Skip to main content
Join The Community
- Join our community
11
Premium Benefits
24/7
Access Available
21K+
Active Members
Commenting
Join the discussion
Exclusive Articles Coming Soon
Member-only articles
Weekly Newsletters
Weekly gaming & entertainment news
Member Badges
Earn badges as you go
Exclusive Competitions
Members-only prize draws
Curated Deals Coming Soon
Tech and gaming deals worth grabbing
GET COMMUNITY ACCESS QUICK
For the quickest way to join, simply enter your email below and get access. We will send a confirmation and sign you up to our newsletter to keep you updated on all your gaming news.
By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.
FIND OUT ABOUT OUR MAGAZINE
Want to subscribe to the magazine? Click the button below to find out more information.
Find out more
GET Community ACCESS QUICK

Join the GamesRadar community for quick access. Enter your email below and we'll send confirmation, and sign you up to our newsletter.

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Background
Welcome to GamesRADAR+ Community !
Hi ,

Your membership journey starts here.

Keep exploring and earning more as a member.

MY ACCOUNT

Badge picture
Earn your first badge
Read 1 article to unlock your first badge.
Keep earning badges
Explore ways to get more involved as a member.
Latest Games News

Latest Games News

Breaking gaming news and updates

Read Now
Latest Games Reviews

Latest Games Reviews

Expert verdicts on the newest releases

Read Now

See what you’ve unlocked.

Explore your membership benefits.

Explore
Member Exclusives

Stay Ahead with GamesRadar+

Get the biggest gaming news, reviews, and releases straight to your inbox.

Explore

Sign Out
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+
US EditionUS CA EditionCanada UK EditionUK AU EditionAustralia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
    • Game Insights
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
    • Genres
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
    • Franchises
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • Insights
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
    • Computing
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
    • Accessories & Tech
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
  • home
  • Games
    • View Games
      • Games News
      • Games Features
      • Games Reviews
      • Games Guides
      • Big in 2026
      • The Big Preview
      • On The Radar
      • Indie Spotlight
      • Future Games Show
      • Golden Joystick Awards
      • Action Games
      • RPGs
      • Action RPGs
      • Adventure Games
      • Third Person Shooters
      • FPS Games
    • Platforms
      • View Platforms
      • PS5
      • Xbox Series X
      • PC
      • Nintendo Switch
      • Nintendo Switch 2
      • Tabletop Gaming
      • Grand Theft Auto
      • Pokemon
      • Assassin's Creed
      • Monster Hunter
      • Fortnite
      • Cyberpunk
      • Red Dead
      • The Elder Scrolls
      • The Sims
  • Entertainment
    • View Entertainment
    • TV Shows
      • View TV Shows
      • TV News
      • TV Reviews
      • Anime Shows
      • Sci-Fi Shows
      • Superhero Shows
      • Animated Shows
      • Marvel TV Shows
      • Star Wars TV Shows
      • DC TV Shows
    • Movies
      • View Movies
      • Movie News
      • Movie Reviews
      • Big Screen Spotlight
      • Superhero Movies
      • Action Movies
      • Anime Movies
      • Sci-Fi Movies
      • Horror Movies
      • Marvel Movies
      • DC Movies
    • Streaming
      • View Streaming
      • Apple TV Plus
      • Disney Plus
      • Netflix
      • HBO
      • Amazon Prime Video
      • Hulu
    • Comics
      • View Comics
      • Marvel Comics
      • DC Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Lego
    • Dungeons and Dragons
    • Merch
  • Hardware
    • View Hardware
      • Hardware News
      • Hardware Reviews
      • Hardware Features
      • Desktop PCs
      • Laptops
      • Handhelds
    • Peripherals
      • View Peripherals
      • Headsets & Headphones
      • TVs & Monitors
      • Gaming Mice
      • Gaming Keyboards
      • Gaming Chairs
      • Speakers & Audio
      • Gaming Controllers
      • Tech
      • SSDs & Hard Drives
      • VR
      • Accessories
      • Retro
  • Deals
    • View Deals
    • Game Deals
    • Tech Deals
    • TV Deals
    • Buying Guides
  • Video
  • Newsletters
    • Quizzes
    • About Us
    • How to pitch to us
    • How we score
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Total Film
Trending
  • Pokemon Winds and Waves
  • New Games for 2026
  • Submit your game clips
  • GDC
Don't miss these
A toy monkey with dynamite attached is surrounded by zombies in Call of Duty: Warzone's Black Ops Royale mode
Call of Duty Warzone Warzone gets back-to-basics battle royale dubbed "Blackout 2" by Call of Duty fans
A snow scene in Call Of Duty Black Ops 6 with soldiers moving forward, aircraft exploding in the background
Call of Duty 10 Best Call of Duty Games of All-Time
Marathon automaton looking up
FPS Games Marathon server slam announced, open preview weekend starts February 26 as Bungie prepares for March launch
Horizon Hunters Gathering
Horizon How to sign up for the Horizon Hunters Gathering playtest on PS5 and PC
Two hunters smiling in front of some buildings during Horizon Hunters Gathering
Horizon First Horizon Hunters Gathering playtest is happening amid Marathon's server slam, because the Horizon curse is real
How to download free PS5 games
PlayStation How to download free PS5 games
Horizon's Aloy in Horizon Hunters Gathering style
Action Games Horizon Hunters Gathering playtests start in February, and you can already sign up for PS5 and PC access
Marathon Rook frame standing over dead Destroyer shell
FPS Games How to pre-install Marathon and get ready for launch day
Marathon
FPS Games Bungie squashes Marathon preview drop rumors, but says you will see the Destiny 2 studio's new shooter at State of Play
Marvel's Wolverine mask
Events & Conferences PlayStation State of Play is coming this week, Sony confirms, and at 60 minutes it's going to be a big one
Black ops 7 season 1
Call of Duty Call of Duty is cracking down on cheaters ahead of season 2 with "major" anti-cheat measures for ranked play
Resident Evil Requiem gameplay reveal
Events & Conferences How to watch the PlayStation State of Play February 2026 and what we could see during its "60+ minutes of news"
PS5 game deals with Spider-Man Miles Morales, Astro Bot and PS5 console
Games Best cheap PS5 game deals – all the latest sales in March 2026
Xbox Series X store app top free games including Fortnite
Games How to download free Xbox Series X games
Horizon Hunters Gathering screenshot showing the team of hunters assembling together
Co-op Games Horizon Hunters Gathering: Everything you need to know about Guerrilla's new co-op action game
  1. Games
  2. FPS

