Accessing Call Of Duty Black Ops Cold War Free Content And Promotional Bundles

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War offers several avenues for consumers to access content without a full purchase, primarily through limited-time free access periods and promotional bundles tied to specific product purchases. The available source material details a structured free-to-play model with distinct limitations, time-bound trial events, and partnerships with consumer brands for digital in-game items. Understanding the difference between these offerings is essential for consumers seeking to maximize value while adhering to eligibility requirements.

The game operates on a base model that allows free downloading and playing but restricts access to core features. According to the source data, this free-to-play iteration includes limited multiplayer modes, such as Team Deathmatch and Domination, and a restricted selection of maps. Players utilizing the free base game will also encounter limited customization options for Operators and weapons, as well as slower progression rates compared to premium subscribers. To unlock the full suite of content, including additional multiplayer maps, modes, weapons, and cosmetic items, users must purchase specific add-ons. These include the Season Pass, which costs approximately $60 for an entire season, individual Operator skins priced between $10 and $15 each, and the Battle Pass, a premium subscription costing roughly $10 to $15 per month that grants access to exclusive rewards and bonuses.

In addition to the standard free-to-play model, the publisher conducts official "Free Access" periods. These events allow players to download and play the full version of the game for a specific window of time. For example, one source details a Free Access period that ran from September 2 through September 7. During these trials, participants can access a wider variety of content than the base free model, including specific Multiplayer modes like Season Five Moshpit, Double Agent, Nuketown 24/7, and Zombies modes such as the full Outbreak experience. A significant benefit of these official trials is that all progress earned—including experience points, weapon levels, and Skill Tiers—is retained and carries over to the full game if the user decides to purchase it later. Furthermore, players who upgrade to the full version during a Free Access period may receive incentives, such as the Season Five Battle Pass and Free Tier Skips.

Consumers can also obtain digital content through brand partnerships and retail promotions. These offers typically require the purchase of specific consumer goods to receive a redemption code. The source data outlines several such promotions available to U.S. consumers:

• Walmart: Purchasing the Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War White Men's Tee (Style # TSM05CWCZU) at Walmart includes a free Weapon Charm. The redemption code is printed directly on the receipt, and the offer is exclusive to the United States.
• Doritos: Buying specially-marked bags of Doritos yields codes for 15- or 60-minute 2XP (Double Experience Points) Tokens and digital content, including Calling Cards, Stickers, and Weapon Charms. The rewards are tiered based on the number of codes redeemed: the first code grants a 2XP Token and Calling Card, the second grants a 2XP Token and Sticker, and the third grants a 2XP Token and Weapon Charm. Subsequent redemptions only grant 2XP Tokens. There is a limit of 40 hours of 2XP per account across all promotions, with a maximum usage of one hour per day in-game. This offer is available in the United States only.
• Batchelors Instant Snacks: In the United Kingdom, purchasing specially-marked Batchelors products provides win codes via batchelorsfullyloaded.co.uk. These codes redeem for a Calling Card, Animated Emblem, and a Weapon Charm (Rock On).

To redeem codes obtained from retail purchases, users must visit callofduty.com/redeem. For official free bundles, such as those offered during Free Access events, codes are often not required; the items are automatically added to the user's inventory the first time they log in during the promotional period.

It is important to note that the source material presents conflicting information regarding the nature of the "free" offering. One section describes the game as operating on a "free-to-play (F2P) model" with a free base game, while other sections describe specific "Free Access" periods that grant temporary access to the full game. Consumers should treat the permanent "free-to-play" designation with caution, as the limitations described (restricted modes and maps) suggest it is a limited trial rather than a fully free-to-play game like Warzone.

Conclusion

Consumers seeking to play Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War without a full purchase have three primary options: utilizing the permanent free base game with significant feature restrictions, participating in limited-time Free Access events to experience the full game temporarily, or purchasing specific retail products to redeem for in-game digital content. While the free base game offers a taste of the multiplayer experience, the full suite of content and progression speed requires a financial investment in the Season Pass or Battle Pass. Official Free Access periods offer the most comprehensive no-cost experience, allowing users to keep all progress earned. Finally, brand partnerships provide a method to acquire cosmetic items, though these invariably require the purchase of third-party consumer goods.

Sources

1. Is Black Ops Cold War Free?
2. Play Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Free Starting September 2
3. Black Ops Cold War Bonus Content and Code Support