Clear your hard drives—Call of Duty just dropped a pre-load that’s practically begging you to delete everything else. Season 1 Reloaded’s mid-season update is here, and Battle.net users are staring at a staggering 176GB download. Here’s everything you need to know before January 8’s launch.
Table of Contents
Black Ops 7 Pre-Load Schedule & Release Times
Battle.net kicked off pre-loading on January 6, giving PC players a head start. PlayStation and Xbox users get pre-load access 24 hours before launch, but Steam players are out of luck—no pre-load available.
Global Launch Times (January 8, 2026)
| Region | Launch Time | Platform Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific Time | 9:00 AM PT | All platforms simultaneously |
| Eastern Time | 12:00 PM ET | PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC |
| GMT | 5:00 PM GMT | Battle.net, PlayStation, Xbox |
| Central Time | 11:00 AM CT | Steam (no pre-load) |
According to Activision’s official Season 1 roadmap, this mid-season refresh coincides with the Naughty & Nice Event ending, clearing holiday content for fresh updates.
Why Is the File Size So Massive?
At 176GB, this update essentially re-downloads the entire game. The actual size varies based on your installation—players with only Warzone or selective mode packs installed will see significantly smaller downloads. The Call of Duty HQ unified launcher system means updates affect all integrated titles, inflating file sizes.
Storage tip: If you’re not playing Modern Warfare 2 or MW3, consider uninstalling them from COD HQ to free up space before downloading.
What’s New in Season 1 Reloaded?
Multiplayer Maps: Yakei debuts as a neon-lit Japanese rooftop arena for 6v6 and 2v2 modes. Meltdown (Black Ops 2) and Fringe (Black Ops 3) return as remasters, with Fringe supporting wall-running mechanics.
New Weapons: Hawker HX sniper rifle and Sturmwolf 45 SMG arrive as event rewards—unlock them during limited-time events or grab them from the Armory afterward.
Takeover Mode: This hybrid combines Domination’s three-flag capture with Hardpoint’s rotating objectives. Capture all three zones to shift them to new locations—high-intensity chaos guaranteed.
For weapon meta breakdowns and loadout optimization, check our Black Ops 7 weapon tier list and seasonal meta analysis.
Zombies & Warzone Updates
Zombies players get Astra Malorum’s Directed Mode on launch day, offering guided Easter Egg quests with clear objectives. January 15 brings “115 Day” celebrations plus Cosmodrome from Ashes of the Damned as a new Survival map.
Warzone’s updates remain mysterious—Activision teased “anomalies appearing at classified locations” without elaboration. Ultra Fast Resurgence mode and Win Streak camo rewards were confirmed, though details are scarce.
Fallout Crossover Event
Timed with Fallout Season 2’s Prime Video premiere, this collaboration introduces operator skins for Lucy MacLean, The Ghoul, and Maximus. Expect limited-time modes featuring power armor mechanics, exclusive event passes, and Fallout-themed cosmetics across all modes.
Crossover enthusiasts should explore our COD collaboration history guide and event completion strategies.
With Season 2 scheduled for February 5, Season 1 Reloaded maximizes content density before the next Battle Pass rotation. Start that pre-load now—you’ll need every available hour before launch day.
FAQs
Will I need to download the full 176GB if I only play Warzone?
No, file sizes scale based on installed content—Warzone-only players typically see 30-50GB downloads versus the full install size.
Can I play other games while pre-loading on Battle.net?
Yes, Battle.net allows background downloading while playing other titles, though download speeds may be throttled during active gameplay.
