Call of Duty: Cold War DLC Costs and Free Features Explained

Decoding Call of Duty: Cold War DLC – Is It Really Free? Let’s Unpack This.

You’re diving into the world of espionage and action with Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Great choice! The buzz is about DLC. Are they costly expansions or free goodies? Let’s cut through the noise and get the info. No need to sift through patch notes; we’ve got the scoop.

Cold War DLC: Buckle Up, It’s a Free Ride (Mostly)

Let’s get to the point. Are Cold War DLC maps free? Yes! Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War gives its DLC maps without charging players. Those new battlegrounds? They are free.

Consider it a peace offering after campers got you fragged. Activision removed the paid DLC model for Cold War, granting everyone access to new maps as they launch. No splitting the player base. Just pure, free map fun.

Outbreak Mode: Free Taste of Zombie Mayhem

Remember zombies? Cold War’s Outbreak mode brought new undead chaos. In February 2021, Activision let players try Outbreak and Multiplayer for free for a limited time.

Smart move! It offered a free sample of brain-eating action. Even when the free period ended, it showed willingness to let players try before buying. Keep an eye out for possible repeats.

Zombie Maps: The Undead Horde, No Extra Charge

Are zombie maps free in Cold War? Yes! Just like multiplayer maps, the zombie maps in Cold War are free DLC. Treyarch knows what players want—more undead fun.

No need to pay extra whether you enjoy round-based survival or expansive Outbreak. Face hordes across all maps with no additional cost. A reward for facing those flesh-hungry creatures.

Cold War Alpha: A Glimpse Behind the Iron Curtain (For Free)

Before Cold War’s launch, there was Alpha. Was Cold War Alpha free? Yes! In September 2020, PlayStation users accessed Cold War Alpha for free. A stress test, a sneak peek that was completely free.

Think of it as a complimentary shot before the main course. Players enjoyed some Cold War multiplayer action before the full release. Great marketing to excite players with no cost.

DLC, the Free Kind: A Cold War Promise

Is Cold War DLC free? Generally, yes! Cold War DLC, including maps and modes, is free for all players. Activision announced this upfront and moved away from paid DLC.

This kept everyone updated with new content drops at the same time. A win-win situation, like finding weapons when needed.

Cold War Zombies: Brain-Dead Fun, Wallet-Friendly Price

Zombies. The term brings images of hoards and last stands. But are Cold War zombies free? Not entirely standalone free. However, the Zombies mode comes with purchase of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War.

The zombie maps we mentioned are included as free DLC. Once you own Cold War, you can enjoy the entire undead experience without further costs. Buy the ticket, enjoy the whole terrifying show.

Zombie Maps: All Aboard the Undead Express

Are zombie maps included? Yes! When you buy Black Ops Cold War, you get access to all zombie maps and modes. Like a deluxe edition for a regular price.

These maps were released as free DLC, ensuring all players join the zombie-slaying fun. No map packs to buy, just pure zombie action for everyone with the game.

Custom Maps? Unofficially, Maybe…

Does Cold War have custom maps? No, it lacks built-in support for custom maps like some older titles or other games. But wait! The PC modding community is crafty.

While not officially supported and hard to find for console players, whispers exist about custom zombie maps created for Cold War through unofficial means. Think of it as exploring the black market—proceed with caution and enjoy at your risk.

Zombies DLC: Free Undead Goodies

Is Zombies DLC free? Yes! All official Zombies maps and modes for Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War are free DLC for owners. Activision and Treyarch embraced free post-launch content, benefiting Zombies greatly.

No worries about being excluded from new experiences due to missing map packs. This approach keeps the zombie community united and ready to fight.

Map Mania and Mode Mysteries: Decoding Cold War’s Offerings

Time to specify about maps and modes. Let’s answer common queries about what’s free, what’s included, and where you can play them.

Nuketown: DLC Then, Iconic Now

Is Nuketown a DLC map? Historically, yes, it’s been treated as a special DLC map in past games. For example, in Black Ops II, Nuketown Zombies was a bonus that some editions included.

Nuketown’s status changed over time. It’s now iconic, often included for free in newer titles. Think of Nuketown as the VIP getting special treatment.

