Call Of Duty Black Ops 3 Free Access Options And Limited-Time Trials For Ps4 And Pc Users

Call of Duty: Black Ops 3, developed by Treyarch and published by Activision, remains a popular title within the first-person shooter genre. Although originally released in 2015, the game has maintained a player base through various distribution methods, including limited-time free access through subscription services and promotional events. For consumers seeking to experience the game without a full purchase, several avenues have historically been available, primarily revolving around digital storefronts and subscription-based gaming libraries.

The game features a futuristic setting, offering a single-player campaign, cooperative Zombies mode, and extensive multiplayer options. Over the years, access to the title has fluctuated between full purchase requirements, free trials, and subscription-based giveaways. The following sections detail the specific methods through which consumers have been able to access Black Ops 3 at no cost, the limitations associated with these access tiers, and the current status of these offers based on available data.

Historical Free Access via PlayStation Plus and Games with Gold

Periodically, major gaming subscription services have included Black Ops 3 as a free monthly title. These promotions allow subscribers to download and keep the game for as long as their subscription remains active.

PlayStation Plus Offerings

PlayStation Plus subscribers have had opportunities to claim Black Ops 3 as part of the service’s monthly game lineup. According to the documentation, the game was offered as a free download in June 2018 for PlayStation 4 users. However, conflicting information exists regarding the duration of this availability. One segment of the source material explicitly states that the game is "no longer available for free" following the June 2018 promotion. Conversely, other sections of the documentation suggest that Black Ops 3 was made available for free on June 26, 2020, and could be downloaded from the PlayStation Store as part of the PlayStation Plus monthly game lineup at that time.

To claim the game during these promotional periods, users were required to navigate to the PlayStation Store, search for Call of Duty: Black Ops 3, and download the application. Once claimed, the license persists in the user’s library, allowing access whenever the user reinstalls the game, provided their PlayStation Plus subscription remains active.

Xbox Games with Gold

Similar to Sony’s service, Microsoft’s Games with Gold program has offered Black Ops 3 to Xbox Live Gold subscribers. The documentation notes that subscribers could download the game for free and retain access as long as they maintained their membership. This offer included access to the game’s zombie mode, which is a fan-favorite component of the title. The specific dates for this promotion are not detailed in the source material, but the availability aligns with the broader strategy of rotating AAA titles to retain subscriber engagement.

Free Trial Versions and Limited Access Tiers

For users who did not subscribe to premium services or missed the window for free downloads, Activision and distribution platforms have offered limited-time trials and budget-friendly entry points.

The Black Ops 3 Free Trial

The source material describes a "Black Ops 3 Free Trial" designed to give players a taste of the game without purchasing the full version. This trial version allows gamers to play a limited selection of game modes and maps for a set time period. During the trial, players can engage in multiplayer battles and try the Zombies mode. Additionally, the trial includes access to customization options for characters, weapons, and equipment. Upon the expiration of the trial period, players are presented with the option to purchase the full game to continue playing and unlock additional features. Progress made during the trial is generally transferable to the full version if purchased.

Multiplayer Starter Pack (PC Only)

For PC gamers, a specific entry point known as the "Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 Multiplayer Starter Pack" was available. This is distinct from a time-limited trial; it is a permanently available, lower-cost version of the game. The Starter Pack provides access to all multiplayer maps and modes, including the Nuk3town map, and allows players to engage in combat via modes such as Team Deathmatch, Domination, and Search and Destroy.

However, this starter pack has significant limitations compared to the full game: * No Zombies Mode: The cooperative Zombies experience is not included. * No Single-Player Campaign: The futuristic story mode is locked. * No Prestige: Players cannot utilize the Prestige system to reset their stats and earn new tokens.

Players who purchase the Multiplayer Starter Pack have the option to upgrade to the full version of the game later to unlock the missing content.

Free Weekends

The documentation also references "Black Ops 3 Free Weekend" events. These are promotional windows where the full game (or specific modes) becomes accessible to all users on a platform for a limited duration, typically a weekend. During these events, players gain access to the full multiplayer mode and the Zombies mode. The goal of these events is to drive engagement and subsequent sales. The source material advises checking the official Call of Duty website or preferred gaming platform for these limited-time offers.

Call of Duty: Warzone as a Free Alternative

While Black Ops 3 itself is largely a paid title outside of specific promotions, the Call of Duty franchise offers a distinct free-to-play alternative: Call of Duty: Warzone. Released in 2020, Warzone is a battle royale game available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. It features a large open-world map, intense firefights, and various game modes. For consumers specifically looking for free content within the Call of Duty ecosystem, Warzone serves as the primary no-cost option, separate from the trials or subscription-based access of older titles like Black Ops 3.

Current Availability Status

A critical point of confusion in the source material is the current status of Black Ops 3 as a free offering. The documentation presents contradictory statements: 1. Not Free: One section asserts that Black Ops 3 is "not currently free" and that the PlayStation Plus offer from June 2018 has expired. 2. Still Free: Another section answers the question "Is Black Ops 3 still free?" with "Yes," citing a June 2020 availability on PlayStation Plus.

Given the disparity in the source material, consumers should verify the current status directly on the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, or Steam. The documentation does indicate that the game is available for purchase on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, including special editions and DLCs.

Conclusion

Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 has utilized various distribution strategies to reach players, ranging from full-price sales to free trials and subscription service giveaways. For U.S. consumers, the primary methods for accessing the game at no cost have historically been through PlayStation Plus and Xbox Games with Gold subscriptions, or through limited-time free trial weekends. Additionally, PC users can access a budget-friendly Multiplayer Starter Pack. However, due to conflicting information regarding the current status of these free offers, consumers are advised to check official storefronts for the most up-to-date availability.

Sources

1. K2 Digitizers - Is Black Ops 3 Still Free?