Black Ops 2 was released on November 13, 2012, and is available on PC (Steam), Xbox 360, Xbox One (backwards compatible), PS3, and Wii U. With multiple editions at launch and four major DLC packs released throughout 2013, navigating what to buy in 2026 can be confusing. This guide covers every BO2 edition (Standard, Hardened, Care Package, Digital Deluxe), all four DLC packs and what each includes, the Season Pass, where to buy CD keys and digital codes, and the BO1 + BO2 combo pack.
For Black Ops 2 platform compatibility including Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, and server status, see our guide to Black Ops 2 platform compatibility — Xbox 360, PS3, Wii U, backwards compatibility, and server status.
Black Ops 2 Editions — What Each Included
Standard Edition
The base game — Campaign, Multiplayer, and Zombies (TranZit, Town, Farm, Bus Depot, and Nuketown Zombies). No DLC content included. Available on PC, Xbox 360, PS3, and Wii U. The Standard Edition is what most players own.
Hardened Edition
The Hardened Edition included the base game plus: exclusive calling card, premium avatars for Xbox 360/PS3, collectible steelbook packaging, a Black Ops 2 military-themed coin, and a exclusive multiplayer calling card. The Hardened Edition was a physical retail exclusive — no digital version was released. In 2026, Hardened Edition copies appear on eBay and GameStop used sections at collector prices.
| Hardened Edition Contents | Details |
| Base game | Full Black Ops 2 — Campaign, Multiplayer, Zombies |
| Steelbook case | Military-themed metal case |
| Collectible coin | Black Ops 2 branded metal coin |
| Exclusive calling card | Multiplayer cosmetic |
| Avatar items | Xbox 360 / PS3 avatar accessories |
| DLC included? | No — DLC sold separately |
Care Package Edition
The Care Package Edition was the premium physical collector’s edition of Black Ops 2. It included everything in the Hardened Edition plus: a remote-controlled drone (based on the Quadrotor from the game), exclusive Dragonfire scorestreak calling card, and additional exclusive content. Only released in limited quantities — in 2026, complete Care Package Editions are rare collector’s items on eBay.
Black Ops 2 Digital Deluxe Edition
The Digital Deluxe Edition is the digital equivalent of the premium editions — available on Steam and Xbox digital store. It includes the base game plus the Season Pass (all four DLC packs). This is the most straightforward way to get everything BO2 has to offer in one purchase.
| Digital Deluxe Edition Contents | Details |
| Base game | Full Black Ops 2 |
| Revolution DLC | 4 multiplayer maps + Peacekeeper SMG + Die Rise zombies |
| Uprising DLC | 4 multiplayer maps + Mob of the Dead zombies |
| Vengeance DLC | 4 multiplayer maps + Buried zombies |
| Apocalypse DLC | 4 multiplayer maps + Origins zombies |
| Season Pass equivalent? | Yes — same content as Season Pass |
Black Ops 2 Season Pass — What Is Included
The Black Ops 2 Season Pass grants access to all four DLC packs at a discounted bundle price versus buying each pack individually. The Season Pass is available on Steam, Xbox marketplace (for backwards compatible play on Xbox One/Series), and historically on PS3.
| DLC Pack | Release Date | Contents |
| Revolution | Jan 29, 2013 | 4 MP maps: Hydro, Grind, Mirage, Downhill + Peacekeeper SMG + Die Rise zombies |
| Uprising | Apr 16, 2013 | 4 MP maps: Magma, Vertigo, Studio, Encore + Mob of the Dead zombies |
| Vengeance | Jul 2, 2013 | 4 MP maps: Cove, Detour, Rush, Uplink + Buried zombies + Nuketown Zombies |
| Apocalypse | Aug 27, 2013 | 4 MP maps: Aftermath, Frost, Takeoff, Dig + Origins zombies (fan favorite) |
All Four BO2 DLC Packs Explained
Revolution DLC — First Pack
Revolution was the first Black Ops 2 DLC pack and is notable for introducing the Peacekeeper — the first DLC weapon in Call of Duty history. Die Rise, the zombies map, is set in a collapsing Chinese skyscraper with elevators, platforms, and the Power Slide mechanic. The multiplayer maps include Hydro (a hydroelectric dam with a lethal rushing water mechanic), Grind (a Venice Beach skate park), Mirage (a luxury resort in the Gobi Desert), and Downhill (an Alpine ski resort).
Uprising DLC — Second Pack
Uprising is most famous for Mob of the Dead — widely considered one of the best Call of Duty zombies maps ever made. Set in Alcatraz Prison during the 1930s, it features celebrity voice actors (Ray Liotta, Joe Pantoliano, Chazz Palminteri, Michael Madsen) as four prisoners, a unique afterlife mechanic, and the iconic Afterlife mode. The multiplayer maps include Studio (a remake of Firing Range from Black Ops 1 — hugely popular).