Nuketown Zombies: A History of Availability

Is Nuketown Zombies free? It depends on the game and time. In Black Ops II, it wasn’t free for everyone at first—only for pre-orders or special editions.

It later became more available and eventually free for Season Pass holders and updates for Wii U. In later games like Black Ops III, Nuk3town became free for all. Its availability story twists more than a pretzel but is now generally accessible.

Outbreak Zombies: Still Playable and Ready for Action

Can you still play Outbreak zombies? Yes! Outbreak mode in Cold War Zombies is playable and core to the experience. It isn’t limited-time; it stays in its base form.

There were limited variants like “Outbreak Collapse,” but the main mode remains accessible for exploration in Ural Mountains again and again!

HC Free For All: Hardcore Mayhem, Standard Access

What is HC free for all? “HC” means Hardcore. Hardcore Free-for-All is a tough version of Free-for-All mode. Health is lower (around 30% of normal), and friendly fire is often enabled, making encounters lethal.

This isn’t DLC or something to unlock; it’s just an option available to all players. If you want a challenging Free-for-All experience, Hardcore is your best bet.

go. Be ready to die often. Apologize to teammates for friendly fire incidents.

Citadel de Morts: Future Freebie?

Is Citadel de Morts free? It’s not a Cold War map, but related to Black Ops 6. Activision plans post-launch content for newer titles to be free. This model will likely extend to such maps in Black Ops 6.

This approach promotes accessibility and community engagement.

DLC: The Alphabet Soup of Gaming

DLC and COD Points can feel like a foreign language. Let’s break down the DLC basics in Call of Duty.

COD DLC: Mostly Free Now

Are COD DLCs free? Yes. This trend is growing, especially for recent titles like Cold War and beyond. The focus is on free post-launch maps and modes for all players.

Older Call of Duty games emphasized paid map packs. The modern approach favors microtransactions and Battle Passes instead of paid DLC.

DLC: Downloadable Content

What is a DLC Cod? DLC stands for Downloadable Content. In Call of Duty, it refers to extra digital content you can download after purchasing the base game.

It includes add-ons or expansions that improve your game experience. DLC can be maps, modes, weapons, characters, cosmetic items, or even story expansions.

DLC in COD: Expanding Fun

What does DLC mean in COD? In Call of Duty, DLC means Downloadable Content. It expands on the base game and keeps things fresh after launch.

Over time, COD DLC evolved from map packs to include new modes, weapons, and diverse cosmetic items to keep the player base engaged.

DLC Packs: Bundles of Goodies

What are DLC packs in COD? They are collections of downloadable content bundled together, often sold or offered for free.

Map Packs used to be the norm in COD. They included new multiplayer maps and sometimes Zombies maps. Although paid map packs are less common now, the concept continues, often offered for free with wider content variety.

Paying for DLC Packs? Less Common

Do you pay for DLC packs? Older games required payment for DLC packs. However, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War changed this by offering free maps and modes.

This free trend aims to avoid splitting the player base. DLC packs now frequently mean free content updates to rejoice!

Cold War Setup: Getting It Right

Let’s address installation issues. Setup can be trickier than expected.

Cold War DLC: Yes! (It’s Mostly Free)

Does COD Cold War have DLC? Yes! Cold War has a wealth of DLC. Most of it is free for game owners.

This model allowed for continuous content additions without extra costs. It maintains a flow of new experiences.

Installing COD DLC: Usually Automatic

How to install cod DLC? Installing DLC is automatic on consoles. When you acquire DLC, it’s linked to your account for automatic download upon launch.

On PC (via Battle.net), installations are also automatic. You might check settings or your library to confirm installation, but it’s mostly seamless.

Installing Cold War Campaign: Selective Choices

How to install cod Cold War campaign? Black Ops Cold War has selective installation options. To install the campaign on PC:

1. Open Battle.net Launcher.
2. Select Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War.
3. Click “Options” (cogwheel).
4. Choose “Modify Install.”
5. In the window, go to “Game Content.”
6. Ensure the “Campaign” option is checked.
7. Click “Confirm.”

