For the first time, gamers can mod Call of Duty: Black Ops III to their hearts’ content. From sniper rifles that drop frag grenades at players’ feet, to ultra-low gravity, maps are about to get weird.
After a long-lived resistance to the modding community, Treyarch announced Tuesday that the Black Ops III update 15.1 for PC users includes a new set of mod tools; which are the product of closed Alpha tests conducted earlier this year. The release kicks off an open beta test, which allows everyone to try out the mod tools and provide feedback within the confines of unranked mod servers:
Many of you have expressed interest in testing the tools, so we are very excited to open up access to the whole community. We also want to thank all of the Alpha testers for their support in getting the tools ready for Open Beta. The tools and related in-game features are all still in Beta testing phase so expect some updates along the way. Your feedback will be very valuable in helping us find and address the most important issues, so thank you in advance for your support!
For all Black Ops 3 full game owners, you can now install the Mod Tools through your Steam Library’s Tool Section where you’ll now see Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 – Mod Tools.
In addition to the tools, Treyarch announced a multitude of new features and patches for version 15.1, including:
- Black Ops III Steam Workshop
- Unranked Server Browser
- Radiant Level Editor
- APE – Asset Property Editor
- Mod Tools Launcher
- More level-building assets from a variety of Black Ops III maps
- Full example maps of Combine and The Giant
- New server settings menu for integration of the Unranked Server Browser
- Mods Menu where players can load and unload subscribed mods
As a cherry on top, Treyarch also provided instructions on how to play custom maps and how to create them to get everyone modding right away. Fans who do not want the mod tools can still download the 15.1 patch and play Steam Workshop content.