Vengeance DLC — Third Pack
Vengeance includes Buried, a zombies map set in an underground Old West ghost town with a giant human NPC character (Leroy) that can be controlled with candy to assist players. The multiplayer maps include Cove (a tropical island) and Rush (a paintball arena). Vengeance also includes Nuketown Zombies for players who did not have it from the original pre-order bonus.
Apocalypse DLC — Fourth and Final Pack
Apocalypse is the final BO2 DLC and contains Origins — the most beloved and highest-rated Call of Duty zombies map of the BO2 era, set in World War I France with a storyline that resets the entire zombies universe mythology. Origins features four giant robots walking across the battlefield, four elemental staffs (Fire, Wind, Ice, Lightning), and the most complex easter egg in BO2 zombies. The multiplayer maps include Aftermath (a post-battle Los Angeles) and Dig (a remake of Dome from Modern Warfare 3).
Black Ops 2 CD Keys and Where to Buy in 2026
BO2 is no longer sold on PlayStation Store and is not available on modern PlayStation platforms. The best legal purchase options in 2026:
| Platform | Where to Buy | Notes |
| PC (Steam) | Steam store or CD key sites | Base game + DLC available; Digital Deluxe on Steam |
| Xbox 360 | Xbox Marketplace | Available digitally for BC Xbox One/Series players |
| Xbox One/Series (BC) | Microsoft Store | Xbox 360 version via backwards compatibility |
| PS3 | Used disc only | PSN stopped selling BO2 — physical disc only for PS3 |
| Wii U | Used disc only | Nintendo eShop no longer sells BO2 |
Black Ops 2 CD Key Sites — PC
Several legitimate CD key marketplaces sell BO2 Steam keys at discounted prices versus the Steam store price:
- Fanatical.com: Legitimate key retailer; occasional sales on BO2 and bundle deals
- Green Man Gaming: Authorized Activision retailer; frequent discounts
- Humble Bundle: Occasionally includes BO2 in bundles
- CDKeys.com: One of the largest key marketplaces; generally legitimate but verify seller ratings
Important: Always buy from reputable key marketplaces. Keys from unknown sellers on G2A or similar grey-market sites risk being fraudulent or revoked. Steam keys for BO2 are legitimate only when purchased from Activision-authorized retailers.
Black Ops 1 and Black Ops 2 Combo Pack
Activision released a combo pack containing both Black Ops 1 and Black Ops 2 on Xbox 360 and PS3 — sold as a budget package. In 2026, this combo is available on eBay and Amazon used sections at prices below individual game prices. On PC/Steam, the games are sold separately — no official BO1+BO2 digital bundle exists on Steam.
For the complete Black Ops 2 multiplayer guide including best classes, maps, and how many players still play, see our Black Ops 2 multiplayer guide — player count, maps, emblems, and best class setups.
To buy Black Ops 2 on Steam, see the Black Ops 2 Steam page. For current Xbox digital pricing and backwards compatibility details, see the Black Ops 2 on Xbox Store.
BO2 DLC Maps — Complete Multiplayer Map List
Revolution DLC Maps
Hydro: A hydroelectric dam map in Pakistan with a unique scripted event — if a player activates a lever, the floodgates open and a rushing water event sweeps through one lane of the map, killing any players caught in it. One of BO2’s most distinctive multiplayer gimmicks. Grind: A Venice Beach skate park with half-pipes, rails, and a tight, fast-playing layout popular for Search and Destroy. Mirage: A luxury golf resort in the Gobi Desert — mid-sized, symmetrical, good for objective play. Downhill: An Alpine ski resort with a gondola that moves through the center of the map.
Uprising DLC Maps
Studio: A remake of Firing Range from Black Ops 1 — the most popular BO2 DLC map among long-time CoD players. The layout is beloved for its clear lanes and balanced sightlines. Magma: A Japanese village being consumed by a lava flow — scripted lava events open new paths through the map as the match progresses. Vertigo: Rooftop skyscraper map set in India. Encore: An outdoor music festival stage — fast-paced, limited cover.
Vengeance DLC Maps
Cove: A tropical pirates-themed island with a shipwreck. Rush: An indoor paintball arena — the smallest BO2 map, extremely fast-paced. Detour: A collapsed highway bridge. Uplink: An orbital satellite ground station.
Apocalypse DLC Maps
Aftermath: A devastated Los Angeles street scene post-attack — large, urban, open sightlines. Frost: A frozen canal in Amsterdam — linear, sniper-friendly. Takeoff: A Soviet rocket launch facility. Dig: A remake of Dome from Modern Warfare 3 — compact, circular, one of the most popular map remakes in BO2 DLC.
The Digital Deluxe Edition question comes up most often for new PC players buying BO2 on Steam in 2026. The straightforward answer: if you want to play zombies beyond TranZit (the base game zombies map), you need at least the Revolution DLC for Die Rise and the Uprising DLC for Mob of the Dead. Apocalypse is essential for Origins. Buying the Digital Deluxe Edition or Season Pass gets you all four DLC packs and all eight additional zombies maps — the best value if you plan to play zombies seriously.
