When Do Warzone and Black Ops 6 Season 5 Start in Call of Duty?

Wondering when Call of Duty Season 05 starts? Here's your complete guide on launch dates, delays, new content, Zombies, and preload schedules.

Author: Performance Gaming. Trusted by 10,000+ gamers every month for the latest gaming news

Key Takeaways

• Season 05 is expected to start on August 6, 2025.

• Event delays may push the date back slightly.

• Season 04 Reloaded adds fresh weapons, modes, and events.

• Zombie fans can expect “King of the Dead” and “Master of Grief”.

• Check the Battle Pass countdown for accurate timing.

When does Call of Duty Season 05 officially launch?

According to the in-game Battle Pass countdown visible in Black Ops 6 and Warzone, Season 05 is scheduled to start on Thursday, August 6, 2025. The timer appears at the top-left corner of the Battle Pass screen and counts down to the new season. This method has reliably predicted past seasonal updates.

While Treyarch and Raven Software haven’t publicly confirmed this date, it matches the expected 8-week seasonal cycle used since launch. So, unless the developers officially announce a change, players should gear up for Season 05’s arrival in early August.

Could recent event delays affect the start of Season 05?

Yes, the Ballerina tie-in event, which was initially scheduled to end on June 12, was extended by a week and concluded on June 19. This minor shift also delayed the launch of the Rivals event, which was intended to follow immediately.

These adjustments, while not confirmed to affect the broader schedule, suggest that other upcoming events, and even the Season 05 launch, could be moved by about one week. The developers have not made an official statement, but these subtle shifts create a ripple effect that may alter the timeline.

Read more on the latest Warzone codes and rewards available in July.

What major updates are coming in Season 04 Reloaded?

Season 04 Reloaded brings a fresh wave of content to keep players active before Season 05 arrives. It follows the usual mid-season format seen in past updates, adding more value to the current Battle Pass and extending player engagement across modes.

Here’s what you can expect from the Season 04 Reloaded update:

• New multiplayer maps, likely mixing original layouts and remastered classics.

• Limited-time game modes with unique rules and rewards.

• Weapon balancing updates to adjust current meta loadouts.

• At least one new weapon was introduced to multiplayer and Warzone.

• Additional Battle Pass tiers with seasonal cosmetics and XP boosts.

• Rotating in-game challenges tied to mid-season events and objectives.

Season 04 Reloaded acts as a bridge between early season hype and the larger content drop in Season 05, giving players more variety, progression, and competitive changes mid-season.

What special events are planned before Season 05 begins?

Before Season 05 lands, several in-season events are lined up across both Warzone and Black Ops 6. Following the Ballerina event, the Rivals event is expected to take its place, although it may already be shifted due to the delay.

In Zombies, a special event titled “King of the Dead” is coming soon and will likely focus on limited-time missions and XP rewards. Another Zombies mode expansion, “Master of Grief,” is also on the way. These events help stretch content and give players goals beyond traditional matchmaking.

Read more about all the bunker codes available in Warzone.

How does the Battle Pass countdown track launch dates?

The Battle Pass screen in Call of Duty features a live countdown timer showing the time remaining in the current season. This has proven to be a reliable source for determining when a new season will begin. Season 05’s countdown places its start on August 6, 2025.

If the timer remains unchanged as the date approaches, players can confidently expect the update that day. However, if Treyarch or Raven makes further adjustments to ongoing events, this timer may also shift accordingly. Watch this space for updates.

Is the Season 05 launch confirmed by developers?

As of now, there has been no official confirmation from Treyarch or Raven Software regarding the exact launch date of Season 05. However, Call of Duty has consistently followed an 8-week seasonal rotation, making August 6 the most likely date.

Given the delay in the Ballerina event, it's possible the team is allowing more time for player engagement rather than rushing out content. Developers sometimes make quiet changes to timelines based on player metrics or internal testing, so any date can be tentative until posted officially.

Should players expect more changes in Zombies mode?

Yes. Zombies is set to receive multiple additions before and during Season 05. The “King of the Dead” event will add unique challenges and rewards, likely involving narrative missions and survival elements. The “Master of Grief” is a major update to the Grief mode, expanding on classic team-based Zombies competition.

These updates continue to support a large player base that spends time exclusively in Zombies, offering new strategies and fresh mechanics. It also signals that Season 05 might bring one of the most significant Zombies updates this year.

Is August 6, 2025 a final release date or placeholder?

While August 6 aligns with the in-game timer and seasonal cadence, the date may still change due to internal decisions or extended live events. It's a tentative launch window, supported by multiple in-game signals but not formally locked in by the developers.

Historically, past seasons have sometimes shifted by a few days to accommodate testing or to give players more time to complete previous content. Until Treyarch announces it on official channels or posts a patch note, treat the date as likely but flexible.

How can you prepare for the Season 05 update?

Start by completing the Season 04 Battle Pass and participating in all live events like Rivals and King of the Dead. Update your loadouts with the latest weapon balancing from the Reloaded patch, and take note of any meta shifts in multiplayer or Warzone.

Follow @CallofDuty on Twitter or check the official blog regularly for patch notes. Consider preloading updates as they become available to avoid server congestion. Being ready early ensures you’ll unlock Season 05 content as soon as it launches.

What platforms and times will support the update launch?

Call of Duty updates are released globally and usually hit all platforms at the same time. If you're getting ready for the Season 5 launch, here’s how the rollout typically works across devices:

• Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC at the same time.

• PC users can usually preload the update one day in advance.

• Console players often get preload access just hours before launch.

• The expected launch time is 9:00 AM PT / 12:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM CEST.

• Check your platform's store (Battle.net, PlayStation Store, Xbox Marketplace) for exact preload availability.

Stay alert to ensure you're fully updated and ready the moment Season 5 drops.

Unique Final Section: Why Season 05 Timing Truly Matters

Season 05 is more than just a date on a calendar. It’s the gateway to new maps, exclusive events, gameplay tweaks, and a major Zombies expansion. Understanding the timing—whether delayed or on schedule helps players complete existing content, clear the Battle Pass, and optimize their gear for what’s next.

Missing the start of a new season means missing early rewards, exclusive skins, and key meta shifts. Whether it’s August 6 or slightly later, preparing now ensures you enter Season 05 strong and ahead of the curve. Stay up to date with the latest Call of Duty news from Performance Gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the exact Black Ops 6 Season 05 start date?

The in-game Battle Pass timer currently shows that Season 05 will begin on Thursday, August 6, 2025. This date is based on past update patterns, but the developers haven’t confirmed it yet. Always check official news from Treyarch or Raven close to the launch window for updates.

Will the Rivals event affect the Season 05 launch?

Yes. The Rivals event was delayed by about a week due to the Ballerina event extension. This likely pushes other events—and potentially Season 05—out as well. While not officially confirmed, small changes in the timeline are common before major launches.

What Zombies content is confirmed before Season 05?

Two key additions are expected: “King of the Dead” and “Master of Grief.” These updates bring new modes and objectives to the Zombies experience. Both are tied to in-season events leading into Season 05, keeping the Zombies community engaged until launch.

Can players preload the Season 05 update early?

PC players will likely be able to preload Season 05 one day before the launch, while console users will get access a few hours early. This ensures smoother download speeds and server access, especially during high-traffic launch hours.

What time will Season 05 go live on launch day?

If the current timer holds, Season 05 will go live at 9:00 AM Pacific Time. That’s 12:00 PM Eastern Time and 6:00 PM Central European Time. These times match the typical global release windows used in all recent Call of Duty seasonal updates.