Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 DLC Packs Only Available With Black Ops Pass, Not Available to Purchase Separately – *UPDATE: Activision Adjusts Black Ops Pass FAQ
UPDATE: The Black Ops Pass will be offered as a separate item at a ‘later date,’ according to an updated FAQ following this story being published.
Q: Can I buy Black Ops Pass as a standalone product?
A: Black Ops Pass will be available as a standalone offering at a later date.
As has been previously announced, the DLC system for Black Ops 4 for will be much changed from past iterations, with an all new ‘Black Ops Pass’ – but new details may put some fans off.
Rumors were first circulating that DLC for Black Ops 4 would in fact be free, with rival Battlefield V revealing that their infamous ‘Premium Pass’ and loot boxes had been scrapped.
However, the new ‘Black Ops Pass’ was announced shortly after, which essentially operates similarly to season passes of previous titles, with additional multiplayer and zombies maps included.
With the traditional season pass though, fans could opt to simply buy the DLC map packs separately upon release, rather than buy the season pass at game launch.
According to the recently updated Activision Support FAQ though, this will no longer be possible with the Black Ops Pass.
Q: Will I be able to buy parts of Black Ops Pass content individually, like DLC Map Packs from previous Call of Duty games?
A: No. The contents included in Black Ops Pass may only be purchased as a bundle.
Further, the FAQ also states that the Black Ops Pass will not available to buy on its own, rather you will need to purchase one of the special editions of the game.
Q: Can I buy Black Ops Pass as a standalone product?
A: Currently, no. The only way to get Black Ops Pass is through the Digital Deluxe, Digital Deluxe Enhanced, and Pro Editions of Call of Duty: Black Ops 4.
Finally, because the standard base edition of Black Ops 4 does not include the Black Ops Pass, anyone who has already pre-ordered the base edition will need to return it to the retailer and purchase one of the bonus editions.
Q: I’ve already pre-ordered the physical base version of Call of Duty: Black Ops 4. How can I upgrade to get the Black Ops Pass content?
A: If you pre-ordered the physical base version of Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, return to your retailer to upgrade your pre-order to an edition that includes Black Ops Pass.
If you have purchased a digital base version, you can visit the PlayStation or Xbox store and purchase an upgrade.
To explain the change in the DLC system, Activision Support states:
We’re redefining the digital content season for Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 by delivering more content with more frequency. In addition to the release of Multiplayer maps, Zombies experiences, and Blackout content, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 players can also expect in-game content and themed events, creating a robust content season.
This is a significant change, and one that moves in the opposite direction of what many fans were expecting, especially considering Battlefield V’s new alternative.
