Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is reviving the legendary Grief mode, a fan-favorite from Black Ops 2. This PvEvP format became beloved by the community thanks to its unique blend of cooperation and competition — where players not only fight zombies but also compete against each other by using the undead as a chaotic tool. In Season 4, launching on May 29, 2025, Grief returns with an entirely new level of depth, strategy, and variety.

What Is Grief and What Makes It Special?

Grief Mode is a battle between two teams of four players, thrown into a zombie-infested arena. What makes the mode unique is that you can’t directly attack the enemy team. Instead, players must create problems for the opposing team indirectly — by blocking paths, luring zombies towards them, using explosions, or controlling key areas. This builds intense pressure, where every decision can change the outcome of the match.

Teams are divided into factions — Team S.A.M. and Team Richtofen — adding stylistic flavor. There is no voice chat between teams, which increases immersion and complicates enemy interaction.

Key Changes and Innovations in Black Ops 6 Grief

Grief in BO6 isn’t just a nostalgic throwback — it’s a full reimagining of the mode. Key features have been reworked for a modern gameplay experience:

• Removal of Overpowered Items: Grief will not include Wonder Weapons or GobbleGums like Idle Eyes or Time Out. Anything that could give one team an overwhelming advantage has been excluded to maintain balance.
• Updated GobbleGum System: New types of gums have been added, allowing for more strategic gameplay without breaking balance. These effects are geared more towards team support than individual power.
• Grim Reaper: A new support weapon designed to control zombie hordes. Its precise use allows players to manage entry points, creating deadly “kill zones” to trap enemy players.
• New Weapon Modifications: Explosive and incendiary upgrades give players the ability to adapt their strategy — whether defending territory or playing aggressively through area control.

All 11 Grief Mode Arenas in BO6 Zombies

• Shattered Veil Arena 1: Garden Pond, Lower Terrace
• Shattered Veil Arena 2: Upper Terrace, Shem’s Henge, Motor Court
• Shattered Veil Arena 3: Mansion Foyer, Overlook, East Foyer, Library
• Shattered Veil Arena 4: West Hallways, Southwest Balcony, Bottlery

• Liberty Falls Arena 1: Pump & Pay, Motor Lodge, and Fuller’s Liberty Lanes
• Liberty Falls Arena 2: Dark Aether Church, Cemetery, Hilltop
• Terminus Arena 1: Bio Lab
• Terminus Arena 2: Crab Island 
• Citadelle des Morts Arena: Courtyard, Ramparts, and Entrance Hall
• The Tomb Arena 1: Dig Site, Mausoleum
• The Tomb Arena 2: Dark Aether Nexus

Strategic Depth of Grief

This mode demands more than just good aim — it requires strategic thinking. One careless move and your team could be cornered. You’re not just killing zombies — you’re crafting situations where your opponents’ survival becomes nearly impossible. Using tight spaces, leading hordes to enemies, and blocking exits — Grief stands apart from any other Zombies mode.

Even the environment becomes a weapon: doors can be slammed shut in your opponent’s face, explosive objects can be timed perfectly — Grief is about tactical trickery and psychological warfare.

When and How to Play

Grief Mode will be available starting May 29, 2025, as part of Season 4. You’ll be able to play across eleven specially designed arenas, each with unique features, paths, and landscapes that shape gameplay style and tempo.

This is a return of an iconic formula in a fresh package — with better graphics, modern mechanics, and significantly deeper strategy. Grief Mode in Black Ops 6 isn’t just nostalgic — it’s a bold new chapter for Call of Duty’s Zombies modes.