If you were hoping to pick and choose post-launch DLC for Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 after its release, it looks like you may be out of luck. As first spotted by Call of Duty blog Charlie Intel, a new Activision support FAQ lays out the details of how season pass will work, and it's not looking pretty.
First and foremost, the FAQ indicates that season pass content will only be available to season pass owners. So, if you choose to forego the season pass, you won't be able to purchase individual pieces separately. This is a departure from how such content has been handled in the past, with players being able to choose which packs they want to pick up without buying a season pass. From Activision:
Will I be able to buy parts of Black Ops Pass content individually, like DLC Map Packs from previous Call of Duty games?No. The contents included in Black Ops Pass may only be purchased as a bundle.
Further complicating things is that it appears the season pass will only be available as part of the Digital Deluxe, Digital Deluxe Enhanced, and Pro Editions of Black Ops 4. At least as things stand right now, a separate season pass purchase isn't planned for anyone who may have decided to pick up the standard edition. From Activision:
Can I buy Black Ops Pass as a standalone product?Currently, no. The only way to get Black Ops Pass is through the Digital Deluxe, Digital Deluxe Enhanced, and Pro Editions of Call of Duty: Black Ops 4.
Activision's use of "currently" certainly leaves the door open for a separate season pass in the future, but it's not a good sign for anyone who has already preordered the standard edition. While there are options to upgrade your preorder to one of the more expensive editions on digital stores, those who opted for a physical preorder will have to go back to their retailer and upgrade to a version that includes the Black Ops 4 pass, Activision says.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is set for release on October 12, so there's still a chance Activision could change things up before launch. However, as companies increasingly face backlash from players over microtransactions and DLC content, locking down season pass content in this way isn't likely to curry favor from Call of Duty fans.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is up for preorder now at Amazon and the Microsoft Store for $59.99.
