” Calling Cards in each mode for the ultimate Challenge bragging rights.
Weapon Camos: The Weapon Camo grind has been overhauled in Black Ops 6 and is bigger than ever. Learn more about the new update to how you’ll be progressing through Camos on the quest to earn dynamic Dark Matter Camo in Multiplayer, Nebula Camo in Zombies, and the first ever Call of Duty: Warzone Mastery Camo: Abyss (Season 01).
Reticle Challenges: Customizable Reticles and Reticle Challenges return to Call of Duty in Black Ops 6. Learn about how you’ll be unlocking and customizing Reticles in Multiplayer, Zombies, in Call of Duty: Warzone (Season 01).
Mastery Badges: All-new for Black Ops 6, every Weapon, Equipment, Field Upgrade, and Scorestreak in your Loadout has a set of Multiplayer and Zombies Mastery Badges to progress through as you master each piece of Gear. Use and Master each piece of content to unlock its Mastery Badge and Stat Tracker and prove your mettle by revealing your top three Badges in-game and in your Social Showcase.
Medal Collection: View your top Medals and the accumulation of Medals you’ve earned in Multiplayer and Zombies. The Collection will also let you know what’s needed to unlock Medals you haven’t seen yet.
Level Unlocks
Global System (MP, RBZ, WZ)
Barracks > Progression > Level Unlocks
“Earn XP to progress through 55 Level Unlocks and gain access to Weapons, Equipment, Scorestreaks, Operators, and more.”
Level Unlocks: System Overview
Here’s an overview of the main Progression System available for Multiplayer and Zombies at launch, and Call of Duty: Warzone at the start of Season 01.
Progression Access: Access Progression while in the Lobby via the Barracks tab at the top of the screen. Here, you’ll see a brief preview of your next Progression Reward and have the choice to dig into the “Progression” button for more info on Level Unlocks & Prestige.
Leveling Up: Level Unlocks
Player Levels 1-55
You begin your Black Ops 6 Progression with a clear goal to accomplish: progress through Level Unlocks by climbing from “Private I” (Level 1) all the way to “Commander” (Level 55). This is achieved by earning XP in Multiplayer and Zombies (and in Season 01: Call of Duty: Warzone). Earn XP by performing well, playing the Objective, earning Medals, and completing Challenges (more on Challenges later).
At every step from 1-55 you’ll unlock a variety of new content to use in your Loadouts in Multiplayer and Zombies:
- Weapons[/*]
- Lethal & Tactical Equipment[/*]
- Field Upgrades[/*]
- Scorestreaks[/*]
- Perks (Multiplayer Only)[/*]
- Wildcards (Multiplayer Only)[/*]
- Ammo Mods (Zombies Only)[/*]
- GobbleGums (Zombies Only)[/*]
Additionally, Black Ops 6 players will unlock eight Base Operators and a selection of Emotes as they progress through the 1-55 Level Unlocks.
Relocked Content Note: Both Operators and Emotes do not relock once you choose to embark on your Prestige journey. Consult the Prestige section of this blog for details.
Black Ops 6 Items in Call of Duty: Warzone Note: Any compatible items from Black Ops 6 that you unlock during your Player Leveling will become available in Call of Duty: Warzone at the start of Season 01, later this year.
GobbleGums Note: All GobbleGums are unlocked from the start of the game. The ones listed in the Level Unlocks (1-55) are simply bonus GobbleGums that give you an extra one-time use item.
Level Unlocks: Player Level 1-55
The linked table lists all the items you’ll unlock on your levelling journey from Level 1 (Private I) to Level 55 (Commander).
Click here to view the entire Player Level journey!
Level Unlocks: Highlights
The Launch Comms Blogs related to Weapons and Gear have tables showing the specific item type (Weapons, Field Upgrades, or Scorestreaks for example), so you can track unlockable content via Item rather than by Level (as shown in the Player Level table linked to previously). This becomes increasingly important as you decide which items to permanently unlock once you’ve chosen to Prestige.
