Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Zombies is back with some exciting new features for fans to enjoy. The latest Season 4 update brings back the popular Grief mode, along with fresh gameplay elements like Ammo Mods and new GobbleGums.
Unlike past updates where a brand-new Zombies map was released, this time the focus is on improving attachments, items, and reviving fan-favorite modes.
What’s New in Black Ops 6 Zombies Season 4?
Season 3 of Black Ops 6 Zombies already gave players a lot to enjoy. The Shattered Veil map was a big hit, along with new GobbleGums, and a challenging new enemy type called the Elder Disciple.
The fan-favorite mode, Team Cranke, also returned, along with a new Limited Time Mode (LTM) and a Field Upgrade. Now, Season 4 is promising more action, with the biggest highlight being the return of Grief mode.
What is Grief Mode?
Grief mode is a unique PvPvE (player versus player versus environment) mode where two teams of four players compete to survive the longest against waves of zombies.
But here’s the twist—players cannot directly damage each other. Instead, the goal is to outlast the opposing team by surviving tougher and tougher waves of enemies.
True to its name, Grief mode lets teams complete special Zone Capture missions. These missions give the team temporary abilities that make things harder for their opponents.
For example, teams can trigger debuffs that disrupt the other team’s gameplay, adding a strategic layer to survival. This mode challenges players not just to fight zombies, but also to outsmart and outlast rival players.
Grief mode will officially be available with the launch of Black Ops 6 Season 4 on May 29.
Arenas Instead of New Maps

Season 4 won’t introduce any new full Zombies maps. Instead, the update will bring modified versions of existing Black Ops 6 Zombies maps called “Arenas.” Arenas are smaller, focused sections of full maps, designed to keep gameplay fast and intense.
At launch, there will be 11 Arenas available. This includes two Arenas based on the Liberty Falls map and four from the Shattered Veil map.
Arenas offer a fresh way to experience familiar environments but in a more condensed, competitive setting, perfect for Grief mode and other challenges.
A Trip Down Memory Lane for Zombies Fans
Activision is leaning into nostalgia with this update. The company recently added the Legacy HUD, which is a fan-favorite user interface style from past Zombies games, back into Black Ops 6 Zombies. Now, they are bringing back an entire game mode from Black Ops 2 — Grief mode.
Originally, Grief mode was planned to return in Black Ops 4 but was cut before release. That means Season 4 of Black Ops 6 is the first official comeback of this fan-loved mode in many years.
For players who enjoyed Grief mode in the past or want to try it for the first time, May 29 is a date to mark on the calendar.
More New Features in Season 4
Besides Grief mode, Season 4 will add several new features and gameplay elements to keep players engaged:
- Shatter Blast Ammo Mod: A new ammo type that fires armor-piercing explosive rounds, adding more firepower and tactical options.
- Shatter Blast Augment Research: New tasks players can complete to unlock extra explosive effects for the Shatter Blast Ammo Mod.
- New GobbleGums: Three new GobbleGums are being added:
- Explosive Flourish (Epic): Reloading triggers a small explosion around the player for two minutes.
- Flavor Hex (Legendary): Activates a random Legendary GobbleGum for surprise effects.
- Rainburps (Whimsical): Zombies burst into sparkly rainbow bubbles for three minutes when they die.
- Grim Reaper Support Weapon: A new semi-automatic explosive launcher that adds more variety to combat.
- Dark Ops Challenges: New missions for players to earn XP and exclusive Calling Cards.
- Starting Room LTM: A survival mode where players try to reach high rounds while stuck in the map’s starting area.
- Abomination Challenge LTM: A hunting mission to track down a powerful Abomination enemy in an alternate version of Liberty Falls.
Why Fans Should Be Excited?
The Season 4 update offers a mix of fresh and familiar experiences. The return of Grief mode brings a highly competitive and strategic way to play Zombies, encouraging teamwork and smart tactics. The new Ammo Mods and GobbleGums add fun new gameplay twists that keep the action unpredictable.
While no new full map is being added, the introduction of Arenas keeps the gameplay fresh by focusing on smaller, intense areas perfect for fast-paced matches.
This could make matches shorter but more action-packed, ideal for players who like competitive rounds with their Zombies action.
What to Expect on Launch Day?
When Black Ops 6 Season 4 launches on May 29, players can jump right into Grief mode across 11 Arenas. The new Ammo Mods and GobbleGums will be available to experiment with, alongside the new challenges and weapons.
Players who love completing missions and unlocking new gear will find plenty to do with the Dark Ops Challenges and Augment research.Plus, the new Limited Time Modes like the Starting Room and Abomination Challenge will offer exciting alternatives to traditional gameplay.
Summary
The Black Ops 6 Zombies Season 4 update arrives May 29, bringing back the fan-favorite Grief mode, where two teams compete to survive against waves of zombies without directly attacking each other.
The update features 11 smaller “Arena” maps instead of full new maps, new Ammo Mods, three fresh GobbleGums, a new support weapon, and new challenges. This mix of nostalgia and new gameplay aims to keep players engaged and excited for the next phase of Zombies in Call of Duty.