This helps customize installation and save hard drive space by installing only desired components.

Campaign Only? Choice Power

Can I install Cold War campaign only? Yes! The selective installation lets you install only the campaign if desired. This helps minimize file size on your storage.

You can use “Modify Install” in the Battle.net launcher to choose just the campaign while skipping Multiplayer or Zombies. Enjoy freedom of choice!

Cold War Content: Three Modes

What does cod cold war include? Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War features three core content types:

• Campaign: A single-player story during the Cold War featuring CIA operative Russell Adler.
• Multiplayer: Classic multiplayer experience with various modes for online play.
• Zombies: Cooperative gameplay against hordes of zombies.

This trio offers a range of experiences from narrative-driven to competitive online action and cooperative survival.

Campaign Not Installed? Solution

Why does Call of Duty Cold War say campaign not installed? This appears when you try to access the campaign without it being installed. This usually occurs from selective installation choices or error.

To fix this, use “Modify Install” in Battle.net (or console settings) to ensure the campaign is fully uploaded and installed.

Installing Campaign Packs: Back to Basics

How to install Cold War campaign packs? “Campaign packs” refer to the essential installation files. To install (or reinstall) them, follow these steps:

1. Open Battle.net Launcher.
2. Select Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War.
3. Click “Options” (cogwheel).
4. Choose “Modify Install.”
5. Select “Game Content.”
6. Check “Campaign.”
7. Confirm and proceed with installation.

This ensures campaign packs download, letting you dive into the single-player experience.

COD Points: Your Currency for Customization

COD Points are the premium in-game currency in Call of Duty. Let’s explore more about them.

their cost and value. You will know what you are getting into if you decide to spend real money.

COD Points Pricing: A Quick Guide

2400 COD points cost around $19.99 USD. This is a common bundle size. It is often priced near the $20 mark.

1100 COD points cost around $9.99 USD. This makes it a ten-dollar purchase.

5000 COD points are roughly $39.99 USD. Thus, they are in the $40 range.

$20 gets you typically 2400 COD Points.

Prices may vary slightly based on your region and platform, but these prices give you a general idea of COD Points cost.

Lucky Draws: CP Cost for the Big Prize

How much CP do you need for the main item in a lucky draw? This depends on luck. To complete a lucky draw and guarantee the main item in Call of Duty Mobile, you generally need between 4,300 and 5,800 CP.

The exact amount can change based on the draw, the starting CP cost of the first draw (10, 20, or 30 CP), and if the main item is “reactive” or “non-reactive.” Lucky draws encourage spending. Getting the top prize can be a big CP investment.

COD Points: Worth the Splurge?

Are COD Points worth it? They are subjective and depend on your priorities. COD Points are used for cosmetic items, weapon blueprints, and Battle Pass bundles. They do not provide gameplay advantages.

If you enjoy customizing operators and weapons with skins and want to progress through Battle Passes faster, then they can enhance your experience. But, if you only focus on gameplay, then COD Points are not needed. They personalize your experience but are not essential for victory.

Free-to-Play Call of Duty: No Cost, All Action

Let’s shift to free Call of Duty experiences. Yes, they exist! They are quite popular.

Free-For-All: Free to Play, Mode-Wise

What is free for all Call of Duty? “Free For All” (FFA) is a classic multiplayer mode in Call of Duty where every player is for themselves. The goal is simple: eliminate everyone else and reach the score limit first. The top players, usually three, are winners.

Free-For-All is not “free to play” like a standalone game; it is a game mode within Call of Duty games, including paid titles and free-to-play ones like Warzone. It is chaotic and individualistic for those who prefer solo combat.

Free Call of Duty Games: Warzone Leads the Charge

Which COD is free now? The main free-to-play Call of Duty experience is Call of Duty: Warzone. Warzone is a massive free-to-play battle royale game set in the Call of Duty universe. It is a standalone title, meaning you don’t have to buy a full Call of Duty game to play it.

Can I play Call of Duty without paying? Yes! Call of Duty: Warzone lets you enter the Call of Duty universe without spending money. It is a fully featured game with battle royale, Resurgence, and Plunder modes. It constantly updates with new content.