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War free Alpha takes place this weekend on PS4

News
By Alex Avard published 16 September 2020

The free trial for the next CoD instalment starts on Friday

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Activision)
  • Facebook
  • X
  • Pinterest
  • Flipboard
  • Email
Share this article
Join the conversation
Follow us
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Get the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more


By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

You are now subscribed

Your newsletter sign-up was successful


Want to add more newsletters?

GamesRadar+

Every Friday

GamesRadar+

Your weekly update on everything you could ever want to know about the games you already love, games we know you're going to love in the near future, and tales from the communities that surround them.

GTA 6 O'clock

Every Thursday

GTA 6 O'clock

Our special GTA 6 newsletter, with breaking news, insider info, and rumor analysis from the award-winning GTA 6 O'clock experts.

Knowledge

Every Friday

Knowledge

From the creators of Edge: A weekly videogame industry newsletter with analysis from expert writers, guidance from professionals, and insight into what's on the horizon.

The Setup

Every Thursday

The Setup

Hardware nerds unite, sign up to our free tech newsletter for a weekly digest of the hottest new tech, the latest gadgets on the test bench, and much more.

Switch 2 Spotlight

Every Wednesday

Switch 2 Spotlight

Sign up to our new Switch 2 newsletter, where we bring you the latest talking points on Nintendo's new console each week, bring you up to date on the news, and recommend what games to play.

The Watchlist

Every Saturday

The Watchlist

Subscribe for a weekly digest of the movie and TV news that matters, direct to your inbox. From first-look trailers, interviews, reviews and explainers, we've got you covered.

SFX

Once a month

SFX

Get sneak previews, exclusive competitions and details of special events each month!


Join the club

Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards.


An account already exists for this email address, please log in.
Subscribe to our newsletter

Treyarch and Raven Software has announced that a Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Alpha is taking place exclusively on PS4 this weekend, from Friday, September 18, to Sunday, September 20. 

The news was announced at tonight's PS5 showcase, which also gave us a first look at gameplay from the Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War campaign. You can check it out in the video below: 

Read more

(Image credit: CD Projekt Red)

The biggest new games of 2020 (and beyond)

You don't need to have pre-ordered the game to access the Alpha, nor will you need a PS Plus subscription, with pre-loading of the experience beginning on Thursday, September 17 (that's tomorrow!)

You may like
  • A toy monkey with dynamite attached is surrounded by zombies in Call of Duty: Warzone's Black Ops Royale mode Warzone gets back-to-basics battle royale dubbed "Blackout 2" by Call of Duty fans
  • A snow scene in Call Of Duty Black Ops 6 with soldiers moving forward, aircraft exploding in the background 10 Best Call of Duty Games of All-Time
  • Marathon automaton looking up Marathon server slam announced, open preview weekend starts February 26 as Bungie prepares for March launch

Activision has confirmed exactly what's included in the Alpha, but it's likely to feature the same content that streamers got to enjoy earlier this month, which is a number of small and large scale maps and modes that give you a decent idea of what to expect from the full game once it launches this November. 

It'll also give Treyarch and Raven a chance to hear feedback on Black Ops Cold War ahead of the full release, so launch day can be as polished a multiplayer experience as possible. 