Prestige
Global System (MP, RBZ, WZ)
Barracks > Progression > Prestige
Complete Level 55 and reach Max Level and you’ll face the option to take your grind to the next level: Welcome to Black Ops 6 Prestige. Not only has “Classic Prestige” returned in Black Ops 6, but it’s also the most rewarding version of Prestige that Call of Duty has ever seen – with rewards and each Prestige themed around a title in Black Ops history.
The Prestige Hub
Enter the Prestige Hub via the “Progression” button in the Barracks tab to view the full Prestige journey, preview rewards, and check in on your Prestige stats and Challenges.
Select a Prestige, and you’ll be able to view all that Prestige’s rewards (and your progress through them depending on your current level).
Choosing to Prestige
It wouldn’t be “Classic Prestige” if it wasn’t just a little...dangerous. Choosing to Prestige in past Call of Duty titles wasn’t without its risks, and that’s no different in Black Ops 6. Make the choice to enter Prestige and you’ll get promoted to Prestige 1, but it will also be:
- Reset to Player Level 1.[/*]
- All Level Unlocks will be relocked and must be unlocked again, except for Base Operators, Emotes, and Zombies GobbleGums, as well as anything you Permanently Unlock (more on that later).[/*]
- Your Loadouts will be reset.[/*]
- Lifetime stats will remain viewable in the Combat Record, but your stats elsewhere in the game will only show stats for your current Prestige.[/*]
However, the following items WILL NOT be relocked or reset:
- Weapon Progression, Camos, & Reticles.[/*]
- Weapon Builds - your favorite Weapon may be relocked but all the Builds you’ve created for it will be waiting for you when you reach the level needed to unlock it again.[/*]
- Challenge Progress & Unlocks.[/*]
- Store and Battle Pass Content.[/*]
- Operator and Emote Unlocks.[/*]
- Zombies GobbleGums.[/*]
Additionally, any item you have a Blueprint or Skin for will remain Permanently Unlocked through Prestige. This means that if you have a Blueprint for the AS Val Assault Rifle, it won’t be relocked when you Prestige. The same goes for any Equipment, Field Upgrades, or Scorestreaks you possess Skins for.
When you choose to enter Prestige 1, you’ll immediately receive the following:
- Prestige 1 Icon: Your first Prestige icon, which slots into the center of your Level insignia for all players to see![/*]
- “Nacht Raider” Weaver Operator Skin.[/*]
- Access to the Prestige 1 Multiplayer and Zombies Calling Card Challenge Sets (more on Calling Card Challenges later in the blog).[/*]
- One Permanent Unlock (continue reading for more information).[/*]
Additionally, as you start leveling through Prestige 1, you’ll unlock a unique Prestige reward every 10 Levels (at Level 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50).
Permanent Unlocks
Each time you Prestige, you' acquire a “Permanent Unlock;”; an advantage with immense power that can only be used once! Here’s how this works:
- You can use it to unlock a single item of your choice within the Player Levels.[/*]
- You obtain a total of ten Permanent Unlocks, one per Prestige.[/*]
- Once you complete Prestige 10, Permanent Unlocks provide no further function as your Level Unlocks Progression becomes fully available once you’ve entered Prestige Master.[/*]
Permanent Unlock Example: If you don’t want to wait until you’ve progressed back to Level 49 to unlock the Kompakt 92 SMG, you can utilize the Permanent Unlock at any time to gain immediate access to the weapon.
You’re encouraged to make strategic choices about which items to permanently unlock, so you have more control over your gameplay experience by ensuring access to your preferred gear.
Prestige Rewards: As previously noted, once you’ve Prestiged, you gain access to earn otherwise-unobtainable Prestige Rewards, Prestige Challenges, and an increased XP bonus for completing each day’s three Daily Challenges.
Stats Reset: Your stats – such as your current Elimination/Death Ratio – start fresh every time you Prestige. However, you can always view your Lifetime Career stats in the Barracks > Stats > Combat Record menu.
