Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Zombies just got a brand-new game mode inspired by the TMNT, but fans already think it’s Pay-to-Win.
Black Ops 6 Season 2 arrives on February 20, and it brings with it a new collaboration with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
But despite the new cosmetics looking great, it’s worth noting that you won’t be able to get your hands on them without opening your wallet.
And since they do have in-game benefits, at least where one new game mode is concerned, Black Ops 6 fans are already labeling the TMNT as being ‘Pay-to-Win’.
TMNT New Pay-to-Win Skins
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles skins are all obtainable via premium bundles in the Black Ops 6 Store, meaning you’ll need to spend COD Points in order to play as the TMNT in-game.
As we predicted, each of the Turtles will individually set players back 2400 COD Points (~$20), and there’s no way to purchase them as a group to save money either.
But what’s even more frustrating than paying around $80 to unlock the full roster of heroes in a half-shell, is that you’ll receive actual in-game benefits for playing as a member of the TMNT.
In Black Ops 6 Zombies’ new ‘Cowabunga Cranked’ mode, players will hop into a new take on the Cranked game mode.
Completing a Zombies map’s Main Quest Easter Egg in Cowabunga Cranked will even unlock a unique Calling Card to showcase your skills. This will likely be four of the hardest Calling Cards to get your hands on in all of Black Ops 6 – and it becomes a little easier for paying customers.
Despite the fact that many users have already paid $70 or more to play Black Ops 6 in the first place, those who purchase a premium microtransaction will unlock the following benefits:
- Play as a Ninja Turtle: Receive 50% Reduced Damage From Behind.
- Play as Splinter: Get a Slightly Increased Chance for a Slice-O-Pie Power-Up.
Master Splinter is also a premium cosmetic, appearing in the TMNT premium event pass for 1100 COD Points (~$10).
However, those who want to wear a skin with added benefits will need to wait until February 27 to get their hands on the new mini pass.
The Foot Clan Operator skins, the only event skins that can be obtained for free, have no benefits in the game mode.
The Fan Response
These Pay-to-Win Operator skins have had a mixed response from the COD Zombies community.
Over on the Zombies subreddit, fans are debating whether or not adding skins with in-game benefits is okay for a PVE game mode.
While the added benefits aren’t anything too insane, some players are unhappy to see that those who pay will have an easier time getting their hands on the limited-time TMNT Calling Cards.
“It kinda makes sense that playing as the turtles in the turtles LTM will give you some interactions,” user FalierTheCat writes. “It’s weird and sets a bad precedent but not something I find particularly gruesome right now.”
Reddit user TheEnderDen27 rightfully points out that DMZ, the MW2 extraction game mode that pits players against AI bots and other users alike, also had Pay-to-Win Operator skins.
Although Activision didn’t introduce the P2W bundles until later in the game’s lifespan, it eventually began selling cosmetics that added benefits such as a free UAV to the Store.
We don’t think that the TMNT event is a major issue where Pay-to-Win content is concerned – but we can certainly see Activision nudging closer to adding cosmetics with permanent in-game benefits in Black Ops 6 Zombies.
Honestly, right now, it’s a bigger issue that just obtaining all skins in the new collaboration will set players back around $90!