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is also holding a beta next month, which will also take place on Xbox One and PC in addition to PS4, while those who pre-order the upcoming first-person shooter gain access to special content instantly available in Call of Duty: Warzone. 

You can find more details about the upcoming Alpha on the PS Blog post here, and be sure to stay tuned to GamesRadar for all other next-gen news arriving out of the PS5 showcase.

Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter

Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more

By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

For more, here's the latest info on how to secure your PS5 pre-order or watch the video below for our comparisons of Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S. To make sure you get the best deal on the game, check out our Call of Duty Black Ops: Cold War pre-orders page.

CATEGORIES
PS5 Platforms PlayStation
PRODUCTS
PS5 Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
Alex Avard
Alex Avard
Social Links Navigation
Former Features Writer

Alex is a former Features Writer at GamesRadar+, which once made him responsible for gracing the internet with as many of my words as possible, including reviews, previews, interviews, and more. Lucky internet!

Read more
A toy monkey with dynamite attached is surrounded by zombies in Call of Duty: Warzone's Black Ops Royale mode
Call of Duty Warzone Warzone gets back-to-basics battle royale dubbed "Blackout 2" by Call of Duty fans
 
 
A snow scene in Call Of Duty Black Ops 6 with soldiers moving forward, aircraft exploding in the background
Call of Duty 10 Best Call of Duty Games of All-Time
 
 
Marathon automaton looking up
FPS Games Marathon server slam announced, open preview weekend starts February 26 as Bungie prepares for March launch
 
 
Horizon Hunters Gathering
Horizon How to sign up for the Horizon Hunters Gathering playtest on PS5 and PC
 
 
Two hunters smiling in front of some buildings during Horizon Hunters Gathering
Horizon First Horizon Hunters Gathering playtest is happening amid Marathon's server slam, because the Horizon curse is real
 
 
How to download free PS5 games
PlayStation How to download free PS5 games
 
 
Latest in FPS
Marathon Cryo Archive runners looting
FPS Games Marathon's Cryo Archive is locked to weekends partly because you're going to "lose a lot of gear"
 
 
A robot missing its lower body stares forward with a glowing red light while hanging from a suspended cable in Marathon's Cryo Archive
FPS Games Marathon's Cryo Archive is a weekends-only "raid-style" PvPvE map: "So please, do scream"
 
 
FPS Games Overwatch was originally called "Monetized Shooter" because you had to buy each of its heroes
 
 
Marathon assassin runner shell face with red eyes
FPS Games Marathon streamer goes viral for finding a high school bestfriend in proximity chat after 10 years
 
 
Legend of California screenshot showing a man hunting some buffalo
FPS Games New game from the creator of Overwatch gets its first public Steam playtest later this month
 
 
Counter-Strike 2
FPS Games Valve thinks reloading in Counter-Strike 2 needed "higher stakes" after 27 years, so leftover ammo is getting dumped
 
 
Latest in News
Palworld
Survival Games "We have no desire to be a media empire," says Palworld publishing head but Pocketpair would be stupid to let it die out
 
 
Protagonist Jordan in a screenshot from the reveal trailer for Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet.
The Last of Us Neil Druckmann's teasing the return of a The Last of Us actor in Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet
 
 
A screenshot of the Adoring Fan seen in The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered.
The Elder Scrolls Todd Howard says Oblivion leaks didn't help Bethesda or players: "Everyone is gonna have a different version"
 
 
Slay the Spire 2
Roguelike Games Slay the Spire 2 devs respond to the flurry of negative Steam reviews: "No change is necessarily permanent"
 
 
Crimson Desert
Open World Games "My dream game": After 7 hours, Palworld publishing lead delivers his Crimson Desert verdict: "This game is made for me"
 
 
Zoomed-in, cropped box art for Pokemon FireRed shows Charizard roaring.
Pokemon "The biggest time save in nearly a decade of Pokemon speedrunning" has been discovered in FireRed
 
 
LATEST ARTICLES
  1. Charlie Cox as Daredevil in Daredevil: Born Again season 2
    1
    Daredevil: Born Again season 2 release schedule: when is episode 1 on Disney Plus?
  2. 2
    "We try to lean in on the things where our idea of what Starfield should be aligns with the feedback that's coming in from folks who get the game": How community feedback helped Bethesda shape Starfield's biggest updates
  3. 3
    Baldur's Gate 3 Shadowheart writer had to sit down with his Lae'zel counterpart to make sure that their joint romance would actually make sense: "That allowed us to reframe their initial clash"
  4. 4
    Project Hail Mary has convinced me to start getting excited for Star Wars: Starfighter
  5. 5
    "We have no desire to be a media empire," says Palworld publishing head, but Pocketpair would be stupid to let the survival game die out

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google Add as a preferred source on Google
  • Terms and conditions
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Accessibility statement
  • Careers
  • About us
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility Statement

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...