Season 3 of Black Ops 6 is right around the corner, and early leaks are revealing a packed update. From a confirmed preload on PlayStation to a quad XP event, ranked play changes, and a teased Return to Verdansk challenge, players are gearing up for one of the biggest updates yet. With new bundles, gameplay fixes, and a major zombie drop expected, this season is shaping up to deliver across every mode.
Massive changes ahead as Call of Duty prepares for a major Season 3 update
Season 3 of Black Ops 6 is just days away, and Call Of Duty fans are already seeing major signs that this update will be one of the most significant yet. From a new preload update discovered in the PlayStation database to a quad XP event, surprise ranked map changes, and a huge Return to Verdansk challenge, everything points to a season packed with content across multiplayer, Warzone, and zombies.
YouTuber and content creator DK Dynamite broke down every early detail in a new video, offering insight into what’s coming, what’s already been fixed, and what players can expect from this long-anticipated season.
With April 3rd locked in as the official launch date, here’s everything we know so far about the upcoming update, and why it might be one of the most important content drops in Black Ops 6 so far.
Season 3 preload hits the PlayStation database
As reported by @PlaystationSize, the preload for Season 3 has been uploaded to Sony’s servers. This usually means the download will go live 24 to 36 hours before the official season launch — putting the expected availability around April 2nd or earlier.
While PlayStation typically gets early access to preloads, Xbox and Battle.net users usually follow close behind. Unfortunately, Steam players likely won’t get a preload, as Valve’s platform typically reserves early downloads for full game launches only. This has caused frustration among players in the past, especially when large updates roll out across multiple game modes.
Despite previous promises from Activision to reduce the file size of updates thanks to COD HQ’s optimization, DK notes that Season 3 could still be larger than normal due to the addition of a new zombies map, a major Warzone overhaul, and multiple rumored content drops.
Quad XP weekend starts before Season 3 hits
To help players finish up their battle pass and hit their rank goals, a quad XP event will begin Friday and run through Monday, offering:
- Double XP
- Double weapon XP
- Double battle pass XP
- Double operator XP
This is likely the final boost for players looking to finish Season 2 progression and prep for a fresh start next week. Some were expecting this event to start after Season 3 launched, but it looks like Activision is giving fans one last weekend to hit their goals before the new grind begins.
Pharaoh Fluid bundle returning after removal
One of the biggest store-related questions going into Season 3 has been the Pharaoh Fluid bundle, which was briefly released a few weeks ago before being pulled from the in-game shop. Several players who purchased it lost access to the bundle entirely.
According to DK, the bundle was likely unfinished or bugged when it went live, and its removal was unintentional. Those who bought it should automatically regain access to its content when it’s re-released — possibly before or right at the start of Season 3.
Learn more about Season 3 preload and return to Verdansk event from dkdynamite on YouTube.
Beltfed LMG attachment finally gets its long-awaited buff
A long-standing issue involving the belt-fed LMG attachment has finally been fixed. The attachment, introduced during the TMNT crossover event, was widely considered underpowered due to tuning bugs.
COD Updates confirmed the buff is now active as of this week, allowing players to finally test the attachment’s intended performance. DK plans to test it live on stream and encouraged players to revisit it now that the fix is live.
Ranked play maps updated for Season 3
Competitive players also got a surprise change: the CDL Search and Destroy map pool has been updated. Here’s what changed:
- Removed: Vault, Skyline
- Added: Rewind, Dealership
The dealership has received mixed reviews since its launch. While some enjoy its pace in casual playlists like Infected, others find it clunky in 6v6. It remains to be seen how the competitive scene adapts to the new additions.
This change also signals more ranked updates could arrive with the new season, possibly bringing new ranked rewards or adjustments to Warzone Ranked as well.
Return to Verdansk event teased on the official COD website
In what could be the biggest addition of Season 3, a new challenge-based event called Return to Verdansk was teased directly on the Call of Duty website.
While full details haven’t been confirmed, data miners believe players will collect Verdansk Tokens throughout the season by completing in-game objectives. These tokens may help unlock features across Warzone’s classic map.
According to leaks from TheGhostOfHope, returning areas like the stadium interior and train station interior may gradually open up as the event progresses. This format mirrors the Rebirth Reinforced event from Vanguard, where community milestones unlocked new features on Rebirth Island.
There’s also speculation that high-value rewards — such as universal camo unlocks or exclusive weapons — could be part of the challenge. Some are even hoping for Damascus or Obsidian camos to return as unlockable cosmetics during the event.
Season 3 zombies update: The Shattered Veil has fans curious
While marketing for zombie content has been surprisingly quiet, The Shattered Veil is still expected to drop as part of Season 3. However, no cinematic cutscene is likely to accompany the launch, according to insiders.
DK notes that this could be due to shifting narrative priorities or a focus on gameplay over storytelling. It’s unclear if a separate gameplay trailer will be released for the zombies update, or if we’ll only see a few quick snippets in the overall Season 3 trailer.
Fans are still hoping for a full roadmap reveal this week, which should confirm new content for all modes including zombies.
Could GTA 6 impact Season 3 marketing?
One wildcard in all this is Rockstar Games. Insider Gaming recently reported that multiple publishers are preparing to delay projects to avoid launching near GTA 6. There are also fresh rumors that Rockstar may release a new trailer this week, which could force Activision to shift or scale down its marketing plans for Season 3.
While this is purely speculation, it adds another layer of uncertainty around the already slow rollout of Season 3 content previews.
FAQs about the Black Ops 6 Season 3 preload and events
When does the Season 3 preload go live?
It’s expected between April 1–2, based on the PlayStation database listing.
What’s the Return to Verdansk event?
A community challenge where players complete objectives to unlock features across the Warzone map.
Will the Pharaoh Fluid bundle return?
Yes, it’s expected to be re-added soon with all original contents restored.
Is there a new zombie map in Season 3?
Yes, The Shattered Veil is set to release, though cinematic storytelling may be limited.
Will Steam get a preload?
Unlikely. Steam typically only allows preloads for full game launches.
With so many moving parts — including ranked changes, new bundles, event teases, and zombie surprises — Season 3 of Black Ops 6 could be the most packed update yet. Be sure to keep an eye out for the official blog, roadmap, and trailer in the coming days.
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