Prestige Leveling
If you took the plunge and entered Prestige, your level resets to Level 1, Prestige 1. The date you entered Prestige is recorded, and you receive an instant reward. Now, as you level up and re-unlock the Level rewards, you also unlock the Prestige rewards as well.
Welcome to Black Ops History! In Black Ops 6, each Prestige is themed around a game in Black Ops history, featuring a variety of rewards inspired by and paying homage to moments and elements found in each Black Ops title. For example, Prestige 1 features rewards inspired by the first game in the Black Ops timeline: 2008’s Call of Duty: World at War, the origin of Zombies in Call of Duty.
Prestige 1: Rewards Showcase
For the veterans that fondly remember the very first time Zombies appeared in a Call of Duty, as well as players who crave some of the coolest exclusive earnable items around, Prestige 1’s rewards have you covered. Here’s a fully unredacted look:
Instant Reward: Prestige 1 Icon
Your first Prestige icon is animated and takes the form of a World at War soldier, but with a menacing, zombified appearance.
Instant Reward: “Nacht Raider” Weaver Operator Skin
Inspired by the origins of Zombies from Call of Duty: World at War, this Zombified Weaver is clad in tattered and bloody WWII soldier fatigues, with glowing eyes.
Prestige 1, Level 10: “Der Riese” Loading Screen & Social Wallpaper
Return to Group 935’s base of operations with this artwork inspired by the Der Riese Zombies map.
Prestige 1, Level 20: “Perk-A-Cola” GobbleGum Pack (Premium-only*)
A one-hour XP Token plus a GobbleGum Pack, ready for use in Black Ops 6 Zombies. Expect the following GobbleGums in this Pack:
- Perkaholic: Gives the player all available Perks.[/*]
- On the House: Spawns a Random Perk Power-Up.[/*]
- Soda Fountain: The next Perk purchased gives an additional random Perk.[/*]
- Who’s Keeping Score: Spawns a Double Points Power-Up.[/*]
- Stock Option: Ammo is taken from the player's stockpile instead of their weapon's magazine.[/*]
Prestige 1, Level 30: “Zombie Breach” Animated Emblem
A yellow-eyed undead shambler breaks through some hastily constructed defenses in this Animated Emblem.
Prestige 1, Level 40: “Insta-kill Power-Up” Charm
A gleaming gold skull symbolizing the powerful Zombies Insta-Kill Power-Up.
Prestige 1, Level 50: “Teddy is a Liar” C9 Blueprint (SMG, Premium-only*)
Featuring the eerie "Teddy is a Liar" Easter egg from Call of Duty: World at War Zombies and inspired by an infamous submachine gun from World at War, this Blueprint will add a touch of mystery and nostalgia to your arsenal.
*BO6 Required Rewards: Though the Black Ops 6 Prestige Progression System is global across Multiplayer, Zombies, and Call of Duty: Warzone, players who own Black Ops 6 will have access to additional rewards not available to free-to-play Call of Duty: Warzone players. Call of Duty: Warzone players who decide to purchase Black Ops 6 will instantly unlock any “BO6 Required” Prestige rewards they previously earned but did not receive.
Future Prestiges: Rewards Teaser
Should you decide to continue your epic journey and climb through all ten Prestiges, expect a similar level of rewards and reminiscence. The previous image shows only a few of the additional rewards to earn.
Prestige 3, Level 50: “My Name is…” Payne Operator Skin
Operator Callum Payne has become a mysterious figure cloaked in a hood, evoking the intense legacy of Alex Mason and Victor Reznov from Call of Duty: Black Ops.
Prestige 4, Level 50: “Atomic Commando” XM4 Assault Rifle Blueprint
A vibrant and nostalgic design, capturing the colorful essence of the iconic Nuketown map from the original Call of Duty: Black Ops.
Prestige 5, Level 50: “Absolute Loss” Toro Operator Skin
Operator Toro wears a jacket infused with symbols of rage, embodying the fury and vengeance of Raul Menendez against the Black Ops team in Call of Duty: Black Ops II.