Is Warzone free in 2025? Yes, Call of Duty: Warzone should remain free-to-play in 2025 and beyond. It is part of Activision’s Call of Duty ecosystem and a major entry point for new players.

Modern Warfare 3 and Cold War: Free? Not Permanently, But…

Is COD MW 3 free? No, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (MW3) is not permanently free-to-play as a standalone game. It has been offered for free during limited periods, especially on Xbox Game Pass. These periods are promotional, not a permanent change to a free-to-play model for MW3.

Is Cold War Cod free? Similarly, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is not permanently free-to-play. Like MW3, Cold War has had promotional free periods for multiplayer access to attract new players. These periods are temporary promotions, not a permanent change to pricing. To play Cold War long-term, you usually need to buy the game.

Black Ops Series: A Narrative Web

The Black Ops storyline is known for its complex narrative. Let’s look at questions about navigating this story, especially Zombies and map unlocks in older titles.

Black Ops 1 Zombies: Unlocking the Undead Maps

How to unlock zombie maps in Black Ops 1? In Call of Duty: Black Ops 1, you could unlock additional Zombies maps using cheat codes entered at the main menu’s terminal.

To unlock the Zombies mode “Dead Ops Arcade,” type “DOA” at the terminal and press enter. To unlock all Zombies maps (Kino Der Toten, Five, Dead Ops Arcade) and campaign maps, type “3ARC UNLOCK” at the terminal and press enter. These codes were fun for accessing content.

Black Ops 1 Zombie Map Cheat Code: 3arc unlock

What is the cheat code for all zombie maps in Black Ops 1? As mentioned, the cheat code for all Zombies maps in Black Ops 1 is “3arc unlock“. Enter this code at the main menu terminal and press enter to unlock everything.

Black Ops Games with All Zombie Maps: Black Ops III Takes the Crown

Which Black Ops has all the zombie maps? No single Black Ops game contains *every* Zombies map from the series. However, Call of Duty: Black Ops III with Zombies Chronicles DLC comes closest. Zombies Chronicles for Black Ops III remastered classic Zombies maps from World at War, Black Ops 1, and Black Ops 2.

This includes maps like Kino Der Toten, Ascension, Shangri-La, and Moon—all fully remastered in HD playable within Black Ops III. For remastered classic Zombies maps, Black Ops III with Zombies Chronicles is the go-to choice.

Black Ops Story Order: Getting Ready for Black Ops 6

Do you need to play other Black Ops games to play Call Of Duty Black Ops 6? For fully grasping the narrative of Black Ops 6, playing earlier games is highly recommended. Screen Rant suggests this order:

1. Call of Duty: Black Ops 1
2. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
3. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War post-launch content
4. Call of Duty: Black Ops 2

This order provides comprehensive context for Black Ops 6 events and characters. It allows you to appreciate the depth of the Black Ops storyline. Watching a TV series from the beginning makes everything clearer.

Other Game Aspects: DLC Activation

Finally, let’s cover a general gaming question: how do you activate DLC once you have it?

Activating DLC: Platform by Platform

How to activate DLC? Activating DLC varies based on your platform (Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox, Nintendo Switch). The general rule is similar: ensure it’s installed and enable it in-game or via platform settings.

Steam:

1. Go to your Steam Library and find the game.
2. Right-click the game and select “Properties.”
3. Go to the “DLC” tab.
4. Check the boxes next to the DLC you wish to enable.
5. Launch the game.

Epic Games Store:

1. Go to your Library in Epic Games Store.
2. Find the game and click the three dots (…) next to it.
3. Select “Manage Add-Ons.”
4. Toggle sliders to install DLC.

Xbox:

1. Go to “My games & apps.”
2. Find the game.
3. Press Menu on your controller and select “Manage game and add-ons.”
4. Go to “Ready to install” or “Installed” for DLC management.

Nintendo Switch:

1. Open Nintendo eShop.
2. Select your user icon.
3. Go to “Redownload” and find the DLC in the list.
4. Redownload the DLC.
5. Launch the game and look for it.