Play Black Ops Cold War for free: Double XP and Battle Pass progression

If you don't know what to play over the holiday period, then Treyarch has a suggestion for you: Black Ops Cold War. Just as Season One kicks off, the developer announced everyone will be able to play Black Ops Cold War's multiplayer for free, and has thrown in double XP, double weapon XP and double Battle Pass progression as well.

Play Black Ops Cold War for free

While everyone can play Warzone with Black Ops Cold War integration and the new Rebirth Island map, the full multiplayer of Black Ops Cold War still requires you to purchase the game. 

However, Treyarch has announced a "free access week" giving players the chance to experience Black Ops Cold War's 80s-themed multiplayer.

(Picture: Activision)

The action kicks off on 17th December and will run until 24th December. For those who want to jump in as soon as the free access period starts, the start time is 18:00 GMT. 

• Read more: Best MAC-10 loadout in Warzone and Black Ops Cold War

There will be two stages to this free access period in Black Ops Cold War, with the following content and dates.

Stage 1 - 17th to 21st December 2020:

• Team Deathmatch
• Domination
• 2v2 Gunfight
• Nuketown Holiday 24/7 playlist
• Raid the Mall playlist

Stage 2 - 21st to 24th December 2020:

• Team Deathmatch
• Domination
• 2v2 Gunfight
• Nuketown Holiday 24/7 playlist
• Raid the Mall playlist
• Prop Hunt
• Combined Arms Hardpoint
• Fireteam: Dirty Bomb

There's even more for Black Ops Cold War and Warzone players to look forward to, as with the free access Treyarch also announced some great bonuses. 

Double XP & Battle Pass progression

Starting on 18th December and running until 21st December at 18:00 GMT, all Operators will earn double XP as well as double weapon bonuses across all multiplayer modes.

There's also a double Battle Pass XP progression bonus kicking off on 22nd December until 28th December. 

(Picture: Activision)

However, there's a caveat, as the double Battle Pass XP from 22nd to 25th December is only available in Black Ops Cold War. Then, the bonus kicks off in both Warzone and Black Ops Cold War from 25th to 28th December.

• Read more: Best Groza loadout in Warzone and Black Ops Cold War

In short, when you are playing the free access Black Ops Cold War, you should earn some great XP towards your Operators, Weapons and Battle Pass, which can also be used in Warzone. 

You will still need to purchase the game if you want to play the campaign, in case you were wondering.