Full Breakdown
Activision Disables Playlists After PS5 Black Ops Ports Are Hacked
7/14/2026, 11:58:49 AM
Core Event
Days after the PlayStation 5 ports of *Call of Duty: Black Ops* (BO1) and *Black Ops 2* (BO2) launched, hackers compromised both titles, enabling cheats that rendered online multiplayer unplayable for many users. In response, Activision announced that select playlists for “Call of Duty: #BlackOps on PS4/PS5” have been disabled while the company investigates the reported issues. No timeline for restoring the playlists was provided.
Background & Context
The PS5 versions of BO1 and BO2 were released only a few days prior to the emergence of multiple exploits. Reported hacks include a “Negative XP” exploit that forces players’ accounts back to Level 1, an “Instant Master Prestige” hack that grants maximum rank instantly, an “Unlock All” cheat that provides every weapon and attachment, and wall-hack tools that allow players to see opponents through walls. Players have also described “Modded Account” exploits that import altered account data, producing impossible statistics and instant unlocks.
Official Statements & Responses
Activision’s public communication consisted of a brief statement posted on X (formerly Twitter):
> “Call of Duty: #BlackOps on PS4/PS5 Select playlists have been disabled as we investigate reported issues.” — Activision
The publisher indicated it is offering support for the BO1 PS5 port and is working to stop cheaters, but offered no estimate for when disabled playlists will return. The announcement referenced only BO1, leaving the status of BO2 playlists unclear.
Criticism & Opposition
Players have taken to forums and social media to describe multiplayer matches as “effectively unplayable.” Victims reported temporary lockouts after being hit by the Negative XP exploit and described fresh accounts jumping to Master Prestige within minutes. The breadth of cheats—ranging from wall-hacks to instant unlocks—has fueled intense backlash, with many demanding a faster resolution and broader support for BO2.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Activision’s statement mentions only the Black Ops 1 (BO1) port, while community reports indicate similar hacks affecting Black Ops 2 (BO2). It remains uncertain whether Activision will extend playlist disabling or other remedial actions to BO2, and no official timeline has been set for any fixes.
