Activision has confirmed the first beta dates for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, giving players two weekends to test its multiplayer before the full game arrives on October 23, 2026.
The first beta period begins on August 21 and runs until August 25. This phase is limited to early access and will be available to players who preorder the game on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.
A second testing period will follow from August 28 to September 1. This will be an open beta, allowing anyone on supported platforms to download and play without purchasing the game in advance.
Nintendo Switch 2 players will join during the second weekend. Preorders for the Switch 2 version are scheduled to begin on August 26, two days before the open beta starts.
Modern Warfare 4 beta schedule and access requirements
| Beta phase | Dates | Who can play |
|---|---|---|
| Early access beta | August 21 to August 25 | Players who preorder on PC, Xbox Series X |
| Open beta | August 28 to September 1 | All players on supported platforms |
| Switch 2 preorder opening | August 26 | Nintendo Switch 2 buyers |
| Full game release | October 23, 2026 | PC, Xbox Series X |
The beta will include several multiplayer environments, ranging from compact 3v3 arenas to much larger maps featuring vehicles such as tanks. This should give players an early look at how the game handles both close range combat and larger team battles.
Returning modes such as Search and Destroy will be available alongside a new mode called Kill Block. A Training Mobility Course will also be included, giving players a way to practise the updated movement system before entering regular matches.
Infinity Ward is placing significant attention on movement and weapon handling. The beta will allow players to test the new ballistics system, create custom loadouts, and unlock weapons as they progress.
The progression system will also include tactical equipment, lethal equipment, Field Upgrades, Perks, and Killstreaks. An optional feature called Gunny will help players build loadouts, which may be useful for anyone unfamiliar with the available weapons and attachments.
Call of Duty NEXT returns on the same day as early access
The annual Call of Duty NEXT presentation will return on August 21, the same day the early access beta begins.
The event will provide a detailed look at Modern Warfare 4 multiplayer, including information from the development team and demonstrations of the new systems. Additional announcements are also planned, although their content has not yet been revealed.
Holding the showcase and beta on the same day should allow players to see the new features in action and then test them directly. It also gives the development team several weeks to review feedback before the October release.
The two beta weekends will likely be used to examine server stability, matchmaking, balance, progression speed, map flow, and weapon performance. Features available during testing may be adjusted before launch.
Modern Warfare 4 will skip older consoles
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will release on PC through Steam, Xbox, and Battle.net. Console versions are planned for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch 2.
Older Xbox One and PlayStation 4 systems are not included. Moving away from the previous console generation may give the developers more flexibility with map design, visual quality, artificial intelligence, loading times, and player counts.
The Switch 2 release also marks an important expansion for the series. Its inclusion in the open beta should provide an early indication of how closely the handheld version matches the experience on PC and other consoles.
Players who want the longest possible testing period will need to preorder before August 21. Anyone who prefers to wait can join the open beta one week later without paying. The final game launches on October 23, giving the developers almost two months after the beta to respond to technical issues and player feedback.
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