COD Black Ops 6 Free Trial Launches as Battlefield REDSEC Drops

The FPS rivalry between Activision and EA just heated up with a new twist. This morning, EA surprise-released Battlefield REDSEC at 8 a.m. PT / 11 a.m. ET, while Activision announced that Black Ops 6 would be free to play for a full week.

The trial, which began on October 28 and runs through November 3, gives players full access to Multiplayer and Zombies, making it one of the "most generous" free periods we’ve seen from the franchise in recent years.

If you jump in, you’ll find 40 maps and 10 modes available in Multiplayer, along with a Halloween event packed with themed cosmetics. Zombies is also part of the deal, though limited to the Directed Mode, which is designed to be more accessible and straightforward for newcomers.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Multiplayer and Zombies are free Oct 28–Nov 3

Of course, the timing has raised eyebrows. Was this just a seasonal promotion tied to Halloween, or a deliberate move to steal some of Battlefield’s thunder? Fans are split. Some argue it’s just smart marketing, while others point to the fact that Activision pulled a similar stunt earlier this month, launching a free trial for Black Ops 6 just one day before Battlefield 6’s official release. That overlap was no accident, and this latest move feels like a continuation of the same strategy.

Looking at the bigger picture, it’s clear Activision is also using this trial as a promotional push for Black Ops 7, which is set to release on November 14, 2025. By keeping players engaged in Black Ops 6 during Battlefield’s launch window, Activision ensures Call of Duty remains front and center in the FPS conversation.

Meanwhile, EA has been doubling down on grounded realism for Battlefield 6. Developers have openly contrasted their approach with Call of Duty’s more flamboyant crossovers, even pointing to skins like Nicki Minaj’s as examples of what Battlefield doesn’t need. This back-and-forth has become almost as entertaining as the games themselves, with each publisher timing announcements and events to undercut the other.

Free Trial Details

• Start Date: October 28, 2025

• End Date: November 3, 2025

• Content Included:

  • Full Multiplayer access (40 maps, 10 modes)

  • Zombies Directed Mode

  • Seasonal Halloween event with themed cosmetics

So, what’s your pick this week—are you jumping into the free Black Ops 6 trial, or testing your skills in Battlefield’s brand-new REDSEC mode?