Black Ops 6 Ranked Play: Skill Divisions and Banned Weapons
The wait for the latest Ranked Play mode in Call of Duty is over, as Black Ops 6 introduces its competitive ladder earlier than most previous editions. This mode allows players to compete using the same rules and settings as those in the Call of Duty League. Whether you’re aiming to climb the ranks or just earn some bragging rights, Black Ops 6 offers a polished and challenging Ranked Play experience.
Understanding BO6 Ranked Play
In Black Ops 6’s Ranked Play, players enter matches following the same settings and modes as professional league play, including Hardpoint, Search and Destroy, and Control. As you compete, you’ll earn Skill Rating (SR) points based on your match performance, which helps you progress through various Skill Divisions. These divisions are Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Crimson, Iridescent, and the prestigious Top 250.
Ranked Play is designed to be the ultimate competitive experience, a culmination of Treyarch’s efforts over previous Call of Duty titles. Key elements such as SR gains, matchmaking, and competitive balance have been fine-tuned to provide the best possible experience.
New Features in BO6 Ranked Play
This year introduces several new features to enhance the Ranked Play experience. The traditional Progressive Rank and Victory Stars have been removed, focusing entirely on SR gains and losses to better reflect player skill.
Another major addition is the map veto system. Before each match, players can vote on which maps to exclude, allowing for strategic map selection. If a match becomes one-sided, players now have the option to forfeit under specific conditions, reducing frustration and saving time.
Updates also include the ability to form parties of up to four players, with matchmaking based on the highest-ranked member. Season rank resets are less punishing for players in lower ranks, and the first loss of the day won’t deduct SR, providing some loss forgiveness.
Release Date and Access to Ranked Play
Ranked Play for Black Ops 6 is set to launch on November 21 as part of the first season, which begins on November 14. To access Ranked Play, players must first win 50 matches in standard multiplayer. This requirement is in place to deter cheaters and help players familiarize themselves with the game modes and maps.
Maps and Modes in BO6 Ranked Play
The following maps and modes will be available in Ranked Play:
- Hardpoint: Protocol, Red Card, Rewind, Skyline, Vault
- Control: Protocol, Vault
- Search and Destroy: Protocol, Red Card, Rewind, Skyline, Vault
These selections are aligned with the Call of Duty League to maintain competitive integrity.
Banned Items in BO6 Ranked Play
To ensure balanced gameplay, certain weapons, attachments, and equipment are banned in Ranked Play. Notably, all light machine guns, marksman rifles, shotguns, and launchers are prohibited. Specific attachments like suppressors and thermal optics are also banned, along with various tactical and lethal equipment.
Field upgrades, perks, and scorestreaks are similarly restricted, with items like Ghost, Scavenger, and UAV being off-limits. This list is subject to updates and aligns with the latest CDL settings as of November 18, 2024.
Rewards in BO6 Ranked Play
Each season of Ranked Play offers a range of rewards for players to earn. These include exclusive skins for reaching certain Skill Divisions and a rare Champion skin for the top player in a season. There are also rewards for completing win total challenges and other seasonal objectives.
Overall, Black Ops 6’s Ranked Play provides a competitive platform for players to test their skills, climb the ranks, and earn unique rewards. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to competitive play, this mode offers a refined and engaging experience that builds on Treyarch’s previous successes.
