Before we dive into the fixes, it is important to understand the root cause. When you buy Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 on Steam, the game’s language is often locked to your region’s IP address or the CD key you redeemed.
For example:
Publishers do this to enforce regional pricing and licensing agreements. However, the English language files are still present on Steam’s servers—they are just not downloaded automatically. Your goal is to force Steam to download those English files and trick the game into using them.
Copy the english folder into \zone\ and the english folder into \sound\.
Your directory should now have:
If you own a legitimate copy of BO3 on Steam and English is not available, the simplest solution is to request a refund if still eligible, then buy the global version from an authorized retailer (e.g., Humble Bundle, Fanatical, or Steam directly).
For most users, the Steam Language tab method is all you need. If English isn’t there, your copy is likely region-locked without English support — manual packs may work but are not guaranteed.
Getting the English language pack to work in Call of Duty: Black Ops III
(BO3) depends on your platform and how you originally purchased the game. Some versions, particularly those bought in specific regions like Russia or Japan, are "region-locked," meaning they don't include English files by default. For PC (Steam)
If you don’t see a "Language" tab in your game properties, you likely have a region-locked version. You can try these methods: cod black ops 3 english language pack work
To get the English language pack working in Call of Duty: Black Ops III
, especially for region-locked versions (like Russian/CIS), you typically need to manually replace specific localization files, as the standard Steam language tab is often missing for these editions. Method 1: Manual File Replacement (Most Reliable)
This method involves downloading English localization files and placing them directly into your game directory.
Locate Your Game Folder: Right-click Black Ops III in your Steam Library, select Properties > Installed Files > Browse.
Backup Existing Files: Go into the main and zone folders and back up any files starting with your current language prefix (e.g., ru_ for Russian). Add English Files:
Place English .iwd files (like localized_english_iw07.iwd) into the main folder.
Place the en folder containing English assets into the zone folder.
Update localization.txt: Open the localization.txt file in the main directory and change the top line from your current language (e.g., russian) to english. Method 2: Edit Steam_Api64.ini Before we dive into the fixes, it is
If you are using a version that allows configuration edits, you can force the language via the API file.
Find Steam_Api64.ini (or a similar .ini file) in your game folder.
Open it with Notepad and search for the line Language = [Current Language]. Change it to Language = english and save the file. Method 3: Steam Properties (Global Versions Only)
If you own the Global/Rest of World (ROW) version, you do not need manual files:
For players who purchased Call of Duty: Black Ops 3 in regions like Russia or Poland, the game is often "region-locked" to those specific languages with no official in-game menu to switch to English. However, there are verified community workarounds that can make the COD Black Ops 3 English language pack work by manually replacing specific localization files. Official Steam Method (If Available)
Before attempting manual file changes, check if your version supports a simple switch through the Steam Library: Right-click Call of Duty: Black Ops III in your library. Select Properties. Navigate to the Language tab.
Select English from the dropdown menu. If "English" is not listed here, your version is region-locked, and you must use the manual fix below. Manual Fix for Region-Locked Versions (PC/Steam)
If the official tab is missing, you must manually insert English localization files into your game directory. Publishers do this to enforce regional pricing and
Call of Duty: Black Ops III , changing the language depends entirely on your platform and the region where the game was purchased. While most games automatically match your console's language, Black Ops III region-locked
, meaning copies bought in certain regions (like Russia or Japan) may not include English files by default. PC (Steam)
If your Steam version doesn't show an "English" option in the properties menu, you may need a manual workaround. Standard Method : Right-click the game in your Steam Library Properties and select English. Manual Fix (Localization File) Navigate to your game's installation folder (usually Steam\steamapps\common\Call of Duty Black Ops III localization.txt Open it and change Language = russian (or other) to Language = english If this fails, some users report success by localization.txt file entirely and restarting the game. External Language Pack : If the files are missing, you must download an English language pack (containing folders like
directories) from community-hosted links and replace the existing regional folders. Steam Community Consoles (PlayStation & Xbox)
Language settings are more restrictive on consoles because the files are often not present on the disc or in the regional digital download.
English files for Black Ops III :: Call of Duty - Steam Community
Here’s concise, structured information about getting the English language pack working for Call of Duty: Black Ops III.
Use this method first. If the game is not region-locked, this will work instantly.
When the language pack does work correctly, the quality is indistinguishable from the native English release.
Navigate to your BO3 install folder (usually C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Call of Duty Black Ops III).
Rename your existing language folder (e.g., russian or polish) to russian_BACKUP.