Black Ops 6 Season 3 is bringing major heat, with Richtofen rumored as a playable operator for the first time. New skins for Adler, Hudson, and Domino are also on the way, making this one of the most stacked updates yet.

New BO6 zombies update hints at playable Richtofen

Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 is about to enter its third season with some of the most exciting content updates in recent memory—and at the center of it all is a massive tease for the return of fan-favorite Richtofen. For years, players have asked for a chance to play as the iconic zombie character outside of traditional zombie modes. Now, it looks like season 3 might finally deliver.

The Shattered Veil Easter egg coming in DLC 3 is rumored to reward players with a brand new operator skin—and following the pattern of past DLC rewards, Richtofen is the most likely candidate. As noted by content creator DK Dynamite, every other BO6 zombies DLC has alternated between wonder weapon blueprints and full-Operator skins. With Citadel giving players an operator and Tomb handing out a ray gun blueprint, Shattered Veil is next in line to reward a playable character.

Why Richtofen now makes sense as a DLC 3 reward

There’s growing speculation that DLC 3’s questline will focus on rescuing Richtofen from the Dark Aether, where he’s been trapped since the beginning of BO6’s narrative. If that’s the case, unlocking him as a playable operator after completing the map’s main Easter egg makes perfect sense—and would finally allow players to use Richtofen in modes outside of zombies for the first time since BO4’s Blackout.

This isn’t just a skin drop—it’s a major moment for zombie fans. Players have never had the chance to bring Richtofen into multiplayer or Warzone lobbies. The nostalgia, combined with BO6’s darker aesthetic and expanded operator features, makes this a huge opportunity for Treyarch and Activision.

The full video breakdown by DK Dynamite can be viewed here, where the creator walks through all current season 3 leaks and updates.

Could we see a bundle with Nolan North voice lines?

Here’s where things get even more exciting. DK Dynamite mentions the possibility of Activision releasing a premium Richtofen bundle with voice acting from Nolan North, the actor behind the character’s most iconic performances. This would mark the first time a zombie operator is fully voiced within multiplayer and Warzone lobbies—and based on past bundles, this one would likely break sales records.

The ideal rollout? A free base skin unlocked through completing Shattered Veil’s Easter egg and a deluxe, reactive version in a paid bundle that includes voice lines, a weapon blueprint, and possibly a zombies-themed finishing move. It’s a format that’s worked before, giving both free-to-play and paying players something to be excited about.

Zombies skin reward trend confirms the possibility

BO6 has been following a clear pattern with its zombie updates:

Terminus: Free operator skin

Liberty Falls: Wonder weapon blueprint (Ray Gun)

Citadel: Free operator skin

Tomb: Wonder weapon blueprint

Shattered Veil: Next in line for operator skin

If Treyarch continues this trend, Richtofen is more than just a theory—it’s almost expected. And with the momentum building around season 3’s narrative and the rescue operation from the Dark Aether, the timing couldn’t be better.

Could other characters from the Dark Aether also return?

While Richtofen is the clear fan-favorite, DK Dynamite also mentions other possible skins that could drop as part of the Shattered Veil expansion. One of them is Blanchard, a breakout star from BO6’s storyline who’s grown in popularity with each new map. While Blanchard doesn’t carry the legacy weight of Richtofen, a skin for this character would still generate buzz—especially if it includes lore-based elements or a unique visual effect.

Learn more about Richtofen operator skin in BO6 from dkdynamite on YouTube.

Another idea mentioned is to include a “director” version of Richtofen—essentially his older persona as the man behind the scenes of the Dark Aether research projects. This would give players a second version of the character and potentially allow for two operator skins tied to the same quest line.

Free and premium versions may offer balance

The biggest concern when it comes to fan-favorite characters becoming operators is accessibility. Some players don’t want to pay for skins, while others love premium bundles. That’s why many in the community are hoping for a two-part rollout: one skin unlocked through gameplay, and another, more elaborate version released in the store.

A strategy like this would also align with how BO6 handled Liberty Falls and Citadel—both maps offered community-driven unlocks without forcing microtransactions on players who completed the content.

For those who don’t mind spending, a premium Richtofen bundle would likely be among the most requested items in years.

Other operator updates in season 3

Beyond zombies, Black Ops 6 season 3 also brings a full lineup of new and returning operators:

Adler receives his first fully visible BO6 skin, previously teased in the beta.

Hudson is confirmed for the battle pass and may receive a Blackcell variant.

Domino from MW19 is returning as part of the Verdansk anniversary celebration.

Ghost and Mace could get new skins—possibly exclusive to Warzone.

A mysterious new operator named John has also appeared in leaks, with no confirmation of their identity yet.

420 event characters teased: lettuce, cabbage, and more

Leaked code names like “lettuce” and “cabbage” are stirring up talk of a 420-themed crossover event during season 3. Past years have brought Snoop Dogg, Cheech & Chong, and other cultural icons into the COD universe. There’s no official word on who might show up this year, but fans are expecting a big announcement before season 3 Reloaded.

Richtofen’s moment might finally be here

Whether it’s through a zombie Easter egg, a premium bundle, or both, all signs are pointing to Richtofen becoming playable in Black Ops 6 during season 3. It would be a huge win for long-time fans and one of the most exciting character debuts in years. If Activision nails the execution—especially with voice acting and unlock options—it could elevate BO6’s zombie content to new heights.

For now, we are waiting for the official roadmap and blog post, which should arrive within the next week. But if the rumors hold, prepare to rescue Richtofen from the Dark Aether and bring him into multiplayer and Warzone for the first time.

Stay locked into the latest BO6 updates from CODIntel.

FAQs on Richtofen teased free operator skin

Is Richtofen coming to Black Ops 6?

Yes, he’s rumored as a reward for completing the Shattered Veil zombie’s Easter egg.

Will the Richtofen skin be free?

Likely, if unlocked through the Easter egg—though a premium version may also drop.

When does season 3 start?

Season 3 begins April 3, 2025.

Who else is getting new skins?

Adler, Hudson, Domino, Ghost, and possibly Rose and Mace.

Is Verdansk returning to Warzone?

Yes, OG Verdansk is coming back with updated features like a moving train.