Black Ops PS4/PS5 Port Plagued by Exploiters, Fans Call it 'Unplayable'

The nostalgic joy of revisiting Call of Duty: Black Ops on modern consoles has been shattered for many players, as the newly released PS4 and PS5 ports are reportedly plagued by widespread exploits. Within hours of the ports becoming available, multiplayer lobbies began to fill with players engaging in a notorious exploit that allows for instant rank progression, rendering the game effectively unplayable for those seeking a genuine experience.

The exploit, which has been circulating rapidly online, involves players intentionally killing themselves with grenades shortly after spawning. This action, when executed correctly, grants the player maximum rank and experience points. The consequence is a rapid cycle of players joining lobbies, performing the exploit, and then leaving, often leading to matches where entire teams quit by forfeit, resulting in automatic wins for the remaining players. This creates a frustrating and hollow experience for legitimate players who are simply hoping to enjoy the classic multiplayer.

A Familiar Frustration for Old-School Call of Duty

This isn't the first time a classic Call of Duty title has faced issues with modded lobbies and exploits, particularly on older PC versions. However, the infestation appearing so quickly in a fresh console port, especially one that carries a premium price tag without significant enhancements, has understandably incensed the community. Players were excited to jump back into the beloved maps and modes of Black Ops 1, but the current state of its online multiplayer has dashed those hopes.

"So [Black Ops 1] is now infected with the XP thing where you max level by nading yourself then leaving." said one player.

"It's leading to unplayable lobbies."

The frustration is palpable, with many players sharing their experiences online and expressing disbelief that such a fundamental issue was not addressed prior to release. The lack of robust anti-cheat measures in these re-released older titles is a recurring theme, and Black Ops is the latest victim.

Activision Responds to the Chaos

Activision has acknowledged the widespread issues affecting the Call of Duty: Black Ops ports. In response to the growing player complaints and the detrimental impact on the multiplayer experience, the company has taken action. Select playlists within the Black Ops multiplayer have been temporarily disabled as the development team investigates the reported exploits and server issues.

While this move offers a glimmer of hope for a fix, it leaves many players in limbo. The duration of these playlist closures and the effectiveness of any implemented solutions remain to be seen. Fans are eagerly awaiting a permanent fix that will allow them to enjoy the Black Ops multiplayer as intended, free from the disruptive exploits that have marred its re-release.