Prestige 6, Level 50: “Robot Abomination” SWAT 556 Marksman Rifle Blueprint
Inspired by the legendary giant robot from Call of Duty: Black Ops II Zombies, this weapon evokes both immense power and mystery.
Prestige 7, Level 50: “Specialist Fan” Maya Operator Skin
Maya showcases her love for Call of Duty: Black Ops III with a mixture of gear inspired by the Specialist Operator Battery, and a shirt proudly displaying the Black Ops III logo.
Become a Legend: Prestige Master Levels
There are 10 Prestiges in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. If you’re dedicated enough to complete all of them, you’ll automatically graduate into Prestige Master and enter the final phase of Black Ops 6 Career Progression. In Prestige Master, your Level rises above 55 for the first time as you are now able to climb up all the way to Level 1,000 and gain additional rewards in the process.
Still cloaked in mystery, the rewards for ascending all the way to Prestige Master are well worth the grind. Who will be the first to unlock theirs?
Prestige Master Instant Reward: “Sitting Bull Reborn” Marshall Operator Skin
Marshall rocks an outfit inspired by the cover art of Black Ops 6, capturing the essence of the ‘sitting bull’ pose and the 90s military era.
Prestige Master Level 90: “Classified Arsenal” AMES 85 Animated Blueprint
Redacted bits cover the weapon in a striking pattern, symbolizing the covert and secretive world of Black Ops 6.
Prestige Master: Legacy Prestige Icons and More
The Legacy Prestige 1 Icons. Can you name all the games they first appeared in?
Players who reach Prestige Master Level 100 will gain the ability to customize their Prestige via access to Legacy Prestige Icons from past Call of Duty titles. Equipping one of these Legacy Prestige Icons replaces your Prestige Master icon and changes the way your Prestige Master status appears to other players anywhere it’s seen in-and-out of game. At Prestige Master Level 100, access to Legacy Prestige 1 icons becomes available. From this point forward, gain access to a new set of Legacy Prestige Icons every 100 Prestige Master Levels:
- Prestige Master Level 100: Equip any Legacy Prestige 1 Icon[/*]
- Prestige Master Level 200: Equip any Legacy Prestige 2 Icon[/*]
- Prestige Master Level 300: Equip any Legacy Prestige 3 Icon[/*]
- Prestige Master Level 400: Equip any Legacy Prestige 4 Icon[/*]
- Prestige Master Level 500: Equip any Legacy Prestige 5 Icon[/*]
- Prestige Master Level 600: Equip any Legacy Prestige 6 Icon[/*]
- Prestige Master Level 700: Equip any Legacy Prestige 7 Icon[/*]
- Prestige Master Level 800: Equip any Legacy Prestige 8 Icon[/*]
- Prestige Master Level 900: Equip any Legacy Prestige 9 Icon[/*]
- Prestige Legend (Level 1,000): Equip any Legacy Prestige 10 icon (or above)[/*]
Prestige Master players who’ve reached Level 100 or above can select a Legacy Prestige Icon via the “Customize” menu in the Barracks.
Become a Legend: As you reach the zenith of your Black Ops 6 career and become a “Prestige Legend” at the game’s maximum Level (1,000), expect additional, Classified rewards for your incredible progress, only unlocked and redacted when you reach Level 1,000.
Calling Card Challenges
Global System (SP, MP, RBZ, WZ)
Barracks > Challenges > Calling Card Challenge Menu
Calling Cards: System Overview
Recap: Calling Card Challenges are back in Black Ops 6, with over 450 Calling Cards available to be earned by completing a variety of Challenges in Campaign, Multiplayer, Zombies and (in Season 01) Call of Duty: Warzone.
Access Calling Card Challenges via the “Challenges” button in the Barracks tab. Here you can view Challenges for all four modes, split out into different categories:
- Career.[/*]
- Battle Hardened.[/*]
- Prestige (Multiplayer, Zombies and Call of Duty: Warzone only).[/*]
- Dark Ops.[/*]
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