One frequently asked question is whether BO2 DLC is still available for purchase on PS3. The PS3 PlayStation Network closed its ability to purchase new content for PS3 in August 2021 — you can no longer buy BO2 DLC through the PSN store on PS3. Players who already owned the DLC before August 2021 can still redownload it. For new PS3 players in 2026, the only option is finding a used disc copy of the Digital Deluxe Edition or a Season Pass disc code (rare) — or playing on PC via Steam where all DLC remains purchasable.
The legacy of BO2’s DLC packs extends beyond the game itself. Origins zombies (Apocalypse DLC) became the template for ambitious zombies easter eggs in all subsequent CoD titles. Mob of the Dead (Uprising DLC) is frequently cited in ‘best CoD zombies maps ever’ lists alongside maps from Black Ops 3 and Black Ops 4. The Revolution DLC’s introduction of the Peacekeeper as the first-ever DLC weapon set the precedent for post-launch weapon additions that became standard across all subsequent CoD titles. When evaluating which BO2 edition to purchase in 2026, the Apocalypse and Uprising DLC packs alone justify the Season Pass price for any zombies player — the multiplayer content across all four packs is an additional bonus.
The Wii U version of Black Ops 2 deserves a specific note regarding DLC availability. The Wii U version of BO2 did receive the Revolution and Uprising DLC packs, but Vengeance and Apocalypse DLC were not released for Wii U. This means Wii U players could not access Origins zombies or Buried zombies through official channels — the two most beloved BO2 zombies maps from the DLC era were Wii U exclusions. If you are specifically interested in Apocalypse DLC content, the Wii U version cannot provide it — PC via Steam or Xbox 360 backwards compatible on Xbox One/Series are the platforms where all four DLC packs are accessible.
In terms of which DLC pack to buy first if you are purchasing one at a time rather than the full Season Pass, the priority order for most players is: Uprising (for Mob of the Dead), then Apocalypse (for Origins), then Revolution (for Die Rise and the Peacekeeper), then Vengeance (for Buried). This ordering reflects zombies quality — Uprising and Apocalypse contain the two most critically acclaimed BO2 zombies maps. For multiplayer-focused players, Revolution (Studio remake) and Apocalypse (Dig remake, Aftermath) are the strongest multiplayer DLC packs.
Bottom Line
| Digital Deluxe Edition | Base game + all 4 DLC packs — best value if buying new |
| Season Pass | Same as Digital Deluxe minus base game — buy separately |
| Best DLC pack (zombies) | Uprising (Mob of the Dead) or Apocalypse (Origins) |
| Best DLC pack (multiplayer) | Revolution (Grind, Hydro) or Uprising (Studio) |
| Peacekeeper SMG | Revolution DLC — first DLC weapon in CoD history |
| Where to buy PC | Steam or CD key sites (Fanatical, Green Man Gaming) |
| PS3 purchase in 2026 | Used disc only — PSN no longer sells BO2 |
| Hardened Edition | Collector’s item — physical only, eBay/GameStop used |
| BO1 + BO2 combo | Used disc bundle — Xbox 360/PS3 only |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Black Ops 2 Digital Deluxe Edition?
The Black Ops 2 Digital Deluxe Edition includes the base game plus all four DLC packs (Revolution, Uprising, Vengeance, Apocalypse) — equivalent to the base game plus the Season Pass. It is available on Steam and Xbox digital marketplace. The Digital Deluxe is the best option for new PC or Xbox buyers who want all content in one purchase.
What DLC packs are in Black Ops 2?
Black Ops 2 has four DLC packs: Revolution (Die Rise zombies + Peacekeeper SMG + 4 MP maps), Uprising (Mob of the Dead zombies + 4 MP maps including Studio), Vengeance (Buried zombies + Nuketown Zombies + 4 MP maps), and Apocalypse (Origins zombies + 4 MP maps). All four are included in the Season Pass and Digital Deluxe Edition.
What is the Black Ops 2 Apocalypse DLC?
Apocalypse is the fourth and final DLC pack for Black Ops 2, released August 27, 2013. It contains Origins — widely considered the best zombies map in BO2, set in World War I France with giant robots, elemental staffs, and the deepest easter egg in BO2 zombies. Multiplayer maps include Aftermath (ruined Los Angeles) and Dig (a Dome remake from MW3).
Where can I buy a Black Ops 2 CD key?
BO2 Steam keys are available from legitimate CD key sites including Fanatical, Green Man Gaming, and Humble Bundle. The game is also directly purchasable on Steam. Avoid grey-market key sites with unverified sellers. For Xbox, BO2 is available on the Microsoft Store for backwards-compatible play on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.
Is there a Black Ops 1 and Black Ops 2 combo?
Yes — Activision released a physical combo pack containing Black Ops 1 and Black Ops 2 for Xbox 360 and PS3. On PC, the games are sold separately on Steam with no official digital bundle. In 2026, the physical combo is available on eBay and Amazon used sections at competitive prices below buying each game individually.
