Season 2 of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 brings exciting new game modes to its online multiplayer experience. You can explore various game types, ranging from refreshing takes on classics to wild and unpredictable formats. These new modes are definitely worth experiencing, especially with the added features in Season 2. Keep in mind that some modes will only be available for a limited time, so make sure to try them out while you can.
This season introduces four new multiplayer modes: Overdrive, Gun Game, Third Wheel Gunfight, and Couples Dance Off. The latter two are themed around Valentine’s Day and will eventually rotate out of the playlists after a while. Throughout Season 2 of CoD: Black Ops 6, the new modes will also make their way into Ranked Play, which has seen various quality-of-life improvements.
How to Play Overdrive in Season 2
Earn Buffs to Maintain Your Killstreaks
Overdrive offers a fresh twist on the traditional Team Deathmatch. In this mode, teams earn “Stars” that grant buffs, which reset upon death. Surviving longer allows you to collect more Stars, making your Operator progressively stronger. Once you accumulate the maximum number of buffs, you enter “Overdrive,” where you earn double Stars for every enemy elimination.
Here are a few ways to earn Stars in Overdrive:
- 1 Star – Basic Eliminations (Body Shots, Explosives, etc.)
- 2 Stars – Core Medal Eliminations (Headshots, Melee Attacks)
- 3 Stars – Distinguished Medal Eliminations (Takedowns)
Different actions yield varying numbers of Stars, but your overall goal is to gather as many as possible. You won’t have much trouble earning Stars if your Operator can secure eliminations. However, if you want buffs more efficiently, it’s better to focus on earning Stars through Medals rather than basic eliminations.
When you are eliminated in Overdrive, a timer starts upon your revival. Players still in “Overdrive” have a limited time to secure eliminations to retain their Stars or buffs.
By acquiring all three Overdrive buffs, you’ll start earning double Stars from eliminations, allowing you to remain powerful throughout the match until you are killed or the match concludes. The table below summarizes the buffs you can receive by collecting Stars as you work towards Overdrive status:
|
# of Stars Earned |
Buff |
Description |
|---|---|---|
|
1 Star |
Awakened Senses |
See enemies through walls and regain health after getting a kill. |
|
3 Stars |
Physical Enhancements |
Boosted movement and reload speed. |
|
6 Stars |
Augmented Handling |
Improved hip-fire accuracy and faster Sprint-To-Fire and Aim Down Sights speeds. |
How to Play Gun Game in Season 2
Switch Between Various Weapons
Gun Game returns this season, allowing players to spawn with a different weapon each time they’re eliminated. The initial weapon you receive is randomly determined from a rotating set of 20, putting your adaptability to the test. The assortment of available firearms changes each match, meaning getting eliminations can be tricky if you’re not accustomed to certain weapons.
In Gun Game, a radar frequently displays the top two players’ progress, helping everyone understand who to target or catch up with.
Your primary objective in Gun Game is to cycle through all 20 weapons before anyone else does. Some weapons are easier to handle, while others may take more time to adjust to as the match progresses.
When you score a kill, you move on to the next weapon in the sequence. Your proficiency with each weapon will determine whether you progress quickly or slowly, influencing your chances of winning. If you are eliminated, you’ll revert to the previous weapon on your list, so minimizing deaths is crucial for swift advancement.
How to Play Third Wheel Gunfight in Season 2
Bring Along an Unwanted Third
Third Wheel Gunfight introduces a new 3v3 mode where an extra player joins traditional 2v2 matches. Those who feel left out can join as the “third wheel” and partake in battles with enemy pairs. This opt-in feature means matches generally take place on smaller maps, potentially creating a crowded feel with the extra players.
This is one of the two limited-time modes, so don’t expect Third Wheel Gunfight to be available indefinitely. Essentially, it’s a three-player Deathmatch, which adds an extra player to the standard 2v2 format.
Skill-Based Matchmaking (SBMM) applies here, as with any other mode, ensuring that you face opponents of similar skill levels. This Valentine’s Day-themed match type is great for experiencing new maps in Season 2, particularly in smaller environments like Bullet and Lifeline.
How to Play Couples Dance Off in Season 2
Navigate Various 2v2 Playlists
The second limited-time Valentine’s Day mode, Couples Dance Off, focuses on 2v2 matches. You and a friend can join together to tackle different 2v2 game types in a single queue. The diverse rules across these modes will keep each competition fresh, requiring you and your partner to continuously adapt.
Here are some of the 2v2 types you can expect in Couples Dance Off:
- 2v2 Face Off
- Face Off Team Deathmatch
- Face Off Domination
- Face Off Kill Confirmed
Similar to Third Wheel Gunfight, no additional rules are in place for the 2v2 modes. New maps may feature in Season 2, introducing exciting challenges as you and your team learn to maneuver through uncharted areas.
