Black Ops 4 May 24 update patch notes – map rotation change, new Barebones mode, and more

Albert Petrosyan

Call of Duty developers Treyarch have released another update for Black Ops 4, and we’re here to make sure you’re caught up on everything there is to know.

The May 24 update for Black Ops 4 includes new content to the game, such as the start of the Quad Feed 2XP + Nuketown 24/7 promo event for the Memorial Day weekend.

The update also includes adjustments made to Multiplayer and announcements of more content coming soon, a breakdown of which can be viewed below, along with the full patch notes. 

Bolt Action Barebones mode

In this update, Treyarch have unveiled a brand new mode coming soon to Multiplayer called Bolt Action Barebones, which will be part of the Barebones playlist that is devoid of Specialists, Operator Mods, and other aspects that are new to CoD. 

The mode, which will make its debut in Multiplayer on May 28, will follow this format:

  • 6v6 TDM and Domination
  • Bolt-action sniper rifles only (no SDM)
  • No Specialist Weapons, Special Issue Equipment, Gear, or Operator Mods allowed
  • Single-use Equipment with a full charge on respawn
  • Select Spawn disabled
The new Bolt Action Barebones mode will feature Sniper Rifles only.

Map rotation update

In this update, Treyarch have adjusted the frequency with which the Arsenal Sandstorm map will show up in the rotaion, based on “map voting and player feedback.”

The map, of course, is an alternate live version of Arsenal that features an active sandstorm in the exterior parts of the map.

While most of these alternative maps have been positively received, Arsenal Sandstorm has been subjected to major criticism from most players due to its dynamic aspects severely limiting vision throughout the map. 

Arsenal Sandstorm will not be appearing in the map rotation as often after the May 24 update.

Here are the full patch notes for the May 24 update in Black Ops 4:

Quad Feed + Nuketown Playlist Now Live

We’re kicking off the long holiday weekend with our Memorial Day Weekend Quad Feed through 10AM PT Tuesday, featuring:

  • 2XP in Multiplayer, League Play, and Zombies
  • 2X Weapon XP in Multiplayer, League Play, and Zombies
  • 2X Nebulium Plasma in Zombies
  • 2X Merits in Blackout

We’ve also turned on a special Nuketown playlist in Multiplayer to coincide with the Quad Feed, so party up and enjoy the 2X goodness all weekend long!

Bolt Action Barebones Arrives May 28th

For all you sharpshooters looking for a snipers-only mode with a classic twist, get ready. We’re introducing Bolt Action Barebones on Tuesday alongside Barebones Deathmatch Moshpit! The rules are simple:

  • 6v6 TDM and Domination
  • Bolt-action sniper rifles only (no SDM)
  • No Specialist Weapons, Special Issue Equipment, Gear, or Operator Mods allowed
  • Single-use Equipment with a full charge on respawn
  • Select Spawn disabled

Get in there on Tuesday and give it your best shot. We’re also bringing Close Quarters Frenzy back for a limited time in Blackout on the 28th for all-out chaos with SMGs, shotguns, pistols, melee weapons, and an even faster Collapse.

Map Rotation Update

In today’s update, we’ve made some adjustments to how frequently Arsenal Sandstorm will show up in rotation based on map voting data and player feedback. It was our intent to push the boundaries with this alternative map and see how players would react in a live environment. From playing in the wild with all of you, and armed with the data we’ve received, we’ve made adjustments and will take these learnings into account for future maps.

Summer is Coming…

Our Days of Summer seasonal game update kicks off on June 4th on PS4, and we’ve got a brand-new collection of weapons, outfits, camos, and new game content on the way during the second half of Operation Spectre Rising. Hope you brought SPF 5000!

Here’s what’s new in today’s update:

GLOBAL

  • Quad Feed (May 24-28)
    • 2XP in Multiplayer, League Play, and Zombies
    • 2X Weapon XP in Multiplayer, League Play, and Zombies
    • 2X Nebulium Plasma in Zombies
    • 2X Merits in Blackout
  • Black Ops Pass Bonus
    • 2X Tiers for Black Ops Pass owners and their party members continues through May 28

MULTIPLAYER

  • Featured Playlists (May 24-28)
    • PS4/Xbox One
      • Nuketown
      • Prop Hunt
      • Barebones Deathmatch Moshpit
      • Infected
      • Mercenary Deathmatch Moshpit
  • PC
    • Nuketown
    • Prop Hunt
    • Barebones Deathmatch Moshpit
  • Maps
    • Arsenal Sandstorm
      • Reduced chances of Arsenal Sandstorm appearing in map rotation based on map voting data and player feedback.

BLACKOUT

  • Featured Playlists (May 21-28)
    • PS4/Xbox One
      • Hot Pursuit
      • Alcatraz
      • Solo
      • Duos
      • Quads
  • PC
    • Hot Pursuit
    • Alcatraz
    • Solo

-Treyarch