Black Ops 6 Prestige System Explained

Prestige

Global System (MP, Zombies, Warzone) Navigate to: Barracks > Progression > Prestige

Reaching Level 55 and achieving Max Level will unlock the option to enter Prestige in Black Ops 6. The Classic Prestige system is back and better than ever, offering the most rewarding Prestige experience in Call of Duty history. Each Prestige comes with exclusive rewards and is themed around a notable title from the Black Ops series.

The Prestige Hub

Access the Prestige Hub by selecting the "Progression" button within the Barracks tab. Here, you can explore the entire Prestige path, preview upcoming rewards, and monitor your Prestige stats and current Challenges.

Choose a Prestige to see all its rewards and track your progress through them based on your current level.

Choosing to Prestige

Entering Classic Prestige wouldn’t feel right without a touch of risk. Just like in previous Call of Duty titles, opting for Prestige in Black Ops 6 has its own set of challenges. Upon choosing to enter Prestige, you’ll be promoted to Prestige 1, but it comes with some consequences:

You’ll be reset to Player Level 1.
Most Level Unlocks will be relocked and need to be unlocked again, except for Base Operators, Emotes, and Zombies GobbleGums, along with any items you have Permanently Unlocked (more on that later).
Your Loadouts will be reset.
Lifetime stats remain visible in the Combat Record, but only your current Prestige stats will be displayed elsewhere in the game.

However, the following items will NOT be relocked or reset:

Weapon Progression, Camos, and Reticles.
Weapon Builds – while the weapon itself may be relocked, all your saved builds will still be accessible once you reach the necessary level to unlock it again.
Challenge Progress and any related unlocks.
Store and Battle Pass Content.
Operator and Emote Unlocks.
Zombies GobbleGums.

Additionally, any item with an associated Blueprint or Skin will remain permanently unlocked through Prestige. For example, if you have a Blueprint for the AS Val Assault Rifle, it will not be relocked when you Prestige. The same rule applies to any Equipment, Field Upgrades, or Scorestreaks that have Skins.

When you opt to enter Prestige 1, you will instantly receive the following rewards:

Prestige 1 Icon: Your first Prestige icon, which will appear at the center of your Level insignia, visible to all players.
“Nacht Raider” Weaver Operator Skin: A unique Operator Skin to mark your entry into Prestige.
Access to the Prestige 1 Multiplayer and Zombies Calling Card Challenge Sets (further details on Calling Card Challenges will be covered later).
One Permanent Unlock: An item of your choice that remains permanently available throughout your Prestige journey (more details to follow).

As you continue progressing through Prestige 1, you’ll earn a unique Prestige reward at every 10 Levels (unlocked at Levels 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50).

Permanent Unlocks

Each time you Prestige, you gain a Permanent Unlock, a powerful advantage that can only be used once per Prestige. Here's how it works:

You can use a Permanent Unlock to immediately unlock any item of your choice within the Player Levels.
You can earn a total of ten Permanent Unlocks, one for each Prestige.
Once you reach Prestige 10, Permanent Unlocks are no longer needed, as all Level Unlocks become fully available upon entering Prestige Master.

Example: If you want to access the Kompakt 92 SMG early, instead of waiting to reach Level 49 again, you can use a Permanent Unlock to immediately gain access to the weapon.

Players are encouraged to be strategic with their Permanent Unlocks, choosing items that enhance their gameplay and ensure access to preferred gear.

Prestige Rewards

Upon entering Prestige, you gain access to exclusive Prestige Rewards, Prestige Challenges, and a higher XP bonus for completing three Daily Challenges each day.

Stats Reset

With each Prestige, your stats, such as your current Elimination/Death Ratio, are reset. However, your Lifetime Career Stats can still be viewed in the Barracks > Stats > Combat Record menu.

Prestige Leveling

When you enter Prestige, your level resets to Level 1, Prestige 1. The date of your entry is recorded, and you receive an instant reward. As you level up, you not only re-unlock Level rewards but also unlock Prestige rewards along the way.

Welcome to Black Ops History!

In Black Ops 6, each Prestige is designed to celebrate a different chapter of Black Ops history, offering a variety of rewards that pay tribute to iconic moments and elements from past titles. For instance, Prestige 1 features rewards inspired by the first installment in the Black Ops timeline: 2008’s Call of Duty: World at War, marking the origins of Zombies in the series.

Prestige 1: Rewards Showcase

For the Veterans of Call of Duty Zombies

Whether you’re a veteran who recalls the debut of Zombies in Call of Duty or a player eager for some of the coolest exclusive rewards, Prestige 1 offers a variety of impressive unlocks. Here’s an in-depth look:

Instant Reward: Prestige 1 Icon
Your first Prestige icon is animated, featuring a World at War soldier with a menacing, zombified look.

Instant Reward: “Nacht Raider” Weaver Operator Skin
Inspired by the origins of Zombies in Call of Duty: World at War, this Zombified Weaver wears worn and bloody WWII fatigues, complete with glowing eyes.

Prestige 1, Level 10:
“Der Riese” Loading Screen & Social Wallpaper
An artwork tribute to the Der Riese Zombies map, bringing players back to Group 935’s base.

