Call of Duty®: Black Ops II game cover

Call of Duty®: Black Ops II CD Key

Call of Duty: Black Ops II is a visually stunning first-person shooter set in a near-future Cold War, focusing on stealth and covert missions. It offers advanced technology and weapons, delivering an enhanced experience in the iconic franchise.

Release Date

12 Nov, 2012

Publisher/Developer

Treyarch, Activision

Reviews

Steam: 86.12% positive (19770/22957)
Metacritic: 74/100

System Requirements

Minimum:
  • OS *: Windows Vista SP2 or Windows 7. Windows XP is not supported
  • Processor: Intel Core2 Duo E8200 2.66 GHz or AMD Phenom X3 8750 2.4 GHz
  • Memory: 2 GB for 32-bit OS or 4 GB for 64-bit OS
  • Graphics: Nvidia GeForce 8800GT 512 MB or ATI Radeon HD 3870 512 MB
  • DirectX: Version 9.0c
  • Hard Drive: 16 GB
  • Sound: DirectX 11.0c compatible
  • Additional: Broadband connection required for activation and multiplayer gameplay
  • Note: Windows XP Operating System is not supported
  • Further information: Available here

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Call of Duty®: Black Ops II Steam Price History Chart

Price Information for Call of Duty®: Black Ops II

Current Best Price: $39.99 at Steam

Game: Call of Duty®: Black Ops II

Platform: Steam

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Call of Duty®: Black Ops II Steam AI Review Summary

SteamAI
Summary generated from 300 most useful Steam user reviews.

Users wrote

Black Ops II is widely praised for its campaign, multiplayer, and Zombies mode, with many reviews highlighting its branching endings, balanced multiplayer, and iconic Zombies. Readers describe the game as nostalgic and timeless, often calling it one of the best COD entries despite aging graphics. However, critics point to significant drawbacks like high price for an old game, ongoing online issues and security risks, frequent crashes, and a shrinking online community. Overall, BO2 is celebrated for its storytelling and replayability, but modern issues can hamper the experience.

Last updated: 2026-03-09

Most Mentioned Advantages

  • Iconic Zombies mode (9 mentions) - Zombies mode is widely regarded as iconic with strong maps and modes. It supports co-op play and offers hours of fun. The maps provide memorable experiences like Mob of the Dead and Nuketown. Players still discuss and revisit the Zombies experience in BO2.
  • Branching campaign endings (8 mentions) - The campaign includes choices that affect the ending, giving different outcomes. This design adds replay value because your decisions change later events. Several reviewers note this as a standout feature compared to other COD campaigns. It helps the story feel more personal.
  • Nostalgia and timeless feel (7 mentions) - Many players describe BO2 as timeless and nostalgic. The game is praised for recapturing the feel of the era. People return to the title for the campaign, multiplayer, and Zombies. Despite aging graphics, the experience remains enjoyable.
  • Pick 10 multiplayer system (6 mentions) - The multiplayer uses the Pick 10 system to customize loadouts. This gives freedom to create different playstyles. Maps are designed for fast-paced action and balance. These elements contribute to a strong multiplayer identity that remains memorable.
  • Memorable campaign and Menendez (6 mentions) - The campaign has a strong story and a memorable villain, Raul Menendez. Reviewers praise the writing, voice acting, and dramatic moments. This helps the campaign stand out in the series. It remains a highlight for many players.

Most Mentioned Disadvantages

  • Overpriced for an old title (9 mentions) - Many reviews say the game is expensive for a title from 2012. The price is often cited as a major drawback. Some reviews suggest waiting for sales or discounts. Paying full price is viewed as not worth it by several players.
  • Frequent crashes and bugs (7 mentions) - Multiple reviews report crashes when starting missions or during gameplay. There are unhandled exceptions and other bugs that can interrupt play. This makes the game feel unreliable for some players.
  • Online security risks and required external launchers (6 mentions) - There are security issues in multiplayer and online play. Hackers and exploits can disrupt matches, and official servers are unreliable. Some reviewers recommend using Plutonium or similar third-party launchers to play safely. This reduces the plug-and-play experience.
  • Dead or dwindling multiplayer population (6 mentions) - Several reviewers note that lobbies are often empty or difficult to find, making online play unenjoyable. Some players also report issues with Steam Deck compatibility or general online availability.
  • Campaign length feels short (4 mentions) - Some reviews describe the campaign as quite short, taking only around 7 hours to finish. This short length reduces perceived value for a full-price title. For some players, this limits the overall experience.

Compared Games

  • Call of Duty series overall (3 mentions) - Several reviews place BO2 among the best COD titles of all time, underscoring its high standing in the franchise.
Users wrote

Advantages mentioned by the majority
Less frequently mentioned disadvantages


Call of Duty®: Black Ops II description

Call of Duty®: Black Ops II

Call of Duty®: Black Ops II on PC is a groundbreaking installment in the iconic Call of Duty franchise, following the highly acclaimed Black Ops. This iteration shifts away from the Cold War setting to immerse players in a thrilling near future, where technology and advanced weaponry redefine modern warfare. With a strong emphasis on stealth and covert missions, players will engage in strategic combat that pushes the boundaries of gameplay.

Black Ops II features enhanced graphics, making it the most visually stunning title in the series to date. The game introduces a captivating narrative filled with dynamic characters and plot twists, allowing players to shape the outcome of their missions. The blend of futuristic technology and classic military tactics creates a unique gaming experience that both long-time fans and newcomers will appreciate. Engage in diverse multiplayer modes, utilizing cutting-edge equipment while battling against opponents in exhilarating environments.

Prepare to experience the evolution of warfare and uncover the secrets of the 21st-century battlefield in Call of Duty®: Black Ops II.