Players wanting a more competitive experience can get ready for League Play in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Treyarch has revealed all the details for the upcoming League Play mode in Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War.

The developers describe how League Play in Black Ops 4 saw the highest amount of play in Black Ops history. In that game the mode incorporates progressive ranking, consistent events, and robust matchmaking. Treyarch aims to improve on that experience for League Play based on a competitive ruleset for 2021.

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Players can look forward to 30 new ranks as well as the return of 4v4 from Black Ops 2. Despite the emphasis on competition, fans can make use of custom classes. This incorporates cosmetic customization like camo, and the controversial weapon blueprints. After choosing the mode and playing through five placement matches, competitors will be put into the ladder. There are five skill divisions ranging from casual to the cream of the crop: Competitor, Advanced, Expert, Elite, and Master. Similar to other competitive modes, wins will provide points to rank up the ladder whereas losses detract.

As an incentive to perform well, there are multiple ranks and rewards to unlock. At the end of each event, Gems will be awarded based on the final position on the ladder. Players can use these to achieve a higher rank, all the way up to 30. At each increment of 5, a distinct Calling Card becomes available and can be equipped. These Cards can also change in design too if competitors are able to come in the Top 10 in events. Enjoying League Play also provides XP and Battle Pass progression, so competitive fans can continue leveling up. The mode launches on February 8 at 10 AM PT.

Many first-person shooters include some kind of competitive play, like Valorant and Overwatch. This allows players to experience the true nature of a game, and employ the strategies pros use. It sounds like Treyarch has a comprehensive plan for League Play that will be great for fans. The team mentions penalties for quitters, so the system should root out those intentionally throwing a match.

That said, competitive mode may seem a be preemptive for those playing Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Recent updates have lead to multiple game breaking glitches giving unfair advantages. It is important that Treyarch fix these problems before introducing competitive play. If there are ways for players to abuse mechanics, it will delegitimize League Play entirely. Overall, the mode should give players a good challenge and a fun way to engage with the game.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.

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Source: Treyarch