Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 has officially confirmed when players can try the game before launch. The beta will run across two weekends in late August, giving pre-order customers early access before the open beta becomes available to everyone.
The announcement also confirms that Call of Duty: NEXT will return on August 21, offering a closer look at Modern Warfare 4 multiplayer before the beta begins.
Modern Warfare 4 Beta Starts August 21
The first Modern Warfare 4 beta weekend starts on August 21 immediately after the Call of Duty: NEXT broadcast. This first phase runs until August 25 and is only available to players who pre-order the game on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, or PC.
Players who secure a pre-order will get several days to test Modern Warfare 4 before the larger public beta opens. Activision has confirmed that digital pre-orders through supported platform stores automatically grant access, while retail pre-orders may require a beta code.
Open Beta Weekend Runs From August 28
The second Modern Warfare 4 beta weekend begins on August 28 and ends on September 1. Unlike the first weekend, this part of the beta will be open to everyone across supported platforms, even without a pre-order.
Nintendo Switch 2 players will also be able to join during the open beta weekend. Modern Warfare 4 pre-orders for Nintendo Switch 2 are scheduled to begin on August 26, but players will not need to pre-order the game to access the August 28 beta.
What Players Can Expect During the Beta
Modern Warfare 4’s beta will feature multiple multiplayer maps, game modes, Operators, weapons, and loadout options. Activision says players can unlock up to 19 weapons during the testing period, while trying everything from smaller 3v3 matches to larger tactical modes that include tanks.
The beta will also include returning modes such as Search and Destroy, alongside the new Kill Block experience. Kill Block is one of Modern Warfare 4’s major multiplayer additions and focuses on rapidly changing combat environments that force players to adapt between matches.
Players will also get access to the Training Mobility Course, which should provide an early chance to test the movement system and practice traversal mechanics before jumping into online matches.
Vault Edition Players Get Extra Beta Content
Players who pre-order the Modern Warfare 4 Vault Edition will receive additional Operator choices during the beta. This includes Price, Valeria, Ghost, Blix, and several Special Forces Operators representing France, Germany, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.
Vault Edition owners can also test selected weapon blueprints during the beta, including options for the Kastov 762, ISO Nightshade, Rezi 12, Oris 8.6, and Combat Knife.
Call of Duty: NEXT Takes Place Before the Beta
Call of Duty: NEXT will air on August 21 before the beta begins. The event will feature gameplay, developer interviews, multiplayer details, and more announcements surrounding Modern Warfare 4.
Modern Warfare 4 is currently scheduled to launch worldwide on October 23, 2026 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch 2.
Modern Warfare 4 Beta Dates
- Early Access Beta: August 21 to August 25
- Open Beta: August 28 to September 1
- Call of Duty: NEXT: August 21
- Modern Warfare 4 Release Date: October 23, 2026
