Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Rumored to Bring Back Classic Prestige System

According to a new leak, the fan-favorite prestige system could be returning to Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. The prestige system, a classic Call of Duty feature introduced in 2007's Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, allows players to reset their unlocks, ranks, and challenges for a prestige emblem after reaching the highest rank in multiplayer. Players would then start over and, upon reaching rank 55 again, could prestige once more. Recent leaks suggest this beloved feature is set to make a comeback in Black Ops 6.

Inconsistent Presence of Prestige System

Despite its popularity, the prestige system has appeared inconsistently in the franchise since 2019's Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Recent games have favored a battle pass system, where multiplayer progression is seasonal. Instead of maxing out at rank 55, players could level up to 1,000 depending on the game.

Leaks Hint at Prestige System's Return

According to leaker BobNetworkUK on Twitter, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will see the return of the classic prestige system. BobNetworkUK has also reported other changes coming to Black Ops 6, including omni-directional movement. In recent games, when the prestige system did appear, it differed from older versions. Players would level continuously and prestige every 50 levels, with level 200 being considered "prestige master." This system has been in place since Black Ops Cold War.

Classic System vs. New System

BobNetworkUK claims that Black Ops 6 will feature the classic prestige system, not the modified version from Black Ops Cold War. How this change will affect the battle pass system, which has been in place since 2019, remains unclear. It's unknown whether the prestige ranking will be separate from the battle pass ranking, if they will be tweaked to work together, or if the battle pass ranking will be removed entirely. Details are scarce, with most information coming from rumors and leaks, some of which suggest Black Ops 6 might be released on previous-generation systems.

Excitement Among Fans

Although yet to be confirmed, the potential return of the classic prestige system is sure to excite both veteran players and new fans. Microsoft recently announced that Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will be available on Xbox Game Pass, marking the first time a Call of Duty game will be released on the service. This, coupled with the possible return of the classic prestige system, is the perfect combination to entice players back to the franchise. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 has yet to receive an official release date, but more information is expected to be revealed at the Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Direct on June 9.