Prestige 1, Level 20:
“Perk-A-Cola” GobbleGum Pack (Premium-only)
This pack includes a one-hour XP Token and GobbleGums, ready to use in Black Ops 6 Zombies:

Perkaholic: Grants all available perks.
On the House: Spawns a random Perk Power-Up.
Soda Fountain: The next perk purchase grants an additional random perk.
Who’s Keeping Score: Spawns a Double Points Power-Up.
Stock Option: Ammo is taken from the stockpile instead of the weapon's magazine.

Prestige 1, Level 30:
“Zombie Breach” Animated Emblem
An animated emblem featuring a yellow-eyed zombie breaking through hastily built defenses.

Prestige 1, Level 40:
“Insta-kill Power-Up” Charm
A golden skull charm symbolizing the powerful Zombies Insta-Kill Power-Up.

Prestige 1, Level 50:
“Teddy is a Liar” C9 Blueprint (SMG, Premium-only)
Inspired by the “Teddy is a Liar” Easter egg from World at War Zombies, this submachine gun blueprint adds a sense of mystery and nostalgia to your loadout.

BO6 Required Rewards

While the Black Ops 6 Prestige Progression System applies to Multiplayer, Zombies, and Call of Duty: Warzone, owners of Black Ops 6 will have access to additional rewards unavailable to free-to-play Warzone players. Those who purchase Black Ops 6 will retroactively unlock any previously earned BO6 Required Prestige Rewards.

Future Prestiges: Rewards Teaser

If you’re ready to pursue all ten Prestiges in Black Ops 6, expect similarly nostalgic rewards that honor the series’ legacy. Here’s a look at some of the highlights:

Prestige 3, Level 50:
“My Name is…” Payne Operator Skin
Operator Callum Payne takes on a mysterious persona with a hooded look, reminiscent of the intense legacies of Alex Mason and Victor Reznov from Call of Duty: Black Ops.

Prestige 4, Level 50:
“Atomic Commando” XM4 Assault Rifle Blueprint
This blueprint is designed with vibrant, nostalgic elements, reflecting the colorful style of the iconic Nuketown map from the original Call of Duty: Black Ops.

Prestige 5, Level 50:
“Absolute Loss” Toro Operator Skin
Operator Toro dons a jacket filled with rage symbols, capturing the fury of Raul Menendez against the Black Ops team in Call of Duty: Black Ops II.

Prestige 6, Level 50:
“Robot Abomination” SWAT 556 Marksman Rifle Blueprint
Inspired by the legendary giant robot from Call of Duty: Black Ops II Zombies, this weapon blueprint embodies immense power and mystery.

Prestige 7, Level 50:
“Specialist Fan” Maya Operator Skin
Operator Maya pays tribute to Call of Duty: Black Ops III with gear inspired by Specialist Operator Battery and a shirt proudly displaying the Black Ops III logo.

Become a Legend: Prestige Mastery Levels

In Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, there are a total of 10 Prestiges. Players who complete all of them will automatically reach Prestige Master, entering the final phase of the Black Ops 6 Career Progression. As a Prestige Master, your Level will exceed Level 55 for the first time, allowing you to climb all the way to Level 1,000 while earning additional rewards.

Prestige Master Rewards

Still shrouded in mystery, the rewards for reaching Prestige Master are well worth the effort. Who will be the first to claim these exclusive rewards?

Prestige Master Instant Reward:
“Sitting Bull Reborn” Marshall Operator Skin
Marshall dons an outfit inspired by the cover art of Black Ops 6, capturing the iconic ‘sitting bull’ pose and the 90s military era.

Prestige Master Level 90:
“Classified Arsenal” AMES 85 Animated Blueprint
The weapon is covered in redacted elements, symbolizing the covert and secretive nature of Black Ops 6.

Prestige Master: Legacy Prestige Icons and More

Players who reach Prestige Master Level 100 unlock the ability to customize their Prestige icon by accessing Legacy Prestige Icons from previous Call of Duty titles. Equipping a Legacy Prestige Icon replaces the standard Prestige Master icon, altering how your status appears to other players both in and out of the game. Starting at Level 100, you'll gain access to Legacy Prestige 1 icons, with a new set of Legacy icons becoming available every 100 levels:

Prestige Master Level 100: Equip any Legacy Prestige 1 Icon
Prestige Master Level 200: Equip any Legacy Prestige 2 Icon
Prestige Master Level 300: Equip any Legacy Prestige 3 Icon
Prestige Master Level 400: Equip any Legacy Prestige 4 Icon
Prestige Master Level 500: Equip any Legacy Prestige 5 Icon
Prestige Master Level 600: Equip any Legacy Prestige 6 Icon
Prestige Master Level 700: Equip any Legacy Prestige 7 Icon
Prestige Master Level 800: Equip any Legacy Prestige 8 Icon
Prestige Master Level 900: Equip any Legacy Prestige 9 Icon
Prestige Legend (Level 1,000): Equip any Legacy Prestige 10 Icon (or above)

Players who have reached Prestige Master Level 100 or above can select a Legacy Prestige Icon via the "Customize" menu in the Barracks.

Become a Legend: Prestige Legend Rewards

Once you reach the pinnacle of your Black Ops 6 career and become a Prestige Legend at Level 1,000, you can expect additional classified rewards that remain hidden until you achieve this ultimate milestone.

Unlock the Ultimate Prestige in Black Ops 6