Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S players will have two major multiplayer betas to try in August 2026, with Gears of War: E-Day and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 both confirmed for testing periods.
Each game will offer an early access phase before opening to a wider audience. Gears of War: E-Day begins first, with its early access beta running from August 6 to August 10. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 follows later in the month, with early access from August 21 to August 25 and an open beta from August 28 to September 1.
The exact open beta dates for Gears of War: E-Day have not yet been announced, although the test is expected to run across two weekends. More details about its maps, modes and rewards are also still pending.
Both betas will give players an early look at two of the biggest Xbox releases currently scheduled for the coming months.
| Beta | Early access | Open beta | Access requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gears of War: E-Day | August 6 to August 10 | Not yet confirmed | Pre-order, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass |
| Modern Warfare 4 | August 21 to August 25 | August 28 to September 1 | Pre-order for early access, open to everyone later |
| Platforms | Xbox Series X and S | Xbox Series X and S | Other platforms also included for Modern Warfare 4 |
Gears of War: E-Day beta details remain limited
The Gears of War: E-Day multiplayer beta will run across two weekends, but only the first period has been confirmed so far.
Early access will be available to players who pre-order the game digitally. Some physical pre-orders may also qualify, depending on the retailer and edition. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members will also receive access during the August 6 to August 10 period.
Microsoft has not yet confirmed which multiplayer modes will be included. It is therefore unclear whether the beta will focus only on competitive multiplayer or also feature cooperative content such as Horde.
The lack of detail suggests that a separate multiplayer reveal may arrive before the beta begins. Information about maps, progression, rewards and technical targets will likely be shared closer to launch.
Online multiplayer on Xbox consoles requires a subscription that includes multiplayer access. Players should also expect the beta schedule to remain subject to change.
Modern Warfare 4 includes multiple maps and up to 19 weapons
The Modern Warfare 4 beta has a more detailed schedule and feature list.
Early access begins on August 21 for players who pre-order the game. The open beta then runs from August 28 to September 1 and will be available to everyone on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S and other supported platforms.
Players will be able to try several multiplayer maps and modes, along with a selection of new Operators. Those who pre-order the Vault Edition will also gain access to its additional Operators during the test.
The beta will include up to 19 weapons to unlock. Matches will range from smaller 3v3 encounters to larger tactical battles involving vehicles such as tanks.
Returning modes include Search and Destroy, while a new mode called Kill Block will also be available. A Training Mobility Course is included to help players learn the game’s movement systems before entering standard matches.
August will provide an important test for both games
The two betas will serve different purposes.
For Gears of War: E-Day, the test will offer the first major opportunity to judge how its multiplayer compares with earlier entries. Players will be watching closely for changes to movement, weapon balance, wall bouncing and the traditional cover based combat system.
For Modern Warfare 4, the beta will likely focus on weapon balance, map flow, movement and server stability. Activision can also use the test to identify technical issues before the full release.
Both games carry significant expectations. Gears of War: E-Day represents an important return for one of Xbox’s best known franchises, while Modern Warfare 4 continues one of the largest annual series in gaming.
The August schedule gives Xbox players several days with each game before launch. Gears of War: E-Day arrives first in early August, followed by Modern Warfare 4 during the second half of the month.
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